Western Weekender April 7 2023

INSIDE

Pages 60-61

SHOW AND TELL

ICONIC TREES COME DOWN IN ACT OF “DEVASTATING DESTRUCTION”

SAFETY NOT PROGRESS

lost this week as the chainsaws began to cut them down on Monday morning.

nity will lose the towering trees as part of the upgrade work.

Transport for NSW denies that a row of famous trees on Mulgoa Road have become victims of progress, saying pedestrian safety and not the road’s upgrade is why they’re being cut down.

After years of fighting, the battle to conserve the rows of trees known as Grey Gums was

While the removal coincides with the start of the next stage of the project to widen the road, public safety is being touted as the reason, but conservationists believe it is an act of “devastating destruction”.

President of Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Lisa Harrold, who advocates for the local environment, said she is sad that the commu-

“This avenue of eucalyptus trees has been a landmark for the communities of Penrith for generations, in fact, they pre-date colonisation and some are estimated to be over 350 years of age,” Harrold said.

“They have offered beauty amongst the concrete and bitumen; they have offered shade and they have offered habitat.”

“A solution to preserve them would have required the compulsory acquisition of 25 properties on the other side of Mulgoa Road but as expected, the cost saving of at least $50 million has meant that the trees must go.”

A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson confirmed work had begun to remove nine trees in total to access five hazardous trees between Wolseley Street and Blaikie Road.

Story continues on » p. 3

EMILY FESZCZUK

Brittany Jones. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith.

It’s time for a Chemical CleanOut.

You can drop off for free:

Police officer pleads not guilty over fatal 2022 crash at Llandilo

Apolice officer who was allegedly involved in a fatal bus crash at Llandilo last year plans to fight the charges.

Justone Wong, 41, reappeared before Penrith Local Court on Friday, March 31, charged with ‘dangerous driving occasioning death’ and ‘negligent driving (occasioning death)’.

Just before 7.20am on Tuesday, May 24, emergency services were called to the intersection of Third and Fifth Avenues, Llandilo, following reports of a crash involving a bus and an unmarked NSW Police vehicle.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command attended, along with NSW

Ambulance paramedics and Fire and Rescue NSW.

The bus driver died at the scene.

It’s understood there were no passengers on board at the time of the collision.

Wong was taken to Westmead Hospital with minor injuries and for mandatory testing.

It is alleged that he was driving in a dangerous manner at the time of the impact, which killed 76-year-old Andy Leonello.

Wong was represented by a Legal Aid lawyer who told the court that the matter will be committed for trial.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Gregory Moore adjourned the case for four weeks.

Wong’s matter is due to return to Penrith District Court on Friday, April 28.

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Your next local event:

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April, 9am – 3.30pm

The Kingsway Playing Fields carpark, Werrington

penrith.city/events

Only household quantities accepted (20L or 20kg), except paint. Up to 100L (in 20L containers) of paint accepted. This service adheres to NSW Government advice and protocols. Before you attend, please place all materials in the rear of your vehicle. On arrival, remain in your vehicle and our contractor will collect your items. Contractors onsite will be wearing personal protective equipment and following social distancing measures.

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A car involved in the crash at Llandilo last year. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Barking mad over tree loss

Conservationists say more could have been done to save historic Grey Gums

TfNSW said it called in experts to work out the best way forward for the trees.

“TfNSW sought the expertise of an arborist regarding the condition of the trees, who found there is a high safety risk to the community and the hazardous trees should be removed,” the spokesperson said.

“The inspection revealed significant decay and cavities in some of the trees, which means hanging branches pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users.”

Qualified horticulturist and Penrith resident David Bowen believes that the arborist’s report is biased and unbalanced.

“We do not believe mass destruction of the trees is an acceptable way of dealing with some hollowed branches as they are actually remarkably strong,” Bowen told the Weekender

“Pruning back branches, fencing off areas and warning signs should be enough.”

The TfNSW spokesperson said more than 160 nest boxes will deployed along with existing tree hollows being identified and reused

as part of a strategy to offset the loss of habitat for local wildlife.

Involved in meetings for the last four years to assist with a solution, Harrold has major concerns about

the lack of investment into the environment.

“TfNSW have reneged on a promise to offset the loss of biodiversity and amenity by acquiring land for

conservation in nearby Mulgoa Valley which was identified as a need by the community stakeholder group but instead they will put some nest boxes in local trees,” she said.

“Nest boxes fail to replicate a natural hollow as they do not have the insulation properties of natural hollows so the residents such as birds, bats, possums and gliders overheat in summer and suffer from cold in winter.

“Dangling carrots, which included the promise of land elsewhere to be dedicated as a new conservation reserve, effectively silenced critics such as myself but they have back tracked recently and the promise of “meaningful compensation” which was their words has evaporated.”

Trees along Mulgoa Road being removed on Monday.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Iconic trees on Mulgoa Road ear-marked for removal.

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

Stadium plan set for the shredder

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New Premier Chris Minns has plenty on his plate since his decisive election victory last month, but at some stage he’ll need to address Sydney’s stadium debate with absolute finality.

And it’s important to recognise that finding the right solution might mean dumping the planned $300 million re-build of Penrith Stadium.

The previous Liberal government identified the Penrith Paceway and Showground site as the perfect location for a new stadium in Penrith, as it would allow for a larger venue with a capacity and purpose that would warrant the significant spend.

Labor does not appear on board with that plan, saying on the record that it will not spend a cent more than the $300 million allocated for the project. That won’t be enough to build the stadium as well as purchase the Showground land and relocate the harness racing facility.

The result, therefore, is a knock down and re-build of the existing stadium, which I’ve always had significant doubts about.

The reality is that any new venue on the current site, due to the space involved, would barely increase the capacity and would be a huge win for corporate ticket holders with general punters left with likely higher prices to sit in comparative, if not worse, seats.

Labor has previously said it wants to protect the hill at the northern end of the ground as part of a re-build, which is almost guaranteed anyway as the location of Ransley Street prevents a grandstand being built.

Labor will likely soon discover through a business case and due diligence that the Showground site is the logical option for the stadium. But that certainly does not mean Minns will whack out the cheque book.

Knocking down and re-building the existing stadium simply doesn’t make sense and doesn’t deliver on the multi-purpose, additional capacity venue that Penrith deserves and wants.

I understand Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher will continue to push for the $300 million to be delivered. That is his job and he would be negligent if he didn’t push that outcome.

Index

But I’ve got a pretty good idea about how this whole thing is going to work out.

The NRL Grand Final remains a significant part of this debate.

NRL bosses Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys hold the cards here because the Grand Final is not locked in to any venue and it would be embarrassing if Sydney lost the decider in the first year of Minns’ leadership.

The season decider has been held in Sydney every year, except for 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions forced it to Brisbane.

The NRL knows Accor Stadium is the best option but equally knows it has leverage in its quest for other grounds like Leichhardt Oval, Shark Park and Brookvale Oval to be upgraded.

So here’s how I think this will play out: Labor will scrap the $300 million Penrith project, citing increased costs that would make the project impossible to deliver within that budget.

It will instead allocate a significant portion of those funds to an upgrade, perhaps in the vicinity of $100 to $150 million. This would allow the club to significantly improve the corporate facilities, develop better toilet facilities and more permanent food and beverage options; as well as other cosmetic improvements it deems necessary.

The remaining $150 to $200 million would

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then be allocated across the other suburban grounds to meet some of the requirements of those venues, which are in desperate need of a modern spruce up.

As part of that commitment, Labor will secure the Grand Final for the next 20-odd years in Sydney and Minns will be able to close a debate that has been going on for way longer than it should have.

The biggest loser here is Penrith, no question, but I’m struggling to see a future where Labor calls in the bulldozers to knock down and re-build Penrith Stadium, spends nothing on the other venues and potentially loses the Grand Final.

It should be noted that this walks away from what has been a long-term stadium strategy in Sydney that would deliver major new venues in the east (Allianz Stadium), west (CommBank Stadium) and outer west (Penrith). This plan has been in place far longer than this recent election campaign.

But governments, policies, plans and priorities change, and the outer western stadium may ultimately be a victim here.

Labor has $300 million to play with and with those funds it can likely kick off its relationship with the state’s biggest sporting code on a good foot.

And yes, governments should fund and build stadiums.

No government – Labor or Liberal – would choose to build a stadium over a hospital or upgrade a road. That is a cheap argument largely aimed at promoting some sort of unwarranted guilt trip.

The previous Liberal government proved that you can have both: you can build hospitals and roads, but you can also build stadiums that generate revenue and bring big events to Sydney. Labor can and likely will do the same.

Investing in sport at the top level has significant flow-on effects to junior and grassroots sport, and to the communities in which such venues exist.

The NRL cannot be greedy, but it has every right to expect a partnership with government given the significant role it plays in the lives of millions of people in NSW.

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Weekender Living....................65-68

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Karen Wins

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It is such a humbling and yet exhilarating feeling to be elected the Member for Penrith. I thank all those residents who voted for me and have put their trust in me. I will work tirelessly for every member of this community to achieve the very best. I’m also indebted to the army of volunteers who have made this all possible. I look forward to serving you from office beginning on April 14th.

www.nswlabor.org.au/karen_mckeown | FB:

“Finding the right solution might mean dumping the planned $300 million re-build of Penrith Stadium”

to be

as

The new Labor Government has hit the ground running to make sure its presence is felt in the heartland of Penrith.

Deputy Premier Prue Car and Member-Elect for Penrith Karen McKeown visited Penrith Public School last Thursday morning to serve breakfast to students.

Car, who will also serve as Minister for Education and Early Learning, as well as being the Member for Londonderry confirmed the Government’s pledge to support the food relief charity Foodbank.

“We reiterate our election commitment to provide a further $8 million to Foodbank to extend the breakfast program across the state of NSW,” Car said.

“It’s so important that these children can make sure they are going into the school day with full tummies ready to concentrate on the wonderful learning ahead of them here every day at Penrith Public School.”

With the funding allowing the delivery of more than 1.5 million healthy breakfasts, Foodbank NSW and ACT CEO John Robertson said it will also allow another 500 schools to take part in the School Breakfast 4 Health program over the next four years.

“What this additional funding will mean is that 1,000 of the most disadvantaged schools

across the state are going to get access to the school breakfast program,” Robertson declared.

“A program that feeds kids a healthy breakfast in the morning, a program that makes sure kids are coming to school because they know that they are going to get fed, and a program that engages students in the whole

education process from the minute they walk in the door, and it keeps them here.”

A foundational school in the breakfast club, Penrith Public School Principal Chantal Beltran has seen positive impacts in the five years that it has been running at the school.

“Our attendance rates have been positively affected, behaviour has been positively

impacted and our kids at Penrith Public School start the morning ready to engage and ready to learn,” Beltran said.

“Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of this program, our kids have truly benefited from it.”

Wasting no time in getting out in the community and delivering commitments is important to McKeown.

“It’s really important that we get on with what we promised to do, and I think that the Government has actually shown that they are willing to do that,” McKeown said.

“Here we are just a matter of days [after the election] and we have already rolled up our sleeves, put on our gloves and served breakfast and we are going to get on with the job.”

Talking to teachers at the school, Car said the main priority moving forward will be addressing the cause of why so many teachers are leaving the profession.

“We know we come to government amongst a chronic teacher shortage and people on Saturday made their vote count with voting for a Labor Government that will be focused on getting teachers into the classroom and keeping teachers in our classrooms,” she said.

“If we are going to actually do something about the declining education outcomes then we need to get more of our wonderful qualified teachers in front of children here at Penrith Public School and across the state.”

Prue Car and Karen McKeown at Penrith Public School.

Photo: Emily Feszczuk.

The Sydney Royal Easter show brings visitors, participants, and judges from far and wide each year for the best of the best in entertainment, agriculture, and food. When it kicks off this week at Sydney Showground, Penrith will well and truly be represented, with local veteran and novice competitors set to show off their stuff.

Glenmore Park’s Jackson O’Mara has been woodchopping ever since he was four-yearsold, inspired by his Dad and his pop. Now, at 12-years-old, Jackson will be achieving a long-term goal by competing in the Junior Development program section of the Sydney Royal Woodchopping & Sawing Competition. For Jackson, this is a dream come true. “I’m just really excited to compete,” he said. In preparation for the competition, Jackson has been competing in other shows around the state including just down the Northern Road at Camden Show, as well as keeping up his fitness through football and cardio training.

Though he admits he probably won’t take out first prize this time around, being the youngest male entered, Jackson says he’s just looking forward to the experience, and to work towards his goal of being a World Champion by age 18.

Jackson’s Dad, Luke O’Mara, couldn’t be

Easter Show is the culmination

prouder of his progress and says it’s all about the experience.

“You’re not there to win, you’re there to compete and get a new experience,” he said.

“Hopefully he makes the finals, but we’ll see what happens!”

Joining Jackson for her second rodeo is 22-year-old Brittany Jones, who is entered in the Beef Cattle Paraders and Beef Cattle RAS Youth Show.

Jones first discovered an interest in cattle whilst studying agriculture at Caroline Chisholm College, before going on to join the show team at Western Sydney University. It was from there that she met up with the stud she’s working for now – Raydon Park Limousins.

Having worked alongside the team for just over a year, Jones has been splitting her time between her home in Kingswood, and Mulloon. Despite doing shows almost every weekend, she admits she can’t wait to come back to the Easter Show.

“I did the Easter Show last year, and it was my first time doing Sydney, so it was very exciting,” she said.

“This year is my second time. I feel like I sort of know what I’m doing now, so it’s really, really good.”

Though she doesn’t have any personal goals this time around, Jones says she’s doing it for her team.

“They’re dispersing at the end of this year,

Kingswood’s Brittany Jones is getting ready for the Easter Show.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

years of hard work, dedication and a passion to compete

which is a bit upsetting, so I want to do the best for them. That’s my goal,” she said. But, there are plenty of local Easter Show veterans taking part this year – four of which live on the same street.

Beth Skybinsky, Lisa Martin, Naomi Brincau and Kerry King all live on one street in Castlereagh, and will be competing in this year’s Easter Show, with Skybinsky and Martin entered into the Sydney Royal Dog Show, and Brincau and King competing in the Breeds, Hacks & Harness section of the Sydney Royal Horse Show.

For Martin, who has been doing the Show for upwards of six years, knowing that there are other competitors on her street is definitely a unique coincidence.

“In Castlereagh, we’ve got about three streets to our suburb,” she said.

“We’re a very tiny little suburb, and our street is not long, so it’s quite funny to have four people!”

Martin and Skybinsky have known each other for a little while through their breeding and showing of toy poodles and chihuahuas respectively.

Skybinsky will be returning to the show this year after taking a break of eight years with an imported smooth coat boy from America, who she says is ready to strut his stuff.

“I would like to win Best of Breed, but I have no specific goals,” she said.

“We’ve got some of the best dogs in Australia

coming to compete, so I just want to see how he goes!”

King, a registered Clydesdale and Gypsy Cob breeder, will also be returning to the show this year after a short break – despite having shown horses for over 20 years. Having retired her last horse after her last show in 2017, she couldn’t be more excited to be returning with a new Clydesdale this year who is just two-years-old. However, this comes with a legacy to uphold.

“My eldest Clydesdale that I have here, who’s 26-years-old, was Supreme Champion as a two-year-old. She’s got her name up in gold on the champion board at the Showgrounds,” she said.

“It would be nice to place, but she’s only a youngster, and we’re probably up against a lot of stiff competition, so we’ll take our chances!”

Despite this, the Show is about more than just competing for Brincau, who will be showing ponies this year.

“I love Sydney Royal, it’s probably my favourite Royal,” she said.

“It’s just got a really good atmosphere there, you meet lots of new people and we sleep there overnight. The nightlife there is also really fun!”

The Sydney Royal Easter Show will be on at Sydney Showground until April 17. For more information, visit eastershow.com.au.

More Royal Easter Show coverage: See page 56.

Castlereagh’s Easter Show hopefuls. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Jackson O’Mara. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Administration

Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street. St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

council@penrith.city

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

Services

Waste Services 4732 7777

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

Graffiti Hotline Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

1 & 29 May – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

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

Take your chemical waste to the right place

Chemical CleanOut

New Location

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April 9am-3.30pm | The Kingsway Playing Fields carpark, Werrington penrith.city/events

Council Briefs

● The Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Council Office and Penrith City Library’s three branches will be closed during the Easter long weekend from Friday, 7 April and reopening on Tuesday, 11 April 2023.

The Library’s book chutes will also be closed over the long weekend. Library members can still access the online catalogue at library.penrith.city

You can still lodge queries and access online services via our Online Services Portal.

