The Western Weekender November 7 2024

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Giving youth bigger voice

New Councillors lead push for local youth advisory committee to be established

Two young Penrith City Councillors have taken the first steps to deliver on their election commitment of establishing a youth advisory committee.

New Labor Councillors Libby Austin and Garion Thain committed during the September Local Government Election that they would work towards instating a youth advisory committee to Council once they were elected.

Council now has three Councillors under the age of 30 as Austin is 19-years-old, Thain is 28-years-old and Liberal Councillor Reece Nuttall is 22-years-old, something Thain believes makes now a perfect chance to establish the committee.

“Having three Councillors under 30 I think creates a great opportunity to do something in this space,” Thain said.

“A lot’s happening in Penrith and St Marys right now, and I care about planning for all the people here now and the next generation as well.

“I’m hopeful we can get to a good spot and find a workable remit to get something going here.”

At October’s Ordinary Council Meeting the Councillors voted for

Have your say on the future

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure welcomes your feedback on plans for Orchard Hills.

We are exhibiting a draft rezoning proposal and structure plan for land in Orchard Hills. The rezoning will help deliver:

• up to 11,600 new homes

• almost 50 hectares of open space

• a new local centre around Orchard Hills Station

• opportunities for new walkways and cycleways. planning.nsw.gov.au/orchard-hills

Have your say by 5pm on 12 December

their placements on a series of existing committees and working parties for the next four years, but missing from the list was a youth advisory committee.

Councillor Austin has asked Council to prepare a report that will discuss the feasibility of creating a new youth advisory committee.

Austin hopes this report will culminate in the formation of a youth advisory committee that can engage and work for the young people in Penrith.

“As a young person, I know how challenging it can be to make your voice heard,” Austin said.

“From day one, I’ve been committed to amplifying young people’s voices in Council and beyond. We have an incredible opportunity to directly involve our community and our youth, gathering their insights and feedback. By empowering people to contribute to Council plans, we’re strengthening our community from the ground up.”

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Penrith has 28,316 people aged between 15 and 24 living in the Local Government Area.

Now Council will prepare the feasibility report and bring the results back to Councillors Austin and Thain.

Environment Protection and Biodiver sit y Conser vation Act 1999 Environmental Impact Statement

FIN ALIS AT ION

Western Sydney International Airport air space and flight path design (EPBC 2022/9413)

T he following notice is published pur suant to Sect ion 104(4) of t he Environment

Pr otection and Biodiver sit y Conser vation Act 1999 (EPBC Ac t).

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transpor t, Regional Development and Local Government proposes to adopt a plan for aviat ion air space management for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airpor t (WSI) within the meaning of section 160(2)(b) of t he EPBC Ac t, located approximately 46 km west of Sydney’s Cent re in Badgerys Creek, New South Wales.

T he proposed ac t ion has been as ses sed by Environmental Impact St atement (EIS).

T he EIS has been finalised and is now published.

W here the final EIS may be viewed or obtained

T he final EIS, t he Submis sions Repor t and as sociated document s can be viewed at t he following locations up unt il t he 28 March 2025:

• Penrit h Cit y L ibr ar y at 601 High Street, Penr it h NSW 2750

• St ate L ibr ar y of New Sout h Wales, 1 Shakespeare Plac e, Sydney NSW 2000

T he final EIS, Submis sions Repor t and as sociated document s will also be viewable at addit ional locat ions in greater Western Sydney. For furt her infor mat ion, visit www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au

Per sons wit h special needs may cont ac t t he flight pat hs team by email at WSIflightpaths@infrastructure.gov.au for as sist ance acces sing the material

New Labor Councillors Libby Austin and Garion Thain. Photo: Mitchell Hearne.

Panthers Premiership winner set to make international debut on Sunday Smith gets Aussie call-up

NATHAN TAYLOR

Mal Meninga has named Panthers forward Lindsay Smith to make his Kangaroos debut when Australia do battle against Tonga in this Sunday afternoon’s Pacific Championships Final.

Named on the interchange bench, the two-time premiership winner will become Kangaroo #858 when he runs out onto the CommBank Stadium pitch in the coming days.

The 24-year-old’s call up into the side comes after Cam Murray sustained a serious injury following Australia’s win over New Zealand a fortnight ago.

Raiders backrower Hudson Young will move into the starting team for the injured Murray, while Smith will come off the bench.

Meninga said Smith and Young would represent their country with pride.

“We have a very similar team to last week, but Cam Murray is

Australian Olympic champion Noemie Fox has taken on a different kind of challenge – this time 270 metres above the rainforest on the roof of the Scenic Skyway at Scenic World in Katoomba.

Fox, her boyfriend Titouan Dupras, and her parents Myriam and Richard undertook the Beyond Skyway experience where you climb onto the roof of the Skyway in the middle of the Jamison Valley and enjoy 360-degree views of valley, the Three Sisters, and Katoomba Falls.

Speaking after the expe-

rience, Fox said: “Beyond Skyway was honestly amazing. I was a bit nervous, but it’s so calm and

serene up there with the most incredible view. That was amazing and a great experience!”

unfortunately hurt so we have Hudson Young into the staring team and Lindsay Smith debuting on the bench,” he said.

“I’ve been watching Lindsay for some time now and he’s had a tremendous couple of years with the Panthers and knows how to win.

“Hudson deserves his opportunity and is a real student of the game who loves footy and playing for his country.

“Our whole squad has been exceptional all tournament and we are ready for a great challenge and 80 minutes of hard footy on Sunday.”

Isaah Yeo will captain the Kangaroos, while Dylan Edwards has been named at fullback.

The Tongan team will also have plenty of Panthers flair, with Paul Alamoti named at centre and Soni Luke selected on the bench.

Last weekend, Tonga defeated James Fisher-Harris and the Kiwis in a 25-24 thriller in Auckland. New Zealand will now play the PNG Kumuls in the Promotion/Relegation Playoff, also at CommBank.

Lindsay Smith will make his Australian debut this Sunday in Parramatta. Photo: NRL Images.

Fox went to school in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, grew up Leonay, and now lives in Penrith.

Noemie Fox sitting on the roof of the Scenic Skyway. Photo: Noah Stephens. The Fox Family fly high. Photo: Noah Stephens.

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Pollie perks must be gone for good

Pollies must say no to perks

The scandal that has erupted in recent weeks over politicians receiving free upgrades and other perks should finally bring to an end a rort that has been happening in plain sight for too long.

Regardless of being declared or not, politicians simply shouldn’t be accepting free upgrades, tickets or club memberships; and businesses shouldn’t be offering them.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not suggesting the Prime Minister or even MPs need to be trading elbow bumps in economy when flying around for work. I understand, accept and even support business class travel for politicians, which in turn gives them access to business lounges where they can continue to work as part of travel.

But free Chairman’s Club memberships, upgrades often for personal flights and other perks need to stop.

You have to ask yourself: why would airlines offer these memberships and upgrades?

It would be the same question you’d be asking of a business that happened to give a $5,000 voucher to a local Councillor, with the knowledge they may just be submitting a DA or a rezoning application in the near future. Seriously, it’s no different.

And it shouldn’t stop at flights and lounges. Why should the NRL pay for the Prime Minister to attend the State of Origin and the Grand Final?

Why are Midnight Oil slinging Albo free tickets to their shows?

Why is Allianz Insurance giving him tickets to see Elton John in Sydney?

And Peter Dutton is enjoying similar perks, whether it be tickets and hospitality at the cricket thanks to Cricket Australia, or Channel Nine throwing him Australian Open tickets.

“It’s time pollies just said no. It erodes trust in the system.”

If politicians really find it necessary to attend sporting events and concerts, let them buy the tickets themselves and claim it back on tax if the Australian Tax Office agrees it’s a legitimate deduction.

Cup Day loses its aura

Can we all accept that the Melbourne Cup is no longer the ‘race that stops the nation’?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not death riding the Cup. I’m not about to join the often ill-informed once-a-year protesters or suggest horse racing should be banned.

But what was once a staple in the Australian calendar has lost momentum over the years, as generational shift rolls through.

It is true that Flemington was sold out on Tuesday, and it is true that racing has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in New South Wales under Peter V’landys.

But ask young people why they’re there on the day, and very few will tell you it’s about a passion for racing.

And that’s a problem for the sport that is being clouded by big crowds and excitement around the big event days themselves.

I’d argue more than half the people at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday couldn’t tell you who won by the time they left the course.

The TV ratings are a shadow of what they once were.

And on a day where so many businesses used to close for half the day, it seems many just power through these days.

I’m told lunches and events around town were a struggle to sell this year as people shunned the often expensive day out.

The Melbourne Cup will live long into the future, there is no doubt about that.

But any suggestion that is still one of the great social days on the Australian calendar is well and truly off the mark.

NRL must proceed with caution

The likely sellout crowd at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium for the Pacific Championships Final this Sunday should not be used as evidence that we need more international football and a shorter NRL season.

I’ve seen articles this week suggesting as much, as the push rolls on for a shorter regular season and changes to the international calendar and State of Origin scheduling.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and Chairman Peter V’landys must proceed with caution when it comes to expansion and blowing up the very successful structure that exists now.

The NRL is one of the best club competitions on the planet.

The ratings and crowds have been rising for years, and the game has never been in a better place.

You’ve got to be careful to not destroy that in a wayward attempt to make it better.

Everyone likes to pretend that international footy is the pinnacle of rugby league but I’m not sure that fans or even many players would agree.

Representing your country is a tremendous honour, and there is no doubt that international footy gives us some wonderful highlights each year.

But its growth cannot come at the expense of the club competition, which is the envy of so many other codes.

One for the train spotters...

You may notice that today’s edition of the Weekender is dated Thursday.

We’ve always been out on Thursdays, but for a variety of reasons over the years, our publication date has formally been Friday. That changes from today as we officially move to a Thursday publication.

From a reader’s perspective, nothing changes, but we know a few keen-eyed followers would have noticed it!

Push for road upgrade

Not

enough traffic for lights, Council says, as residents argue lives are at risk

AKingswood intersection is being labelled a death trap by a local resident after she experienced a near miss – now she is asking Council to improve its safety.

Diane Miller is bringing attention to the roundabout intersection where Derby Street meets Bringelly Road.

It was at this intersection earlier this year that Miller nearly got hit by an oncoming car.

“The traffic comes to you from eight places… and it is coming fast,” Miller said.

“I was very nearly killed a few months ago exactly here. There was a break in the traffic, and I started to cross, and I got one quarter of the way across the road… from God knows where a 4WD came out and very nearly hit me. A young guy, I owe my life to this young guy, put his hands up and stopped.

“They come far too fast, and they can come far too fast around Derby Street or from Bringelly Road and as I say that is eight lots of traffic you have to deal with. I only got a quarter of the way across, and they just came so quickly, so it is indeed a death trap.

“It’s a disgrace and my life is only here due to the courtesy of some driver who pulled up.”

Miller said not only is her near miss behind her push to get traffic lights at the intersection but also the number of accidents that happen there.

“This is death trap corner!” she said.

“Because of the number of small

accidents outside my unit, because of the impossibility of crossing between 8am and 9am.

“I’ve had [young] boys of about 16-years-old take me by the arm and take me across the road. The traffic is so bad, it’s chaos in the morning. It is absolutely chaotic.”

Miller has reached out to her local members, Karen McKeown and Melissa McIntosh, who have both made representations on her behalf, but Miller said that Council isn’t doing anything to improve safety.

“Council have inspected this and they tell me indeed it is dangerous

Macquarie candidate

Susan Templeman has been locked in to recontest the seat of Macquarie for Labor at the 2025 Federal Election.

The sitting MP, whose electorate will now take in Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay, will be working with a reduced margin when we head to the polls early next year.

“Being the Member for Macquarie for the

past eight years has been a huge privilege.

I’ve worked tirelessly through many challenges including floods, storms, bushfires and COVID, and more recently in tough economic times to represent the diverse interests across this large electorate,” Templeman said.

“My commitment remains as strong as when I first began this journey 15 years ago.

“I am very proud of the work the Albanese Government has done to tackle the cost-

of-living and responsibly produce budget surpluses to bring inflation down to its lowest level in four years.

“We have begun the transition to clean energy, strengthened Medicare and confronted head on the crises in housing, general practice, early childhood education, NDIS and aged care.”

Templeman said there was “much more to do” in the local area.

“I have worked hard to demonstrate that

for pedestrians, but the traffic department claim there is not enough traffic to warrant lights,” she said.

“Initially I was told that they could not afford it, well when human life is involved, I do not accept that. What the hell do you think we are paying rates for? What’s the cost of a human life? They couldn’t care less actually.”

Penrith City Council responded to Miller’s request saying there is not enough traffic to warrant the implementation of lights.

“Penrith City Council has thoroughly investigated the concerns for a signalised intersection and have determined the Transport for NSW standards for the installation of traffic signals are not met at this location,” a Council spokesperson said.

“The current traffic conditions remain similar to those previously investigated on other occasions this year and do not warrant traffic signals.

“Whilst Council appreciate the ongoing concern and are not proposing any changes to the intersection at this time, we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the recently constructed speed humps at the roundabout at this location.”

Do you agree that the intersection needs lights, or is it safe enough? Email news@westernweekender. com.au.

the trust the people of the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains have shown me, over three terms in office, has been well placed and I look forward to building the same level of relationship with the new area of Macquarie which includes Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay,” she said.

The Liberal Party is yet to endorse a candidate for Macquarie.

The election is expected to take place in April or May next year.

Angelique Hand, Diane Miller and Bryce Williams argue the intersection of Bringelly Road and Derby Street at Kingswood needs a safety overhaul. Photo: Melinda Jane.

TROY DODDS

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Oxley Park: Drunk man refuses to leave residential home

A drunk man who was refusing to leave a premises has assaulted police.

At 1.20am on Monday, November 4 police were called to Noela Place, Oxley Park in relation to an intoxicated male refusing to leave a residential premises.

On arrival police have spoken to the occupants of the location and they have been told that they had met the man online, and he was now refusing to leave. Police attempted to speak with the 27-year-old man, but he became aggressive and was refusing to leave. Police asked the man for his I.D and the man has thrown it at the police officer.

