Western Weekender December 9 2022

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• Requesting a printed copy to be sent to you by visiting The Waste Spot at penrith.city/thewastespot

We’re providing extra bin collections to help with the additional waste and recycling produced over Christmas and New Year’s.

During the weeks highlighted, place all bins on the kerbside the night before your normal collection day. Collections may run early in the morning and late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied.

Drop Off Your Recycling!

Have a lot of recycling that won’t fit into your yellow-lidded recycling bin? Bring it to our free recycling drop-off point from Monday 19 December to Friday 30 December 2022* between 3pm and 6pm at Jamison Park.

We’re accepting items such as wrapping paper, cardboard boxes and other household recyclables.

Please remember that polystyrene can’t be dropped off, but it can be placed in your red-lidded residual bin or taken to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre.

*Event excludes public holidays and the weekend.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree!

We’re collecting real Christmas trees for free on Saturday 7 January 2023. Bring your real tree to Jamison Park between 10am and 2pm and we’ll turn it into mulch. Please make sure to remove all decorations from your trees before bringing them down on the day. Artificial trees can be disposed of by booking a bulky waste collection at The Waste Spot or by breaking it down and placing it in your red-lidded residual bin.

Learn more at penrith.city/christmaswaste penrith.city

Ice rink axed from plans

Revised design for Winter Sports World revealed as neighbours flag concerns

an “elegant sculpture” while being energy efficient.

The final alpine inspired design for the proposed $400 million Winter Sports World (WSW) has been unveiled, with the project one step closer to being deter mined by the State Government.

Local developer Peter Magnisalis lodged a State Significant Development Application last month which could see a 300-metre advanced run for skiers and snowboarders, a learn to ski run, ice climbing, 170 hotel rooms and restaurants on the 2.35-hectare site at 2 Tench Avenue, Jamisontown.

With Sydney architecture firm Collins & Turner winning a design competition, the snow resort will use lighting and textural details to give the appearance of a blizzard and melting glacial ice, inspired by the flow ing nearby Nepean River.

Now in line with planning controls, Mr Magnisalis said the building will look like

“It is 54 metres in height away from the river towards Mulgoa Road and it will descend down towards the river faster as we have reduced the bulk and scale of the building,” Mr Magnisalis said.

“The parking will be in the basement and all traffic will go through Wilson Lane which is an earmarked road that hasn’t been formed up so we will have beautiful landscaping along Jamison and Tench for people to enjoy.”

Getting an icy reception from neighbouring Nepean Shores, Mr Magnisalis said he is committed to addressing residents’ concerns.

“We have created a six-metre set back from the boundary and will provide an open style fence allowing them to enjoy the extensive landscaping,” he said.

“The building envelope has been cut down so that all the dwellings in Nepean Shores will receive a minimum of three hours sun during winter solstice on June 21 as I know it’s impor

tant for them to have that amenity.”

The Weekender met with members of the Nepean Shores Residents’ Committee who said they still have issues with the develop ment.

“The concept is great but just not here. It is going to be an absolute eyesore overshadow ing some of our homes, blocking the beautiful view of the horizon and adding further traffic and congestion to the river precinct,” a committee spokesperson said.

“We are speaking for majority of the resi dents who have grave concerns about it. We are worried it will disrupt the peaceful area with bright lights all night and noise from people and the generators to run it.”

WSW’s initial vision in 2018 was also set to include an ice rink, but Mr Magnisalis confirmed that it was removed from the final design due to the reduced building envelope and the need to comply with the recently endorsed planning controls.

After the closure of Penrith Ice Palace in

June, the proposed inclusion of a rink was welcomed by members of the impacted sports.

“The announcement of WSW having to sacrifice the inclusion of an ice rink to comply with height restrictions is another blow to the over 500 former Penrith based ice sports athletes,” a Western Sydney Ice Sports Co-op erative spokesperson said.

“We are calling for Government and Coun cils to support our community and instead of inaction, which is killing our sport, help our community source and fund a new rink site in western Sydney.”

Mr Magnisalis maintains that it will solidify Penrith as a must visit destination.

“This is a great opportunity for the area with no offering like it in Australia and it is a huge draw card for international tourists,” he said.

“We are looking at over 1350 ongoing jobs once it is operating and a massive injection into the NSW economy of over $220 million each year.”

The new Winter Sports World design has been unveiled. Construction is expected to begin next year.

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Little sympathy for disruptor

When Deanna ‘Violet’ Coco brought Sydney to a standstill in April, she stopped people getting to work, halted ambulances getting to emergencies and put the lives of those tasked with ending the stunt at risk.

The eight month minimum jail sentence she was served last Friday is more than justi fied and a huge lesson that actions indeed have consequences.

Apparently Ms Coco has “put her life and studies on hold” to focus on activism.