● Council’s 2023 Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people in our community who go above and beyond, who dedicate their time to make Penrith a great place to live, or who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

Do you know someone who could be Penrith’s next Young Citizen of the Year? We know there are some amazing young people in Penrith who are making a big difference, and we need your help to shine a light on these unsung heroes. Give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for the 2023 Local Celebration Awards.

Find out more about the award program and how to nominate at penrith.city/local-celebration-awards

● Council’s free Microchipping Day for Penrith cats and dogs is back! Visit our Animal Services team on Saturday, 22 April 2023 at Ridge Park Hall in Oxley Park between 9am and 12pm where your cat and dog can be microchipped for free.

A range of local animal services will also be there on the day offering free health checks and answering any of your questions For more information about the day, visit penrith.city/events

● Penrith residents can look forward to reduced congestion and improved safety and connectivity along Dunheved Road as planning for the $128 million Dunheved Road Upgrade nears completion. Funded by the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, this upgrade is an essential investment in Penrith’s infrastructure to ensure Dunheved Road can cater for current and future traffic demands. An updated 3D video showcases the improvements planned along the 4-kilometre corridor between Richmond Road and the Christie Street/Werrington Road intersection.

View the video and learn more about the upgrade at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/dunhevedroadupgrade

Construction is expected to start later this year, and the upgrade is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

● Council invites residents to have their say on the Draft Cranebrook Overland Flow Flood Study which is on public exhibition from Thursday, 6 April 2023 to Friday, 5 May 2023.

The study area includes the suburbs of Cranebrook, Northern Penrith and parts of Castlereagh and Cambridge Gardens. The study has been developed in accordance with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy and aims to help us better understand, plan for and manage the risk of flooding across the catchment.

View the draft study at the Your Say Penrith website yoursaypenrith.com.au/cranebrookfs

Integrated Developments

Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for these Development Application is Penrith City Council.

• Charles Raneri DA23/0208

Lot 20 DP 248614, 3 Shelley Road, Wallacia

Change of use from dwelling house to dual occupancy and Strata title subdivision x 2 lots

The proposal is Integrated Development. The application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The development application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from Monday, 10 April to Monday, 24 April 2023.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the development application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA23/0208.

For any queries relating to the proposal:

Please contact Wendy Connell on 4732 7908.

• Sanjaykumar Natverbhai Patel

Lot 28 DP 1194171, 10 Angophora Avenue, Kingswood Construction of a detached dual occupancy with Strata subdivision x 2 lots

DA23/0210

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from Monday, 10 April 2023 to Monday, 24 April 2023.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA23/0210.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Nick McMaster on 4732 8578.

• Meridian Homes (Aust) Pty Ltd

Lot 2144 DP 1220918, 140 Tedbury Road, Jordan Springs

DA23/0165

Semi-Detached dwellings x 2 and 2-lot Torrens title subdivision

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Rural Fire Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from Monday, 10 April 2023 to Monday, 24 April 2023.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA23/0165.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact James Heathcote on 4732 8378.

penrith.city

Seafood shops prepare for one of the busiest days of the year

Integrated Develpments (cont.)

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property.

• Tyrecycle Pty Ltd.

Lot 9 DP 1261030, 1–21 Grady Crescent, Erskine Park

Mod23/0058

Proposed 4.55(2) modification to an Approved Waste Management Facility (tyre recycling facility) to increase processing capacity from 29,000t to 60,000t per year

The application is identified as integrated development as the application seeks approval from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

In accordance with Section 2.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 the development application will be referred to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel (SWCPP) for determination.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DAtracker or at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from Monday, 10 April 2023 to Tuesday, 9 May 2023.

Penrith City Council

• Civic Centre • Queen Street Centre

601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

• 320 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 • 10 Valentine Avenue, Parramatta NSW 2150

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number Mod23/0058.

For any queries relating to the proposal:

Please contact Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.

Development Consent/s Determined

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Approved Development Applications

• Wayne Wilson

Lot 420 DP 789115, 26 Camden Street, Penrith

Construction of truck shelter

• Defuse Pty Ltd

Traditionally, Good Friday is a day when many opt to go meatless. For fish and chip shops, this means one of the busiest days of the year.

According to Nav Singh, business at Barnacle Bill on Good Friday beats out the Christmas period, making it a hectic time across their stores in South Australia.

“You can pretty much guarantee that our stores will be chock-a-block from 11am until about 8 or 9pm, and this has been happening for 53 years,” he said.

“It’s an iconic brand in South Australia, Barnacle Bill. It resonates with everybody in the community with seafood, and we’re hoping Penrith will have a similar response.”

Having only opened on High Street in February, this year will be their Penrith store’s very first Good Friday. Despite being in its infancy, Singh says the community has welcomed Barnacle Bill with open arms.

“The feedback thus far from our customers has been fantastic actually – everyone’s really pleased with the product, and really, really pleased with the size of the serving,” he said.

“Most of our customers that have been to Penrith are now returning regularly. Some are returning two or three times a week, others two or three times a fortnight.”

It’s because of this that Singh says they’re expecting an influx of customers this Good Friday, with staff having been busy preparing all week.

“You definitely have to prepare well in advance,” he said.

“All of our stores across Australia have been getting ready up to a week in advance, planning with stock, staffing arrangements, and making sure our stores are all up to speed to cater for the amount of customers that will come through our doors on Good Friday.”

When it comes to what’s most popular, Singh says it’s undeniably their fish which gets the top number of orders on the day. However, with a stacked range, it’s impossible not to come home with more.

“On Good Friday, traditionally, it’s the fish, and we have a variety of fish available, but that doesn’t stop people from going to the seafood that’s available across the range,” he said.

“From prawns to calamari and scallops, everything is popular on that day.”

But, it seems Barnacle Bill is popular for a reason, with Singh assuring that no one will be left with an empty stomach this Good Friday.

“More than anything else, we ensure that our menu caters for a single person, to families and extended families. We’ve got a range of packs and meals to suit everybody, and since 2021, we’ve also catered for vegan and vegetarian options as well,” he said.

“We just want to make sure that we can accommodate everybody that comes through that door, so although we have the guys that come in on Good Friday for the seafood, there may be a member of the family or a friend that may not be so much inclined. We want to make sure we cover them off as well, and we also have salads and sweets that are made in store.”

Duo face court over baby assault

12-week-old a number of times over a fivemonth period.

Lot 6 SP 33596 and Lot 7 SP 33596, 7/123 Coreen Avenue, Penrith

DA23/0047

DA22/1117

Fitout and use of premises as indoor recreation facility – Yoga & Pilates Studio

• Kurmond Homes Pty Ltd

Mod22/0194

Sydney Building Approvals Centre, Lot 151 DP 1036971, 95 Forbes Street, Emu Plains

Section 4.55 modification to DA20/0186 for amendment to garage, front façade and additional roofed alfresco area

• Jamie Lee Rylewski

Lot 2 DP 247291, 15 Nepean Street, Emu Plains

DA23/0079

Additions and alterations to existing dwelling including an in ground swimming pool and demolition of existing swimming pool and shed

• Penrith Rsl Club Ltd

Lot 10 DP 1105007, Penrith RSL Club, 137–147 Lethbridge Street, Penrith

DA22/0881

Alterations and additions to Penrith RSL Club including 6 new ground floor retail tenancies, new first floor function, bar and terrace areas, reconfiguration of existing first floor bar, lounge/dining & gaming areas and related site works

• Keystone Building Services Pty Ltd

Lot 466 DP 852957, 2 Kiber Drive, Glenmore Park

Mod23/0051

Section 4.55 modification of DA22/0717 consisting of alterations to floor layout, setbacks and removal of garage extension

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd

Lot 2167 DP 776426, 135 Swallow Drive, Erskine Park

Concrete inground swimming pool

• Natalie Frost

Lot 4071 DP 260391, 75 Greenbank Drive, Werrington Downs

Inground fibreglass swimming pool

• D&C Pool Supply Pty Ltd

Lot 3011 DP 713741, 3 Gull Place, Erskine Park

Inground fibreglass swimming pool

• Jakanda Pty Ltd

Lot 31 DP 255683, 8 Pindari Drive, South Penrith

Addition to existing dwelling

• Wayne Gregory Oliver

Lot 4258 DP 825576, 94 Sunflower Drive, Claremont Meadows

Demolition of Existing awning and construction of an attached awning

• Beechwood Homes

Lot 1259 DP 1215095, 4 Brigade Street, Jordan Springs

2-storey dwelling

• Developable Pty Ltd

Lot 7 SP 84693, 7/18 Abel Street, Jamisontown

Construction of Mezzanine Level and use of premises as depot

• Approved Pty Ltd

Lot 348 DP 240525, 4 Deeside Close, South Penrith

Demolish existing carport and construct new carport

DA23/0155

DA23/0150

DA23/0164

DA22/1192

DA23/0151

DA23/0059

DA22/1208

DA23/0113

ASt Marys man and woman are facing charges over an assault that caused a baby grievous bodily harm.

Joshua Laus, 23, fronted Penrith Local Court late last month, charged with two counts of ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’.

Shania Cotterill, 22, also appeared before the court charged with three counts of ‘conceal child abuse offence’.

It is alleged that Laus assaulted a then

According to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), his co-accused reasonably knew that another person had sustained grievous injuries but failed to bring that information to the attention of a member of the NSW Police Force.

No pleas have been entered in the case at this stage.

Laus will remain on bail until the next court date.

They are due to reappear before Penrith Local Court on Friday, April 21.

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Barnacle Bill is at 492 High Street, Penrith.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

CASSIDY PEARCE

Barnacle Bill will be offering up their full range this Good Friday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Winner of 11 Tony Awards, the hit Broadway musical ‘La Cage aux Follies’ returns to Sydney at the State Theatre from April 19 for one week only.

This acclaimed production, which had a brief preview season earlier this year, stars one of Australia’s most versatile stage and screen performers, five-time Helpmann Award winner Paul Capsis in the lead role of Albin, and internationally renowned singer and actor Michael Cormick as his husband Georges.

Zoë Ventoura will play Marie Dindon, and bright new star Noah Mullins will play Georges and Albin’s son Jean-Michel.

Showstopping sensation Lucia Mastrantone is back playing multiple characters including the stylish restaurant owner Jacqueline.

‘La Cage aux Folles’ is a traditional

paceway winners lucky

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

PAGE TEN SPY

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

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

Broadway musical with big, brassy dance numbers, yet it was revolutionary in many ways. Opening on Broadway in 1983, it broke barriers for gay representation by becoming the first hit Broadway musical centred on a homosexual relationship. The show’s act one finale, ‘I Am What I Am’, received praise as a “gay anthem” and has been widely recorded.

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

The Weekender has two double passes to the Wednesday, April 19 performance at 7.30pm to give away.

For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Follies’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, April 13 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0432, 0378, 0729.

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

Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The yellow Australian shirt, which was donated by local Olympian Jessica Fox, is located at Southlands Shopping Centre in South Penrith.

Penrith is home to many dedicated, selfless and inspirational people and the Local Celebration Awards are an opportunity to recognise and thank these people who work so tirelessly for the benefit of our community.

There are four categories to choose from:

Citizen of the Year (over 18 years old)

Young Citizen of the Year (24 years or under)

Mayor’s Local Heroes Award (all ages)

Community Service Award (all ages)

Nominations are open until 30 April 2023. Find out how to nominate and learn more about the award program at penrith.city/local-celebration-awards.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Man charged with range of offences; will front court in May

An ongoing police investigation into a string of alleged shoplifting offences has led to the arrest of a 35-year-old St Marys man.

The man attended St Marys Police Station on Thursday, March 30 where he was placed under arrested.

He was charged with 12 offences including multiple charges of ‘Shoplifting’ and ‘Enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse’.

The man is next due to appear before Penrith Local Court on Friday, May 5.

Penrith: Man to face court after being busted driving while disqualified

A man has been charged after driving while disqualified in Penrith.

About 6pm on Friday, March 31, police observed a vehicle travelling northbound on Castlereagh Street, Penrith.

Police stopped the vehicle and the driver, a 20-year-old man, allegedly produced a NSW P2 Provisional driver’s licence.

Further enquiries revealed that the licence produced was disqualified.

The man was placed under arrest and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with ‘Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period – second offence’. He will front Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 20.

Kingswood: One man still on the run after foot chase

A man has been charged after he was caught driving a stolen vehicle in Kingswood.

About 11pm on Saturday, April 1, police saw a stolen motor vehicle travelling on the Great Western Highway, Kingswood.

The vehicle stopped on Santley Crescent, Kingwood before both occupants allegedly ran from officers on foot. Following a short foot pursuit police caught a 25-year-old man who was placed under arrest.

The man was charged and will appear at Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday, April 18. Investigations regarding the second occupant of the vehicle are ongoing.

Cambridge Park: Man arrested after pointing laser at aircraft

A man has been charged after interfering with a PolAir aircraft in Cambridge Park.

About 1am on Sunday, April 2, an aircraft attached to the NSW Police Force Aviation Command was patrolling above Cambridge Park.

A green laser was directed at the aircraft interfering with the crew onboard as they were performing their duties. A short time later police attended an address in Cambridge Park and arrested a 27-year-old man.

During a search of the property officers allegedly located a powerful laser pointer, a number of prohibited weapons and unlawfully obtained items.

The male was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with several offences including ‘Do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board’, ‘Possess of use a prohibited weapon without permit’, ‘Possess unauthorised prohibited firearm’ and ‘Assault police officer in execution of duty’.

The man will face court on April 12.

We do lots of conveyancing (surprise, surprise, the clue was in the name).

We often have to talk to people about things like rights of carriageway, restrictions as to user and easements.

These are essentially technical legal terms that describe a situation where a landowner has formally granted a right to somebody else to use their property or part of their property for a particular purpose.

Don’t panic – this doesn’t mean someone else can come into your backyard and have a barbeque!

Usually, it refers to things like the presence of drainage pipes, or the right for someone else to pass over your land to access their own property.

The two most common examples would be drainage easements – that is where a draining pipe runs through multiple properties for stormwater or other purposes and so each property that has the benefit of the draining technically needs permission from the other landowners for whatever it is that is going through the drain to pass over their land.

Say, for example, you live at the top of a hill and you have a stormwater drain in your backyard.

The stormwater drain will run down the hill through the yards of all of the other properties on your street to get to an exit point. You technically need permission from all of

your neighbours down the hill for water that goes down your drain to pass through their properties to the stormwater outlet. This is called an easement.

Another common example is a right of carriageway, particularly in the context of a battle-axe block.

There are lots of battle-axe blocks in the Penrith area, particularly in South Penrith close to the various reserves and causeways that exist.

A right of carriageway is one owner (in this example usually the front house) granting to another owner (in this example usually the back house), the right to pass over their land to get to their property.

In the battle-axe block example, the owner of the back house needs to drive down a driveway that is often technically situated on the front property’s land to get to their home.

Easements and rights of carriageway like these are registered on title so that the owner of the property who has the benefit of the easement or right of carriageway can be comfortable that benefit cannot be taken away from them other than by way of agreement or Court Order.

In next week’s article, we will talk about other common things that appear on title for residential properties including convenance and restrictions as to user. Have a great Easter.

KINGSWOOD MAN LEARNS HIS FATE AFTER BEING HIT WITH FRAUD CHARGES

A Kingswood man who fraudulently purchased 21 rolls of paircoil from a refrigeration and air-conditioning wholesaler has been fined almost $6000.

Bryce Easton, 26, fronted Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 30, charged with seven counts of ‘dishonestly obtain property by deception’.

It is alleged that he used his former employer’s business account to purchase $8010 worth of copper coil after falling on hard times in 2022.

Easton attended the Penrith branch of Actrol where he pretended to be back working with Safair and needed three boxes of paircoil for a job.

According to a lengthy set of police facts, he provided a fraudulent purchase order number and charged the product to their business account.

Staff then processed the order and helped Easton take the products to his black hatchback parked outside.

Court documents reveal that, over four days, Easton attended a number of Actrol and Metalflex branches where staff believed the orders were legitimate and processed them without an issue.

On February 8, 2022, Safair’s office manager noticed the suspicious invoices and raised their concerns with the branch managers.

The manager, who discovered that the six

invoices were fraudulent, reviewed the CCTV footage and found that Easton was the person collecting the items.

According to police facts, Easton listed his own home on the first invoice but used the name of a current employee on the following five.

According to a set of agreed facts tendered to the court, Easton declined to participate in an electronically recorded interview in relation to the fraud allegations, stating that he wished to receive legal advice prior to speaking further with police.