The man was again informed he was required to leave but refused. The man was told that he would be forcibly removed from the premises. The man again refused, and as police took him by the arms the man began physically resisting police by kicking, punching and slipping out of the grip of police.

Police were able to handcuff the man and forcibly removed him from the premises.

The man was arrested and placed into a caged police vehicle. The man then repeatedly kicked the door.

The man was formally charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Jordan Springs: Man assaults security after refusing to leave premises

A man has been arrested after assaulting security after being asked to leave a premises.

At 5.20pm on Saturday, November 2 a 28-year-old Cambridge Park man and his friends were at a licenced premises in Jordan Springs.

The man was intoxicated and has hit an ATM numerous times. Security approached the man and asked him to leave but the man refused. The 28-year-old has become confrontational with security but eventually the man walked out the door of the licenced premises.

As the man was leaving, he abused a security guard causing two other security guards to approach him. The 28-year-old then punched a security guard in the head before leaving the premises.

Police arrived and found the man’s friends on the other side of the road. Police reviewed the CCTV footage and spoke with security. The man was found, arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged.

The man will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, November 28.

Werrington: P-plater caught drink driving

A red P-plate driver has been caught drink driving.

About 9.50pm on Saturday, November 2 police were patrolling Victoria Street in Werrington when they saw a vehicle pull over and stop.

Police have stopped and had a conversation with the driver, a 32-year-old Cambridge Park man. Checks on the man’s licence showed he held a red P1 driver’s licence. The man was breath tested which proved positive.

The man was arrested and was taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a further breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.130. The man’s licence was suspended on the spot.

The man will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, December 12.

South Penrith: Man assaulted police after being refused re-entry

A man has assaulted security and police after being refused re-entry into a venue.

At 12.00am on Wednesday, October 30 a 38-year-old Jamisontown man and his friends were drinking at a licenced premises on Maxwell Street in South Penrith.

At 3.25am, the 38-year-old man left the premises and urinated on nearby bushes out the front of the licenced premises. The man tried to re-enter the premises, but security refused to let him back in.

The man told security he had left his wallet inside and that his friend could bring it to him. The man then tried to hand the security guard a $100 note which he refused. The 38-year-old then yelled at the security guards to get the manager.

At this time the 38-year-old had gotten close to the security guard’s face and pushed him in the chest area, causing him to stumble back.

A police Sergeant attended and attempted to speak with the 38-year-old who was acting extremely hostile. The man was arrested and as the Sergeant was trying to handcuff the 38-year-old, he has tensed up and refused to be cuffed.

The Sergeant has deployed capsicum spray in an effort to control the man.

The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged. The man will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, November 14.

EXPLAINER: LODGING A CAVEAT

One of the most common misconceptions we come across in our legal practice is the notion that if someone is owed a debt by another person or entity they can lodge a caveat over the real property owned by that person or entity as some sort of security for the debt or debt recovery mechanism.

While it is not difficult in practice to lodge a caveat, the right to do so and the implications if you do so incorrectly are complex and often fraught with risk.

A caveat essentially operates as a warning to any person seeking to deal with a piece of real estate in a particular way.

A caveat is not evidence or proof of a particular debt and is not the same as a mortgage. The instrument essentially stops the land from being transferred (pursuant to a sale or some other transfer) or stop certain dealings from being registered, for example a new mortgage securing some other debt.

Therefore, caveats are quite tantalising to people who are owed money because the caveator can then leverage the fact that the property owner’s land cannot be sold or otherwise dealt with until, in theory, the issue of the caveat is resolved.

What a lot of people do not understand however is that you only have a right to lodge a caveat on title of a property if you have what is known as a “caveatable interest”.

That is, an equitable interest in the property or an interest arising out of some form of agreement that creates a charge over the land in connection with the relevant debt or liability.

An equitable interest is an interest in a property that is not recorded on title. The registered owners of a property hold the legal title, but someone else can still have an interest in a property even though it is not formally recorded on the property’s title.

This can arise in a number of contexts, including a resulting or constructive trust.

For example, whereby a person is promised part of all of the property in return for taking a particular course of action. The most common example is where parents promise to gift one of their children a property under their Will in return for the child living at the property and assisting with the maintenance thereof or their parents’ care.

Another common example is an equitable interest arising out of contributions to the property. Generally, if a person makes contributions to improving a property for example paying for the construction of additional dwellings or improvements to any existing home or structure or contributing to payment of a home loan with the expectation that their contribution is secured by the property or will be returned to them on the sale thereof (or as a result of some other promise linked to the property) the person who makes the contribution can make a claim in equity for the return of the monies they contributed.

There are also certain scenarios that are set out in legislation in which a caveat might be able to be lodged on the title of a property in particular context. For example, the Home Building Act sets out strict criteria that if met can enable a builder to lodge a caveat on title for a property for works done but not paid for. A builder cannot simply lodge a caveat on title for a property as a matter of right.

The other consideration in determining whether or not to file a caveat is deciding if you are prepared to formally commence legal proceedings to prosecute whatever interest you say you have in the property.

This is because an owner of a property in relation to which there has been a caveat lodged on title can issue a lapsing notice to the person who filed the caveat requiring them to seek an Order from the Supreme Court of New South Wales for the caveat to remain in place within 28 days of the lapsing notice being issued.

In recent years the Supreme Court has given guidance about what steps must be taken by the person who lodged the caveat if they are served with a lapsing notice. Essentially, you must commence formal proceedings to prosecute your claim before the notice lapses or have very good reasons for failing to do so.

The position of the Court in this respect is arguably a response to the nonchalant way that people had filed caveats on properties for many years.

While they are an important legal tool that should be utilised to attempt to protect a person’s legitimate interests, careful consideration must be given before a caveat is lodged on title.

with Daniel McKinnon

Grant to help local learner drivers get ready for the road

Learner drivers will be the winners after PCYC NSW received a community grant worth almost $10,000.

Transurban awarded the $9,800 grant to the local community organisation to support its Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers, which will provide 70 targeted people in the Penrith and Blacktown areas with free access to the course.

This initiative consists of a five-hour workshop and one driving lesson which would normally cost $140.

PCYC NSW is a charity giving young people greater opportunity to reach their potential through Police and community partnerships.

“Safety, in particular road safety, is at the heart of everything we do at Transurban, so we are thrilled to be able to help young drivers get behind the wheel to attain their

provisional license,” said Transurban’s Head of Public Affairs, Alisa Hitchcock.

“We know how important having a driver’s licence can be to help empower young people whether that be through education, employment, and gaining more independence.”

State Penrith MP Karen McKeown said road safety is paramount for all drivers on our roads, to ensure drivers make it home safely to their family and loved ones.

“Transurban’s initiative to provide grants for road safety, especially young and learner drivers in Penrith, shows their dedication on educating local drivers,” she said.

Transurban’s annual Community Grants Program offers up to $10,000 for projects that bring social, road safety and/or environmental benefits to communities near the company’s road corridors.

Road users warned of delays as upgrade work set to take place

M4 users are being warned to expect delays at Erskine Park next week due to roadworks.

The work will take place between Bennett Road and Roper Road, Erskine Park.

“These changes are necessary for upgrading drains which help improve safety for road users by reducing flooding risk,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

Work will be completed over four nights between Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 28, weather permitting.

Work hours will be between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday.

“There will be temporary traffic changes during work to make sure the work zone is safe for workers and road users,” the spokesperson said.

“M4 Western Motorway will remain open while we work, however, there will be lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit in place.

“Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.”

Meantime, road users are advised of changed traffic conditions near the intersection of Mulgoa Road and

Littlefields Road, Mulgoa.

These changes are necessary to carry out site investigation work to assist a future upgrade of stormwater drainage in this area.

Work will take place over one night shift between Thursday, November 7 and Sunday, November 10, weather permitting. Working hours will be between 7pm and 5am from Sunday to Thursday.

There will be temporary traffic changes to make sure the work zone is safe.

Lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.

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.

Penrith MP Karen McKeown, Matthew Irvine - PCYC, Tristan Summerhayes – Manager PCYC Penrith, Alex Hart – Transurban, and Steph Lewis – Transurban.

Contact

Us

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777

PO Box 60, 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).

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

11 November 2024 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via penrith.city

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Council Briefs

● Have your say in a new survey for Council’s Events Strategy 2025–2030. We want to know what types of events you enjoy and ideas for making our City’s events better in the future. Your feedback will help us plan, develop and deliver great events across the Penrith region. Complete gift cards (T&Cs apply).

Have your say at yoursaypenrith.com.au before Monday 25 November 2024.

● Is your pool summer ready? It’s easy to check whether your pool is safe for you and any children by making sure that pool gates and latches are in working order, and gates are never propped open. Backyard access to your pool must be restricted by a child resistant pool barrier. Young children should be actively supervised when using a swimming pool. Children should not be responsible for supervising other children. These are just some things you can do to make sure that your pool is safe.

For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864.

● Penrith City Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on the draft St Marys Town Centre Master Plan and St Marys Central Park project.

Council is holding in-person feedback sessions at:

• St Marys Library, 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys on Wednesday 13 November from 4pm-6pm.

• Village Cafe in Wattle Park, 4 Wattle Avenue, North St Marys on Thursday 21 November from 9.30am-11.30am.

You can also have your say online at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys

Complete the online survey to go into the draw for a chance to win one of 5x $200 Eftpos gift cards. Terms and conditions apply. Community consultation will close at 11.59pm on Saturday 30 November 2024.

Development Application

The following Development Application has been received by Council:

• The Trustee for 57 Hobart Street

St Marys Unit Trust

57 Hobart Street, St Marys

Construction of a 40-place child care centre and associated works

Contact: Natalie Piggott on 4732 7607

Closing Date: Sunday 24 November 2024

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

• Joe Campbell

Lot 3032 DP 713606, 4 Skyros Place, Emu Heights

DA24/0704

Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling including

• Creative 9 Pty Ltd

DA24/0649

Lot 4021 DP 851358, Lot 1 DP 101851 and Lot 2 DP 1018519, 4 Endeavour Avenue, St Clair

Construction of a roofed structure above existing outdoor dining area for Shop 34 and use of Shop 34 as a café

• Think Planners Pty Ltd

DA23/0577

Lot 52 DP 1246141, Lot 53 DP 1246141, Lot 58 DP 1250704, Lot 59 DP 1256085, Lot 60 DP 1256085 and Lot 562

DP 1300838, 18 Ransley Street, Penrith

Community title subdivision x 5 lots

• Trevor Hardge

Lot 47 DP 244894, 51 Deloraine Drive, Leonay

DA24/0412

Demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of a 2-storey dwelling

• Tania Najem

Lot 162 DP 803478, 133–137 The Appian Way, Mount Vernon

DA24/0572

Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling and construction of a swimming pool and cabana including OSSM

• Karen Maria Robinson

Lot 34 DP 225503, 10 Riverview Parade, Leonay

internal stairs and removal of external stairs

Viewing of Development Applications

DA24/0814

Mod24/0166

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker

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

On your bike!

Register your

team for Penrith charity event

The spin bike room at Atmosphere Fitness in Jamisontown will set the stage for The Big Spin on Thursday, November 28 – a massive fundraising effort which will support over 1,600 families benefiting from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in greater western Sydney each year.

Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at RMHC Nermeen Yacoub said up to 30 teams will be participating in the six-hour relay.

“The families that stay with Ronald McDonald House have often travelled more than 100km to come and stay with us at the house, and so we’re replicating that and riding for them so that we can raise money for them to have a place to stay when their children are undergoing treatment,” Yacoub explained.

“At Ronald McDonald House at Westmead there’s 60 units, and families have often come at the very last minute… to get treatment for their child, and so we provide accommodation and meals and education programs and counselling services – essentially we take

care of everything so they can just focus on their child.”

The cost-of-living has impacted the charity, with the price of meals and services on the rise.

“It’s very hard to get accommodation around the hospital at Westmead, so the service we provide is really critical, and the more money we raise, the more ability we have to support the community,” Yacoub said.

“We also have meals for any family

staying at the hospital, so the local community also benefits from our service.”

Yacoub is calling on Penrith residents to gather family, friends, and coworkers to take on the challenge and help provide families of seriously ill and injured children a home-away-from-home.

Visit www.thebigspin.com.au to find more information about the fundraiser and register your team for the relay.

Designated & Integrated Development Proposal

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property seeking consent for the Construction of a Waste Management Facility. The consent authority for the Development Application is the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in accordance with Section 2.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

• Peter Lonergan DA24/0744

Lot 4 DP 560221, 12 Links Road, St Marys Proposed construction of a Waste Management Facility

The proposal is Designated Development under Section 4.10 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The proposal is also Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW

Integrated Development

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.

• Jonathan Pinkney DA24/0759

Lot 1 DP 1132380, 75–103 Links Road, St Marys

Subdivision of land to create 8 x industrial lots, 1 x vegetation management lot, 2 x drainage lots, 1 x open space lots plus associated civil works and road construction

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

TUNE IN TO OUR PODCASTS

Want to learn more about Penrith and its people? Make sure you’re subscribed to our podcasts, including ‘On The Record’. Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts.

NSW Department of Education

Environment Protection Authority under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

The Development Application and supporting documents can be viewed on Penrith Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DAtracker

Any person may, from Monday 11 November to Sunday 8 December 2024, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council at council@penrith.city in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of

Any submission made in respect of the application will be provided to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel and may be viewed by other persons with an interest in the application. Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure – Water.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations

in the period from Monday 11 November 2024 to Sunday 8 December 2024.

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

Application period for selective high school and opportunity class entry in 2026

Application dates: Thursday 7 November 2024 to Friday 21 February 2025

Applications for selective high school entry in Year 7 and opportunity class entry in Year 5 in 2026 are open from Thursday 7 November 2024 to Friday 21 February 2025.

Selective high schools and opportunity classes are one of the ways that the NSW Department of Education provides support for high potential and gifted students. High potential and gifted students are supported across all NSW public schools through high potential and gifted education programs

Students living in rural and remote locations may apply for Aurora College, which provides online selective high school and opportunity classes in NSW public primary schools and high schools.

For more information and to apply online visit: edu.nsw.link/shs-oc

Contact the department’s Selective Education Unit:

Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 1300 880 367

Applications close Friday 21 February 2025.