In other words, she is a serial protester who would rather disrupt tens of thousands of people with childish stunts than get a job.

For too long the courts have let people like this off with a slap on the wrist. Now the legislation is there to throw the book at them, and the Magistrate should be applauded for doing so.

Protests are part of our democracy. There is a time, a place and process for having them. Deciding for yourself it’s morning peak hour in Sydney doesn’t cut it.

Fallout from trial of the year

There’s a lot of lessons to learn from the now abandoned Bruce Lehrmann trial, but very little in the way of answers.

Everyone walks away, but nobody will be clinking champagne glasses at Christmas.

Mr Lehrmann, who has denied the allega tions against him every step of the way, has no hope of vindication.

Brittany Higgins has no hope of what she would have perceived as justice, and contin ues to battle health issues.

What we did learn was that the Australian justice system is hardly fit for purpose when it comes to sexual assault allegations of this nature. Both Mr Lehrmann and Ms Higgins would likely argue this.

Socceroos inspire, but where to now?

The Socceroos can hold their heads up high after a sensational World Cup campaign that very nearly saw them cause a boilover against Argentina on Sunday morning.

All the talk is that this could help lift foot ball’s status in Australia; that kids out there will be dreaming of being a Socceroo and playing on the World Cup stage.

But participation at a junior level has never been football’s issue in this country.

The A-League remains barely a blip on the radar, forced onto a streaming service very few people subscribe to and a free-to-air multi-channel nobody has heard of.

Crowds are poor and the quality of the senior game itself is not much better.

I feel like we’ve been here before: interna tional success that unites the country, before it’s all quickly forgotten.

What’s wrong with Test cricket?

The poor crowds and TV ratings at the first Test between Australia and the West Indies are a worry for cricket officials.

There’s plenty of excuses being thrown around but what can’t be ignored is that the game has been diluted; the summer of cricket now both helped and hindered by things like the Big Bash.

And then there’s the broadcast – you just don’t feel Channel Seven’s heart is in the game. Cricket fans felt like they were watch ing with friends and family whenever Nine broadcasted the cricket.

And what of our local boy, Pat Cummins? We should be proud of his rise to Test captain, but rarely has a skipper been so polarising; unable to unite and get wider public support, as so many have in the past.

programs, that grab a million viewers a night in some cases – and that remains big busi ness and nothing to sneeze at.

But there is general acceptance that the TV industry is changing; generational shift is occurring and the old habits – like sitting down at a set time to watch a specific show a few nights a week – are dying out.

In the commercial realm, however, Seven and Nine are holding their own. They’re still producing water cooler content, albeit in the sometimes corny and cheap reality world.

Which leads me to one pressing question: What on Earth is going on at Channel 10?

Last week the network reportedly cancelled their Christmas Party because, as one publi cation put it, there’s not much to celebrate this year. Harsh, but fair.

10 is a basket-case, despite hopes that its ownership by Paramount in the United States may have given it a much-needed boost in terms of smarter programming and flagship content.

It is dogged by the lack of a major sport to give it relevance, but its programming deci sions are nothing short of bizarre.

Take for example a show called ‘The Chal lenge’ a struggling reality program that has been attracting the ratings of an old-school test pattern recently.

With only a few episodes to go, 10 randomly dumped it from its prime-time schedule –moving it to something called ‘10 Shake’, a random multi-channel I’d suspect most people have never heard of.

How does it possibly help to frustrate what audience the show does have by moving it to a network many won’t be able to access? What does it achieve, given the official ratings period is over anyway?

The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930).

For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

We learned putting the proverbial cart before the horse is a problem when cases are still in the courts. Just ask Lisa Wilkinson.

And we were reminded that sexual assault allegations and subsequent trials are not supposed to turn into entertainment nor political footballs. Sadly, in this case, both of those things happened.

Cricket will need to do some soul search ing sometime soon. Bumper crowds at the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests won’t be enough to not address the substantial elephants in the room.

What on Earth is going on at Channel 10?

Free-to-air TV is currently in a precarious place when it comes to the Australian media landscape. It still produces shows, and news

Now they’ve cut morning show ‘Studio 10’ back in time so they can re-run ‘Bold and The Beautiful’ and an episode of ‘Judge Judy’. In other words, they’ve given up.

10 is plagued by programming missteps like this, a news service that isn’t taken seriously, and a desire to attract a younger audience that simply isn’t looking to free-toair networks for their TV entertainment.

Is 10 in its dying days?

Index

Santa Truck is on the road again

The Penrith Santa Truck will be back spreading cheer for the third consec utive year this Christmas Eve.

Local businesses have teamed up with Santa to travel around Jamisontown, South Penrith and Cranebrook to deliver some goodies to the community.