Police agreed to the request but later found that he had flown to Western Australia to live with his father.

with Daniel McKinnon WW48104

On Thursday, Easton’s lawyer told the court that his client is quite remorseful and is a person of otherwise good character.

He told the court that Easton had come out of a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart and felt more pressure to be able to provide for his child.

“Hardship led him to make decisions that he otherwise would not have made,” he told Magistrate Gregory Moore.

In sentencing, the magistrate took into account his lack of criminal record.

Easton was fined $5900 and ordered to pay $8010 in compensation to his victim.

– Makayla Muscat

Are you a Veteran? Are you interested in meeting other Veterans of a like mind in activities of interest to you? Minimal cost involved- maximum gain for you

ST MARYS VETERANS’ WELLBEING PROGRAM

APRIL 2023

Wellbeing Activ ities for Veterans and Family

Description/Timing

Coffee n Chat Veterans Mon – Fri early mornings – simply just a chat on the Train veranda (Veterans Support Centre)

Social Guild Veterans & partner Occasional social outings local or coach overnight

Hospital Visitations Veterans & partner

Guitars for Vets Veterans

Usually Tuesday mornings; teams of 2 visit veterans in local hospitals

Wednesday mornings @ Veterans Support Centre ( the Train); learn to play or join a jam session

Monthly BBQ B’fast Veterans & family 8.00am Last Thursday of each month @ Veterans Support Centre ( the Train)

Exercise classes White or gold card holders Tue and Fri @ 8.00am @ Ripples, St Marys; occasional walks from/to the Train in lieu; must meet criteria

Walk n Talk Veterans & family Monthly walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre ( the Train)

Small bus day-trips Veterans Occasional, weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre

Computer Classes Veterans and partner Thursday mornings @ Veterans Support Cent re (Train carriage); for beginners or for Photoshop classes

Merrie Widows Partners of deceased vets

Last Wednesday of each monthly - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club

Wednesdays 9.00am @ Mamre House area Packing

Gov King Day Club

Famous site transforms

Kingswood Distillery is long gone, but memories of iconic site remain strong

Looking at the land that has been cleared to make way for the new Caddens Hill Quarter housing estate you start to imagine how the area will look like in the future.

As the region develops, the memories will fade of what used to occupy the space and held a long history like the Kingswood Distillery, so let’s take a brief walk down memory lane.

Located at Lot 37, O’Connell Street, Kingswood, the distillery was established in 1938 by twin brothers, Harry and Larry Fulop. The official website for the distillery, which has since been taken down, stated that it was a proud Australian owned and operated company, which was taken over control by the Prestipino family in 1979.

“Kingswood Distillery is one of Australia’s oldest distilleries producing quality natural food flavourings and colourings as well as fine liqueurs and vodka,” the website said.

“Due to Kingswood Distillery’s long history of over six decades, they can perfect their products to a quality sought by the food industry.

“Kingswood Distillery can supply their products to you no matter where you are in Australia and New Zealand.”

Interviewed by Geraldine Cook in 2008 for the ‘History of Penrith Project’, Kingswood farmer and businessman Bob Fielding recounted his memories of the factory that sat on the hill opposite the new Caddens Corner shopping centre.

“There was Kingswood Distillery, and this was actually hand built by the family that came out,” he said.

“They came out from middle Europe at the beginning of the ‘30s and they could see things were toughening up over there and they thought it was time to get out.”

Run by Franc Epstein, with his brothers-in-law’s and partners, the Fulop twins, the business produced a range of high-quality spirits according to Fielding.

“They had two rums, one was the Endeavour Rum and the other one was Garden Island, and it was good quality stuff,” he said.

“They also made gin. They made all the spirits for Helena Rubinstein’s cosmetics and that was a big process.”

It is understood the distillery won best rum at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1947 and 1948.

Man pleads guilty to firearms offences

A Werrington Downs man who allegedly had a loaded rifle in his caravan has pleaded guilty.

Brett Baker, 57, fronted Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 30, charged with ‘possess unauthorised firearm’, ‘not keep firearm safely’ and ‘possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority’.

It is alleged that police were called to the address in relation to a domestic incident on the evening of March 15.

A set of police facts tendered to the court state that they were greeted by a witness who pointed at the accused’s caravan and said, “there’s a firearm in there”.

Police allegedly opened the door and found a loaded .22 calibre rifle laying on the floor and an ammunition belt with live rounds.

Court documents reveal that he made full admissions to the ownership of the firearm and ammunition, telling police that he bought them at a yard sale about 30 years ago.

The matter will return to the same court for sentence on Thursday, May 18.

A Nepean Times article from February 1949 said it was successful once again in the distiller’s section of the Sydney Show.

It operated for many years supplying wholesale to liquor retailers, clubs and hotels with locals knowing it for its different types of Sambuca.

It is understood that operation of the factory ceased around 2000 but the business name Kingswood Distillery Pty Ltd is still active and linked to Amato’s Liquor Mark in Leichhardt, which was opened by Joe Prestipino in 1997.

Do you have any memories of Kingswood Distillery? We’d love to hear from you! Email Emily@ westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998.

Pair to front court again over house destruction

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

APenrith man and Cranebrook woman accused of destroying a property continue to await their fate after another adjournment.

The matters of Jamie Hillhouse, 46, and Nicole Hillhouse, 30, were briefly mentioned at Penrith Local Court on Friday, March 24, after they were charged with ‘destroying or damaging property in company by means of explosives’.

In 2022, the woman was also charged with ‘aggravated robbery’, ‘larceny’, ‘dishonestly obtain property by deception’, ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’, two counts of ‘supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing

basis’ and 14 counts of ‘supply a prohibited drug’.

It is alleged that the co-accuseds recklessly destroyed a Cranebrook home at around 10pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

The prosecutor previously told the court that the fire and explosives caused $250,000 worth of damage to the now uninhabitable home. The court also heard that the 30-yearold, who has been in custody on remand since September, was accused of supplying methylamphetamine, robbing a Penrith woman and purchasing $203.70 worth of groceries from the Woolworths at Jordan Springs with a man’s stolen credit card.

Last month, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) told Magistrate Fiona Toose that they require more time to consider

the evidence before the charge certificates proceed on the next court date.

Ms Hillhouse was also served a 12-month apprehended violence order for the protection of an alleged victim and instructed to enter a plea in relation to some of the other matters.

“That’s ridiculous, seven times in and no plea entered,” Magistrate Toose told her lawyer.

Ms Hillhouse pleaded guilty to the charges, ‘never licenced person drive vehicle on road’ and ‘possess prohibited drugs’, which were laid in August.

Neither of the co-accuseds applied for bail and it was formally refused.

They are both expected to reappear at the same court via audio visual link on April 14.

Work underway to transform the old Kingswood Distillery site. Photo: Melinda Jane.

A shot of the Kingswood Distillery in 1984.

Photo: Penrith City Libary.

A Sambuca from the Distillery.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Ray Moody has major concerns about the future of his business as a result of the work to widen Mulgoa Road in Penrith.

The owner of Western Motorcycles Sydney wants to raise awareness about the impacts of the current process regarding compulsory acquisitions.

Opening the store in St Marys in 1975 and relocating to the current location in 1998, Moody told the Weekender he was first approached by the NSW Government in relation to his land around five years ago.

“A property valuer the government used initially asked us a bunch of questions and offered me a price that was an insult to my intelligence, then about a year later they doubled the original price which was still low,” Moody said.

“In 2019 the Valuer General worked out a price of $1500 a square metre but in 2020 Transport for NSW, through their law firm offered me $800 a square metre.”

After spending $200,000 fighting the offer, Moody was considering taking it further to the Land and Environmental Court.

“I was told I would need over $120,000 to get experts and would probably lose so, because I was physically sick from stress and almost had

President:

a nervous breakdown, I couldn’t continue,” he said.

“I had a meeting with [former Penrith MP] Stuart Ayres who passed on my concerns but the response from the Minister for Roads

Natalie Ward was rubbish, and they said the case was finished.”

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said it could not comment on the situation.

“The outcome follows a court hearing and

subsequent settlement and Transport for NSW cannot comment further for legal reasons as part of that agreement,” the spokesperson said.

Accepting the offer for 450 square metres of his property, the owner said he believes the subsequent roadworks will impact his business.

“We were originally told it would only take six months but when we asked about being compensated for loss of business they said it would be three months, yet in reality it will be up to three years,” he said.

“We bought the land because it is the busiest road in the district, but we will now have two metre construction fences covering our building, our driveway access is impacted, and we will lose the section of our parking that we use as a showroom for our outdoor showroom.”

As work on the stretch of road begins and with a new State Government, Moody hopes for a new outcome and improvements to the acquisition process.

“When the job is finished it will be great. I have no problems with the land acquisitions and widening of Mulgoa Road but the process they use is absolutely wrong, it’s disgusting how they treat citizens,” he said.

“I can’t fight it in court but I can use my voice to the public and I think my deal should be re-visited, so I can talk to someone and be compensated.”

Tuesday 25th April, 2023 City

of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch

Date: 25 April, 2023

Place: Memory Park, Woodriff Street, Penrith

7am 2am 2am 7am

Arrival Time: 4:30am

Silent March commences: 4:45am

Ceremony commences: 5:00am

General Public most welcome

Women Veterans’ Network Australia (WVNA)

ANZAC Day Service Saturday 22nd April 2023

EMILY

FESZCZUK

(between

ANZAC DAY

Matt’s incredible 40kg weight loss

Werrington County resident Matt Metzke has been overweight for as long as he can remember – going through school as the ‘fat kid’, and his wife even referring to food portions as small, medium, large, and Matt-sized.

After trying to shed kilos five times in his life, trying every diet fad under the sun, it was fatherhood that finally set him on the right path.

At 120kgs, Metzke started his weight loss journey in 2021 during the COVID lockdown, with the ultimate goal of being 80kgs, and a better dad because of it.

“It was really just about being able to keep up with my child, being around for as long as possible as she grows up, and being a good role model,” he said.

“I didn’t want my child to be the overweight kid at school as well, or to be embarrassed because their dad is so heavy and can’t run around the playground and play sports. The future flashed before my eyes, and I wanted to change.”

Admitting that his previous strategies went nowhere, namely weight loss shakes, Metzke admitted he had to go back to the drawing board.

“They worked for a while – I’d do them for a few weeks, and you’d see some results, but then you would get hungry or have a cheat meal, and so it’s not enough anymore, because it’s not actual food,” he said.

In light of this, he started using Lite n’ Easy meal plans, helping him to manage his struggle with portion sizes whilst avoiding the idea of a ‘diet’.

“What did it for me was, I didn’t look at it as a diet. I even banned the word diet from the house. I was like, ‘Don’t tell me I’m on a diet, I’m not on a diet, I’m changing my lifestyle!’,” he said.

“Because of that, I didn’t think of it as a diet at all, it was just me eating healthier to feel healthier, and if I lost weight along the way, then that’s great.”

Metzke lost the 40kgs and reached his goal just two weeks before his daughter was born in July 2022 – an achievement he couldn’t be prouder of.

“It was like I’d reached the last

hurdle before fatherhood. We had set up everything in the house, we had bought everything, washed all the baby clothes, set up the nursery, and it was just that one thing I was terrified I wouldn’t get to before she was born. Just two weeks before, and it felt incredible,” he said.

At the same time, he was also able to avoid a knee surgery that had been lined up since he first injured the joint over 15 years ago.

“My doctor told me that I should expect, when I’m 30, to need another knee reconstruction given my lifestyle and weight and lack of exercise,” he said.

“Now I’m 30, and I’ve never felt better. I can walk 10kms a day in a 15kg weighted vest and don’t feel any pain at all.”

In the months since, Metzke has been able to sustain a more manageable weight of 85kgs whilst living a healthy lifestyle with his family, recommending his approach to anyone trying to do the same.

“It’s all about mindset,” he said.

“Don’t try to lose weight and make that your determining factor, just try to be healthier for you.” The new,

healthier Matt Metzke.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY

Car park plan approved

Soper Place plans will deliver much-needed parking plus new mixed use building

Plans to deliver Penrith an all-new car park that will blend work, leisure and play have been approved.

A $116.7 million Development Application (DA) will see the Penrith City Council owned Soper Place car park transform into a part 10 and part five-storey mixed use building with five levels of public and private parking spaces.

The proposal to demolish the existing car park and develop the site at 5-17 Lawson Street, Penrith is to address a shortfall of parking while being part of a larger vision to revitalise the CBD with new parks and facilities.

The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said the car park will have an adjoining four storey office building comprising of over 6,200 square metres of commercial space along with public amenities.

“The development is to also deliver community facilities in the form of a multi-use space which is to be known as the “public room” which will comprise a basketball court/playground,” it said.

“The public room can be used as a multi-purpose community space for community-based activities such as markets, movie nights, functions, events, and concerts.”

The multi-storey car park will provide 731

spaces for vehicles, 11 accessible car parking spots, 24 motorcycle spaces and can fit 42 bicycles in response to the need for more parking in the city centre.

After undergoing a design excellence competition, the development will feature a public garden on the roof and a green façade to contribute to the cooling of the city.

“The green facade comprises a continuous line of planter boxes around the perimeter that will support both climbers and understorey species,” the SEE said.

“When viewed from the street the building

will appear as a pixelated surface of leaves and seasonal flowers while from within the car park and from the commercial tenancies the vines will appear as a rich and thickened understorey.”

The project also comes with an art strategy to include public art into the urban design to benefit the community, along with creating more employment opportunities for local residents.

“The development has not only been designed to comply with key planning requirements but will play a positive role

in the growth and prosperity of the Penrith CBD,” documents to Council said.

A Council spokesperson told the Weekender that more information will be released regarding the project soon with construction expected to start shortly.

“Council acknowledges receipt of DA approval to transform Soper Place,” the spokesperson said.

“Council has a broad vision to revitalise the Penrith City Centre and looks forward to releasing more information in the near future.”

Renders of what the new building will look like.

Construction on the project will begin soon.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Locals helping locals: Give and Take Market to be held monthly

Anew community-led initiative is helping to lighten the cost-of-living for families and people in need in the local area.

The Uniting Susanna Early Learning Child Care Centre in Oxley Park has launched its first monthly Give and Take Market.

The idea, which has been years in the making, hasn’t been able to reach its full potential until now.

“One of my educators is quite community focused and in 2020 just before COVID we came up with the idea of having a Give and Take Market in the foyer,” Uniting Susanna Early Learning Oxley Park Director Anne Desira said.

“We all donated things and set it up in the foyer and we were going to initially come out to the street to include the rest of the community but then COVID hit so we had to keep it within the service.”

With people able to pass on their unwanted items or to pick up whatever they need at no charge, the market will now be held on the last Friday of every month, between 10am and 4pm.

“We’re interested in any donations of clothes, blankets, shoes, books, DVDs, toys, non-perishable food and homewares in good condition,” Desira said.

“We have had floaties, formula, nappies, even basinets and car seats which is great because we know we have a lot of families in need in this community so now that COVID is finished we want to bring this out and help whoever we can.”

While most things can be donated, people are encouraged to consider the quality of things they take to the centre on Brisbane Street to make sure they can be given a new life.

“The quality we want is the quality you would be happy with and clean as we don’t have the facilities to wash clothes here,” she said.

“Any shoes, handbags or homewares that can be used would be good and if there are bulky items they need to be checked as we don’t have a lot of storage.”

As the overall costs in life increase, Desira said the stall is an easy way to help families save on some costs and also encourages recycling to prevent items ending up in landfill.

“We don’t monitor it too much as anonymity is actually really good because if you are in need you don’t necessarily want everyone to know you are in need,” she said.

“Things come in and go quickly so it is sort of first in best dressed. You don’t necessarily have to be hard up with no money, it is just a great way to donate what you think someone else might be able to use and take anything you need.”

Donations can be dropped off on market day or can be handed to a Uniting staff member during business hours.

Leaving donations outside of the centre are not permitted. Uniting

At Cardinal Gilroy Village, our refurbished units offer comfortable seniors living with on-site community facilities, social event programs, and transport links with proximity to Merrylands and Parramatta.

These bright and airy apartments are spacious and well-appointed, featuring generously proportioned rooms, modern kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, plenty of built-in storage and access to the outdoors.

For your comfort and peace of mind features also include air conditioning, shower grab-rails and level flooring throughout. With your lawns and general maintenance taken care of, you can spend more time doing what you love.

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Susanna

Early Learning Oxley Park Director Anne Desira.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Lara gets her voice heard

Local high school student makes her mark at prestigious public speaking contest

topic was, making the right decisions, and taking a different path to what everyone else takes.”