There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

Unless the proposed development is development about which the Independent Planning Commission has conducted a public hearing, any person who makes a submission by way of objection and who is authority to grant development consent, may appeal to the Land and Environment Court under Section 8.8 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. If the Independent Planning Commission conducts a public hearing, the Commission’s subject to appeal.

For any queries regarding the proposal: Please contact Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.

The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0759.

For any queries relating to the proposal:

Please contact Tania Shepherd on 4732 7797.

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker

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

Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at RMHC Nermeen Yacoub.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Joke Week of the Q: Why didn’t the man stay at the aquarium long? A: There was something fishy about it.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

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The Weekender has a WONDERBOOM 4 to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com. au with ‘Speaker’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, November 15 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

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

Do you know where this picture was

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 image of Australian breakdancing icon ‘Raygun’ is located at the new Berry High store along High Street, Penrith.

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

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

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0011, 0317, 0912.

Oprah Winfrey’s bizarre claim that a Donald Trump victory would mean the possibility of no further elections in America. One of the more crazy statements of the campaign.

Congratulations to local business Angus Car Service, which turned 18-years-old this week. A great story of a local business that has grown strongly over two decades.

cupboard prize BONUS

You can win one of five Ultimate Games Night packs from Big Potato Games, a brand celebrated for creating quirky and memorable games that are a hit with all ages!

The first game, You Can’t Say Umm, is a fast-paced word challenge where hesitation isn’t an option. Players attempt to describe a series of bizarre and unusual items from their cards – but with just

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The Weekender has five game packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Games’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to

include your contact details. Entries close Friday, November 15 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Reflect and remember

Remembrance Day ceremonies to be held in Penrith and St Marys on Monday

Hundreds of Penrith residents are expected to gather together next week to pay their respects to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Remembrance Day is commemorated on Monday, November 11, when a series of services are being held to commemorate and reflect on the stories of the soldiers who have lost their lives in service.

It is tradition that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the nation will stand still and observe a minute’s silence to remember the sacrifice those before us have given.

In Penrith, a series of events will be held to allow the community to pay their respects.

St Marys RSL sub-Branch will be holding a service on Monday, November 11 at 11am at their RSL Guns War Memorial. All in the community are invited to attend and participate in the commemoration, with those attending encouraged the wear their medals.

Penrith RSL and sub-Branch will be holding a service to commemorate Remembrance Day at Memory Park in Penrith on Monday, November 11 from 10.30am (arrival by 10.15am) where all are welcome to join.

There will be a range of Remembrance Day services happening in Penrith and surrounds on Monday, November 11.

Wearing a poppy is a sign of respect on Remembrance Day.

The NSW Remembrance Day service will take place at the Cenotaph in Martin Place Sydney starting at 10.30am on Monday, November 11. Those who can’t attend a service in person are able to watch a livestream of the Australian War Memorial’s National Commemorative Service, which will begin at 10.40am on ABC iView.

Other ways to commemorate the day are to wear a red poppy or a piece of rosemary as both are symbols of respect.

The Sydney Opera House’s sails will be illuminated with red poppies on Remembrance Day at dawn and dusk to commemorate the sacrifice of veterans.

Monday is the day of reflection as it was on November 11, 1918 that the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare.

11th November, 2024

In the First World War alone over 400,000 soldiers were enlisted in the war efforts of which over 60,000 were killed.

In all conflicts a total of 103,044 Australian soldiers have lost their lives in service of their country.

German forces called for the suspension of fighting in order to enter into a peace settlement, later they accepted the terms of an unconditional surrender which ended the First World War.

“Still suffer in silence”: Reality of war’s bloody fallout

Ahead of Remembrance Day, a local veteran is reflecting on what the day means to her.

Lesley Ayres is a member of the St Marys RSL sub-branch after she served for six years in the WRAAF, the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force, from 1969 through to 1975.

Remembrance Day is traditionally held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to signify and reflect on the sacrifice made by Australian soldiers in all conflicts, something Ayres said is very important.

“I think Remembrance Day is a day of reflection, a day to observe and I totally agree with the one-minute silence at 11am to pay respect to those who have served and are still serving and to the ones who have sacrificed their lives for their country,” Ayres said.

A key aspect of Remembrance Day is to show respect for those who have come before, Ayres said.

“I think what people attending the services should do is just make

sure that they are observing and respecting what Remembrance Day is because I think a word that is very much forgotten these days is respect,” Ayres said.

“I think when they walk away, just be thankful for their freedom that they’ve got now considering all those souls that passed away and gave them their freedom today.”

Ayres shared that while she didn’t go overseas during her service, she knows the profound impact serving in a war can have on people.

“I always think that we should be able to negotiate before we go to war because it is not a fun thing,” Ayres said.

“Women were never allowed to go overseas in my days. Only the nursing Corp were allowed to go overseas but we still saw the remnants of when they came back, and we still see that to this day with a lot of our veterans.

“Some of the veterans still suffer in silence, which is really bad, considering all the organisations we have which are doing an absolutely marvellous job.”

Ayres shared a story special to her about the time she spoke with some

World War I diggers and asked them about their experience of the war ending.

“It was just after I came off recruit training and I went home for my first Remembrance Day, which was in Canberra. My dad was in the service as well, so we were both in uniform. After the service in Canberra, Dad took us to the services club… and when we went in, there was these two World War I diggers in the club,” Ayres said.

“In the course of conversation as the day went on and a few beers, I said to them ‘Where were you guys when the war was declared over?’ and this old fellow looked at his mate next to him and he said ‘Well, we were in a godforsaken hole in a godforsaken country called France. The Germans had just let loose with a big barrage, and we were just lying there. Then all of a sudden things just went quiet and it was quite eerie and we didn’t know what was happening. We thought something big is going to happen. We just stayed there. All of a sudden, this message comes down the line and the message says, ‘They have signed an armistice and the war is over’.

We were looking at each other not knowing whether to believe what we heard or not. What we did believe was we weren’t going to poke our heads up out of that trench just in case those buggers on the other side didn’t get the same message!’.

“I think that is a good story.”

There will be a Remembrance Day service held at 11am on Monday, November 11 at the St Marys RSL Guns War Memorial, and a service run by the Penrith RSL sub-branch at 10.30am at Memory Park for those wanting to pay their respects. No matter where you are at 11am on Monday, you’re urged to stop and pay your respects.

Lesley Ayres. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Christmas spirit arrives

Christmas preparation has officially begun with Penrith CBD Corporation set to light the tree in the heart of Penrith next week.

On Friday, November 15, the annual Christmas festival and tree lighting ceremony will be held along High Street to get the town into the merry spirit.

CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn, said the festival is a chance to bring the community together.

“We are really excited that it’s a tradition in the city and it’s an old time one,” Hawthorn said.

“Bringing the community together to light the tree, it’s not just about business, it’s about every smile on a kid’s face and the families that can come and get free activities.

“There is food trucks and we would love you to spend money in the cafés and restaurants that are open, they will all have specials on the night and great deals but it is more about the community coming together and how we light the tree and make it so special.”

Hawthorn said the tree lighting generally marked the start of the Christmas season in Penrith.

“That’s the start of Christmas for everyone to be aware of shopping and dining locally and supporting local business,” she said.

“The more we support locally the more it keeps local jobs.”

High Street will become a festive wonderland with street stalls, food trucks, activities for the whole family, strolling Christmas characters, stilt walkers and Santa arriving in time to help light the tree.

Hawthorn said the lighting of the tree is a special moment in the city.

“It is very symbolic with the tree lighting,” Hawthorn said.

“It means that everybody locally is starting to get ready for Christmas and all the cafés, restaurants and clubs are starting to put their decorations up and the city does too.”

As for who lights the tree, it is some special Penrith figures who will be getting some help from the man in the red suit.

“We always have the Mayor and the sponsors. We have lots of new Councillors, so it’s their first tree lighting, which is exciting,” Hawthorn said.

“It’s special. It is something that you can keep coming to, and it marks the beginning of the season. The six-week countdown starts and off we go.

“It’s been a hard year economically, so we just hope it finishes on a high for many.

Make sure to head down to High Street next Friday, November 15 to take part in the festivities.

The event takes place from 5pm with the tree to light up at 8pm in Memory Park.

The annual CBD Corporation Christmas tree lighting event is coming back this year. The 2023 Christmas tree.

Free diabetes screenings in Penrith as case numbers rise

ALLY HALL

Diabetes will be in the spotlight at Penrith’s OnePointHealth on November 21, following World Diabetes Day on Thursday, November 14.

The healthcare clinic will provide free diabetes screenings for the community between 10.30am and 1.30pm for the occasion.

Exercise Physiologist Alicia Whiticker said the clinic will be running screenings for blood glucose and blood pressure, providing footwear recommendations, and talking to visitors about the importance of exercise, diet, and foot health.

“Diabetes is growing massively,” Whiticker explained.

“We’re getting a lot more people diagnosed with diabetes, but we’re also getting a lot of people diagnosed that aren’t aware of the importance that these Allied Health practitioners play.”

She said the consequences of neglecting a healthy lifestyle as a diabetic is severe.

OnePointHealth will be offering free diabetes screenings.

“Lots of diabetics end up with their leg amputated – that’s really the result of what can happen,” Whiticker said.

“Education’s at the forefront of what we do at OnePointHealth… educate the community, give them the right information, and give

them the power to make a choice of what they do with their health.’’

There will be prizes available during the three hours of free screenings on November 21, and you can book a time by calling OnePointHealth on 4732 5188.

Teacher reflects on loved career

teach, and western Sydney fit him like a glove.

Anew book will take readers on a journey through the ups and downs of teaching in the Nepean Valley.

Retired teacher Kevin Radley gives an episodic account of his teaching career, painting a picture for readers with relatable anecdotes in his book, Teacher Fella

“I think if you take any teacher and ask them about what they’ve been through they would all come up with very peculiar stories,” Radley said.

Teacher Fella is Radley’s second teaching memoir, written to come to terms with leaving a profession he loved.

“When I wrote the first one, it was done with haste, and in hindsight it was pretty much done for therapy I think and to get it out there, but I could’ve done a much better job,” Radley explained.

“That’s where this comes into it – it’s a total rewrite, much more accurate and polished account of a teaching memoir.”

Radley fell into teaching after working jobs that took him all around Australia, including scriptwriting for classic Aussie TV show, ‘Neighbours’.

He explained he always wanted to

“I was from inner Sydney, and it is very different, but when I moved west, I think it was a really good fit for me… very earthy qualities of a lot of people that really resonated with me.”

His career saw many proud moments, including working alongside someone he’d taught years prior who struggled with learning difficulties throughout school.

“I knew he went into teaching, and a few years after that, he actually did some casual teaching with us, and he was very, very good,” Radley reminisced.

“I think from his background he developed a real empathy which was a fantastic attribute to have.”

His career also saw many tough moments, including watching students succumb to outside pressures or fall foul of the law.

“I guess the feeling when that happens is a little bit of helplessness despite your best intentions, despite your efforts,” Radley said. The memoir is described as a tribute to teachers everywhere and can be purchased as an E-book on Amazon or on Radley’s website at www.kevinradleyauthor.com.

Indulgein the finest Italiancreations from Vince andChefPrakash

Join us from 6pm, food servingfrom6:30pm,on Thursday 21st Novemberfor an eveningof Italiandelights.Fromantipasto,pasta,seafood, prawns,osso buco,traditional dessertsand more.

Limitedseating is available. Please calloremail forbookings.Price is $69 per person and$19 for children 12 andunder.

Thursday 21st November

Kevin Radley with his new book, Teacher Fella

ALLY HALL

New cafe opens at St Clair shops

A new café has opened at St Clair Shopping Centre this week, taking over the old Gloria Jeans store.

The Shed Café has opened at St Clair after already having over 20 locations across Sydney.

Last week, Penrith City Council approved the Development Application (DA) for the new café, which included an extended outdoor dining area that could seat up to 20.

“Council approval is sought for the installation of a roof structure above the existing outdoor dining area and use of tenancy 34 (both internal and outdoor dining area) as a café,” the Statement of Environmental effects (SEE) attached to the DA said.

“The installation of a roof structure to the existing outdoor dining area is a cosmetic improvement, providing a safe and weatherproof outdoor dining area for the patrons.”

The development is expected to have a positive impact on the area, the owners contend.

“The development will positively contribute to the social and economic diversity of St Clair Shopping Centre, and to the wider community,” the SEE said.

The café is now open.

Garage Sale Trail to take place in Werrington this Saturday Biggest garage sale

Penrith, get ready for some amazing bargains as the Garage Sale Trail returns this weekend.

On Saturday, November 9 the Garage Sale Trail will be taking place bright and early from 8am to 1pm at the Kingsway Playing Fields in Werrington.

State Member for Penrith Karen

McKeown said the event is the best way to get a great bargain and give back to the community.

“More than 15,200 items will be up for sale. Buying second-hand opens the door to quality finds, such as designer clothes, furniture, cookware, vinyls, kids’ items and tools – all at a fraction of retail prices,” she said.

“With over 86 per cent of Australians having unwanted and unused items laying around the house, give these items a second life by getting involved in this year’s Garage Sale Trail.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with others while knowing that every dollar you spend goes right back into our community.”

unwanted quality goods or get a bargain on some new items.

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said that it is important to keep quality items in use to reduce the amount of landfill.

“We know people across NSW are doing it tough with the costof-living,” she said.

“Buying and selling secondhand is not only great for the environment but also a savvy way to turn things you no longer need into extra cash and give items a second life for a fraction of the price. Getting involved in your local Garage Sale Trail is a great way to come together as a community and a chance to declutter, keeping items out of landfill and off our streets.

“By taking part in this event, you are embracing our transition to a circular economy, keeping items in use for as long as possible and protecting our environment for future generations.”

In line with Penrith City Council’s efforts to help the community become more sustainable it will be a family-friendly event with different demonstrations and workshops on sustainable practices including how to make your own worm farm along with fun for the kids who can make art from waste products.

An initiative funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) the Garage Sale Trail will give Penrith the chance to sell any pre-loved and

Make sure to register for the Garage Sale Trail for free today at www.garagesaletrail.com.au/ sale/penriths-biggest-garagesale-trail.

Karen McKeown attending a previous Garage Sale Trail.

St Clair Shopping Centre is home to The Shed Cafe, which has opened this week.