Organiser Kate Clarke brought back the initiative after doing it over a decade ago with friends to lift spirits during the pandemic. She never could have predicted the support she has received from a range of businesses in the area.

“We started doing it again during COVID

and it has exceeded my expecta tions this year with 25 generous businesses on board who just want to give back,” Ms Clarke said.

“We have raised over $22,000 and will be driving around handing out lollies to every one along with around 1500 gifts we have ordered through Big W for as many children as we can.”

Switching their sleigh for the Kenno’s Cranes and Transport Truck to cruise around on, Mr and Mrs Claus will be spotted around town on Saturday, December 24 with rumours of a special guest joining them as well.

“We will have stops around South Penrith and Jamisontown between Mulgoa Road, The Northern Road, Jamison Road and the M4,”

she said.

“We will also be visiting the Waterside area and a few stops in Cranebrook. People can follow the ‘Penrith Santa Truck’ Facebook page where we will have the route and updates on the day, so people know where we are up to.”

Details for a special competition will also be announced on the page next week.

“We are going to give a lucky family a visit from the truck to their home along with extra special gifts for the kids,” she said.

“There will be a $250 Woolworths gift card for Mum and Dad and a Lindt gift basket, so people need to keep an eye out.”

With excitement for the tour building, Ms

Clarke said they will do their best to bring smiles to everyone.

“This has been organised purely by local businesses who love their community so we hope everyone will be patient with us as we get around as we were blown away by the amount of people that came out last year,” she said.

“We will have plenty of lollies and will always finish the route, but we want to remind people that it is about the experience over the presents as we may run out.”

After another tough year, the event it set to spread some much-needed joy.

“We encourage local kids and families to come out to enjoy it,” she said.

For updates, visit www.bit.ly/3BewD5s.

Local businesses are

Christmas cheer. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Amazon Star awarded for work supporting victims of house fire

In 2014, John O’Brien’s Rozelle home went up in flames, in a deliberately lit fire which killed his wife Bianka, neighbour Chris, and son Jude.

Mr O’Brien recalls looking over what was left of his home, not knowing where his wife or son were, or where to even begin. It was this moment that made him realise that something needed to change.

“It was reflection more than anything,” he said. “Once it settled down a bit and I thought back to that, and you’re obviously grateful to the people who came out and helped, but it just felt like it was a little bit unorganised. I didn’t know what to do, I guess no one really does.”

“I did have family that came to help, and I did have supportive friends, but I was always thinking, what if that was my situation, and I lived in Melbourne? Or, in a different country, and there’s no one around? What happens then?”

Mr O’Brien started the Jude O’Brien Fund two years ago, with

the aim to create a legacy for his son using the lessons he learned from the fire that took his life.

Though Mr O’Brien intends to build on the services provided by the Fund, it’s primary purpose is to work with NSW Fire and Rescue to provide initial assistance to those who have lost their homes, in the form of a suitcase.

“We try to deliver them things that I knew I needed the next day and the day after,” he said.

“The first thing, the most important thing, was that I got a suitcase from my brother which, in the days and weeks later, I realised how important something simple like that is, because it allows you to get around somewhere if you need to, and gain some sort of independence.”

“Then, I just fill it with things that I know people will need, like things to have a shower, have breakfast. You need to replace ID, marriage certificates, birth certificates, insurance papers, so there’s all information about that as well.”

Having worked at

Fulfilment Centre in Kemps Creek for six months now, Mr O’Brien admits to keeping his charity a secret. But, after asking for support for a fundraiser in September, he said the response has been overwhelming.

Amazon gifted John $1,000 and also made a donation to his fund through their Amazon Stars campaign, which is all about employees who do incredible volunteering work.

“I didn’t expect any of it, it was very nice,” he said.

“It’s a really fun place to work.”

Amazon’s

John O’Brien was awarded a gift and donation to The Jude O’Brien Fund

Safety measures to be installed despite protest by local residents

FESZCZUK

Despite community objec tion, Penrith City Council has decided to stick with an original solution to deal with a problem intersection in King swood.

Nine injury crashes were reported along Victoria Street between Rich mond Road and just east of Burton Street in the five-year period from July 2014 to June 2019.

The wide, straight length of road is one of seven locations nominated under the 2021/22 National Black Spot & Safer Roads Program, with a funding offer of $215,000 for safety improvements.

The proposed project includes construction of a concrete flattop road hump, channelised right turn (CHR), median island, signage and line marking at the intersections of Walter and Burton Street, and Rich mond Road along Victoria Street.

Following a Local Traffic Commit tee (LTC) meeting in February this year, community consultation was undertaken by letterbox drop to properties located near the three

intersections. A report from Coun cil said three submissions were received from residents located near Victoria Street and Walter Street, and no objections were received for the other two intersections.