Year 9 student at Penola Catholic College, Lara White, has enjoyed public speaking ever since she was in primary school. Now, with some big wins under her belt, it’s clear she’s in it for the long haul.

For Lara, public speaking is all about finally having the opportunity to have her voice heard.

“I like being able to express myself in front of others, so being able to pick a topic and have other people, whether I know them or don’t know them, and have them listen to me. It’s really enjoyable,” she said.

After taking part in a few competitions in her younger years, Lara recently set off to compete in the Grand Finals of the CSDA public speaking competition – one of the largest public speaking competitions in the Southern Hemisphere, which sees thousands of competitors and over 80 schools get involved.

The competition consists of three rounds including small groups of keen public speakers, talking about some unique topics.

“My topic was ‘Don’t pass go, don’t collect $20’,” she said.

“The topics are really about how you interpret them, so my interpretation of the

With this the first time Lara took on the CSDA public speaking competition, it’s no surprise she was experiencing some nerves.

But, the 14-year-old placed in the top 12 –a prestigious feat that she couldn’t be more happy to have achieved.

“All of the topics were amazing, everyone had really good speeches, so I was very nervous,” she said.

“The first round, I thought maybe I could do it, the second I wasn’t so sure if I was going to get through. But, when I did, I was really excited.”

As for what’s next for Lara, she’s keen to challenge herself by entering the competition again in 2024, but she’s sure that won’t be all.

“If there’s more opportunities for me, I’ll always put my hand up for it,” she said.

“I just really love public speaking.”

Lara also intends on using her public speaking skills in her future career, merging these talents with her other interests.

“I’ve definitely found that this is one of my strengths – talking in front of others,” she said.

“I’m thinking I might want to work with animals, so I could maybe be a tour guide, talking to others.”

Lara White is an impressive public speaker. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Δ New flavour: Billson’s is winning over plenty of people with their unique flavours when it comes to their Vodka premixes. Now Coles Liquor has partnered with Billson’s to launch a brand-new and exclusive flavour in its vodka premix range, Billson’s Vodka with Sour Blueberry (pictured). Available now in First Choice Liquor Market, Vintage Cellars and selected Liquor- land stores.

Do you ever wonder about the history behind the street signs we look at every day?

Although the Lethbridge family were associated with St Marys, they were active and outstanding citizens in Penrith where Lethbridge Street sits. Robert Copeland Lethbridge was a magistrate, on the Hospital Board and a member of St Stephen’s Anglican Church.

If you know the meaning of a street name in the Penrith LGA email emily@ westernweekender.com.au

Source: A History of the Nepean and District Street Names by Lorna Parr.

Δ We all scream for ice cream: Peters Ice Cream and Cadbury have teamed up to release not one, but three iconic flavours as part of the all-new 460mL tub range (pictured above), for Australians to experience as the ultimate indulgent treat. Transforming Australia’s iconic Cadbury chocolate into delicious frozen desserts with a surprise core, the following flavours are being introduced as part of the brand’s 460mL tub range, delivering a Cadbury chocolate experience like no other: Cadbury Dairy Milk Vanilla, Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramello and Cadbury Caramilk.

Δ Show goes Neon: Food lovers will go nuts for the new Neon Alley at this year’s Royal Easter Show at Sydney Olympic Park. Neon coated dagwood dogs with neon sauces, neon gelato, neon sugar dusted cronuts and churros, neon hot dogs with neon buns and sauces, neon freak shakes and neon gummi bear loaded fries are just some of the unique glowing foods that will be served from custom made Air-Stream food trucks in a technicolour laneway of more than 500 neon lights. Check it out when you’re at the show!

Δ Easter donuts: Donut King has got eggs-actly what you need to celebrate this year. Forget eggs – ask the Easter Bunny for donuts instead! Hopping into cabinets this Easter holidays are four new limited-edition donuts. Enjoy the custard filled Easter Bunny donut, or choose the strawberry and coconut

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Dunheved Road update

Our community can look forward to reduced congestion and improved safety and connectivity along one of Penrith’s busiest roads, with the planning for the $128 million Dunheved Road Upgrade nearing completion.

The upgrade, funded by the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, is an essential investment in Penrith’s infrastructure to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the road and ensure it can cater for future traffic demands.

Key features of the upgrade include a new median separated four-lane carriageway instead of the existing two-lane undivided road. There will be a shared user path for active transport, and new and upgraded signalised intersections and dedicated turning lanes.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the public exhibition of the concept design and Review of Environmental Factors. We have listened to and carefully considered the comments

flavoured Crackin’ Good Time, the Choc Eggs-Travaganza or the Hot Cross Bun donut at your nearest store.

Δ New LCM bar: LCM has released a new Neapolitan flavoured snack bar, out now in supermarkets. The new flavour has been inspired by the traditional flavours of the retro ice cream and is made with a strawberry vanilla base, topped with chocolate sprinkles.

Δ New pick-up spot: We’re thrilled that you can now pick up a copy of the Weekender from Harvey Norman every single week. You’ll find the latest edition near the furniture department. Want to know where else to get the paper? Check out www.westernweekender.com.au/getapaper.

provided by residents and are pleased to have been able to incorporate several changes into the final design.

We have added a dedicated right-turn lane into Trinity Drive for westbound motorists. We have also added a new signalised intersection at Tasman Street, removed the previously proposed traffic signals at John Oxley Avenue and made this a priority intersection with westbound left in/left out and eastbound right turn lane into John Oxley Drive.

You can view all the features of the upgrade in an interactive map and 3D fly-through at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/ dunhevedroadupgrade. You can also find further details about the project at penrith. city/dunhevedroad.

The next steps in this project will be the Request for Tender process, which is expected in mid-2023, followed by the start of construction in approximately late 2023.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?

Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.

Learning through league

Students experience wheelchair footy as part of popular inclusivity program

CASSIDY PEARCE

Stage one students at Jamisontown Public School have taken learning to the next level, with staff handing it to the experts to demonstrate inclusivity at its best.

Part of the new Sporting Schools initiative, the school applied for a grant earlier this year to introduce the students to sports less common to those you might play on a weekend.

Emma Stanley, a teacher in the school’s Learning and Support Unit, which they call the Learning Cove, said that wheelchair rugby league was the perfect fit.

“Because we’ve got our three support unit classes, it was really important to give them an opportunity to integrate into mainstream and have a fun experience together, whilst teaching mainstream kids who may not have seen a lot of kids with disabilities that they are cool, fun kids,” she said.

The program is run by volunteers who double as wheelchair rugby league pros, including Cherie Moulang, who most recently represented New South Wales in State of Origin.

For Moulang, the program, which sees students learning all about the sport through theory work and games, is all about promoting inclusivity.

“I think they need to understand what it’s like for somebody else who has to live in a wheelchair 24 hours a day,” she said.

“This gives them a small taste of it, and it

normalises it. It makes it part of an everyday appearance.”

Though some of the students, and parents, were hesitant at the beginning of the three-

day program, Stanley said that didn’t last very long.

“I think they were unsure of what it was, and even some of the parents were unsure of what it was, and how they would actually play rugby,” she said.

“There were a couple of kids on the first session that were a bit hesitant, didn’t want to go in, didn’t want to sit in the wheelchairs, so they observed. But, by 10-15 minutes into the second session, they were joining in and saying how much fun it was.”

By the end of it all, Stanley was ecstatic to see just how much the students had gotten out of the unique experience.

“I think they’ve learned a lot about disabilities and wheelchairs – I know they did a lot of educating of the different types of wheelchairs there are,” she said.

“Because some of our classes are integrated with the Learning Cove kids, and we had some split classes, I think they may have even just found some brand new friendships, and experienced a fun activity that I don’t think a lot of the kids would have experienced otherwise.”

Having already applied for the grant again in term two, Stanley said that she’d encourage other schools to get involved as well if they can.

“We’re hopeful that either the stage two kids at the school, or the stage three kids at the school can have a go next term,” she said.

Get Macca’s® delivered.

Students at Jamisontown Public School last week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Small donation, big impact

Did you know that $20 can provide pillows and blankets for a woman or child facing homelessness due to domestic violence?

Just $50 funds essential groceries for an affected woman and her children.

These figures are hugely important for community-funded charities such as The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter, which provided emergency accommodation and case work support for 22 local women and 28 children last year. The shelter relies on support from everyday people to ensure the organisation can keep its doors open and continue to assist residents.

Penrith’s Mayoral Charity Ball is being held next month to raise money for The Haven. It is an opportunity for the community to get together for a night of exciting entertainment, touching true stories, and celebration for the life-changing work of this charity.

The event will be hosted by Australian entertainer David Campbell OAM and each ticket purchase includes a $50 donation to The Haven.

With the donations from every four tickets sold, The Haven can provide another woman and her children

two nights of safe accommodation and case work support.

For $700, a family can be nurtured and supported at the shelter for an entire week.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen is encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to attend the event and help support The Haven, as “a little help can go a long way”.

“We are moving into the cooler months of the year and while most of us have a warm bed to sleep in at night, sadly many women and children will be left homeless in a desperate attempt to escape domestic and family violence,” she said.

“If we all pitch in, we can help change this devastating reality by making sure that no woman or child is turned away from such a critical support service when they need help the most.”

To find out more about the Mayoral Charity Ball, visit penrith.city/ events. Tickets can be purchased on the Eventbrite page via the QR code in the advertisement below. Ticket sales close soon, on Wednesday, April 19.

A GalaBid page is now live at galabid.com/penrithcharityball for monetary donations and where guests can bid on various items.

Check out this amazing photograph of members of the Kingswood Tennis Club, enjoying a picnic in around 1910. Certainly very different outfits that we’d wear out on a picnic today.

While not everyone in the picture is known, definitely featured in the photograph are Dick Paskin (no hat), Arthur Tolhurst, Clarrie Boots, Col Craig and Stu Craig.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

The ultimate landscape giveaway

One of Penrith’s most popular landscaping and construction businesses, All In One, are currently running an Australian-first landscaping giveaway, and it’s all for a cause close to home.

Proudly supporting MS Australia, The Ultimate Landscape Giveaway will be providing one lucky homeowner a complete landscape package, valued at $150,000 or the chance to take $75,000 in cold hard cash, tax-free.

All In One owner Keiran Edwards, along with his wife Jess who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015, wanted to create Australia’s largest ever landscaping giveaway in an effort to support the vital medical research of MS Australia and for people living with Multiple Sclerosis. Drawn on May 15, the winner will receive $150,000 worth of landscaping, specifically tailored to the winning property.

Whether it be a brand-new inground pool, a luxury cabana, alfresco area or custom designed retaining walls,

better, All In One will also be offering the lucky winner the choice to either take the landscaping package or choose to take home a cool $75,000 in cold hard cash, tax-free!

All In One’s Ultimate Landscape Giveaway is supported by a host of both local and national businesses such as Plantmark, Brickworks, Adenbrook Homes, Penrith Solar Centre, Tile & Bath Co, Coral Reef Pools, Elite Sand & Soil and many more.

To get yourself in the running for

Australia’s largest landscaping giveaway and the chance to win $75,000 in cold hard cash tax-free, simply head to www.ultimatelandscapegiveaway. com.au, select your entry package and you’re in the draw!

Help support the vital medical research of MS Australia and potentially take home this incredible offer thanks to one of our own Penrith businesses!

Pictured right: All In One owners Keiran and Jess with their family.

BUSINESS

WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

The big risk when it comes to AI tech

While CPT Chat may be seen as a revolutionary tool to create online content, you still need to make sure that the content it is creating for your business is compelling and tells a story. The risk of using these AI tools is ending up with generic content that does not read well.

Compelling content is important because it is what captures the attention of your audience and keeps them engaged with your message. In today’s fastpaced world, people are constantly bombarded with information from a variety of sources, so it’s crucial to create content that stands out and grabs their attention.

Compelling content helps you to attract and engage your target audience, by providing them with information that is relevant, interesting, and valuable. Creating high-quality, well-researched content can help establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry and build trust and credibility with

your audience. Compelling content can also help you to increase your brand’s visibility and awareness, by getting your message in front of a wider audience. Well written content can help to influence your audience’s purchasing decisions, by providing them with the information they need to make an informed choice about your products or service.

Compelling content is also about good storytelling. Good storytelling is the art of captivating an audience with a well-crafted narrative that resonates with them emotionally and intellectually. It involves the ability to create a compelling and engaging story that draws in the audience and keeps them interested throughout. A good story should be easy

to follow and understand. It should be well organised and have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Compelling content through good storytelling is captivating and keeps the audience interested. It is emotionally engaging and connects with the audience on a personal level. A good story is relevant to the audience and their interests. It addresses their needs and concerns and provides insights and solutions to their problem. You need your content to be memorable and leave a lasting impression on the audience. It should have a powerful message that resonates with them long after the story is over.

On behalf of the Western Sydney Business Centre, I hope you all have a happy and safe Easter.

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RAMPAGING FORWARD TO REMAIN A PANTHER UNTIL AT LEAST THE END OF 2027 WHY THE TWO-TIME PREMIERSHIP WINNER DECIDED TO STAY: SEE PAGE 39

MASKED PANTHER SEE PAGE 37

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SEE PAGE 43

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SEE PAGE 44

The Panthers return home after a few weeks on the road buoyed by a strong performance against Canberra last Friday night, in which they well and truly got their point scoring mojo back.

And perhaps more impressive in the 53-12 flogging was that yet again, Penrith’s rock solid defence conceded only two tries for the fourth consecutive game this season.

That defence will be well and truly tested by Manly this Saturday, with the Sea Eagles having scored more than 30 points in three of their four games this year, including last week’s 32-all draw with Newcastle.

That clash with the Knights was highly entertaining but Manly’s defence was nothing short of poor, and in the end they were probably lucky to escape with the point they did.

Just how much of an impact the slug fest has on the side, particularly given it went the full 90 minutes, will be an intriguing part of the Easter Saturday clash at BlueBet Stadium.

Indeed this game will probably be a good indicator of where both Penrith and Manly are at – the Panthers were certainly impressive against the Raiders but the opposition offered very little in the second half. The Sea Eagles sit in fourth spot on the ladder but have been far from convincing in any of their games so far.

The big blow for Penrith in this one is the loss of James Fisher-Harris to a knee injury. It’ll hurt the forward rotation significantly, but not wanting to disrupt his bench too much, Ivan Cleary has opted to start Matt Eisenhuth and keep Spencer Leniu on the interchange.

Leniu will however likely get more minutes

than his average. The fact he recorded 42 minutes against the Raiders – the most of the season so far – is a good sign that there’s petrol in the tank.

Liam Martin’s problematic hamstring will keep him out for another week, forcing Cleary to go with Scott Sorensen and Zac Hosking in the second row, given Luke Garner is also hurt. Soni Luke returns on the bench after a week out due to concussion, and while Tyrone Peachey made a solid return to first grade last weekend, there’s no denying that inserting the energy of Luke into a tight game can be a match-winning move.

In terms of Penrith’s schedule this is a critical match.

After this Easter Saturday showdown, they hit the road for clashes against Newcastle, Souths,

Wests Tigers (a home game in Bathurst) and the Warriors before finally returning to Penrith on May 12.

And while the Panthers have a strong record away from home, there’s no doubt such a schedule – which involves travel to Newcastle, Brisbane and regional New South Wales – can take its toll, hence any chance to grab two points at home is important during this part of the season.

I think Manly will put up plenty of fight here and there’s no question they’ve got ability right across the park, but Penrith should come into the game fresher and with home ground advantage.

A tight one, but Penrith should get the Easter chocolates.

Tip: Panthers by 6.

against Canberra last week. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: ROCHENE CASSIDY AGE: 24 SUBURB: PENRITH

Seasons as a Pantherette? Four

Favourite food? Nandos, spicy burger

Favourite TV show? ‘Friends’

Favourite Panthers player? James Fisher-Harris or Dylan Edwards

Must-follow social media account? @ erinlouisecamilleri or me (@cheneycassidy)

Go to pump up song? ‘Get Ready’ or ‘Honey I’m Good’! Very energetic songs!

What do you love about being a Pantherette? Besides being a massive Panthers fan, I love performing – it makes me feel like myself and relieves stress!