HOTTEST SHOWS IN TOWN N T

Liam Burrows

Toni Childs

Shania Twain Xmas

iFLY gets behind International Day of People with Disability

ALLY HALL

An unstoppable man hasn’t let a wheelchair keep him from flying, leaping into the unknown with indoor skydiving in Penrith.

All Abilities Ambassador at iFLY Greg Pinson has spina bifida and transitioned to a chair in December 2020 after years of using orthotics and walking aids.

Pinson said he’s proved to himself that he can still have fun and pursue activities he thought had passed him by.

“I’ve always wanted to do a proper skydive, but when I got in a chair four years ago, I thought that dream was over, but a few people suggested I come here and get a feel for a similar experience – and then I fell in love with it,” he said.

“After two sessions, I came back almost weekly, whether that was to fly or just to sit and watch other people flying. Getting in the tunnel now is just freedom, it’s amazing.”

The largest indoor skydiving facility in the southern

hemisphere is also known as a place of accessibility and inclusivity.

“It’s really special,” Pinson explained.

“The first time I came in, all the staff were extremely helpful and accommodating, and over the last couple of years I’ve flown with nearly every instructor and we work together as to what works and what doesn’t work.”

All abilities events run on the last Sunday of each month, and in honour of International Day of People with Disability coming up on December 3, iFLY will be giving away 30 free flights for customers with a disability. Visit www.ifly.com.au.

Harry Corby and Greg Pinson. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Greg Pinson. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Rising singer previews new music at local performance

Nurse Next Door helps fill a “big need” in Penrith region

Local Gamilaroi singer-songwriter Elina Roberts-Turner gave family and friends a first look at her upcoming single and EP last weekend at Cafe at Lewers.

With a pink floral dress, white boots, a brown acoustic guitar, and a powerful pop princess voice, RobertsTurner is Penrith’s answer to Taylor Swift.

The young singer explained this achievement came after a period of self-discovery.

“I was told a lot to ‘find yourself’, and so I thought

that meant find a niche that I would fit into instead of find who I am and make that something special,” RobertsTurner told the audience.

“I think that’s something I would tell my younger self is just breathe and stop trying to do everything just for the sake of accomplishing that goal.”

Roberts-Turner recently completed a First Nations Youth Artist Residency with ACE, a program that supports emerging western Sydney Indigenous artists.

“The residency’s really shown me where I fit into culture and how it helps me with my storytelling

and songwriting, and that’s something that I had to find for myself,” Roberts-Turner said.

ALLY HALL ALLY HALL

“I’d love in future to learn more about language and about my mob – my Gamilaroi mob – and visit country and incorporate that more into my music and my storytelling.”

Throughout the evening, Roberts-Turner shared how personal experiences have shaped her music, and how her idols have inspired her.

“I’d love to be the next Missy Higgins with a spin,” she said.

“I love artists like Missy Higgins, and people who have come after her like Greta Ray, but also people that have inspired me like Paul Kelly.

“I think Australian music and Aussie artists have paved the way for me, and

Bubbly personalities wrapped in bubblegum pink is one way to describe the dedicated workers at Penrith’s Nurse Next Door.

The Penrith branch launched in July, and the team of 25 registered nurses and caregivers have been working hard ensuring clients can live independently and stay connected to friends and family.

“It is a big need in Penrith,” said Managing Director and Clinical Operational Leader Dipal Patel.

“Working in the hospital for 15 years… I came across a lot of people who want to stay in their home, but unfortunately there is a huge gap in the community for the providers.”

and our purpose – ‘Making Lives Better’.”

Caregiver Sherree Rogers told us she loves making a difference in people’s lives, and the range of services they provide sets them apart.

offer, I love it.” Caregivers are matched with clients based on individual needs, and they all share the same dedication to helping people live comfortably at home.

“I’m proud of all my staff because they are all passionate, the same as me,” Patel

“We all have like values and principles that align with the core purpose of Nurse Next Door and it’s working just

Local singer Elina Roberts-Turner.

Dipal Patel. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ABlue Mountains town is getting some overdue recognition with the release of a new book, The Secret Suburb Book author Michele Corin grew up with the story of Lapstone, a small suburb with a big difference, and didn’t want its history to get lost.

“It’s a really interesting place, Lapstone, because it was developed by a fellow who was quite incredible,” Corin said.

That fellow was Arthur Hand, a Penrith-born man who delayed his retirement and purchased 116 acres of vacant land in the lower Blue Mountains in 1954.

“With the Lapstone development, he was looking for ways to create a model suburb,” Corin explained.

“He put in underground electricity – which is way

before its time – and he did that so that the views from Lapstone out to the Cumberland Plain and Nepean River would not be obstructed by ugly power lines.

“He also put in brick kerbside guttering, which is unique to Lapstone.”

All services in Lapstone were installed underground, including telephone wires and gas, to improve property costs, enhance the streetscape, and decrease injury to wildlife and motorists involved in utility pole collisions.

Hand also played a large role in the accessibility of the suburb.

“I think Lapstone had never been developed because of the access issues, so the railway was another one of his investments as well as creating a road from the Great Western Highway to connect with Lapstone,” Corin explained.

“He was forever thinking of ideas and improvements and innovations.”

Readers can pre-order by emailing lapstonebook@gmail.com.

Lend a helping hand

APenrith family are trying to make their home more accessible for their wheelchair-bound teenager as an important milestone approaches.

Tracey and George Pellatt are parents to 19-year-old Bradley, who has cerebral palsy and lennox gastaut epilepsy, rendering him completely dependent on his family and carers.

George will turn 50 on December 12, and Tracey said she hopes to relieve financial pressures as part of the special occasion.

“George is a dedicated father who loves his son very much and will do anything for Bradley,” Tracey said.

“With the cost-of-living, being on one income, it makes life very difficult, especially on medications and all Brad’s needs.”

A fundraiser has been started for the family, and they plan to use funds to improve drainage and accessibility to Bradley’s bathroom and install a ramp on the back verandah for yard access and a fire exit.

They also hope to purchase a defibrillator, which Tracey says is a necessity as Bradley’s health deteriorates and unexpected hospital visits become a regular occurrence.

“We’ve had numerous hospital ICU admissions this year and last year,” Tracey said.

“Four times in the last 12 months from October ’23 to October ’24 Bradley has had to be put on life support due to his respiratory conditions with his lung disease and getting aspiration pneumonia.”

Tracey and George lost their oldest son, Jordan, in 2017 at 17-years-old to complications with the same health conditions as Bradley. You can donate to the family at their GoFundMe page at www.gofundme. com/f/help-us-celebrate-george-a-dedicated-father-and-backbone-of.

Mayor’s News

2024-2028 Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan

In my last column, I outlined my vision and priorities for this Mayoral term. To deliver on the community’s aspirations for our City and help realise the opportunities for everyone, one of my top priorities is to ensure we hear all voices in the community. I want to make sure we engage and invite participation on projects and initiatives across our City.

In line with this, Council is inviting feedback on our revised Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024-28. The document formalises Council’s commitment to better decision-making through meaningful engagement. It outlines Council’s guiding principles for engagement, and how our community can be involved in shaping the future of our City.

Community engagement is at the heart of local government and helps communities to be active participants in

decision-making. Council has a vital role to play in providing opportunities for people to be involved in creating good public policy and ensuring relevant, quality services for our current and future residents.

We want everyone to be a part of important conversations that will ultimately make our City a better place to live, work and visit.

Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan 2024-28 is on exhibition until Wednesday, November 27.

You can provide your feedback via the Your Say Penrith website or review hard copies in person at the Penrith Civic Centre, St Marys Business Office or any Penrith City Library.

If you have need help to access the strategy or plan, please contact Council on 4732 7777, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm.

See you next week.

CR TODD CARNEY 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.

Tracey and Bradley Pellatt. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Michele Corin.

ALLY HALL

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that a ects movement.

Researchers used data from a US veterans’ health study which showed “a strong association between hearing loss and PD” and the more severe hearing loss a person had in the study, the more likely they were to develop Parkinson’s. Researchers are still studying the exact connection between Parkinson’s disease and hearing loss. But, there are several possible explanations.

Both Parkinson’s disease and hearing loss are due to degeneration of ner ve cells. Researchers believe that this could be due to common underlying mechanisms. ese include oxidative stress and in ammation.

Medication side e ects. S ome medications used to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can have ototoxic e ects. is can lead to hearing loss.

Central auditor y processing de cits. Parkinson’s disease may a ect the brain’s ability to process auditor y information. is can lead to a hard time understanding speech and sounds.

e connection between Parkinson’s disease and hearing loss is evident. But, we should note that not everyone with Parkinson’s

will have hearing loss. Hearing tests can help nd any changes in hearing to provide the right treatment.

Hearing loss can be due to several factors, including age, noise exposure, and genetics. For those w ith Parkinson’s disease, the risk of hearing loss may be highe r.

If you have concerns about your hearing or notice changes to your h ide guidance and s

Nepean residents are being encouraged to use photography to illustrate some of the risks their community faces from living on a floodplain.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is running a photo competition, Living with the River, alongside their developing Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley which, as the first DAP in the state, will work to reduce flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.

gaps that exist that really need to be addressed to help disaster reduction efforts be much more efficient and focused,” Whale said.

“Out of that there was a real recognition... that disaster adaptation plans should be rolled out across the state but very much be place based in their approach because the impacts and the risk is very granular in place for natural hazard risk and so we need to take this place based approach and work alongside the community to deliver these disaster adaptation plans.”

photo comp is a creative way to get people to think about the river.

The NSW RA Executive Director of Hazard Risk and Data Management Emma Whale said the RA was established in 2022 after a flood inquiry to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.

“One of the very first deliverables that we had was the State Disaster Mitigation Plan which got launched earlier this year and that was really around identifying at that state level what are the key policy and program

To really involve the community and hear from them what it is like living in a flood affected community, Whale said the RA has opened a photo competition.

“What we really want to see now is people engaging with the understanding that floods can happen and how they can prepare and be more aware,” Whale said.

“We are trying to do that in creative ways and we know that the river means different things to different people... we feel like the

“It also gives us a chance to capture many different voices about the river… It’s also exciting because Blak Douglas who is an Aboriginal artist who has been inspired by the river is also lending his support to the competition which is really important for us.”

The Living with the River photo competition will be open for entries until Sunday, February 2 with a prize pool valued at $5,000, to enter visit www.nsw.gov. au/living-with-the-river.

Emma Whale.

Δ 30 mouth-watering deals: McDonald’s is in the midst of its popular 30 Days 30 Deals promotion, offering bargains on popular menu items throughout November. For the entire month, Aussies will be treated to day after day of distractingly delicious deals. The daily deals are only available for 24 hours in the MyMacca’s App. And this year, enjoying your Macca’s faves as part of 30 Days 30 Deals will give you the chance to win big with every visit, with four brand-new cars up for keeps. Every week, customers who redeem a 30 Day 30 Deal offer will go into a weekly draw to win a brand-new Chery TIGGO 4 PRO SUV, valued at more than $23,000.

Δ Jackie O in town: Sydney radio star Jackie O will be in Penrith on Saturday, November 16 to sign copies of her new memoir, The Whole Truth. The book signing will take placed at Big W in Penrith from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

Δ Feline-friendly: Breeder’s Choice has officially expanded its range with the launch of Breeder’s Choice Tasty Treats (pictured right), a new addition designed to keep your cat purring with joy. Known for their eco-friendly cat litter, Breeder’s Choice is now making treat time just as sustainable and adding a focus on nutrition. These new treats are made in regional Australia,

using locally sourced meat and wholesome ingredients. With no added artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives, they offer a natural way to reward your cat. Plus, the treats are rich in high-quality protein, supporting your feline’s lifestyle from playful leaps to cosy naps. The new Breeder’s Choice Tasty Treat range offers enticing flavours that are sure to please even the pickiest of cats. Available now at Woolworths and IGA stores.

Δ Tower Burger is back: KFC has brought back the Tower Burger to its menu, adding a couple of

siblings to the mix too. In addition to the original Tower Burger, there’s now the Tower Stacker and Tower Twister.

Δ Gami heats things up: Gami Chicken has introduced a new menu (pictured below) with seven mouth-watering Korean-inspired dishes that bring an explosion of

flavours and bold new tastes this summer. From fiery, extra-spicy bites like the Spicy Buldak Chicken to sweet-and-savoury indulgences like the Cheese Snowy Chicken, there’s something for every taste bud to enjoy. To celebrate the new menu Gami Chicken has launched the #GamiSpicyChallenge as well. Details in-store at Nepean Village.

THE DIAMANTIDIS GROUP

Zoo, Joylands, Alina W Music, Drippin Desserts, Kids Face painting Bluey & Bingo, Santa and many more! AMAZING

(Photo thanks to State Library

WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

The art of time management, and how to get more hours of your day

Time is arguably our most precious commodity. Yet, despite its undeniable value, many of us struggle to effectively manage it.

How many times have you said to yourself or a colleague , “I wish there were more hours in the day,” but have we truly considered how we’re utilising the hours we already have?

A fundamental step towards effective time management is to take a proactive approach to planning.

By utilising a weekly planner, you can visually map out your available hours and allocate them to specific tasks.

This simple act of organisation can significantly reduce stress, boost productivity and give you back time you did realise you had.

Prioritising with purpose

Once you’ve mapped out your schedule, the next crucial step is to prioritise your tasks.

The ABC method of managing your ‘To Do’ list offers a straightforward approach to task prioritisation:

• A-Priority tasks: These are the most critical tasks that directly impact your business objectives. They require immediate attention and should be tackled first.

• B-Priority tasks: These tasks are important but not urgent. They may involve planning, research, or administrative duties. While they shouldn’t be

neglected, they can be scheduled for later in the day or week.

• C-Priority tasks: These tasks are low-priority and can often be delegated or postponed. They may include minor administrative tasks or responding to less urgent emails.

By understanding the ABC method, you can allocate your time efficiently and ensure that your most important tasks receive the attention they deserve.

Beyond the basics

While planning and prioritising are essential, there are other strategies that can help you make the most of your time:

• Time blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for different types of tasks.

• Time tracking: Use time tracking tools to monitor how you spend your time.

• Eliminate distractions: Minimise distractions such as social media, email notifications, and unnecessary meetings.

• Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others, especially if they can be handled by someone else.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your time, increase your productivity, and achieve your business goals.