The comments regarding the proposed CHR raised the issue of difficulty turning in and out of driveways due to the removal of a

shoulder lane, which is currently being used as a buffer, especially for two residents who own vehi cles with trailers, and the loss of on-street parking.

The considerations of implement ing a ‘No Right Turn’ to Walter Street during school peak times, installing speed bumps approaching the intersection and restricting truck

access to minimise traffic volume were also included.

At the June 27 Ordinary Meeting, residents Kylie McCausland and Bea Sapina raised their concerns about the planned amendments before Council deferred the matter, to address the issues that were brought forward.

The report that was discussed at

the November 28 Ordinary Meeting stated that in response to the resi dents’ feedback, Council’s Traffic Engineering officers reassessed and investigated various options for the intersection. The remainder of the design works were endorsed.

“Whilst each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, Council’s Traffic Engineers continue to recommend that the original proposal (as supported by the LTC) for a channelised right turn treat ment be endorsed, as the benefits of the proposed CHR outweigh the implications on on-street parking and property access from a traffic safety perspective,” the report said.

“The CHR treatment is the only option that would directly address the right rear crash at the intersec tion of Victoria Street and Walter Street and would have a positive benefit-cost-ratio to receive funding under the Black Spot criteria.”

It noted that if Council changed the plan, it would pose a risk of the whole project being withdrawn if not approved by the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel.

Councillors endorsed that the original plan be carried out.

Safety improvements are on the way for a dangerous Kingswood intersection. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY

Library branches closed

You can still lodge queries and access some services online. Visit to access our Online Services Portal and to access the eLibrary, Library eCatalogue and online Library services.

Find out more at

Administration

Penrith Office

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

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

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

Services

Waste Services 4732 7777

Illegal Dumping

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

Graffiti Hotline Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

12 December – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

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

Council Briefs

● Council is providing a recycling drop-off point on weekdays for two weeks from Monday 19 December through to Friday, 30 December 2022, excluding public holidays. The drop-off point will be available at Jamison Park from 3pm until 6pm. Council will be accepting excess household recyclables that would normally go in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. Items accepted include wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and containers, and steel and aluminium cans. Polystyrene will not be accepted at the drop-off, however, clean, white polystyrene can be dropped off for free at Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre.

For more information about the service, visit: penrith.city/christmaswaste

● ‘Tis the season to be jolly and watch a Christmas movie at our free open-air St Marys Cinema on Saturday, 17 December!

To end the series, we’ll be enjoying the modern Christmas classic, Elf. Feel like a sweet treat during the movie? There will be dessert trucks on hand with tasty treats available for purchase.

Relax and enjoy some movie magic with family and friends at Coachmans Park. Christmas is nearly here, so why not join us for a fun night at the movies!

Find out more at penrith.city/events

● Council is upgrading and extending the football amenities building and grandstand at Cook Park, St Marys, to significantly improve the functionality and accessibility of the facility for the Nepean Football Club, Nepean Football Association and others who use the complex.

It is proposed that the project will include upgrading the existing two-storey amenities building to include an adult change space, accessible toilet, accessible lift, additional storage, extended players’ race to connect fields 2–4, and improvements to the change rooms, toilets, media room and kitchenette.

An extension has also been proposed which will feature a canteen with storage, two modern change rooms, two change rooms for officials, coaches, first aid and administration areas, activities room, and spectator and viewing areas.

The final scope of work will be dependent on the confirmed budget for the project, with grant applications currently being assessed.

You can have your say on the draft design until Sunday, 18 December 2022 at yoursaypenrith.com.au/cookpark

● Do you have your family and friends staying over the school holidays? The new Penrith Visitor Guide is full of ideas to entertain visitors and help you enjoy our great City.

The guide includes information on adventures of the actionpacked variety, cultural gems, historical treats and many, many places to eat and drink. Rediscover your city while you show it off to others.

Grab a copy of the Visitor Guide at the Penrith Civic Centre or online at visitpenrith.com.au

Public Exhibition

Planning Proposal for Affordable Rental Housing Contributions for Glenmore Park Stage 3 and Orchard Hills North

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on a Planning Proposal to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010) to enable Penrith City Council to collect contributions for the delivery of affordable rental housing. The Planning Proposal applies to future residential development within the proposed urban release areas of Glenmore Park Stage 3 and Orchard Hills North.

The objective of the proposed amendment is to increase affordable rental housing within Penrith Local Government Area. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has authorised Council to exercise delegation to make this plan.

Viewing the exhibition and making a submission

The Planning Proposal, and supporting information are on public exhibition until Monday, 19 December 2022. The documents can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au, at Council’s Civic Centre and at Penrith and St Marys Libraries.

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by Monday, 19 December 2022 by:

• Email: cityplanning@penrith.city

• Post: The General Manager (Attention: Kathryn Sprang) Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

• Online: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr

Please include a subject line indicating ‘Affordable Rental Housing Contribution’ in emails and letters.