If you were stranded on a desert island, which other Pantherette are you bringing with you and why? Definitely Emma as we have been best friends forever, we would have endless laughs and would be the best company!

panther rumblings

CAMPAIGN FOR PLACE IN HISTORY

! Call to recognise wheelchair players: Local wheelchair rugby league player Nathan Pentecost is calling on the Penrith Panthers to bestow him and his teammates a player number, just like the 615 NRL players have received for debuting with the club. While Pentecost doesn’t want to be added to the current list of first grade NRL players, he wants to be recognised on a brand-new list for first grade wheelchair rugby league players. Pentecost and Penrith won the 2016 Wheelchair Rugby League title, a huge honour for not only him but the club in general. Pentecost already has an Australian Wheelaroos number as well as a NSW number at the Blues Centre of Excellence in Homebush, but unfortunately he doesn’t have a number at the club he represented for many years. “I have my Australian number, my NSW number, but I kind of need a club number,” he said. “But not just me, I want all my teammates to have a number as well. I floated the idea at Panthers years ago, but they weren’t interested at the time. I’ve pretty much done everything in the game – vice-captained Australia, captained the City team, won Premierships – it’s my missing piece of the puzzle.” If Penrith do decide to jump on board, they will be the first NRL club to acknowledge their wheelchair players with a number. “You just need someone to step up and hopefully other clubs will follow,” Pentecost said. “It would mean everything to me. You always want to be treated and recognised as an equal.”

! Kenty’s fuse blows: ‘NRL 360’ co-host Paul Kent was almost alone in his defence of Canberra coach Ricky Stuart when he made his abhorrent comments towards Jaeman Salmon last year. Now he’s doubled down by criticising Ivan Cleary for some very tame comments following the return bout at GIO Stadium last weekend, and unloading on the wider club as a whole. Kent is entitled to his view, but it’s a surprise someone at Fox Sports hasn’t had a word in his ear – his well-known friendship with Stuart, and his constant criticism of Penrith is significantly harming the credibility of the show, and the network. I know hundreds of Penrith fans who now refuse to watch ‘NRL 360’.

! Keeping their distance: I’m hearing a number of News Corp journalists were in touch with Penrith this week to distance themselves from Paul Kent’s comments. They know the club is fuming over the constant attacks and don’t want it to impact their chance of getting leads or talking to players.

! Day Doug blessed the Panthers: The passing of radio great Doug Mulray last week

sparked memories of an iconic photo taken in the lead-up to the 1991 Grand Final. Greg Alexander, Brad Fittler and Ben Alexander all attended Triple M’s Bondi studios in the lead-up to the decider, as Grand Final week unfolded. Mulray “blessed” the trio ahead of the big game against Canberra and the photo ended up on the front page of The Daily Telegraph. It was a period in time when Triple M dominated the FM airwaves and resonated strongly in western Sydney and they really got behind Penrith’s 1991 Premiership push.

! Just married: Congratulations to former Pantherette Nat Sinclair, who married her partner James last weekend.

! Slice of magic: The NRL officially launched Magic Round in Brisbane this week (pictured below). Former Panthers Luke Lewis and Trent Merrin were in attendance at the launch along with a host of other players from the past. Magic Round will be held over the weekend of May 5-7, with the Panthers to play the Warriors in the Saturday 3pm game at Suncorp Stadium.

! Panthers chase Wilton: The rumours that Penrith are interested in signing impressive Cronulla second-rower Teig Wilton won’t go away. The 23-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and would obviously form a formidable second-row partnership with Liam Martin if he did come to the club. There’s no doubt the Sharks would like to keep him but he’s likely to command big dollars.

! Forward blow: The Panthers will be without James Fisher-Harris for up to a month after he suffered a knee injury against the Raiders last weekend. We spotted him at the Panthers Academy on Tuesday in a brace. He’s in good spirits and won’t be out for too long.

! Spill the tea: Got some news? Spotted a Panther out and about? Have you heard a rumour you think I should check out? Send an email to maskedpanther@westernweekender. com.au. I don’t keep secrets but I do protect sources.

Nathan Pentecost.

LIFE’S PEACHEY AGAIN FOR TYRONE

the perfect situa tion with me and

happy to be involved with this club again. I live just two minutes from the Academy – it just ended up being perfect.”

While Peachey made a name for himself during his five-year run at the Panthers – including playing State of Origin in 2018 – his four seasons away weren’t as fruitful. Peachey said while he tried to make the best of his time at the Titans and Tigers, he always kept one eye on his former club.

“The last time I was here, a lot of these players were rookies – Nath was only 20 when I left and it’s been great to see him develop over the years that I was away,” he said.

“I always watched from afar and supported them; they are all such hard workers and trained really hard when I was here last.

“To see them finally get the recognition that they deserve and win two comps, now everyone has to respect them. Their work ethic alone is special.”

Knowing how hard his new teammates worked on the training paddock was the kick up the backside Peachey needed to get his career firing again.

After a lacklustre 2022 season that saw him celebrate just two wins from 13 games, Peachey knew he had to hit the ground running right away at Penrith.

“I knew it was going to be hard to crack first grade here after they made three straight Grand Finals and won two Premierships. I spoke to Ivan, and he told me that it was going to be tough. I said I’m happy to play NSW Cup and earn my spot in the 17,” Peachey said.

“I ended up having a really big pre-season, I was here from day one with some of the young lads. It was one of the toughest pre-seasons I have ever had. I dropped a lot of weight, I ran a lot, and to finally earn that jersey and play on the weekend was something special.”

Special indeed.

1659 days since he last played in the NRL for the Panthers, Peachey made his triumphant return during the team’s 53-12 flogging of the Raiders in the nation’s capital.

With his young family in the stands watching on, it was a night he’ll never forget especially after bagging a try in the 41-point demolition.

“It was special, it was such a good first game back,” Peachey said.

“I think I played the last 25 minutes. I haven’t played in the middle all year and that was my first time there all season.

“After the game, Ivan was happy for me. When he told me during the week that I had made the side, I didn’t believe him… I didn’t know what to do. It was an exciting time.”

After playing off the bench last Friday night in the absence of hooker Soni Luke, Peachey said he’d be happy to continue in that utility role moving forward.

The Indigenous All Star said his relationship with Ivan Cleary is still as tight as it was when he was first coached by him all those years ago.

“The last time Ivan was the coach here, I got the Merv Cartwright Medal. I was devastated when he got fired,” Peachey admitted.

“I think I played some good footy under Ivan and I always wanted to get coached by him again.

“Every coach has always wanted me to play that utility role but I’ve kind of been against it. I’ve always wanted to start and play the full 80 minutes, but in a team like this I’m happy to play 20 minutes, play hooker, play whatever to position to be involved. I just want a role here.”

Tyrone Peachey has revealed he

The now 31-year-old played with Penrith for five seasons between 2014-2018 before signing a rich three-year contract at the Gold Coast

The Peach is happy to be back.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Panthers star Tyrone Peachey chats with Nathan Taylor this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

LEOTA A PANTHER UNTIL END OF 2027

“This re-signing means everything because this club is home to me,” the St Marys Saint said.

Penrith’s fearsome forward pack will remain rock solid for many more years to come after one of their most underrated players inked a new deal this week.

On Monday afternoon, the Panthers announced the re-signing of Kiwi representative prop Moses Leota until the end of the 2027 NRL season.

Already signed for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the 27-year-old saw the value of recommitting to the back-to-back Premiers for a further three years.

Born in Auckland and growing up in New Zealand, Leota moved to Australia and progressed through the Panthers junior development pathways and was a member of the club’s premiership-winning NYC side in 2015.

A Penrith local junior, Leota made his NRL debut in 2016 and has gone on to play 128 games for the Panthers, playing an influential role in the club’s recent Premierships in 2021 and 2022.

A representative player, Leota made his Test debut for Samoa in 2019 and has played three Tests for New Zealand.

From washing cars for $15 per hour at a local dealership to playing on the biggest stage in rugby league, Leota said he can’t believe how far he’s come.

“I never thought I’d be in this situation, so I’m grateful to re-sign with the Panthers. It will be great to stay with the club for the rest of my career.”

Leota’s contract extension ensures a key group of Panthers players – including Brian To’o (2027), Nathan Cleary (2027), Isaah Yeo (2027), James Fisher-Harris (2026) – will remain together on long-term deals.

Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron congratulated the man they call ‘Tank’ on his new contract.

“Everyone at the club is pleased to see Moses commit to the Panthers until the end of the 2027 season,” he said.

“Moses embodies the qualities that we hold at our club and has consistently demonstrated his strong work ethic.

“We take pride in the fact that Moses has progressed through the ranks at the club and will now continue his journey in Panthers colours.”

With his front-row partner in James Fisher-Harris sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury, Leota will be tasked to lead Penrith’s engine room for their upcoming stretch of games.

Leota stepped up in a big way against Canberra, punching out 162 running metres, 60 post contact and racking up a whopping six tackle breaks over 47 minutes of action.

Moses Leota has signed a new long-term deal with Penrith.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

planning is an ongoing relationship, and we aim to equip you with the tools you need to manage your finances long term.

POSITION: SECOND ROW | NRL DEBUT: V STORM, MAY 2019

WEIGHT: 1 03KG |

HEIGHT: 183CM |

DOB: 05/03/97 |

Over the last three years the Penrith Panthers have broken plenty of records. They set a ‘new record’ last Friday when they became the first team in rugby league history to defeat a side with a scoreline that read 53-12.

Granted, it’s a bit obscure but it got me thinking, just how many club records has this team broken since 2020 and what other records may tumble over the next few years?

First up, we have the record of most consecutive wins with 17 in-a-row between June 19 and October 2020. What a run that was and ironically win number 18 would have, in fact, been a Premiership as Penrith fell short 26-20 to the Melbourne Storm in the decider.

The longest winning run up until that point, was eight games between April 19 and June 7 by the Premiership winning 2003 Panthers side.

Another impressive record by this team since 2020 includes the Longest Winning Away streak of 14 from round 8 2020 until round 11, 2021. Individually, it seems only a career ending injury can stop co-captain Isaah Yeo from playing the most games for the club. Yeo has just notched up game number 200 and has a minimum of four years to pass the legendary Steve Carter, who is currently number one with 243 games.

Another individual club record which will fall in the next two seasons is most points scored for the club. Nathan Cleary, who is currently on 1232 career points, is only 340 behind the number one points scorer Ryan Girdler on 1572. This one also seems a formality.

However the one record that this team would love to match and then break is held by the powerhouse Parramatta Eels side of the 1980s

which not only won three Premierships in-arow (1981-1983) but another one in 1986 to notch up four premier ships in a decade.

Admittedly these records have only stood since 1981 but they would still be nice ones to break. Right now they are still a long way off. Which shows you just how impressive they are and just

how good the Eels were in the 80s. There’s a quote by former great American basketball coach Red Auerbach who once said; “All records are made to be broken”.

Just how many individual and team records this Panthers team of the 2020s will eventually break, remains to be seen. But the ride over the next seven years, is going to be a doozy!

analysis PN42652

Isaah Yeo is set to be a record breaker at the Panthers.

Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

WHY PERTH SHOULD BE NEXT STEP

What a beginning to the new season we’ve seen. Every weekend there’s a handful of games that hang in the balance with barely a few minutes remaining, crowds are up and so are television ratings, and there’s already been five golden point games in five rounds compared to eight in total for the entire 2022 season.

The Dolphins have been nothing short of a barnstorming success and it’s with the newest franchise in mind that the NRL has already made noises about the competition going from 17 teams to 18 as early as 2027.

warren smith

An expansion to 18 teams was always on the cards, but to have that possibility being openly talked about by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, just weeks into the first season of the Dolphins’ existence, tells you a lot about how bullish they are at HQ.

A move to 18 teams gives us an extra game per round which will improve the NRL’s revenue stream from a variety of angles, and the only hard decision to be made is where a new franchise should be based.

There’s a solid push at the moment for a Pasifika team to be included in the competition, with suggestions that it could be located in Port Moresby. I can only imagine

the celebration that would follow in the rugby league-mad Papua New Guinea capital if that idea was given the green light!

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett, along with QRL Chairman Bruce Hartcher, has already jumped onto the front foot and said if expansion is happening the only place for the NRL to consider is Ipswich, in the heart of the growing western corridor just a short drive from Brisbane.

The seven-time premiership winning coach makes a solid argument if the incredible response to the Dolphins is anything to go

by, with more games each season in the footy obsessed South East Queensland region seeming like a sure-fire winner.

Not only that, but the supercoach himself could be the man to lead the new team into the competition, after he hands over the reins at the Dolphins to Kristian Woolf in a couple of years’ time.

The other possibility is taking elite rugby league back to the golden west, more than a quarter century after the game expanded to Perth in 1995.

It always felt like a massive opportunity lost when the Reds

became the victim of a compromise between the ARL and Super League after the 1997 split season.

The good people at the West Australian Rugby League have been waiting patiently over the past 10-15 years for the day when their call for re-admittance to the NRL would be given the thumbs up, and with another former club, the Bears, looking for a way back also, it could be the perfect opportunity to establish an 18th team that already boasts a recognisable brand.

The Perth Bears – put me down for a vote that puts the ‘national’ in National Rugby League.

hidden panther WHO AM I ?

2.

4. I was one of Phil Gould’s more bizarre signings.

5. I played one season at the Panthers.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Josh Mansour

Brought to you by

Perth’s Optus Stadium has already hosted several rugby league games. Photo: NRL Images.

lower grades

PANTHERS BACK TO WINNING WAYS

The Penrith Panthers have returned to the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup winners’ circle, holding off a late surge from the Canberra Raiders to win 24-16 at BlueBet Stadium.

The Panthers wasted no time in going on the attack courtesy of a one-on-one strip by Kurt Falls in the second minute. Liam Henry crashed over near the posts in the ensuing set to take a 6-0 lead.

Both sides had tries disallowed due to double movements as the rain set in, however it was Canberra who were next to score when Semi Valemei got possession back from a kick, locking the scores at 6-all.

Luke Sommerton broke the game open in the 29th minute when he snuck over from dummy half.

lower grades report

He backed it up with another break that led to a try to Tom Jenkins, giving the Panthers a 16-6 lead.

The grind continued for much of the second half, before a bomb from Falls rebounded perfectly for Jack Cole to score with 20 minutes remaining.

Two quick tries to the Raiders cut the score back to 22-16, before a penalty goal from Falls pushed the Panthers’ lead back beyond a converted try just before full-time.

A strong defensive performance helped the Jersey Flegg Panthers claim their first win since Round 1, beating the Raiders 28-6 in the earlier fixture at BlueBet Stadium.

The Panthers dominated the opening minutes thanks to their defence, however it took them until the 15th minute to score through Aston Warwick.

That gave the Panthers the momentum and they quickly backed it up with tries to Kristian

Li-Mai and Ryley Smith, taking a 14-0 lead to half-time.

The Panthers continued to dominate the field position in the second half, scoring tries through Sam Lane and Zac Lipowicz to extend the lead to 24-0.

Livai Kolutalou finally breached the Panthers defence late, however they quickly hit back with Peter Taateo crashing over out wide to complete the 28-6 win.

In Round 6, both grades are at BlueBet Stadium as curtain-raisers to the Panthers-Manly clash.

Panthers hooker Luke Sommerton. Photo: NRL Images.

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NEWCASTLE & HUNTER

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Newcastle West

CENTRAL COAST

Tuesday 15 August 3pm to 8pm

Mingara Recreation Club Tumbi Umbi

WESTERN SYDNEY

Tuesday 5 September 3pm to 8pm

Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre

Cambridge Park

ILLAWARRA

Tuesday 22 August 3pm to 8pm

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SUTHERLAND SHIRE

Tuesday 12 September 3pm to 8pm

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GET DISTRACTED BY COMEDY DUO

goof off after class just as a joke, and those goof offs turned into a career.”

opportunity for young twenty-somethings to reconnect with the Umbilical Brothers.

position in that second, but that’s part of the fun of it!”

Despite having no relation, the Umbilical Brothers – David Collins and Shane Dundas – have been making waves as one of the most iconic duos in comedy. With so many unique shows under their belts, their newest will be taking it back to where it all started, in more ways than one.

The two first met whilst undertaking Theatre Nepean’s three-year acting course at WSU in Penrith, and immediately hit it off.

“Sometimes you meet someone, and you immediately feel you’re on their wavelength, and that was the case with us,” Dundas said.

“We started to make each other laugh, and

Despite being best known for their stage shows, The Umbilical Brothers also appeared in a children’s series called ‘The Upside Down Show’ which aired in 2006.

“We were doing a stage show in New York in 1999, and the people who make ‘Sesame Street’ are based in New York, and they saw the show. They then asked us to make a TV show with them for kids,” he said.

“It was a fantastic working experience, we had more creative control than you could ever imagine on a TV series. We’re in the consciousness of American young adults, and young adults here, because of that era.”