Remember, time is one of your most valued resources, so make every moment count.

Marsden Park Care Community recently celebrated one year of bringing high quality residential aged care to Sydney’s growing north-west.

Brad Bunting, Mayor of Blacktown City, was on hand to help residents, their families and Marsden Park Care Community team members celebrate in style.

Resident June was proud to unveil the plaque that marked the milestone before residents and guests enjoyed a delicious high tea.

In just a year, Marsden Park Care Community has become a muchloved part of the local community, with connections with local high schools and Windsor RSL counting among the highlights. Fittingly, the celebration included music by students from Richmond High School and a string quartet.

Located just a few minutes from Elara Village Shopping Centre, Marsden Park Care Community is a kind, caring and welcoming environment, designed to meet the unique needs and choices of people as they age, with the compassionate care of registered nurses on duty 24/7. The team takes the time to understand the big and the little

details about how their residents like to live, so they can enjoy their day, their way.

Every bedroom opens onto a garden, balcony or terrace, and there’s so much to do. A beautiful central courtyard features gardens, potting areas, a putting green and shaded outdoor BBQ area. The spacious rooftop terrace has an alfresco dining area with BBQ, and a bowling green.

There are five resident kitchens and five multimedia rooms throughout the Care Community, along with a sports bar with pool table and lots of well-placed nooks for relaxing or socialising.

Residents enjoy nutritious, tasty meals created by the in-house chefs, and staying active with state-ofthe-art wellness centres that bring a holistic approach to wellbeing, rehabilitation and restorative care. There’s also a dedicated Memory Care Neighbourhood to support the individual needs of residents living with dementia.

Marsden Park Care Community is a family-oriented environment, designed to nurture a sense of community, and they encourage and support residents to keep the connections they’ve built.

Western Weekender

Notice of Precipe

For the record Bradley Terrence Gee of Alexandria, New South Wales, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australia. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names in all variations and all relative styles. My lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 29192 62607 on Proclamation Date 24th October 2024, and tacit agreement was established by my unrebutted Living

severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The immediately cease and desist misaddressing Bradley Terrence Gee in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

oppor tunity to start or continue your career in Aged Care with Catholic Healthcare!

Rubbish Removers

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS

though, with more events, and different styles coming up as well.”

Street dance has been in the headlines more than usual this year. Luckily, if you’ve been waiting for a chance to see it for yourself, the perfect opportunity is right around the corner.

According to dancer and Chief of Staff from Destructive Steps Dance Association, Amelia Duong, the street dance space is small but growing in Australia.

“In Australia, it’s still quite underground, underfunded, and not really known about, but it’s a really tight-knit and growing community,” she said.

“There have been a lot of new developments,

It’s for this reason that Duong said it’s become incredibly important to bring street dance into the theatre space.

“It’s definitely important to be able to put street dance in a different light, and to reach out to different audiences,” she said.

“We’re usually all in our own spaces, underground, so it’s not really visible, so it’s good that we get to represent street dance in this kind of space.”

On Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30, FORM Dance Projects will be bringing Intersections: Street Dance x Theatre to Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.

The show will be a double bill of western Sydney, female led street dance crews, Oh

Sheila and Duong’s Destructive Steps Dance Association.

“Oh Sheila is an all-female mostly popping crew, but they all do different street dance styles. They’re adapting their previous show called ‘Kinetic Illusions’ to the Parramatta stage,” she said.

“For our piece ‘INTERFLOW’, we’re focusing on the style of waving, but we’re also mixing that in with a base of locking, hip hop, and popping. It’s about creating more mood and narrative on that kind of stage, compared to what we normally do.”

As for who Duong thinks should head down for the show, she said there’s something in it for everyone.

“I think street dance is more accessible than a lot of other dance styles, because a lot of it

is very based in expression, in feeling, and the fun of street dance,” she said.

“It’s very different to attending a lot of other dance shows, more approachable.”

By the end of it, Duong said she hopes audiences see street dance in a different light.

“I hope that people see the power of street dance and are able to have more appreciation for the different styles that we do and the depth of those styles, but also see where it can go in terms of the stage and what that can bring to the expression of street dance,” she said.

Intersections: Street Dance x Theatre will be on at Riverside Theatre on Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30. Tickets start at $35. For more information or to book, visit www.riversideparramatta. com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

5 - 11 NOVEMBER

WesternSydney GigGuid e

IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

Henry Luau

Doors open 12pm

Tickets from $40 for Members

Henry sports Club

Coldplay

7pm

Accor Stadium

Round Up! A Country Club night - Penrith

Doors open 9pm

Tattersalls hotel tue 5

candelaria is back!

From 10pm

Tickets from $17.50

Club Brasilia Bar & Grill

penrith crystal fest

Late night poker

From 10:30pm

Entry fee from $27

St Marys Rugby Leagues Club

Albion Fridays: Lights Out Takeover

Free entry before 9pm

Albion Hotel

Annual stocking stuffer festival

8am - 1pm

richmond park, richmond

Western Sydney Comedy club

From 7pm

Collector Hotel

thu 7 fri 8

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

Tickets from $5

Sunday SATURDAY 9TH / 10TH thu 7

Super family fun day

2pm - 9pm

Entry $2, all rides $2

Tickets from $20 sat 9 sun 10 sat 9

Penrith paceway

Penrith paceway sat 9 sat 9

Scan me to check out these events!

THINGS TO DO

Let Liam Burrows entertain you

Don’t miss your chance to experience the smooth swing sounds of the talented Liam Burrows live on stage! Make it a day out with a Lunch and Show Package on Wednesday, November 13 – only $29. Book now for an unforgettable day of music and great food at Panthers Leagues Club! Tickets at www.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.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Penrith CBD Corporation

Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club

Ginger Ninja ornament class

It’s time for local kids to put their craft pants on for the Ginger Ninja Ceramic Ornaments class on Saturday, November 9. Children will have the opportunity to make four to six unique ceramic ornaments to decorate their homes for Christmas. The $55 class will get families ready for the festive season. Find out more at www.thecreativefringe.com.au.

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.

Probus Club of Nepean

First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

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

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and

Get those frustrations out!

Release all that pent up frustration at Smash Stuff in Jamisontown. Suit up in protective gear, select a weapon, and head to a smash room to start breaking things. The team at Smash Stuff will walk you through all of that while you unwind to the relaxing sound of a baseball bat shattering glass. Book in at www.smashstuff.com.au.

volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Penrith NASHOS

Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Nepean Food Services

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

Free food shop

9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700 for more details.

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Penrith 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.

Crystal Fest

Penrith Paceway

y

127-141 Station St, Penrith

9th- 10th of November

SAT 9-5

• LUCKY DOOR PRIZES DAILY

• MYSTERY TICKET GIFT VOUCHERS

SUN 10-4

• $5 ENTRY FEE, UNDER 18 FREE

• 10% OF ENTRY FEE GOES TO ANIMAL RESCUE

Crystal lovers of Penrith, WE ARE BACK!!!!

Come and join us again for two wonderful days filled with the most amazing Crystals, Jewellery, Crystal Carvings, specimens, minerals, opals, fossils, wellness products and sooooo much more!!!!

Crystals make beautiful gifts, and at the show you will find something amazing for everyone, you will see a assortment of pieces to cater for everyone’s tastes and budget and of course something for yourself!!

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 81D OF THE REAL PROPERTY ACT 1900 (‘ACT’) APPLICATION TO EXTINGUISH OBSOLETE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT (AU309730) BY AUSTRAL ESTATE 6A PTY LTD

The above mentioned Application has been made under Section 81A of the Act to cancel the recording of coveant J462388 (‘Restrictive Covenant’)

The Applicant is applying to have the Restrictive Covenant extinguished on the basis that it:

(i) is a fencing covenant;

(ii) has been in effect for more than 12 years; and (iii) is a type of covenant likely to lose any practical value after 12 years of operation.

The Restrictive Covenant sought to be cancelled:

1. affects the land in Folio Identifier 15/30409 being 310 Fourteenth Avenue Austral NSW 2179 owned by the Applicant; and 2. benefits the land in residue in Certificate of Title Vol 8148 Fol 239 (being 2/30409, 3/30409, 6/30409, 8/30409, 9/30409, 10/30409,12/30409, 13/30409, 14/30409, 16/30409, 23/30409, 24/30409, 25/30409, 26/30409, 27/30409).

We intend to register the Application and extinguish the recording of the Restrictive Covenant from Folio Identifier 15/30409 unless, within one (1) month from the date of this notice you lodge at this Office, pursuant to section 74F(4B) of the Act, a caveat on form 08X prohibiting the granting of the Application, accompanied by the prescribed fee (currently $171.70). Enquiries: AU309730 MH LEG6, Tel: (02) 8776 3575

Email: ldr@nswlrs.com.au

Date: 07/11/2024

MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

the ears of western Sydney classical music fans.

Penrith Symphony Orchestra will be shaking the walls of The Joan with an epic concert to wrap up their 2024 Symphonic Series on Saturday, November 9.

The concert will feature three works: ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, ‘Scottish Fantasy’, and ‘Bondi 13 April 2024’.

Initially brought to life by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky as a ten-movement piano suite in 1872, ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ has continued to dazzle audiences.

The historical piece of work was made orchestral by French composer Maurice Ravel in 1922, which is what will soon grace

Get the Pardi started

Jon Pardi (pictured above) will play headline Sydney and Melbourne shows, on his second Australian visit in March 2025.

Already announced as a headliner for the sold out 2025 instalment of Australia’s premier country music festival, CMC Rocks QLD, the anticipated run will take Pardi to all ages audiences at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday, March 19 and Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Thursday, March 20.

Tickets are on sale now.

Pardi will be joined by a stellar lineup on his Australian dates, including Stateside singer-songwriter Larry Fleet and rising star Zach Top.

Since first hitting the country landscape, Pardi has long since separated himself from the pack, carving a lane that’s all his own by producing, writing, and singing songs he created from the melodies up, and garnering praise for it.

With six US Country radio No.1’s to his name, Pardi is known for his impressive ability to carve out his own path, creating a “state-of-the-art blend of traditional instrumentation and progressive grooves that point to country’s future” (Rolling Stone).

‘Scottish Fantasy’ will be brought to life by award-winning violinist Teresa Yang in a performance that weaves folk tunes and orchestral textures together to create a compelling sound.

And premiering at the concert will be ‘Bondi 13 April 2024’, a commemorative piece by composer Christian Laki remembering the tragic event that occurred at Bondi Junction in April this year.

The composition blends rock, pop, and traditional music in an orchestral setting, giving the audience a soundtrack to reflect on the tragedy, and feel a sense of hope for the future.

You can purchase tickets at www.thejoan. com.au.

Must-hear new track

In the world of country music, where storytelling reigns supreme, few artists have managed to craft a tale as raw, vulnerable, and beautifully heartbreaking as Shaboozey (pictured below) does with his latest single, ‘Highway’.

Fresh off two CMA Award nominations (Best New Artist and Single of the Year) the Nigerian-American artist continues to prove why he’s a rising force in the genre. Combining poignant lyrics with soulful melodies, Shaboozey delivers a ballad that delves deep into the emotional toll of a relationship’s end, with his signature Western acoustic vibe.

‘Highway’ is more than just a breakup song; it’s an emotional odyssey wrapped in acoustic guitars and layered harmonies, with Shaboozey’s deep baritone vocals pulling listeners into a space of reflection and melancholy. The song embodies the distinct sound that Shaboozey has carved out in 2024.

The song is out now on all usual streaming services.

ALLY HALL

At the movies...

It feels refreshing in many ways to sit down in a cinema and watch a stand-alone movie that isn’t part of a series or world and doesn’t require reflection on previous flicks.

‘Assassin’s Plan’ (known as ‘Knox Goes Away’ overseas) sees Michael Keaton portray hitman John Knox, who is diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia.

His condition is so advanced by the time he speaks with a doctor that he’s given just weeks to get his affairs in order.

As Knox deals with the reality of what he’s about to confront, his estranged son Miles (James Marsden) lands on his doorstep, covered in blood and with a story to tell –he’s just killed the man who got his 16-yearold daughter pregnant.

And so begins Knox’s plan to help save his

son, as he faces his own mortality.

From here, ‘Assassin's Plan’ develops into a clever, at times witty examination of how far you’ll go for family, especially when you have nothing to lose.

The movie certainly has its shortcomings.

There’s too much focus on the police investigation into the death of Knox’s partner early in the movie, and while there’s an attempted link as the flick unfolds, it’s almost an unnecessary addition.

It would have been decent to learn more about Knox’s back story. Instead the focus is on his end, and it’s hard to have any sort of feelings given the character development is so poor.

A decent thriller, perhaps a little long, but nothing spectacular.

– Troy Dodds

www.hoyts.com.au

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê Upcoming New Zealand crime drama ‘A Remarkable Place To Die’ will premiere on Channel Nine on Sunday, November 17 at 8pm. The new four-part series stars Chelsie Preston Crayford as homicide detective Anaís Mallory as she returns to her hometown of Queenstown assuming the role of lead detective and hoping to unravel the truth behind the deaths of her father and sister. Rebecca Gibney also stars as the mother of Anaís.

Ê In stunning news, Guy Sebastian has quit ‘The Voice’. The inaugural ‘Australian Idol’ winner is leaving the popular Channel Seven singing contest after six seasons. Sebastian made the announcement on social media last week, stating he wanted to get back to making music and touring. He did leave the door ajar for a possible return down the track though.

Ê SBS held its 2025 Upfronts last week, with several key titles set to return. Next year popular series ‘Alone Australia’ heads to the West Coast Ranges of Tasmania, while Australia will take part at ‘Eurovision’ in Basel. ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ will profile Claudia Karvan, Marc Fennell and Mark Coles Smith, while Melissa Leong, Nazeem Hussain, Claudia Karvan and Steph Tisdell undertake

‘Great Australian Road Trips’. SBS also have a bunch of new docos on the horizon – one on Robodebt, another on DNA, and one on true crime in Central Australia.