For further enquiries please contact Kathryn Sprang, Senior Planner on 4732 7834 or email cityplanning@penrith.city

Public Notices

Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993 - Proposed Easement on community land

Under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council intends to grant an easement to drain water 2.5 wide and over existing line of pipes located at the NSW RFS Mulgoa Brigade as detailed below.

Applicant: Penrith City Council

Proposed Use: Easement to drain water 2.5 wide and Easement to drain water over existing line of pipes

Description of Land: Lot 14 DP 806162 & Lot 3 in Section C DP2121 (future lot known as Lot 100 DP 1280795)

Term: Perpetuity

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal.

Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 35 days of the date of this notice.

For all enquiries: Please contact Tara Braithwaite, on 4732 7777 or tara.braithwaite@penrith.city

Section 38B Roads Act 1993 –Proposed Road Closing

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council proposes to close the Council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1: Part Ashwick Circuit, South of M4 Western Motorway previously known as Hewitt Street. The location of the road is identified in the map below marked in red.

Development Application

The following Development Application has been received by Council:

• The Trustee for S & M Family Trust DA22/1112 27 & 29 Cosgrove Crescent, Kingswood

Expansion of an existing child care facility involving demolition of existing structures, alterations and additions to an existing child care facility, increased capacity x 96 children, car parking and associated works

Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

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

• Fernleigh Drafting DA22/0924 Lot 565 DP 215144, 6 Athel Street, North St Marys

Demolition of structures including in-ground pool and construction of a detached shed

• The Trustee for Stimson & Baker DA22/0687 Unit Trust Lot 2 DP 82325, 437 High Street, Penrith

Fitout and use of premises as restaurant and florist

• Kurmond Homes Pty Ltd DA22/0963 Lot 4007 DP 260391, 61 Greenbank Drive, Werrington Downs

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

• Furfaro Architects DA22/1011 Lot 519 DP 262126, 84 Greygums Road, Cranebrook Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

• Archin Pty Ltd DA22/0683 12 DP 25443, 11 Smith Street, Kingswood

Demolition of existing garage and sheds, construction of 2-storey dwelling to form detached dual occupancy and Strata title subdivision x 2 lots

• Hardy Consultant Services Pty Ltd DA22/0806 Lot 7038 DP 94188, 4 Punt Road, Emu Plains

Construction of kiosk and children’s playground

• Gln Planning DA22/0417 Lot 1 DP 588918 & Lot 2 DP 588919, 158–164 & 166–174 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains

Demolition of existing buildings, structures and hardstand areas

• McDonald Jones Homes DA22/0954 Lot 4522 DP 819170, 8 Stein Place, Glenmore Park

Single storey dwelling

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 35 days of the date of this notice.

For all enquiries: Please contact Rhi Slaughter, Project Officer on 4732 7777 or rhi.slaughter@penrith.city

• Lance William Kelly DA22/0927 Lot 3043 DP 813518, 31 Falcon Crescent, Claremont Meadows

Additions and alterations to existing dwelling including a new driveway

• Clarendon Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd DA22/0999 Lot 17 DP 243750, 35 Thrift Street, Colyton 2-storey dwelling and tree removal

• McDonald Jones Homes DA22/0956

Lot 331 DP 204978, 31 York Street, Emu Plains

Single storey dwelling

• Willco Consulting DA22/0961 Lot 12 DP 28228, 21 Sandringham Avenue, Cambridge Park

Detached garage

Refused Development Applications

• Artech Homes Mod22/0032

Lot 1191 DP 1240437, 43 Kerrs Road, Mount Vernon Section 4.55 (1A) modification to Condition 40 of DA18/0049 including an amended landscape plan

• Mark Attard DA22/0657 Lots 131 & 132 DP 710273, 143 & 145 Stafford Street, Penrith

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 17 x 2-storey townhouses

Integrated Development

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

• Cleanaway Pty Ltd Mod22/0219 Lot 740 in DP 810111, 1725a Elizabeth Drive, Badgerys Creek

Modification to Development Consent No. DA12/0515

– Installation of additional landfill gas flare to existing landfill gas to energy facility at Kemps Creek Resource Recovery Park

The proposal is nominated Integrated Development and seeks approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours and is available via Council’s website and DA Tracker, in the period from Monday, 12 December 2022 to Monday, 30 January 2023.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number Mod22/0219.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409.

Viewing of Development Applications

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

Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

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The Weekender has three Sonic Fin Foot balls to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@west ernweekender.com.au with ‘NFL’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, December 18 and the winners will be notified by email.

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week’s lucky winners are: 0212, 0117, 0522.

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Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The skate park image was taken at the popular Glenmore Park Skate Park, which is located at Ched Towns Reserve, 1 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park.