Now, 17 years later, the series is continuing to inspire their new work, creating the perfect

“It’s really special, and we’re getting it a lot, people in that age group coming to our live shows having grown up on the series,” he said.

“It’s a cool new generation of audience, and this stage show is almost like an extension of ‘The Upside Down Show’. It’s like ‘The Upside Down Show’ for adults.”

‘The Distraction’ is a live green screen show with special effects leaving audiences not entirely sure where to look. As entertaining as it is, it’s not as easy as it may appear.

“It’s a real workout, I have to say,” he said.

“We’re just running, we’re running from camera to camera, getting into exactly the right position. If my head turns into just a head floating around, I’ve got to be in the right

Having performed the show on and off for a few years due to the pandemic, Dundas couldn’t be more excited to kick off a new leg of the tour in Penrith.

Describing the show as an “audio visual wormhole”, Dundas said audiences should expect the unexpected – and may even end up in the show themselves.

“You’re in for something you have never seen before. You will not be able to imagine what you’re seeing, and you won’t be able to explain to your friends afterwards what you’ve just seen. But, that’s normal for us,” he said.

‘The Distraction’ will be on at Panthers on Saturday, May 6. For more information or to book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Free movies for the holidays at Panthers

On Thursday, April 13, head down to Panthers for a free school holiday movie screening in the EVAN Theatre. Doors open at 10am, with ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ starting at 10.30am. No booking required – just get in early to claim your seat! ‘The Amazing Maurice’ will also be shown on Monday, April 17. For more information, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood.

Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

Regular events.

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL.

Rhonda 0408 218 965.

The Sunset Station Singers entertain residents mainly in nursing homes. The song list is over 130 songs, ranging from their old time favourites to more current songs.

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

Let creative juices flow at The Joan

This school holidays, the Joan will be running a number of fun workshops to get those creative juices flowing. On Tuesday, April 11, learn how to create a unique character and bring them to life using props and costumes, as well as your body and imagination in the Charismatic Characters Workshop. Booking is essential. For more information, visit www.thejoan.com.au.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit the Lions on Facebook.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0402 699 611.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

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

Penrith NASHO’s monthly meeting

Penrith RSL Club. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Fun and affordable holiday activities

PCYC Penrith will be holding a number of fun school holiday activities for the kids. Run by qualified coaches that have a passion for working with young people in a sport and recreation environment, these programs, including Multi-Sport, Indoor Soccer, and Gymnastics, are designed to be both fun and affordable. For the full timetable, visit pcycnsw.org.au.

Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

Nepean Food Services

Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700. The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group

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

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

TV FAVOURITE HITS THE STAGE

his wife Liz claim they’d love to help – Liz has bigger fish to fry.

One of Australia’s most beloved TV shows is hitting the stage this month at the John Lees Centre in Penrith.

Geoffrey Atherden penned the first episodes of ‘Mother and Son’ in 1984, creating an instant classic!

Now, several decades later, he has done it again.

Everyone’s favourite forgetful mum is back!

From the creator of the hit ABC TV series comes a brand-new stage comedy featuring Maggie, Arthur and Robert in delicious form.

Arthur is at his wits’ end and desperate for some time away with his new girlfriend. But who will look after Maggie?

Whilst Arthur’s dentist brother Robert and

Is Robert having an affair with his hygienist? Will Arthur get to pop the question? Will Maggie go on a trip of her own?

Vague but vicious and more arsenic than old lace, Maggie would have Arthur tied to her apron strings for life, if she could just remember where she put the apron!

Featuring a strong local cast of talented actors, Ruby Productions’ performance of ‘Mother and Son’ will have you laughing until you cry.

Tickets are selling fast, don’t miss out!

Ruby Productions presents ‘Mother and Son’ playing various shows at the John Lees Centre in Penrith on April 15 at 2pm and April 14, 15 and 21 at 7pm. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for concessions and $40 at the door. For more information or to book, visit rubyproductions.com.au.

SPECTACULAR SHOW FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

athletes and artists to keep the crowd going wild.

Morning Melodies at The Hub presents:

The Royal Australian Navy Band

Wednesday 12 April, 10am morning tea | 11am performance

Teeny Tiny Stevies: How to be Creative Tour

Thursday 13 April, 10:30am

Katie Noonan - Joni Mitchell’s Blue 50th Anniversary

Friday 14 April, 8pm

This school holidays, Riverside Theatres will be presenting the phenomenal physical performance, ‘360 ALLSTARS’.

An exciting show exploring all forms of rotation, ‘360 ALLSTARS’ connects the street with the elite in a supercharged urban circus.

With BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more, the show will undoubtedly have audiences on the edge of their seats.

‘360 ALLSTARS’ even features some World Champion and World Record-holding

Soundtracked by award winning musicians, and coupled with spectacular video projections, it’s no surprise that the show has been hailed as ‘pure entertainment’, with an overall aurally and visually astounding experience.

Having sold out shows on Broadway, in Edinburgh, and at the Sydney Opera House, ‘360 ALLSTARS’ has been seen by over one million people worldwide – now it’s your turn to be one of them.

‘360 ALLSTARS’ will be on at Riverside

Theatres on April 11, 12, 13 and 14. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

BOOP by Stratera Circus

Wed 19 April, 10:30am

Sounds of our Towns Mountains Getdown Vol. 5

Thursday 20 April, 7:30pm

The Australian INXS Show

Friday 21 April, 7:30pm

CASSIDY PEARCE

CASSIDY PEARCE

After gracing stages from New Zealand to New York, and appearing in festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, and America, jazz vocalist Hetty Kate will be returning to The Joan this month to showcase some new releases and old favourites.

Often compared to a young Peggy Lee or Doris Day, Hetty has become widely known for her pure tone, diction, faultless rhythm and effortless ease on stage, with James Morrison OAM noting that she has a ‘stage presence only matched by the clarity of her voice’.

With 11 albums now under her belt, in addition to her critically acclaimed solo

recording for ABC Jazz/Universal Music, ‘Dim All the Lights’, it’s no surprise Hetty can’t be more excited to sing some of her best in a new show.

When she comes to The Joan on Friday, April 14, Hetty will be bringing her Trio along, as well as a sparkling selection of classics and curios from ‘The American Songbook’, and some favourites from her most recent release, including ‘Under Paris Skies’.

An absolute treat for jazz lovers, this show in Penrith is not to be missed, so get your tickets now.

The Hetty Kate Trio will be on at The Joan on Friday, April 14 at 7pm. Tickets are $35, or $30 concession and seniors. For more information or to book, visit thejoan.com. au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

FUN FOR ALL AT EASTER SHOW

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is returning to Sydney Olympic Park for 12 massive days full of food, rides and, of course, showbags!

Kicking off this week, the show will run until April 17 and promises to deliver plenty of fun memories for the whole family. Check out this year’s highlights...

Food

Whether you’re after a meal that’s sweet, savoury or straight up indulgent, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is sure to have something for everyone. Alongside its staple food items, the show will also be dishing up plenty of new offerings this year – including the second loca-

tion in NSW for the always popular Cinnabon! Make sure to also check out Neon Alley, the biggest ever food truck installation in the history of the show, where you will be able to order super-sized neon foods like dagwood dogs and glow-in-the-dark fairy floss.

Rides

For the thrill seekers of the group, it’s hard to go pass the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s many rides. And with rides like the Extreme Speed 2, which is 40m high and spins at speeds that exceed 100kph, The Beast and the XXXL, you’re sure to get your blood pumping. Those of a younger demographic, or for adults who just want to keep their lunch down, classic rides like the Super Slide or the action-packed aquatic roller coaster Pirates Revenge will be fun for the whole family.

Animals

A must-see for animal lovers, the Sydney Royal Easter Show features everything from bunnies and goats to snakes and lizards. A highlight for this year is definitely the Native Animal Display, which allows you to get up close and personal with your favourite Australian bush animals, and the Festival of Dog Sports – which is exactly what it sounds like.

Showbags

An iconic part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, it’s almost impossible to go home from the show without at least one showbag. Filled with lollies, toys, games and mementos, head to the Showbag Pavillion for the show’s huge selection of showbags. Some showbags that are sure to become

crowd favourites this year include the Bluey showbag, which is full of merchandise for the popular Australian TV show, the Bubble Tea showbag and the Super Milkybar showbag.

Entertainment

This year, the show isn’t short on entertainment. Check out Bluey and her little sister Bingo during their daily Live Interactive Experiences, watch the spectacular drone show or hold your breath as international Dare Devil Sam Powers is suspended 40 feet in the air buckled inside a regulation straight jacket locked under a flaming set of steel jaws. And after a long day of exploring everything the show has to offer, make sure to stick around for the nightly fireworks display. Head to www.eastershow.com.au.

Throughout history artists in almost every culture looked to the divine for inspiration. Art was meant to uplift, bringing joy to those who created and experienced it. Today, Shen Yun Performing Arts pays homage to this tradition, weaving the wisdom and virtues of Chinese civilization with ancient legends and modern heroic tales on stage.

Shen Yun brings to its audiences a whole new experience, revealing a China untainted by communist rule. Be prepared to traverse time and space and be mesmerised by the action, humour, and beauty of ve millennia. It’s an experience that will uplift your spirit and touch your heart.

I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows. None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

ELLIE BUSBY

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

—Richard Connema, Broadway critic

“

“It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

—Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist

CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

the Phone Booth

the Phone Booth

The Super Mario Bros. Movie AIR

1 hour, 32 minutes

In the feature film adaptation of the popular video game, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ sees a plumber named Mario travel through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.

Then, with help from Princess Peach,

1 hour, 52 minutes

Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.

The film features a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Jack Black, Chris Pratt, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Now showing.

From award-winning director Ben Affleck, ‘AIR’ reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionised the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand.

This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time. Now showing.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê Channel Seven has announced the upcoming season of ‘Farmer Wants A Wife’, hosted by Sam Armytage, will premiere on Easter Monday, April 10 at 7.30pm. In a season first, every farmer will find love this year. How sweet!

Ê The new season of ‘MasterChef Australia’ will premiere on 10 on Monday, May 1 at 7.30pm. 18 contestants will battle it out in the kitchen this season, with judges Jock Zonfrillo, Andy Allen and Melissa Leong all returning. A ‘Secrets and Surprises’ theme has been teased, with UK chef Jamie Oliver set to be one of the surprise guests.

Ê I must say I had to double take when I saw this press release come through last week. Popstar Kesha will share her passion for all things paranormal by checking off her paranormal bucket list in new six-part

series ‘Conjuring Kesha’. The ‘Tik Tok’ singer will explore some of the biggest mysteries, haunted locations and supernatural phenomena with celebrity guests and experts in the unexplained. ‘Conjuring Kesha’ will premiere on Friday, April 28 at 9.30pm on FOX Arena.

Ê It’s been revealed that the new season of ‘The White Lotus’ will be set in Thailand. Despite previous reports that Tokyo would be the location, it seems a resort somewhere in Thailand is being scouted. Expect the new season to air sometime in 2024.

Ê Brand-new episodes of ‘Bondi Rescue’ will drop on 10 from Friday, April 14 at 7.30pm. After two years of closed borders and wet summers, Bondi is back at its busy best as international and interstate visitors return to join locals on the world’s most famous beach.

Ê US cop drama ‘Blue Bloods’ has been renewed for a 14th season in the US. Despite

fears by hardcore fans that it wouldn’t return, Tom Selleck and the entire cast have signed on for one more year. ‘Blue Bloods’ airs on 10 and Paramount+.

Ê Still on renewals, and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will return for a whopping 20th season, extending its record as the longest-running primetime medical drama in US history. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ streams on Disney+.

Ê Season three of ‘The Kardashians’ will premiere on Disney+ on Thursday, May 25.

Ê Disney+ will mark Star Wars Day on May 4 by premiering animated series, ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ which features Jedi younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Slay, Nubs, Master Yoda, Nash Durango and RJ-83. Set during The High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need, and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.

MAY 4 STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES, DISNEY+ APRIL 28 9.30PM CONJURING KESHA, FOX ARENA

Australia (PG)

Get Macca’s®

TV Guide: April 7–13

Your guide to the week’s

4:00 Billion Dollar Wreck (PG) 5:00 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 6:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Hancock” (M l,v) (’08) 10:30 Movie: “Snake Eyes” (M) (’98)

2:25 Movie: “Jack The Giant Slayer” (M v) (’13) Stars: Nicholas Hoult 4:45 Movie: “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (PG) (’90) Stars: Phoebe Cates Kline 7:00 Movie: “Innerspace” (PG) (’87) Stars: Dennis Quaid 9:30 Movie: “The Aviator” (M l) (’04)

4:50 Bush Bands Bash

5:50 Going Native (PG) 6:20 Chuck And The First People’s

3:30 Movie: “Innerspace” (PG) (’87)

Stars: Dennis Quaid 6:00 Modern Family (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA (M l) 2:30 Modern Family (PG)

3:15 AFL: Women’s Under 18s 4:25 AFL: Men’s Under 18s 5:40 Off Country (PG) 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Nature's Great Migration (PG) 7:20 Our Law (PG) 8:30 Muhammad Ali (M v) 10:20 Movie: “RabbitProof Fence” (PG) (’02)

12:00 JAG (PG) 1:00

Pooches At Play 1:30 I Fish 2:00 What’s Up Down Under 2:30 Football: Round 23: Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20

Movie: “Rambo: Last Blood” (MA15+) (’19)

6:00 Friends (PG) 7:30

The Neighbourhood (PG) 9:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

1:00 Seaway (PG) 2:00

Movie: “Frankie And Johnny” (G) (’66) Stars: Elvis Presley 3:50 Movie: “The Barefoot Contessa” (PG) (’54)

(’04) Stars: Brad Pitt 9:30

Movie: “Locked Down” (M d,l) (’21) Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Stars: Humphrey Bogart 6:30 Desert Vet (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Ben-Hur” (PG) (’59) Stars: Charlton Heston Classifications:

(M)

11:15 Murdoch Mysteries (PG)

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Pre Game 7:30 AFL: Round 5: Adelaide v Carlton *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You?

6:30 Food Safari 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 8:00 The Spice Trails: Latin America (In English/ Spanish)

6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Sue Perkins’ Big American Road Trip (PG)

6:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG)

Country House Hunters Australia 8:30 Country House Hunters NZ

6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (M)

8:30 Movie: “Shanghai Knights” (M v) (’03) Stars: Jackie Chan

6:40 Brazil Untamed (PG) 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG)

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

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: ICE WORDS

ADVICE

CHOICE

COWARDICE

CREVICE

DEVICE

JUSTICE

LATTICE

NOVICE

PRACTICE

PRECIPICE

PREJUDICE

REJOICE

SACRIFICE SERVICE

SLUICE

THRICE

TWICE

VOICE

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about country music in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In what regional NSW town was Australian country music legend Slim Dusty born?

2. Australian country star Morgan Evans was married to which American country songstress?

3. Which American country star, who will tour Australia this year, sings ‘Hurricane’?

4. What is the country music channel on Foxtel called?

5. Johnny Cash was known as what?

6. Which veteran country act has sold more records than The Beatles?

7. In what year did Shania Twain with both the ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year?

ANSWERS

1. Nulla Nulla Creek

2. Kelsea Ballerini

3. Luke Combs

4. CMT

5. The man in black

6. Garth Brooks

7. 1999

more than just home brew

• Cheese Kits

• Beer-Making Kits

• Jerky-Making Kits

• Smoker Boxes

• Bacon Kits • Spirit &

640

The solutions will

Lainey Wilson who won school shooting in Nashville

and called on the country music community to come together and demand action

Later, Ballerini performed alongside drag queens in a live rendition of ‘If You Go -

ant: drag performers have recently been banned in Tennessee, and Ballerini’s statement live on stage in Texas was obvious and

If you missed out on seeing the CMT Awards this year, keep an eye out for an encore broadcast on Foxtel, or check out the live performances on YouTube and on the CMT Facebook page.

BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Sociable Jupiter links up with the Sun, so you’re keen to create, activate and communicate (especially within your local community). Some caution is required though otherwise you could be drawn into a power struggle with a child, teenager, business colleague or close friend. As actress, writer and birthday great Emma Thompson reminds us, “Children don’t need much advice, but they really do need to be listened to, and not just with half an ear.”

On Friday, Saturn (in your sign) squares Venus (in your domestic zone) so there could be a tricky problem with a frustrated family member or a stressed housemate. Patience and plenty of diplomacy will get you through. The Sun and Jupiter also link up in your money zone, which is good news for a possible pay rise, bonus, gift, major windfall or minor discount deal. Whatever happens this week –big or small – enjoy your wins wherever you find them!