Ê SBS will launch a FIFA+ FAST channel this month at SBS On Demand. Described as a “one-stop Australian destination to access premium FIFA content, both fresh and archival”, it comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Ê Fellow free streaming service 9Now is also adding six new FAST channels in a deal with BBC Studios. 300 titles will soon be available for free, showcasing BBC’s huge depth and breadth of factual, lifestyle, comedy shows and more. The new FAST channels are BBC Comedy, BBC Food, BBC Home & Garden, BBC Earth, Top Gear and Antiques Roadshow. This is a great move by Nine and I believe will be quite a coup for them.

Ê New music documentary ‘Larger Than Life: Reign Of The Boybands’ is coming to Paramount+ on Wednesday, November 13. From The Beatles and The Jackson 5 through New Edition, *NSYNC, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, to Seventeen and more, this documentary offers an inside look at the era’s defining boy bands. Told through those artists who experienced it firsthand, the managers who orchestrated their rise, and other key music players, ‘Larger Than Life’ is an ode to the ones who were tearin’ up our hearts.

Ê Are you aged 60-75 and want to find love? Casting has opened for ‘The Golden Bachelor’, which will premiere on Channel Nine next year. Hosted by Sam Armytage, producers are looking for Australia’s first Golden Bachelor as well as a group of women who want to find love again. To apply, visit www.goldenbachelorcasting.com.au.

TV Guide: November 8–14

Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFLW Finals: Week 1: North Melbourne v Adelaide *Live*

1:10

(M)

3:00 My Asian Banquet (PG) 3:25 Modern Family (PG) 3:50 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:45 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:15 Movie: “Ferdinand” (G) (’17) Stars: John Cena 8:30 Movie: “The Breakfast Club” (PG) (’85) Stars: Emilio Estevez

4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:30 Black As (PG) 6:40 Wild Survivors 7:30 Movie: “Beasts Of The Southern Wild” (M) (’12) Stars: Dwight Henry

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 What’s Up Down Under 8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 A Million Little Things (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 FBI (M) 2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half

Food Escapes 8:30 Mary Berry’s Fantastic Feasts 9:35 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 3:55 BBC News At Ten 4:25 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:50 PBS News Hour 5:50 Trip Hazard (PG) 6:20 Lost Gold Of World War II (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 2:00 La Brea (M) 3:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Mask”

Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 5:00 Seven News At Five 5:30 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Great Outdoors 7:30 Movie: “Independence Day: Resurgence” (PG) (’16) Stars: Jeff Goldblum 9:55 Movie: “I, Robot” (M v) (’04) Stars: Will Smith 12:10 Movie: “A Party Gone Wrong” (AKA ‘Trapped Daughter’) (M) (’21) 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Horse Racing: Stakes Day *Live* 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Sully: Miracle On The Hudson” (M l) (’16) Stars: Tom Hanks 9:30 Movie: “Plane” (MA15+) (’23) Stars: Gerard Butler 11:40 Movie: “Judas And The Black Messiah” (MA15+) (’21) Stars: LaKeith Stanfield 2:00 Religious Programs 2:30 Home Shopping 9:00 My Market Kitchen 9:30 The Drew Barrymore Show (PG) 9:50 The Weekly Kick Off 10:20

2:00 Escape To The Country 3:00 I Escaped To The Country 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol 6:30 The Highland Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

2:00 Motorsport: Shannons SpeedSeries: Round 7 *Live* 4:00 Desert Collectors (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFLW Finals: Week 1: Fremantle v Essendon *Live* 9:15 Movie: “Robin Hood” (M l) (’18) 1:00 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 2:30 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 3:45 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:15 Movie: “Goodbye Christopher Robin” (PG) (’17) Stars: Domhnall Gleeson 7:30 Movie: “Big” (M l,s) (’88) Stars: Elizabeth Perkins

2:55 Movie: “Tarzan” (PG) (’13) Stars: Kellan Lutz 4:30 Great Lakes Wild 5:00 Jimmy Shu’s Taste Of The Territory 6:00 NITV News Update 6:10 Pacific Island Food Revolution 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M I)

Fast, Fresh And Easy Food 6:00 David Rocco’s Italia 6:30 View From River Cottage 7:30 Alex Polizzi Secret Italy 8:30 Rick Stein’s India 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 River Cottage Australia

4:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 4: Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:35 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 4: Adelaide United v Western United *Live* 10:00 NCIS (PG)

4:05 BBC News At Ten 4:35 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 5:05 PBS News Hour 6:05 The Future With Hannah Fry (PG) 6:35 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Great Australian Concerts

12:00 Impractical Jokers (M) 12:50 Dessert Masters (PG) 2:00 Frasier (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Shark Tank (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Two And A Half Men (M) 3:00

4:25 World Endurance Championship Highlights 5:30 Movie: “Sonic The Hedgehog” (G) (’20) Stars: Ben Schwartz 7:30 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone” (PG) (’01) Stars: Emma Watson

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen 3:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:00 Restoration Australia 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Grand Designs Australia 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Fisk (PG) 8:30 Plum (M) 9:25 I Was Actually There 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 Cricket: WBBL: Hobart v Perth *Live* From The SCG 1:30 Cricket: WBBL: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder *Live* From The SCG 5:00 Seven News At Five 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2024 9:00 The British Airways Killer (M) 11:00 Crime Investigation Australia - Most Infamous (M v) 12:15 The Starter Wife (M) 1:15 Travel Oz (PG) 2:00 Home Shopping 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 Rugby League: Pacific Championships: Women’s Bowl: PNG Orchids v Fetu Samoa *Live* 1:45 Rugby League: Pacific Championships: Women’s Bowl: Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns *Live* 3:50 Rugby League: Pacific Championships: Men’s Cup: Kangaroos v Tonga *Live* 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 The Block (PG) 9:00 60 Minutes (PG) 10:00 NINE News 10:00 The Drew Barrymore Show (PG) 11:00 Dessert Masters (PG) 12:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 12:30 The Yes Experiment (PG) 1:00 Everyday Gourmet 1:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 2:00 Farm To Fork 2:30 Basketball: NBL:

5:30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 3:00 AFL 2022: NTFL Women’s Under 18s *Replay* 4:10 First Sounds 4:30 Unveiling An Icon (PG) 5:00 Kutcha’s Carpool Koorioke (PG) 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Nature’s Great Migration (PG) 7:30 First Australians (PG) 12:00 Escape Fishing With ET 12:30 Shark Tank Australia (PG) 1:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 2:30 Camper Deals 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 8: Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M)

1:15 Movie: “Summer Holiday” (G) (’63) Stars: Cliff Richard 3:30 Movie: “Clambake” (G) (’67) Stars: Elvis Presley 5:30 Movie: “Separate Tables” (PG) (’58) Stars: Deborah Kerr 7:30 Movie: “You’ve Got Mail” (PG) (’98) Stars: Meg Ryan

Get Macca’s® delivered.

Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The

JAG (PG) 7:35 Matlock (M) 8:40 NCIS (M)

6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:35 Little Lunch 7:50 Operation Ouch! (PG) 8:25

6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:35

Modern Family (PG) 6:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares UK (M)

Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 MTV EMA’s *Replay* 10:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

(PG) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:25 FBI (M) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 4:00 Windy City Rehab 5:00 Bargain Mansions 6:00

Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Te Ao With Moana 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Kenya Wildlife Diaries (PG) 7:30 Philly D.A: Breaking The Law (M) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 NCIS (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 8:30 FBI (M)

5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

(PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

8:30

6:00

While 2025 is the year of the serpent in Chinese culture – the snake being the most enigmatic animal of the zodiac, it is also the year of the colour Future Dusk.

According to Kellie Richardson (pictured), Future Dusk is a deep, moody blend of blue and violet with undertones of grey that evokes a sense of both mystery and serenity. It’s a colour that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, offering endless possibilities for interior transformations.

Richardson is a highly respected interior designer, Feng Shui expert and founder of Melbourne-based home design company Kurved by Design. Her company is a leading provider of interior design services and property staging, as well as Australia’s first online interior design academy.

“Colour theming is an incredibly important part of interior design and everyone loves to be on point when it comes to colour

of the year. The colour of the year for 2025 is Future Dusk and it is a rich, captivating shade that is set to redefine home interiors across the world,” Richardson said.

“Interior designers across the globe as well as property owners are already focused on ways to cleverly incorporate the luxu-

“THE COLOUR OF THE YEAR FOR 2025 IS FUTURE DUSK”

rious colour into living spaces. Adopting a new colour scheme can be daunting but there are simple ways to achieve this without spending a lot of time or money.

“Future Dusk is a timeless yet forward-thinking shade. It has an undeniable presence that can add both drama and tranquillity

to a room. Whether you use it as a bold statement or a subtle accent, it brings an air of sophistication that is perfect for modern homes.

“This colour is versatile enough to work across various design styles – from minimalist to maximalist – making it a must-have for 2025.”

Richardson is confident we’ll be seeing Future Dusk in many homes next year.

“Future Dusk is versatile and evokes a balance between the old and the new, the light and the dark,” she said.

“Its richness allows it to be a statement colour while still feeling grounded and calming. For homeowners seeking to refresh their space with a colour that inspires creativity and reflection, Future Dusk is the perfect choice.”

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Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.

RATES STAY STABLE AGAIN

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left interest rates on hold, as the door remains ajar for a pre-Christmas rate cut next month.

The RBA left the official cash rate at 4.35 per cent at its meeting on Tuesday.

It will meet again in December in the final meeting of the year before Christmas, in what retailers hope could be an early gift and result in strong consumer spending to finish the year.

In a statement, the Reserve Bank Board said it remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target.

“The Board will continue to rely upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market,” it said.

RateCity.com.au money editor, Laine Gordon, said

while the cash rate has been stuck in neutral for almost a year, variable home loan rates have started to drop.

“In the past year, around 70 banks have lowered at least one variable home loan

rate, but not all customers will have had a rate cut,” she said.

“It’s a timely reminder to check your home loan rate and compare it to what your bank is currently offering

new customers. If you are being taken for a ride, then now is the time to do something about it.

“By all means haggle, but consider making the switch. The sharpest rates are typically reserved for new customers, no matter how good your negotiating skills are, so it’s worth considering refinancing.

“If you are thinking of switching lenders, firstly do a quick check of how much equity you have in your loan because this is often crucial in understanding your options. If you’re an owner-occupier and own at least 20 per cent of your home already, then you’re in the box seat when it comes to rates.”

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Get ready for summer: Sunscreens to try as warmer weather arrives

Heading towards the warmer months, having your sunscreen routine down pat is imperative. There’s nothing healthy about a tan!

If you’re looking to invest in a new sunscreen for summer, it’s important to look to Australian brands. Here are my top picks:

Bondi Sands

Recently, they’ve also come out with their Sunny Daze Hydrating SPF 50+ Face Fluid Drops. It’s similar in the best way in that it also has an invisible finish, however it’s formulated specifically for the face, meaning it sits well under makeup and has a host of skincare benefits, including Vitamin E, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract and Aloe Vera.

ency and has a slight tint.

Though it’s a little bit trickier to blend out, once it is, it’s undetectable.

I like mixing this with my foundation in the morning for added sun protection throughout the day.

We Are Feel Good Inc

Bondi Sands has always been all about sun protection, encouraging a fake tan over a real one. But, their new sunscreens are taking it to the next level.

Their SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Body Sunscreen Lotion has been a favourite of mine for a while – it’s lightweight, blends out easily with no white cast, and is easy to store and travel with in its tube.

Ultra Violette

Ultra Violette is another brand focused entirely on creating products to protect against the harsh Aussie sun.

My personal favourite from their line is the Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen. It’s a little bit thicker in consist-

We Are Feel Good Inc. is a Western Australian brand designed for adventurous types, with their products designed to stand up against heat, sweat and water.

They have a host of different products ranging from body and face sunscreens to tints and lip balms in all different scents and sizes. However, my favourite product of theirs is the Good Morning SPF 50 Fragrance Free sunscreen.

The product comes in a 50mL tube with a pump, making it perfect for travelling and reapplying on the go. It’s super thin and easy to blend, with no crazy sunscreen smell. It also has plenty of feel-good ingredients to help restore and hydrate your skin, whilst also protecting you from the damaging effects of sunlight.

Skinstitut

Unlike some of the other brands in this article, creating a good sunscreen isn’t on the top of Skinstitut’s to-do list, instead focusing on developing high performance ‘cosmeceuticals’ to target specific skin concerns. But, in my opinion, their Face The Day SPF 50 is a highlight of their line.

Like the others, this product is weightless and streak free. It has almost a watery texture,

making it easy to blend or mix with other products. It’s also extremely hydrating, whilst also having a matte finish.

Mecca Cosmetica

I couldn’t make this list without including my favourite To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen. The product is tinted, yet lightweight enough that you could wear it under makeup or alone. However, as it’s designed to be worn with makeup, this is my preference – it sits perfectly between moisturiser and foundation, or could be blended with either for a no-makeup makeup look.

Outside Beauty & Skincare

The SPF 50+ Face Mist is a personal favourite. The mister is super fine, meaning you’re safe to apply it directly to the face, however blending with your hands is recommended.

The Experts

THE FRIGHTENING GAP IN SWIM SAFETY EDUCATION

This term is flying by, probably because it is one of our busiest! In addition to our usual Learn To Swim lessons seven days a week we are very happy to provide primary and high school swimming programs for hundreds of local school children in Term 4 at Nepean Aquatic Centre. This is an incredibly important part of the work we do, especially considering that Royal Life Saving says it is deeply concerned that more than 40 per cent of all children now leaving primary school have not achieved the National Benchmarks for swimming and water safety education for 12-year-olds.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr, says the increased drowning rate in teenagers is a very worrying trend, clearly linked to gaps in education. He says many children are now missing out on lessons, receiving too few lessons or dropping out of swim programs altogether – particularly between the ages of eight and 10. Scarr says “for too many years, too many children have not been able to swim 50 metres and float for more than two minutes”. This is now having far reaching consequences.

The latest Royal Life Saving Australia National Drowning Report reveals the risk of drowning increases tenfold for youth and young adults aged 10 to 20 because of a clear

decline in swimming, water safety, and lifesaving skills and an increase in risk-taking activities in this age group. Tenfold! That is a statistic I find truly frightening.

Justin Scarr said, “Our new research shows the effects of insufficient swimming and water safety skills can be undoubtedly severe, ranging from an increased risk of drowning to a lack of confidence when participating in water-based activities, particularly as children move into their teenage years and early adulthood.”