New Penrith bar ‘The Flower Shop’ will open before Christmas. It’s the latest in a long list of venues that is improving Penrith’s night life. Make sure you visit over the summer.

Kirstie Alley’s death at the age of 71 after a brief cancer battle is very sad news in the lead-up to Christmas. Her work on ‘Cheers’ and ‘Look Who’s Talking’ will never be forgotten.

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

cupboard prize BONUS

Penrith locals will be able to play, like they’ve never played before, with the launch of Funlab’s new entertainment precinct at Westfield Penrith on December 16, 2022.

Featuring the brand’s famous Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Elec triq venues, the 350-occupancy precinct will allow locals to try their luck on arcade games, spare a strike at bowling, put their putting skills to the test with mini golf, and indulge in an array of delicious food and beverage options.

The ‘kidult’ venues will feature two bars, arcade games galore, six bowling lanes, and 18 holes of golf, just in time for summer.

Whether guests are planning the party of the decade, looking for the best mini golf in western Sydney, or hoping to score a strike in bowling, Penrith Holey Moley and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq have guests sorted.

To celebrate the launch of Funlab’s Westfield Penrith venue, Funlab is giving away three family passes for three lucky locals to win!

The Weekender has three family passes to Archie Brothers and Holey Moley to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competi tions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Funlab’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, December 15 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Week ender reception.

MINING LEASE APPLICATION

Notice is given in accordance with Section 51A of the Mining Act 1992 and clause 26 of the Mining Regulation 2016 that Mining lease application 622 (Act 1992) for Chert (Group 2) has been lodged with the Department of Regional NSW by Regional Quarries Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 602 653 029, over an area of about 6.5 ha which is located approximately 7 kilometres east of the town of Narromine in the Parish of Narromine, County of Narromine as shown on the diagram below. Information regarding this application can be obtained from Ashleigh Zarlenga, 0475 680 511. Information regarding landholder’s rights is available from the Department’s website: www.regional.nsw.gov.au/meg/community/landholder-rights.

Childcare centre expands

facility plans to take over adjacent property, adding 40 new places

EMILY FESZCZUK

Apopular childcare facility in King swood has plans in the pipeline to expand and increase its capacity for children by using an adjacent piece of land.

A Development Application (DA) for the works on Little Explorers Academy has been lodged with Penrith City Council and will be put on public exhibition next week.

The 56-place centre at 29 Cosgrove Crescent, Kingswood, was approved via a previous DA in October 2016.

The applicant is now proposing to demolish a dwelling, detached garage and outbuilding, along with removing six trees at 27 Cosgrove Crescent to construct a 3.1-metre-high single storey addition on the new site.

If approved, the Statement of Environment Effects (SEE) says that the two buildings will be linked by an internal corridor and fire door.

“The additional floor area will provide an additional 40 places for children in the threeto-five-year age group,” it said.

“This will increase the total number of places for children from 56 to 96.”

The new site is 837.4 square metres and when combined, will provide a total site area of 1,868 square metres.

In an area predominately characterised by residential development, the extension will require an additional four staff members and

provide eight extra off-street parking spaces bringing the total to 22 spots.

“On completion of the proposed additions to the existing childcare centre, the two buildings will operate concurrently with the same hours of operation and a total staff of 13 teachers,” the SEE said.

“The approved hours of operation for the existing childcare centre are 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. No operation on weekends or public holidays.”

The documents state that the building will be constructed using finishes and materials to match and be complementary to the exist ing centre.

A Noise Impact Statement was prepared by noise and Sound Services which recom mended that a 2.4-metre-high acoustic barrier be installed along the play areas and northern car park boundaries to manage noise emissions.

With the subject site accessed via a six-metre

entry and exit driveway, a Traffic and Parking Assessment Report from Varga Traffic Plan ning concluded that the proposed develop ment will not have any unacceptable parking or loading implications.

Landscaping, child proof fencing and gates, and shade structures will also be added as part of the project.

The public can submit submissions regard ing the DA in writing to Council from Monday, December 12 to Monday, January 30.

End of the road for car business

EMILY FESZCZUK

Along-standing business in the Penrith community will say goodbye next year after nearly three decades in the area.

The building where Nepean Clas sic Cars sits is set to be replaced with a yoga and pilates studio if approved by Penrith City Council.

Owner Norman Baxter took over the business in 2014 and runs Nepean Classic, Muscle and Custom Cars with his partner Carolynne Male.

Specialising in mechanical and

restoration work for vintage and muscle cars, the business has been requested to move out of its existing space at Unit 6, 123 Coreen Avenue, Penrith.

“We have loyal customers coming from all over, but the freehold was sold, and the new owners want to move into the building,” Mr Baxter said.

“We will still be offering our services and we are looking to relocate in the Sydney area closer to where we live but there is some sadness that will come with the move as this business has been iconic to the Penrith area.”