Prepare for one of the luckiest weeks of the year! The Sun and Jupiter link up in Aries, so confidence and self-belief will take you far. You’re also keen to make connections with other people, as Venus and Pluto highlight your communication and networking zones. It’s a terrific time to initiate ideas and make waves within your circle of influence. Powerful and positive collaborations are the keys to future success, so roll up your sleeves and get cracking Rams.

You’re in tip-top form this week Taurus as Mercury, Venus and Uranus all transit through your sign. With Venus and Pluto activating your career zone, creativity and confidence will take you far at work. The Sun and Jupiter also highlight your contemplation zone, so meditation, reading and relaxing are also favoured. Your motto is from actress and activist Emma Watson (who turns 33 on Friday), “My greatest relaxation is to sit with a book.” Perhaps it’s your turn?

The Sun and Jupiter join forces so open and honest communication is required, but make sure you don’t become the neighbourhood nosey parker. Passing on unverified hear-say could lead to consequences, so think long and hard Gemini before you spread secrets and garrulous gossip. What’s needed are kind words, helpful actions and noble deeds. Those around you can expect some amusing antics and manic moments from you and your peer group pals.

On Tuesday or Wednesday a lucky opportunity could come your way, as the Sun and Jupiter join forces in your career zone. With Mars moving through your sign and Venus shifting into your spirituality zone, this week is all about listening to your inner voice and following your intuition. So your motto for the moment is from actress and feminist Emma Watson (who turns 33 on Saturday), “All I can do is follow my instincts, because I’ll never please everyone.”

Calling all restless, curious Cats! It’s one of your luckiest weeks of the year as the golden Sun (your ruler) links up with Jupiter, planet of prosperity and positivity. So fun times and fortunate opportunities are likely – especially involving education, aspirations, adventure, travel and/or tourism. However, when it comes to close friends and complicated finances, try to keep the two well-separated. At the moment, money and mates are a messy combination.

Venus transits into your career zone so confidence and chutzpah will take you far at work. If you stop criticising others – and turn on the charm instead – then you’ll zoom ahead in leaps and bounds. You’ll also gain valuable insights into the hidden motivations of a loved one, but make sure you use such information discreetly. And don’t forget to laugh! Your mantra is from fellow Virgo, Roald Dahl, “A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.”

With the Sun and Jupiter joining up in your relationship zone, the buzz words are communication, consultation and cooperation. Your natural Libran talent for negotiation will get you through! Heed the wise words of actress, activist, and birthday great Emma Thompson, “Any problem, big or small, always seems to start with bad communication.” It’s also a good week to catch up with family and friends from faraway places, either in person or online.

Stubborn Scorpios can too easily get stuck in a stultifying daily regime that gets boring. This week it’s time to ricochet out of your usual routine and do something completely different. Variety is the spice of life as you experiment with exciting new activities and enjoy some spontaneous adventures. But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist. So, if you want to avoid problems and power struggles, then learn to graciously let go and move on.

It’s a wonderful week to let the good times roll, as the Sun and Jupiter join forces to put a sunny smile on your Sagittarian dial. The stars highlight entertaining, eating out, movies, concerts, parties, personal pampering, fashion, fun and more. You’re keen to indulge in pleasure and leisure in equal measure! But be careful what you say to a stressed family member. Deft diplomacy is paramount. If in doubt, just zip your lips and say absolutely nothing.

This week your ruler Saturn squares Venus, which could crank up your controlling side and encourage ego battles with others. So try to balance steely determination with a deft diplomatic touch. The Sun/Jupiter conjunction brings a welcome reprieve as you charm family members and close friends, plus influence important people with your can-do Capricorn attitude. If there’s a challenging job to tackle or a tall mountain to climb –you’re the one to do it!

Intergenerational financial planning

When planning our finances, we often underestimate some of the influences that can negatively impact our best laid plans, especially as we approach retirement.

The situation of our family members can greatly affect our own situation, and trying to manage this is referred to as intergenerational planning.

It is more and more common to see children staying at home longer or returning home, sometimes with their own family. Elderly parents often become our responsibility. This has some wonderful benefits socially, most retired couples cherish this time with their parents, children and/or grandchildren (most of time anyway), there are however financial consequences.

When an elderly parent moves in with you, there are a raft of potential financial planning issues for both the parties. The cost-of-living is likely to change for both parties, there is likely to be Centrelink consequences and it is possible that preparations for an age care facility might be required.

If the parent has sold or is selling their home, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed. It is common to see the elderly parent contribute to an extension, granny flat or alike; in itself this is strategy that has merit. This may reduce the assessable assets, improve living arrangements for both parties and, in general, makes some sense. There are provisions that need to accompany this strat-

egy. It is necessary to ensure that an elderly parent has some certainty that they will retain either the right to remain living with their child or have some recourse to recoup their contribution. Although no one has any intention of leaving their parents out in the cold, there are a number of events that can have potentially

The most likely way that your children (or grandchildren) can become reliant on you is due to death or serious illness. These are insurable events; making sure that your children and partners have adequate insurances can protect you from this financial burden. It is becoming more common for parents to actually take out insurance on their kids to

just touched on a few issues here, but the point I’m trying to make is that those around us can greatly affect our own plans and being aware of this and developing contingency plans gives us the best chance of the retirement we imagine.

TALKING TECH

AI technologies that can help you

Recently I wrote about ChatGPT / Bing Artificial Intelligence (AI). This week I will mention a few other AI technologies worth looking at. Over the coming weeks, I will additionally look at a few of them in more detail. So let’s have a look at some of my favourites.

MidJourney is a fantastic program that generates images based on a text description. For example, I could ask it to generate a picture of a snake swimming in a fishbowl in the middle of a field. It will generate a highly detailed image. It is currently in beta; you must have a Discord account to access it. Descript is an AI software tool designed for audio and video editing, transcription, and collaboration. It uses advanced speech recognition technology to automatically transcribe audio and video files, making it easy for users to edit and manipulate their content. It allows users to edit audio and video files as quickly as they would edit text. The changes made in the transcript are reflected in the audio and video file in real time.

Synthesia is an AI that allows you to input a script, and it will use a professional actor and have them speak the exact script back to you. It can also have the actor speak the script in multiple languages. The actor is AI computer-controlled, so the resulting video is generated immediately.

DALL-E 2 is similar to Midjourney in that it can create graphics from textual descriptions. It can create images of complex scenes,

objects, and characters that don’t exist in the real world, and it can also manipulate existing images to create new variations. For example, you can use it to change the outfit you are wearing in a photo without affecting the remainder of the picture.

WriteSonic is an AI-powered copywriting tool designed to help users create marketing

What do you think about it and how are you using it post COVID -19 pandemic?

The University of Tasmania is inviting you to take part in anonymous online survey exploring your experiences of the My Health Record post COVID-19 pandemic.

Why have I been asked to participate?

In 2016, the Federal Government created an electronic My Health Record for everyone living within the Nepean Blue Mountains and Northern Queensland districts. This study will focus on exploring experiences of people living in the within the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, and Penrith Local Government Areas (LGAs) and your interaction with My Health Record. Which is why we are asking you to complete the online survey. This online anonymous survey is for participants aged 18 years and over.

Are there any possible benefits from me participating in this survey?

For each full survey completed, a $2 donation will be made on your behalf to GIVIT, who is coordinating donations and offers of assistance to help flood -impacted communities across NSW. 100% of donated money GIVIT receives will be used to purchase essential items and services needed by people and communities impacted by the Severe Storms and Flooding in February 2022.

The outcome of this research may provide ideas on how to improve the experience of people using the My Health Record.

How do I access the survey and learn more about it?

Scan the QR Code on this flyer . An information sheet with further details about part icipating in this survey is available at the website the QR Code will direct you to.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

My name is Kellie-Anne Crameri, this survey is part of a Doctor of Health that I am currently completing at the University of Tasmania. For any questions or further information please contact me via email: Kellieanne.crameri@utas.edu.au

This study has been approved by the University of Tasmania Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). If you have concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study, please contact the Executive Officer of the HREC via email human.ethics@utas.edu.au. The Executive Officer is the person nominated to receive complaints from research participants. Please quote ethics reference number H0017631.

copy, product descriptions, social media posts, and other types of written content. The tool uses natural language processing to analyse input data and generate content that matches the user’s intent. Users can input information, such as the target audience, desired tone and style, and key features or benefits to highlight.

Elevenlabs is an AI that allows you to make an exact clone of your voice. Now you don’t have to speak the content you are creating; you can have the AI do it in your voice.

Merlin allows you to add a ChatGPT Assistant to your web browser. So if you are answering a text or email, you can use ChatGPT to help you respond.

Greencross Vets Coreen Avenue

PET CHAT

1300 818 125

Is my dog happy having the same food every day, or should I change it up?

As adults, we’ve become accustomed to experiencing a broad spectrum of tastes and flavours across an ever-changing weekly menu. However, we offer the same mundane meal, in the same bowl in the exact location, to our pets daily. So, the question is, “Is my dog happy having the same food every day?” Are we unconsciously depriving our furry family members of the excitement of a different satisfying, nutritious meal every day, or are our pets happy with the repetitive daily routine?

First, it is essential to choose good-quality dog food formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Dogs have different dietary requirements depending on their age, size, and activity level, so selecting a food appropriate for your dog’s specific needs is important.

Next, look for a complete and balanced food that provides all of the nutrients your dog needs in the proper proportions.

Once you have selected a high-quality, balanced diet for your dog, it is generally fine for them to eat the same food daily. In fact, many veterinarians and pet nutritionists recommend a consistent diet for dogs, as it can help to prevent digestive issues and other problems.

Dogs generally do not get bored eating the same food every day.

Studies have shown that because they have less taste buds (1700) compared to humans (9000) they don’t appreciate different tastes like we do.

Another way to spice up their regular food is to add Hemp Seed Oil which has an array of health benefits for your pooch while also changing the texture and consistency of their food

You can also crumble green-lipped mussels to change their regular food, which has been connected to reduced joint pain and inflammation and improved dog mobility. Both these products as well as a range of premium dry food can be purchased online at www.petfoodaustralia.com.au.

Three things you need to know about pain: Education can be key to solution

Working as a health care professional, I see people in pain every day. Despite advances in medicine and science, pain levels continue to rise; with one in five Australians over 45 years of age suffering from chronic pain. Poor education about pain contributes to ongoing pain, so here are three things you need to know about pain.

Pain, tissue damage and pathology do not always correlate

Too often people get radiographic imaging and are instantly under the impression that the findings on the report are the reason behind their pain. For some patients imaging can provide evidence of a significant underlying pathology that can explain their pain and guide further treatment. However, in a large percentage of patients, imaging has no or little correlation with clinical findings and can provide a ‘red herring’. For example, studies have found that 70 per cent of the population have lower back degenerative changes shown on MRI but most are asymptomatic and not in pain. It is essential to find a correlation between symptoms and imaging results to consider the results significant.

Pain is from the brain

Pain doesn’t exist until the brain tells us it does. The brain protects itself from danger. Any situation your brain perceives as harmful will increase your likelihood of pain. However, the amount of tissue damage doesn’t always correlate with the amount of

pain experienced. For example, have you ever got a big bruise but can’t remember how you got it? But then you get a

tiny paper cut and it hurts a great deal. This is what makes pain so complex!

Perception of pain influences your experience

It is important to remember everyone experiences and perceives pain differently. Some people claim to have a high pain threshold however there is no accurate way to measure and compare pain tolerance.

Anxiety levels, past experience, culture and knowledge all influence perception of pain. This is important when considering how much you understand and know about your pain.

When someone has a better knowledge of their pain, they can develop effective coping strategies compared to those who don’t understand their pain.

I live in: Jordan Springs

Keagan

THE DHARUG CONNECTION

A special weekly focus on local Indigenous affairs and services

Nathan Scott Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation

www.srac.ngo

Explaining the important programs run by Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation

Sydney Regional Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC) offer many programs for the community – Keeping it Deadly (KID) was developed to address the over representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in detention and as an early intervention for young people at risk of offending.

The program has run for over seven years, recognising individual needs and building strengths with positive, attainable goals to reduce recidivism.

Made up of three components (Get Out, Get Deadly, Stay Deadly

and On the Road), each reinforces and builds on skills learned and empowers participants through leadership and mentoring.

Introducing Deadly Touch Tuesdays. Our new outreach initiative in Get Out, Get Deadly.

DEADLY TOUCH TUESDAY

This is a new outreach activity for Get Out, Get Deadly. Each Tuesday in school term we pop up in neighbourhoods to engage youth after school.

Just a run around with the ball and a feed.

Each location runs for two weeks. Follow our social media

pages for updated locations and times.

ON THE ROAD

The ‘On the Road’ program utilises the knowledge and skills participants have gained through GOGD and Stay Deadly, by giving them the responsibility of leading and mentoring other youth.

Mentors travel with the SRAC Team to remote NSW communities to mentor youth and run community events and sporting clinics that are inclusive of people of all ability.

SRAC typically take participants to the Country of one of

Peter Dutton Federal Opposition Leader

www.peterdutton.com.au

Helpful Contacts

our staff – leading by example to reengage youth with culture, our connection to land and people.

Our next stop is COONAMBLE! We are excited to be hitting the road again.

STAY DEADLY The Stay Deadly holiday program is an opportunity for young people to explore further leadership development opportunities through skill building activities, social interactions, safety, wellbeing, employment, education, and through cultural connection. Visit www.srac.ngo.

Paying tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Yunupingu, following his passing this week

The news of the passing of Yunupingu will resonate around the nation. This is an immensely sad occasion for Australians, especially for Indigenous Australians.

A Gumatj man of the Yolngu people, Yunupingu was born in 1948 on the island of Gunyangara in Melville Bay in Arnhem Land. He was educated at the Yirrkala mission school before attending the Methodist Bible College in Brisbane.

As a young man, he became an advocate for advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights. He was a pioneer and a forefather for the cause. His courage and commitment throughout his life changed our nation and inspired many.

In 1963, he helped draft the Yirrkala Bark Petitions with his father and uncle. Those petitions asserted Aboriginal ownership of the land over which mining rights had been granted by the government without consulting the Yolngu owners.

While the Yolngu were unsuccessful in the Gove Land Rights case, their legal action set in motion change. For in 1976, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act was passed by federal parliament – our country’s first legislation to enable Indigenous Australians to claim land rights.

Yunupingu joined the Northern Land Council and would later become its chair. He helped Indigenous Australians in negoti-

Yunupingu

ations with mining companies. And he was deeply respected by all sides of politics and all the prime ministers with whom he engaged.

On Gunyangara, he helped found the Dhupuma Barker junior school which combines an Australian education with traditional Yolngu teachings. Yunupingu also started businesses on the island which saw his people provided with employment opportunities. In 2018, he established the Galkula mine –the first mine to be Indigenous owned and run in Australia.

When I visited Arnhem Land in February, the influence of Yunupingu was omnipresent in the community.

Testimony to Yunupingu’s achievements, he was named Australian of the Year in 1978, made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1985, and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Melbourne in 2015.

Yunupingu passed away on his land in Arnhem Land, among his people and with his family.

Today we acknowledge the life and legacy of not just a great Indigenous Australian, but one of our greatest Australians.

May he rest in peace.

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services 4721 8520 nepeancommunity.org.au

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service 4729 7300 27-29 Lawson St, Penrith

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

KARI Aboriginal Resources (02) 8782 0333 kari.org.au

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998 aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Aboriginal Land Council (02) 9689 4444

Service NSW 13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au

to produce this concept.

with Caroline Kennedy.

Volkswagen creates buzz

Five EVs before 2025: Manufacturer confirms major news for Australian market

Volkswagen has confirmed five new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will start production for Australia before 2025 – and each of the brand’s dealerships nationwide will be fully charged ready to sell and service them from day one.

The armada of BEVs set to be offered will include a Golf-sized hatchback with the upgraded and more premium ID.3, family SUVs the Tiguan-sized ID.4 and ID.5, plus the funky ID.Buzz people mover and its ID.Buzz Cargo van derivative. All five fabulously diverse and quintessentially Volkswagen BEV solutions are scheduled to start production for Australia in 2024, all within about the next 20 months – at an average of one all-new BEV for every five months.

Most importantly for customers –and in a vote of confidence for the brand’s electric future – all 100-plus Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will sell and service each BEV from the off.

Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles

director Michal Szaniecki said the brand is ensuring it rolls out BEVs in a way that customers expect from the leader in mainstream vehicles.