“Many young adults are quite simply being left unprepared for the dangers they may

encounter in and around the water as they grow older. Without immediate action to address this skills gap, more lives could certainly be at risk. Parents and carers play a critical role in their children’s swimming and water safety education, and we strongly recommend they enrol them in lessons or a program such as Swim and Survive, that adheres to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and assesses progress against the National Benchmarks,” Scarr said.

The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework provides a nationally recognised, structured and consistent approach to swimming and water safety education, and by ages six, 12 and 17, children should have the minimum swimming and water safety skills and knowledge set out in the Framework. While these are the basic skills children need, exceeding them can boost their confidence, competency and overall safety in the water.

There are eight basic skills a child should have by the age of 17, which include being able to swim continually for 400 metres; float, scull or tread water for five minutes and signal for help; and rescue a person and apply emergency care.

Does your child meet or hopefully exceed the benchmarks?

The Ritchie Brace is a custom orthotic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) designed to offer dynamic support for patients with various foot and ankle conditions.

Unlike rigid braces, the Ritchie Brace integrates a custom foot orthotic with semi-rigid struts that provide stability to the ankle without severely restricting motion, making it a more comfortable option for many patients.

One of the key features of the Ritchie Brace is its ability to address conditions such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), chronic ankle instability, and drop foot. In cases of PTTD, where the tibialis posterior tendon is weakened or injured, patients often experience a collapse of the arch and pain

during walking. The Ritchie Brace helps by providing medial-lateral stability and arch support, preventing further deterioration of the tendon and helping to restore a more normal gait pattern. By supporting the foot and ankle, it helps alleviate strain on the tendon, allowing for improved function and pain relief.

For individuals with chronic ankle instability, particularly after repeated ankle sprains, the brace stabilises the ankle joint, reducing the risk of further sprains and helping with rehabilitation. Its design maintains ankle flexibility while providing lateral and medial support, crucial for preventing inversion injuries.

In the case of drop foot, which is characterised by the inability to lift the

front part of the foot, the Ritchie Brace assists with foot clearance during walking, allowing for a more natural gait and preventing tripping. It provides dorsiflexion assistance while allowing for a degree of plantarflexion.

The Ritchie Brace is often favoured for its customisable nature, being moulded to the patient’s foot for an optimal fit. This customisation makes it a versatile option for treating a variety of foot and ankle pathologies, improving comfort, function, and quality of life for patients with conditions that impair their mobility. In clinical practice, the brace is a non-surgical option that can significantly improve outcomes when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Experts

DIABETES IN PETS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that can impact both dogs and cats, resulting in high blood sugar due to issues with insulin – a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose. When insulin isn’t produced or used effectively, pets can’t utilise glucose for energy, leading to a condition known as hyperglycemia. While diabetes can develop in various ways, such as through genetic predisposition, infection, obesity, and pancreatitis, it’s almost exclusively insulin-dependent in dogs, requiring regular insulin injections for effective management. In cats, however, dietary control and insulin treatment can sometimes lead to remission.

Recognising diabetes symptoms

Early detection is vital. Key signs of diabetes in pets include increased thirst, frequent urination, an increase in appetite, and unexplained weight loss. You may

find yourself refilling the water bowl more frequently, or your pet might need bathroom breaks more often than usual. Dogs, especially, may develop cataracts as a result of diabetes, and both

dogs and cats are at a higher risk for urinary tract infections due to glucose-rich urine.

These symptoms can be subtle initially, so it’s helpful to monitor your pet’s eating, drinking, and

bathroom habits. An increase in appetite without weight gain or noticeable weight loss can be early indicators of diabetes, as your pet’s body attempts to compensate for low energy by eating more.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diabetes is typically diagnosed in dogs between the ages of four and 14 years, with female dogs being more prone to the disease. Certain breeds, such as Schnauzers, Labradors, and Poodles, are more susceptible. A diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, and urine analysis. Elevated glucose in the blood and urine are classic indicators. In some cases, a vet might conduct a fructosamine test to understand average blood glucose over recent weeks, along with additional imaging if pancreatitis is suspected. For diabetic pets, treatment often includes insulin injections. Though the idea may seem daunting, many pet owners quickly

adapt to the routine. Injections like Caninsulin are administered under the skin, typically every 12 hours after meals. Your veterinarian will provide the precise dosage and guidance for giving these injections at home.

Additional tips for managing diabetes

In addition to regular insulin, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule and providing a high-fibre diet can help stabilise blood sugar. Regular, moderate exercise at the same time each day is also beneficial, helping to improve insulin effectiveness and maintain a healthy weight.

Routine and consistency are key to successfully managing diabetes in pets. Following a regular schedule and adhering to your veterinarian’s treatment plan will allow your pet to lead a happy and healthy life despite their diagnosis. For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

HOROSCOPES

Relax & Unwind

Boho Astro

bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The Supermoon and Sun/Uranus opposition could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you unleash your Inner Rebel. But try to do so in appropriate ways that don’t upset loved ones, antagonise authority figures, or endanger your personal safety! A professional or domestic challenge could also test your mettle. Aim to approach problems with a brand-new perspective. Be inspired by birthday great, Neil Young, “One fresh take can change everything.”

TAURUS

This week the Supermoon (in your sign) emphasises your practical side. So do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion. When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a boring rut. The planets push you to find creative ways to express yourself personally and within relationships. But don’t believe everything you hear! Keep your Bulldust Detector switched onto high.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

There’s a Supermoon and a Sun/ Uranus opposition, so expect some disruptions and/or surprises that could stir up friction between family needs and work responsibilities. With dynamic Mars marching through your sign, it’s time to be bold and courageous! Inspiration for the week comes from painter (and birthday great) Georgia O’Keeffe, “I’ve been terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

What an unpredictable week Scorpio!

The Sun (transiting through your sign) opposes disruptive Uranus, and there’s a dramatic Supermoon in your relationship and joint ventures zone. So start flexing your adaptability muscles, and expect some thrills and spills along the way. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who turns 79 on Tuesday), “As you go through life, you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks.”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

You’re in the mood to book an adventurous holiday or plan a new course of study. However – on the weekend – hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a family member, neighbour or work colleague. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as the planets stir up your communication zone. So be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time!

GEMINI

With the help of the Supermoon, use the power of your fertile imagination and trusty intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been bothering you. If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams) it will point you in the right direction. You’re also keen to work constructively with a colleague or communicate creatively with a friend. But don’t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Saturn squares Mercury (your patron planet) which can make you even more self-critical than usual. Don’t be too hard on yourself Virgo! Sometimes it’s a good idea to look at things from a totally different perspective. As poet (and birthday great) Marianne Moore observed (and Morticia Addams would agree), “Your thorns are the best part of you.” Saturday morning’s Supermoon shines a bright spotlight on travel, adventure, education and aspirations.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week’s earthy Supermoon highlights your health, daily routine and work zone. But expect some surprising developments and stressful moments along the way. Resist the urge to be argumentative, extravagant and super self-indulgent. On the weekend you need to slow down before you blow a fuse! Try to ground your fiery energy and calm your busy mind. Some meditation, contemplation, yoga, chanting or Tai Chi could be just what the doctor ordered.

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Finances, joint ventures, secret deals and trust issues are on the table as the Supermoon (on Saturday at 8.28 am Sydney time) highlights hiccups involving self-esteem and/or financial management. Strive to be less impulsive and extravagant, and more cautious with cash and credit. Don’t spoil a potentially productive week by being physically reckless or making inappropriate comments. Slow down and consult with loved ones along the way.

The silvery, ever-changeable Moon is your power planet. And many sensitive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable around the time of the Full Moon. This week’s Supermoon is in earthy Taurus, so you’ll probably feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual. But you still need to be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with other people (especially children, teenagers, work colleagues and close friends).

Stylish Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week the Sun, Supermoon and Uranus stir up your money and self-esteem zones, so it’s time to get your finances in order, work out a new budget, and plan to live in a more sustainable way. With Venus in your home zone (from Tuesday until December 7) you’re in the mood to cook up a storm with family and friends at Villa Libra.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Fault-finding Saturn could exacerbate a problem with a relative, neighbour or student. But hopefully Venus (moving into your sign) will come to the rescue and teach you an important celestial lesson. If you look for the best in the person involved, and work hard on improving your communication skills, then the relationship will gradually improve and have a good chance of longevity. It’s important to take baby steps, with a heart full of love and forgiveness.

Relax & Unwind

THE PERFECT CITY SPOT

Heading into the city soon and don't know where to stay? Don’t worry, I’ve just found the perfect hotel. I recently got the chance to stay in the newly refurbished Novotel Sydney City Centre and it well exceeded my expectations. The 22-storey building is perfectly located in the Sydney CBD, is less than 100 metres from Wynyard Station and is a short walk to the Wynyard Metro Station, making getting around the city easy.

I got to the hotel on a sunny Friday afternoon and was greeted by friendly staff who checked to make sure my room was ready, all in all it took less then five minutes to get checked in. While the building is a true skyscraper, I was on level three, but this was for a good reason. The first three levels of the hotel have rooms with the option of a balcony. I stayed in the hotel's Superior King Room with a Balcony. I was so impressed with the luxury of the room, which hits you as soon as you open the door.

“THERE IS SO MUCH AVAILABLE AROUND THE HOTEL FROM SHOPS, RESTAURANTS AND THINGS TO DO”

The room went beyond a standard room as it had a lounge with a large TV, large bathroom and a massive closet space but the balcony was really the highlight. It was so spacious, definitely enough room to hold multiple people to enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun. Sometimes when you go on holiday you hear people say ‘The room doesn’t matter, we won’t be there for long’ but the room can be part of the experience itself, and this room really delivers. It almost makes you want to spend more time in the room than out!

I managed to convince myself to exit the roam, and decided to go for a walk and do some shopping. It took me less than 10 minutes to get to Pitt Street but if you don't want to walk, it is just one stop away on the Metro. There is so much available around the hotel from shops, restaurants and things to do.

After getting back from my impromptu shopping trip, I rested in the hotel room before heading down to the hotel restaurant, Birde Bar & Brasserie. This restaurant is one of the better hotel restaurants I've experienced. The design exudes luxury and the food is

truly decadent. My guest and I got to try the ‘Canary in a coal mine’ share menu. This is $70 per person and includes six plates of the chef’s selection to share. What is so interesting about this is that the chefs’ selections can change daily, meaning what I got might be completely different from what someone got the night after. It makes it quite exciting! To start we received some olives as well as duck liver parfait with brioche. For mains we got a tomato risotto and wagyu brisket, and for dessert we got the almond panna cotta and sticky davidson plum pudding, all paired with some sparkling wine. This was one of my first experiences of fine dining and I have to say it was really nice! I definitely recommend checking out the restaurant when you stay.

One of my favourite things about hotel stays is how dark the rooms are, I could have slept in all morning! But I got up and had the hotel’s buffet breakfast, which was another win! There was a lot of variety in food and drink, so there was definitely something for everyone to start their day.

When I was leaving the hotel, I was able to use the self-checkout machine, this took me less than a minute and all I had to do was drop my room key into a slot and I was off! It was so convenient and made the checkout process so streamlined. Make sure to keep the Novotel Sydney City in mind for your next city stay. The writer stayed as a guest of Novotel Sydney City.

One of the rooms at Novotel Sydney City Centre.

The tomato risotto and the wagyu brisket. Photo: Emily Chate.

The balcony is one of the most impressive parts of the room.

9. Geography reference volume

10. Bank cash dispensers (1,1,2)

12. Greek fable writer

14. Felt sick

16. Up-at-dawn person, early ...

19. For a specifi c purpose (2,3)

22. Disgusts

23. Flings

25. Aromas

26. Canopy

29. Alfresco

32. Psychedelic drug (1,1,1)

35. Sideboard

37. Strict

38. On R and R (3,4)

40. Unhitch

41. Scrapes (leaves)

42. Large tree

43. Wrecked

44. Lavished aff ection (on)

47. Foams

51. Loose cloak

52. Trounced

53. Announce

54. Heedless

58. Phrase

59. Deplete

61. Arose (3,2)

63. Effl uent pipe

64. Banner

65. Wedding speeches

66. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)

68. Timid rodent

71. Gallows loop

72. Catch breath

74. Old school, ... mater

76. So-so

78. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1)

80. Use needle & thread

83. Unfair (deal)

and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our

Word Search

Find

Last week’s solution

1. If you were checking out the restaurants, pubs and shops of Macrossan Street, where would you be?

2. If you were swimming under waterfalls at Litchfield National Park, where would you be?

3. Where could you meet dolphins at Monkey Mia?

4. A two hour car trip from Cairns, where could you hike through the rainforest of Dunk Island?

5. If you were diving in the clear blue waters of Rowley Shoals Marine Park, where would you be?

6. Where is the Hellenic Museum located?

columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number

ALFAKODO

Fill in 1 to 6, in each row across and down, and in each rectangle.

Each number equals an alphabet letter, e.g. A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. By finding out which numbers (and consequently letters) are NOT shown, find a jumbled word related to the cartoon drawing.

Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells

A Z+S N V+P B G-S 17 O V+Q

C W-T P C×C

D H+V Q B-Z 12

E T×S 16 R H×R 20

F Q÷S S K-S 2

G B+S T W-C

H S-H 1 U Q×S

I O-Z V T+F

J P×S W F+Z

K D-W X H×X 10

L P+E Y N-X M Q+X Z H+K 5

Find fifteen words beginning with ‘s’ from these jumbled letters.

JUNIOR PUZZLERS: 1. Chile. 2. The Pacific Ocean. 3. O.

MINI-SUDOKU:

Special word: Stern - means to be firm, strict or uncompromising.

HIDDEN WORDS: Serpent, set, spent, see, sent, seer, seen, seep, steer, steep, stern, strep, spree, step and sneer.

Flash the pony can smell apples and he’s excited! Can you help him find them?

JUMBLED NUMBERS: Melody.

ALFAKODO:

PIC PUZZLE: Bibi.

Puzzles and pagination by Auspac Media

Carwise LDV in Kingswood are celebrating the arrival of two new models to their extensive line-up.

Redesigned and refined, the new MY25 D90 large SUV, blends unmistakable style and versatility that takes you effortlessly from work to weekend.