Required to be out by the end of February 2023, a Development Application (DA) has been lodged to Council for works amounting to

$129,000 for the new venture. The subject site which will encompass Units 6 and 7 will be changed to a recreational indoor facility which

is allowed with consent under the Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010.

Internal sections of the building will be demolished but the existing building will maintain its form and structure. New toilet and shower facilities, along with a sauna will be constructed.

If approved, the facility will oper ate Monday to Friday with different hours ranging from 5.30am to 8.30pm. It will be open 7am to 10am on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Eight exclusive car spaces will be made available for the unit. The DA is currently being assessed.

Nepean Classic Cars on Coreen Avenue. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Kingswood

A render of the proposed new-look centre.

27 Cosgrove Crescent in Kingswood as it currently stands.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

with Daniel McKinnon

Penrith: Handbag prompts police to search man; drugs discovered

A man has been charged after possessing prohibited drugs in Penrith.

About 12.10am on Saturday, December 3, police were patrolling King Street, Penrith when they saw a man carrying a women’s handbag.

Police stopped and attempted to speak to the 28-year-old Harris Park man but he allegedly verbally abused them, yelling profanities at them.

The man was stopped but allegedly contin ued to swear at officers and clenched his fists.

Police had to physically control the man who was lashing out at them and he was sprayed with OC spray before being hand cuffed.

The women’s handbag was searched and police allegedly located numerous clear resealable plastic bags containing methyl amphtamines and others containing tablets.

The man was charged and will appear at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Penrith: 44 items suspected of being stolen found in woman’s trolley

A woman has been charged after possess ing prohibited drugs and items suspected of being stolen in Penrith.

About 5.10pm on Saturday, December 3, police were patrolling Penrith Bus Terminal when they saw a woman who was known to them.

The 50-year-old Cranebrook woman had a shopping trolley with her with some items that still had tags attached.

The woman was asked to produce receipts for the items but she could not.

She was arrested and while being searched, a clear resealable bag containing metham phetamines was allegedly located in the handbag she was carrying.

The woman was taken to Penrith Police Station and 44 items were located in the trolley.

The items ranged from clothing, to food, Christmas decorations and cosmetics with the majority of them appearing to be new, and some with tags.

The woman was charged and will front Penrith Local Court on Thursday, December 15.

Penrith: Intoxicated man charged after damaging Christmas tree

A man has been charged after causing mali

cious damage and assaulting another person in Penrith.

About 11.30pm on Saturday, December 3, it is alleged a 22-year-old Penrith man was in the foyer of a licensed premises on Mulgoa Road, Penrith.

The man was allegedly intoxicated and ran headfirst at a 20-foot Christmas tree, attempting to knock it over.

A 52-year-old female security officer attempted to pull him out of the tree.

He allegedly grabbed the tree and attempted to pivot to break free but lost his footing and fell, damaging the tree further.

It’s alleged he got up and turned to face the security and pushed her before being restrained by other officers.

Police were contacted and the man was arrested and charged.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

North St Marys: Man fronts court after assaulting police during arrest

A man has been charged after driving whilst suspended and assaulting police in North St Marys.

About 10.15pm on Monday, December 5, police saw a motor vehicle pull up near a driveway on Tobruk Street, North St Marys.

Officers spoke with the driver, a 42-year-old North St Marys man and checks confirmed that his licence had been suspended.

The man claimed that he had no knowledge and was informed to not drive until his suspension had ended.

Police drove down the street and saw the man get in the vehicle and drive it into the driveway of a nearby house.

The officers turned around and saw the man run into the rear yard of the premises.

Police entered the yard and found the man hiding, as he failed to listen to an order to come out.

The man allegedly threw several punches at an officer but missed.

There was a physical struggle between police and the man before he was sprayed with OC spray and handcuffed.

The man was charged and bail refused. He appeared in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, December 6.

The Weekender is happy to announce we’re returning to court in 2023 to report on local cases at Penrith Local Court. Look out for more court stories in both print and online at www.westernweekender.com.au.

LOTS TO CONSIDER IN BUSINESS SALES

One of the main types of legal work we do is helping clients acquire or dispose of their businesses.

The manner in which a business is trans ferred from one party to another usually depends on the structure of the business and/or the entity by whom it is held.

For example:

• Some businesses are run by sole traders. This means an individual person owns all of the assets and goodwill and is able to sell the business subject to a Business Sale Agreement to which they are a party in their individual capacity.

• Other businesses might constitute a partnership, whereby multiple people own a business together in their individ ual capacities. Usually in this circum stance the Partnership Agreement (if one is in place) will determine how the business can be sold and the partnership dissolved. Again, this is often by way of a Business Sale Agreement.