“Just as Australians have long expected that a Golf or Tiguan will lead their segment for premium feel and the most enjoyable driving

characteristics, we’re ensuring the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 launch with these same attributes top of mind,” he said.

“Upgraded product such as the more premium ID.3 and a 500km-plus range for ID.4 and ID.5 will gel with our ability to sell these

vehicles nationwide, no matter which dealership is closest to you. This is an advantage that not all start-up companies are able to match.

“We can confirm the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 will both start production and go on sale next year, so our message for customers thinking about switching to a BEV is this – we’re here in 2024, and here in a big way.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies said that technical approval for the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo means that both are locked in and ready to go for production to start at the end of 2024.

“Volkswagen has an incredible heritage with Australians from their love of the iconic Kombi decades ago to their world-beating enthusiasm for Amaroks in the present day,” he said.

“The ID.Buzz is a people mover that stops traffic, people stop, stare and smile. It’s an incredible blend of style and function that will capture the imagination of Australians –and is reflected by our ambitious sales volumes.

“We expect the ID.Buzz Cargo to

sell at least as well, and it’s incredibly appealing for sole traders who want to reduce their emissions in the most fun way possible. This is a proper, from the ground up tradies’ BEV – not a tacked-on reverse engineering of an existing diesel vehicle.”

The line-up for the Volkswagen ID.3 will pursue maximum attainability in a premium and drivable way, with a pricing target under $60,000 in order to maximise national and state-based electric vehicle incentives.

The Volkswagen ID.4 and the coupe-style design-led ID.5 will provide Volkswagen Tiguan customers with three choices in the medium SUV segment – BEV with a 500km-plus range, or high-performing and efficient turbocharged petrol engines.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo will pursue maximum individuality and style, coexisting with the function of a long driving range, practical payload and plenty of space for occupants and cargo alike.

For more information, visit volkswagen.com.au.

Five EVs before 2025 – Volkswagen confirms ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo.

SPORT

Honours continue for siblings

It’s not often you find siblings supporting each other, especially as teenagers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth when talking about Toby and Jemma Camilleri.

The Berkshire Park siblings have formed a special bond over the years due to their passion for javelin.

The local high schoolers began their Little Athletics careers as fiveyear-olds before narrowing in on the thrilling throwing event as they got older.

Speaking with the Weekender, Toby said he was a big fan of all throwing sports before landing on javelin.

“I started off as a sprinter when I was really young then I slowly moved on to throwing events, so I was doing discus and shot put before picking up javelin,” the 17-year-old said.

“I won my first State medal in discus in the U9’s and then as soon as I started throwing jav, I fell in love with it and haven’t looked back since.”

Toby’s 13-year-old sister Jemma picked up javelin after watching her brother compete over the years.

“Because Toby was throwing, I threw as well. I did sprint training but wasn’t very good at it,” she said.

“I probably knew I was good at javelin when I won my first medal – I thought this might be my sport. Javelin is very enjoyable, and I love doing it.”

The pair, who are popular members

of the Cranebrook Little Athletics Centre, also receive private coaching on the side, which has proved instrumental in taking their talents to the next level.

Recently, they competed at the State Track and Field Championships at Sydney Olympic Park, with Toby winning Gold in the U17 javelin event with a throw of 58.20m, while Jemma took out Bronze in the U14 event with a personal best throw of 37.54m.

Both Camilleri siblings qualified for late April’s Australian Little Athletics Championships in Melbourne, while Toby will also contest the upcoming Australian Track and Field Championships in Brisbane.

Jemma, who is in Year 8 at Caroline Chisholm College, said she looks up to her older brother and appreciates all the advice she receives from him.

“Toby is good… I look up to him a lot actually. He often gives me tips of what to do,” she said.

“I actually want to beat him one day, I want to throw further than him but he’s always there to help me.”

Toby, who is currently in Year 11 at St Dominic’s College, said he’s inspired by his younger sister and all that she’s achieved so far.

“It’s good to see her competing at Little Athletics Nationals, I never got that opportunity as it wasn’t around when I was her age, so it’s good to see her succeeding in that,” he said.

“I also like having Jemma around

NATHAN TAYLOR

Jemma and Toby Camilleri are impressing in athletics.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Rams off to top start under new coach

but this is the first time coaching first grade.”

With a brand-new coach at the helm, the Penrith Rams are looking to return to the Finals of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition.

Following the departure of Premiership-winning coach Kevin Kirk in the off-season, the Rams have recruited none other than one of the club’s most capped players to fill his enormous shoes.

Jason Ware, who played more than 300 games for the Rams between 1985 and 2017, kicked off his new gig with a win last weekend in the opening round of the 2023 season.

Speaking with the Weekender following Penrith’s 50-48 triumph over the Balmain Tigers at Greygums Oval, Ware said he was looking forward to the challenge of taking over from Kirk.

“I’ve had a fair bit to do with Kevin over the years, I actually played with him in the U12s. I knew he was looking at stepping down, so I decided to put my hand up,” Ware said.

“I’ve coached reserve grade and captained first grade for a few years and won some awards as a player,

Come

With most of the 2022 squad back along with some new recruits and talented local juniors, Ware is hoping he’ll be able to return his beloved club to the promised land again.

“I saw a few things in the team last year that I thought they could improve on,” Ware admitted.

“I don’t want to change too much but a bit of a different game plan, and I’m also trialling a few blokes in different positions. We played a few young blokes without much, if any, first grade experience last week, they are all local juniors.”

Last week Penrith fought back from 22 points down at half-time to defeat

the Tigers by two behinds. Without any trial games to blow out the cobwebs, Ware was very proud of his side’s resilience and grit.

“It was a game of two halves. We had a lot of chances in the first half that we blew and didn’t play the way we wanted,” he said.

“I think not having a pre-season game didn’t help. We were very rusty. But in the second half we made some changes despite being down on troops, and it was a pretty gutsy win in the end.”

The Rams will look to make it two from two when they return from the Easter break to battle Southern Power next Saturday afternoon at Waratah Oval.

Pendragons Abreast:

On 4th March we paddled as one with our Pendragons sports crew at the Shellharbour regatta. Pendragons placed in every heat and had a powerful finish to achieve 3rd place in the Major finals.

On Sunday 5 March, Pendragons Abreast joined with Dragons Abreast Illawarra for a leisurely paddle on Lake Illawarra followed by a delicious breakfast. A great weekend that reminds us why we joined dragon boating for health, fitness, fun and camaraderie. Next stop New Zealand.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April - International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission regatta in New Zealand

Want

Saturdays 8:30 - 10:30 - join us in a dragon boat for a come and try session on the Nepean River.

Meet at Nepean Rowing Club. Come and try dates. Sat 29/4

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Penrith Rams in action last weekend.

Photo: Charlotte White.

The Rams take some instructions.

Photo: Charlotte White.

Teen set for world stage

From Come and Try Day to Europe: Codie Davidson’s rise up slalom ranks

Codie said she took up the sport through a simple Come and Try Day at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Emu Plains teenager Codie Davidson will make her European paddling debut this August when she represents Australia at the Canoe Slalom Junior World Championships.

The 16-year-old was recently selected in the Paddle Australia National Junior Team for the upcoming World Championships, which will take place in beautiful Krakow, Poland.

“I never thought I’d make the Australian team,” an excited Codie told the Weekender while at training this week.

“When me and my family found out, we all cried.

“I’m looking forward to competing in a different environment, I’ve heard canoe slalom is very big in Europe.

“It will be good to see just how big it is over there.”

The C1 and K1 prospect was selected in the Australian team following strong performances at both the Penrith Open and Australian Open back in February.

“We had two selection races, and

you have to make a percentage, so the percentage is for different age groups,” Codie explained.

“I had a percentage more than

what people in the Senior and U23 had, and I was lucky enough to make the percentage and therefore make the team.”

Codie’s selection in the team is a huge deal for the talented Year 11 Xavier College student as she’s only been paddling for around five years.

“There was a Come and Try Day and my Mum asked me if I wanted to go and I said ‘sure’,” Codie recalled.

“I think when it reached winter after the summer that I started, I still wanted to keep doing it and then I eventually got good at it.”

Codie got so good that she now trains alongside Olympians and heroes like Jessica Fox on a regular basis.

“At first it was intimidating training with them but it’s fine now, they are just like regular people,” Codie said.

“Jess always comes up and says hi and talks to us.

“I hope to make the Olympics like her someday.”

If you want your child to follow in Codie’s footsteps and give canoe slalom a crack, the Western Sydney Whitewater Club, who are affiliated with Paddle Australia, will host a free Talent Identification camp for 11 to 16-year-olds at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from April 19-21. For information and to register for the upcoming event, visit https:// bit.ly/3ZIgjmM.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Codie Davidson at training this week.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Litchfield earns UK call-up

Penrith batting sensation to represent Australia in upcoming Ashes Tour

similar group to the squad which won the T20 World Cup in February.”

Fresh off guiding Penrith to their maiden women’s first grade title last month, local batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield will be looking to do the same when she represents Australia in the upcoming Women’s Ashes Tour of the UK.

The New South Wales rising star, who made her One-Day International debut in January, is the only change to the Australian squad that secured a record-breaking sixth T20 World Cup title in South Africa earlier this year.

Late last month, the 19-year-old was the star of the Women’s Premier Cricket Grand Final, putting on a Player of the Match performance, smashing 99 runs in Penrith’s dominant nine wicket, 25-over victory against Northern District.

Australia are set to play one Test match, three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals as part of the multi-format series from mid-June to mid-July, while an Australia A squad will play three T20s as well as three 50-over fixtures, running concurrently to the Ashes.

Additionally, Australia and England will each play a three-day warm-up against England A and Australia A respectively in preparation for the Test match at Trent Bridge beginning on June 22.

“Following the success of the side at the

recent T20 World Cup, the focus now turns to the exciting challenge of retaining the Ashes away from home,” Cricket Australia Head of Performance (Women’s) and National Selec-

tor, Shawn Flegler said.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a consistent side across all formats over the past couple of years and as a result we have selected a

The only change to the Australian line-up was that of Litchfield, who was named in the Australia A squad for their series against England A in January 2022.

Flegler believes the Sydney Thunder and Breakers star has a long and bright future in the international game.

“Phoebe Litchfield has taken her game to the next level in the past 12 months, we view her as a long-term player for Australia and it’s pleasing to reward her progress with selection in an Ashes squad,” he said.

“The Australia A squad contains experienced performers in domestic cricket, along with several emerging players who we believe have exciting futures ahead of them.

“It’s hugely beneficial to have an Australia A component to the tour and provide an opportunity for our developing players to test themselves in conditions they may not experience in Australia.

“The nature of the concurrent tours also offers flexibility and allows players to be available for and cross over into both squads, whether it be from a preparation perspective or to provide an opportunity at international level.”

Australia’s squad for the One-Day series against Ireland is set to be announced at the conclusion of the Women’s Ashes Test in Nottingham.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Phoebe Litchfield will represent Australia.

Photo: Ian Bird Photography.

1975 Pancakes On The Rocks has been a Sydney favourite with restaurants at The Rocks, Northmead, Darling Harbour, Beverly Hills & Darling Square. With something for everyone from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we have a wide range of meals including Ribs, Steak, Pizzas, Salad, Crepes & of course our Pancakes.

Around The Grounds

BASKETBALL: Penrith have lost both games in Round 4 of the NBL1 East competition. Penrith’s women’s team were no match for the Central Coast Crusaders, going down 84-63 last Sunday. Star Penrith guard Tahlia Tupaea led her team with 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s team put in an improved performance but ultimately went down 86-75. Caleb Fetui-Fa’amoe led his team with a whopping 25 points and 16 boards. Both sides will look to bounce back when they take on the Hills Hornets on Good Friday at Hills Basketball Stadium.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have narrowly defeated North Shore United 56-55 in Round 2 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers U23s team enjoyed a 51-40 win over United to record back-to-back wins to start the year. Both sides will take on the Central Coast Heart in Round 3.

SUPER NETBALL: Giants Netball continue to remain winless to start the year, putting in a poor fourth quarter performance to go down to the Melbourne Vixens 62-57 in Round 3 of the Super Netball competition. The Giants will continue to search for their maiden win of the season when they battle the Adelaide Thunderbirds this Sunday in SA.

AFL: A rollercoaster affair at Giants Stadium last Saturday evening has seen Carlton walk away with the points in Round 3 of the AFL competition. Both sides traded goals in the first three quarters before the Blues pulled away in the fourth to secure the 74-64 victory. Despite the loss, GWS were boosted by the return of Josh Kelly (30 disposals, one goal) and Lachie Whitfield

(27) from concussion, while Stephen Coniglio (29) continued his superb start to the season. The Giants will hit the road on Easter Sunday to play Essendon at Marvel Stadium.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 9 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with excellent results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball Cup, Penrith finished second on the ladder after nine rounds with a 42-10 thumping of the Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend. In the Harold Matthews Cup, Penrith were crowned Minor Premiers of the competition following a 52-6 carve up of the Bulldogs. Both teams have qualified for the post-season, with the Finals kicking off next weekend.

SOCCER: A high scoring affair has seen the Western Sydney Wanderers go down to Adelaide United 3-2 at CommBank Stadium. With a top two spot on the line, the Reds and Wanderers were all tied up at half-time. Adelaide then scored two quick goals as the second half got underway to push out to a 3-1 advantage. Western Sydney managed to claw one back in the 60th minute but were unable to get the equaliser in the final 30 minutes of game-time. Recently re-signed Wanderers captain Marcelo was handed a red card towards the end of the match following his involvement in a last-minute fracas. The Wanderers will look to bounce back this Saturday night when they take on Macarthur.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, email Nathan@westernweekender. com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westernweekender or Tweet us @wwpenrith.

SPORT

Cricketer bound for UK - see page 78

Dodgers come calling for Doolan

long before Doolan received one last call to inform him that he would be signed by the LA Dodgers.

was the Dodgers of all teams who showed the most interest – much to the delight of Doolan’s friends back home.

One of the most famous sporting franchises in the world have secured the signing of an Emu Plains man as the American baseball season gets underway.

Former St Dominic’s College student Liam Doolan linked up with the Los Angeles Dodgers this week after signing with the 2020 MLB World Series Champions late last year.

The 24-year-old pitcher was pursued by Dodgers scouts after going undrafted despite a strong, albeit injury plagued, College career.

Speaking with the Weekender, Doolan said to get noticed he would post videos on social media of him pitching as well as attend various training camps for young baseballers across the United States.

“After going undrafted, I went to a training facility in North Carolina to continue developing my craft,” he said.

“I would post videos on Twitter and places like that to generate interest. A day after the MLB Draft, I ended up getting a text from the Dodgers asking if I had interest from other teams. There was a lot of back and forth, but it all kicked off from there.”

After several conversations, it wasn’t too

“The deal was done over the phone… it was a pretty stressful week,” Doolan said.

“The guy finally called me and said, ‘do you want to be a Los Angeles Dodger? We’d love to offer you a contract’. He was super casual about it.

“I was with my mate in an apartment he was staying at. It was about 10pm and I got the call asking if I wanted to sign and they sent the contract straight over.”

When Doolan went over to the US back in 2017, it was his lifelong dream to get signed by a pro team. Back-to-back elbow injuries stunted his development before he finally got things going at the second school he went to, Tennessee Wesleyan.

“I was starting to get some interest post-surgery because of how fast I was throwing. I was up to 98m/h, which is a good speed for College and even professional baseball, but nothing came of it because I was still struggling from the pitching side of things,” Doolan said.

“The next school I was at, Tennessee, I had a lot more interest from teams because I was throwing well and talent scouts would come out to games and chat with my coaches.”

After numerous years plying his trade, it

“Two of my best mates are LA Dodgers fans and they loved it,” Doolan said.

“Just being one of the biggest teams in baseball, I heard they would be great with my development. They are strong at the Major League level as well. It was a dream come true to be signed by them for sure.”

Just last month, Doolan represented Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Japan. Despite being rank outsiders heading into the tournament, the Aussies shocked the baseball world by reaching the quarter finals stage.

Doolan said it was an epic experience playing games in front of 40,000-plus people.

“That experience was really good, I was excited to be part of the team,” he said.

“Growing up, I was a late developer, so I didn’t play in any junior Australian national teams. That all came about as it all clicked for me at the backend of my College career.”

On Tuesday, Doolan returned to the US where he’ll play for LA’s Rookie Ball team in Arizona.

“There’s several levels of Minor League Baseball before you hit the big leagues,” Doolan explained.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Baseballer Liam Doolan representing Australia.