Combining technology, performance and genuine space for seven, discover the SUV that delivers impressive comfort for work, life and everything in-between.

Built to deliver and ready to work, the new one-tonne Deliver 7 commercial van is your partner in business that works as hard as you do, day in day out.

From its versatile cargo space, practical interior, safety tech and car-like comfort, the

Ready for battle

Curling calls for Penrith’s Pentecost

NATHAN TAYLOR

Inspirational Penrith athlete

Nathan Pentecost will depart the country tomorrow, bound for South Korea as he tackles his next sporting adventure.

After representing his country in three other sports previously, the 40-year-old will don the green and gold in wheelchair curling for the very first time.

Next week’s 2024 Asia Wheelchair Curling Championship will not only be a history-making moment for the Thornton resident but for Team Australia as well, who – as a country – have never competed on the world curling stage before.

Pentecost and his teammates were originally set to make their curling debuts at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Finland this month, however huge costs to travel to the northern Europe destination put that dream on ice.

“We weren’t able to raise the money for Finland but then we discovered there was another competition in South Korea that we could enter,”

Pentecost told the Weekender

“We’ll still be representing Australia

but it’s a smaller competition and it’s probably best we do a competition of this size considering it will be our first one.

“There are five teams taking part and there’s five members in our Australian team. Most of my teammates are from Western Australia, but there is another guy from NSW like me.”

Helping him achieve his dream of representing Australia again is the generosity of the local community, who helped him raise a whopping $6000 to cover costs associated with the trip.

“I would like to thank the Penrith community for supporting me otherwise I wouldn’t be able to get there,”

Pentecost said.

“A few local businesses came on board as well as the general public. I appreciate all the Penrith community for supporting me like they always do.

I’m very thankful and grateful.”

Pentecost will be looking to do

Penrith proud when Australia hit the rink for the first time at the Asia Wheelchair Curling Championships.

Next week’s competition, which runs from November 11-15, will be a massive challenge for Australia who haven’t been able to train as a team in

“We haven’t been able to train together in person, but I’ve been doing my own training twice a week at the gym,” Pentecost said.

“We’re heading over a couple of days prior, so hopefully we get some ice time in. It’s not the ideal situation, but I’ve been doing all that I can – watching YouTube videos and trying to simulate as much as possible in training.

“We’re all kind of in the same boat, we just have to see how we go. It’s our first competition. I’m not promising a medal but there’s five teams, so the odds are in our favour.”

JOURNO WINS GONG AT NETBALL’S BIG NIGHT

Local netballers Paige Hadley and Liam Forcadilla as well as the Weekender ’s own Nathan Taylor were just a handful of the winners announced at the 2024 Netball NSW Awards last Saturday night at Bankstown Sports Club.

Hadley – a Penrith Netball junior and long-time NSW Swifts star – took out the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal for Super Netball Excellence, while Forcadilla – who is also a popular member of Penrith Netball – was named the Men’s Netball NSW State Player of the Year.

For his role in covering the game from grassroots to the elite level, Western Weekender sports journalist Nathan Taylor was bestowed the Judy Dunbar Media Award for Community Media Excellence.

It’s the fourth time in his career that Taylor has secured the coveted award having previously won in 2023, 2021 and 2017.

Other winners on the night included Jamie-Lee Price, who won the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal for

Super Netball Excellence as a member of the Giants.

Former Giants captain and Netball World Cup winner Kim Green was inducted into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame alongside respected netball administrator Wendy Archer.

Penrith Netball Association was nominated for the Community Excellence Award, which ultimately went to Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association.

Penrith Netball was a finalist for the new award after demonstrating the Netball NSW values and for implementing a change in the last 12 months, which has resulted in innovation,

DISTRICT TENNIS ASSOCIATION

Nathan Pentecost.

Winner: Nathan Taylor.

Sharing a winning vision

Panthers join forces with York RLFC as clubs prepare to learn from each other

The Penrith Panthers and York RLFC have formed a new collaboration aimed at strengthening growth in rugby league.

The multi-year partnership brings together the six-time NRL Premiers and the Championship-contending York Knights, alongside the backto-back Women’s Super League Champions, York Valkyrie.

The collaboration, formalised through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to enhance growth in key areas such as youth development, commercial innovation and international talent pathways for both men’s and women’s rugby league.

With a Panthers NRLW team on the horizon, Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron was more than excited to see the partnership get off the ground.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with York RLFC. This partnership will not only foster shared knowledge and resources but also strengthen our commitment to the growth of rugby league at all levels,” he said.

“We are also excited about learn-

ing from York Valkyrie, the backto-back Women’s Super League champions, as we strive to elevate the women’s game at Panthers.

“Their success serves as an inspiration, and we believe that by sharing strategies and insights, we

can make an impact on the development of women’s rugby league.”

York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild revealed how an in-person meeting with Cameron and the Panthers was the catalyst for the partnership coming to life.

“Over the past two years we have been fortunate enough to build a relationship with Matt Cameron and his amazing staff. This included two visits to the Panthers facilities and offices,” Goodchild said.

“I was humbled that Matt would take the time to give me a tour of their impressive operation. Upon doing so I could see why they have had so much success on and off the field. The people in the organisation couldn’t have been more generous with their time.

“We’ve learned so much from those experiences and to now have a formal partnership in place I am excited to continue that education and to openly share our vision, experiences and knowledge.”

Fox caps off huge year

Paris Olympic gold medallist Jessica Fox has taken out the coveted Paddler of the Year crown at the 75th annual Paddle Australia Awards on the Gold Coast.

Australia’s elite paddlers achieved their best ever Olympic and Paralympic Games campaign, with an impressive four gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

For Fox, she not only managed to deliver an impressive two gold medals in the women’s C1 and K1 at the Paris Games, making Olympic history, she also carried the pride of the nation as the flag bearer for Australia at the opening ceremony.

But it wasn’t just her Olympic medals that made her a worthy recipient, breaking records before she’d arrived at the Paris Games, becoming the first athlete to win 50 ICF World Cup gold medals and the first athlete to win three gold medals at a single ICF World Cup.

Fox’s gold medal winning sister Noemie Fox was also celebrated on the night, picking up an Award of Merit for her incredible year that saw her become the first ever Olympic Champion in Women’s Kayak Cross.

And Myriam Fox was named Coach of the Year, making it a real family night of success.

Meanwhile, fellow local and future Olympian Codie Davidson secured the Junior Paddler of the Year award.

As rugby league continues to evolve and expand across the Pacific, Europe and North America, partnerships like this one is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.

With the NRL’s ongoing growth and the upcoming restructure of the Super League in 2025, Penrith and York say that this collaboration stands as a testament to the shared passion and vision for rugby league’s future.

“By uniting our resources and expertise, we aim to create pathways for both men’s and women’s rugby league, enhancing youth development and fostering innovation,” Panthers Group Chairman, Peter Graham said.

“No club in the world has had more success in developing the sport at a youth and community level then Penrith, to have a blueprint on how that was achieved is exciting as we look to launch our Academy in the near future,” Goodchild added.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Members of York RLFC with Ben Gardiner and Izack Tago.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Jessica Fox was crowned the Paddler of the Year last weekend. Photo: Paddle Australia.

CRICKET: Young Penrith cricketer Callee Black has been inducted into the 19th edition of the Basil Sellers Emerging Player Program for 2024/25 season. The talented all-rounder was deemed a ‘Tier 1’ athlete, having the potential to earn a state or rookie contract in the short-term. Founded by Cricket NSW Vice Patron and Life Member Basil Sellers, the scholarship program aims to provide the state’s best emerging cricketers with the skills and opportunities needed to effectively transition to NSW contracted playing opportunities. After being selected as a ‘Tier 1’ recipient, Callee will receive the Basil Sellers financial scholarship, access to the Basil Sellers Emerging Player Program, as well as an equipment sponsorship offer with Kookaburra Sports. Residing in Bathurst and playing for the Penrith Cricket Club, 17-year-old Callee is an exciting left-arm fast bowler and top-order batter. Callee is a proud Wiradjuri woman and has represented NSW at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC). In 2023, her performances at the NICC were rewarded with selection in the Australian Women’s Indigenous Team where she toured Vanuatu. Off the field, Callee is in Year 12 and is currently completing the HSC. “We are grateful to Basil Sellers AM for his continued and ongoing support to encourage the growth and development of young cricketers in NSW,” said Jack Balnave, Head of the Cricket NSW Foundation. “The scholarship program since its inception in 2006/07, has shaped the lives of so many of our stellar cricketers who have gone on to become some of the world’s biggest names in cricket in subsequent years.”

CRICKET: Penrith have struggled away from home, going down to Sydney University in Round 5 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day Match at University Oval, Sydney University won the toss and elected to bowl. In Penrith’s first innings with the bat they were dismissed for a disappointing 124. Skipper Ryan Gibson top scored with 30. When Sydney University hit the crease, they were on fire recording 4/239 before declaring. Penrith then had enough time to bat a second innings, scoring an improved 4/169, with Gibson again top scoring on 64. Time didn’t permit Sydney University to play another innings and therefore the result from the first innings stood. Penrith will return home to Howell Oval this weekend to face off against Manly Warringah.

CRICKET: Penrith have been flogged by Gordon in Round 5 of NSW Premier Cricket Women’s first grade competition. Playing in a One-Day Match at Howell Oval, Gordon won the toss and elected to bat. Led by Sterre Kalis’ 136, Gordon put on an absolute clinic with the bat and were 7/328 after 50 overs. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they couldn’t even come close to the visitors’ target, dismissed for 125 after 37.4 overs. Keira Jobson top scored with 29. Penrith will play Sydney University in a T20 match this Sunday at Howell Oval.

CRICKET: Round 3 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition took place last weekend, with Panthers Cricket Club winning their first game of the season. In fourth grade, Panthers amassed 4/396 with two of the top order scoring centuries. In reply, Jamisontown Sporting C.C. could not keep up with the required run rate thanks to some tight bowling and Panthers were able to dismiss them for 164.

AFLW: The GWS Giants have ended their 2024 AFLW campaign with a heartbreaking loss to Port Adelaide last Sunday. Playing at Alberton Oval, Port’s Gemma Houghton’s massive mark and goal with less than a minute remaining gave the Power the lead for the first time, winning 43-42. It was a tough end to the season for GWS, whose losing streak extended to eight games. They were outstanding for much of the match, but the experience of Power veteran Kirsty Lamb was critical when the game was on the line. Lamb snapped the opening goal of the final term and then her pass found Houghton, who marked and kicked the match winner. GWS ended the season in 16th place with one win, one draw and nine losses to their name.

FOOTBALL: On what should’ve been a night of celebration due to the anniversary of Western Sydney’s historic ACL title a decade ago, the Wanderers have gone down to Adelaide United 4-3 in Round 3 of the A-League Men’s competition. Played at CommBank Stadium last Saturday night, the Wanderers were trailing 3-1 at half-time before making a fightback in the second half. The Wanderers got within one goal but were unable to get the equaliser. Western Sydney are yet to taste victory this year despite a new coach at the helm and a relatively unchanged weekly line-up. In a much-needed boost, the Wanderers are expected to have skipper and goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas available for Friday night’s clash against the Newcastle Jets in Parramatta. Thomas is yet to

play a game this season due to injury. A final decision on his availability will be made prior to kick-off.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have gotten their 2024/25 A-League Women’s campaign off to a positive start thanks to a 2-2 draw with Newcastle last Sunday evening in Cessnock. In hot conditions, the Wanderers raced out to a 2-0 lead before the Jets hit back with a pair of their own. Despite some good chances for both teams, the two sides were unable to be separated after the 90 minutes. The Wanderers will play their first home game of the season this weekend when they tackle Adelaide United at Wanderers Football Park.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL: It’s been an unhappy weekend for the Nepean Ducks who lost both games in Round 6 of the Gridiron NSW competition. In a top of the table battle, the Ducks Colts team were pumped by Sydney Uni 36-14, while the Ducks women’s team lost 20-0 to the UC Stars. Nepean’s Men’s team were forced to forfeit their match against the Sydney Uni Lions due to player availability. It’s hoped they can field a team this weekend.

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message me on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

The GWS Giants suffered a one-point loss in the final game of the AFLW season.

Penrith cricketer Callee Black.

The Wanderers lost 4-3 to Adelaide.

SPORT

WIN FOR THE AGES

Proud sporting school St Dominic’s College have been involved in one of the greatest comebacks in high school basketball history.

Playing North Sydney’s Marist Catholic College in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Intermediate Final at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, the Kingswood-based college were down the entire game – and were even trailing by a whopping 10 points in the final 90 seconds – before a comeback for the ages was activated.

St Dominic’s coach Jack Sullivan said he

called a pivotal time-out late in the game in a last-ditch effort to inspire his young troops.

“We got the game to within four points and then Marist hit back-to-back threes to push it out to 10 again, so I called a timeout,” he told the Weekender

“I said to them, ‘there’s a minute-and-ahalf left, it’s not over. Leave everything on the court’.”

Fired up and ready for one last crack at the title, St Dominic’s picked up their defence, which resulted in Marist turning over the ball and St Dominic’s hitting some easy layups to inch closer.

St Dominic’s got the game to within four points again before their star player Akol

Athieu was fouled nailing a three-pointer from the corner.

“He shot the three in front of the opposition bench and they yelled at him trying to put him off his shot, which you can’t do, so the referee immediately called a foul and this resulted in Akol getting a four-point play,” Sullivan said.

“With the game tied, Marist called their last time-out to draw up one last play to win in regulation, however we ended up getting the ball back after blocking their shot with eight seconds to go.

“Akol, who hit the four-pointer just moments earlier, ran the ball up the court and made a lay-up to win the game as the buzzer sounded.”

With the on-court officials satisfied the ball went in before the full-time buzzer went off, it was pure disbelief followed by an eruption of joy for the local boys in blue.

“The players ran around and even the boys on the bench ran onto the court to celebrate,” Sullivan said.

“After the game, I said, ‘you boys should be proud because you never gave up’.

“I could see in that time-out with 90 seconds left that they were confident that they could get themselves back into it. It was an unreal feeling. I was very proud.”

The two-day tournament saw the best high school basketball teams from all over the state converge on Cambridge Park to compete for gold.

NATHAN TAYLOR

St Dominic’s celebrate becoming NSW CCC State Champions.