• Some businesses are run by private companies. In this case, it may be possi ble to acquire the actual entity that owns the business by buying the shares in the relevant company, which in essence results in the buyer controlling the entity that owns the business and therefore controlling the business. This is usually done by way of a Share Sale Agreement.

• Other times a business is not being acquired per se, but the assets of the

business are. Examples might be an equipment hire business where a purchaser wishes to acquire all of the equipment that the business owns/uses, but not the entity or the business itself. This is usually done by way of an Asset Sale Agreement.

All of the different types of documents referred to above are types of Contracts.

If you are buying or selling a business you need expert advice from a commercial/busi ness lawyer to make sure that the transaction is documented correctly.

These documents do not just set out things like the purchase price and/or what is being acquired by the purchaser, but also things like the timing of the transaction, including the deadline for payment of any purchase price, what happens if either party refuses to comply with its obligations, and in some cases provisions regarding how business is to be transitioned from one owner to another.

There is lots to consider, including whether a sale includes stock, whether there are any transferring employees and who will be responsible for any accrued leave entitle ments, whether there is a leased premises from which the business is run that needs to be assigned to the acquiring entity, and a range of other considerations.

If you are buying/selling/transferring some sort of business or commercial asset, contact one of our solicitors today for an obligation free chat over the phone.

ONLINE SHOPPERS MUST BE ON ALERT

The State Government is urging all Internet shoppers to stay alert and follow the steps required to keep their personal information safe this festive season.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the holiday period was a popular time for cyber criminals to target busy online shoppers, as more and more people search the web for a Christmas bargain.

“Digital thieves are increasingly malicious and devious and will set up legitimate-look ing websites or social media stores to trick shoppers into handing over money and

personal details, or they may install mali cious software on a person’s computer or phone,” Mr Dominello said.

“If users think a site could be fake, they should do a search for other web pages or profiles by that seller and compare logos, business names, URL addresses and contact details to ensure they match.”

The NSW Government has established ID Support NSW to assist customers who have had their government-issued proof of identity stolen and make it easier for them to access the help they need, as well as tips for keeping yourself safe online.

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

Christmas spirit lights up

CASSIDY PEARCE

With the countdown to Christmas now well underway, the time has come again for the ever-festive tradition of heading out after dinner to look at some of the best Christmas lights the area has to offer.

To minimise travel time and maximise ooh’s and ahh’s, add some of these stand-out stops to your itinerary.

Cambridge Park

It seems Cambridge Park is the place to be when it comes to seeing the best Christmas lights around town this year.

For the best of the best, take a trip to Wrench Street, where numbers 49, 38 and U1/111 have stepped up their lights displays from previous years to create a jolly experience for all.

Pembroke Street is also riddled with glimmering lights galore once again, with a visit from Santa at number 21 every night until Christ mas eve, no matter the weather may bring.

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St Clair

In St Clair, it’s Chatsworth Road that’s got everyone talking. From the two-storey house at number 66, to the carport, and even the grass, there isn’t an inch of this place that isn’t covered in lights – complete with a giant blow-up Santa Claus. And, their neighbours at number 64 are just as good, with enough blue lights you’d be able to spot it from space.

Palena Crescent is another mustsee, with numbers 11, 13 and 14 all decked out and ready for viewing.

Glenmore Park

Troon Court in Glenmore Park is a necessary stop to add to your list, as numbers 3 and 4 are lit up once again with stunning displays.

19 Bardo Street is another standout, with shimmering candy canes framing a traditional show of lights that’s just the right amount of over the top.

Cranebrook

For lasers, moving parts, music, lollipops and a snow machine, you can’t bypass 86 Vincent Road in Cranebrook.

The house, which has 110 power

Jordan Springs Jordan Springs is yet another hotspot for Christmas lights.

Honourable mentions go to 7 Fleet Avenue, which boasts dazzling lights wrapped around the front and side of the house in support of Light

Up For Cancer, and 53 Flagship Road, which will be synching their lights to music. And check out 49 Water Gum Drive, too!

Emu Plains

A trip Christmas lights looking

complete without paying a visit to 14 Emerald Street, Emu Plains. The home will once again be decked out with decorations to create a walk-through experience perfect for an Instagram story, complete with a Mariah Carey classic.

Where to find some of the best Christmas lights across the city, as houses go all

52 Tanbark Circuit in Werrington Downs.

sockets, is unmatched when it comes to not knowing where to look.

A snowman seat will also be set up for photos on Fridays and Saturdays,

and is all part of their fundraising for Lights for Kids, for Sydney Chil dren’s Hospitals. Definitely one not to be missed.

Downs 52 Tanbark Circuit in Werrington Downs is one you couldn’t miss even if you tried, with ‘Merry Christmas’ plastered across the side of the home in sparkling letters, two-storey high Christmas trees made of lights, and a life-size snow globe now under construction.

To help plan your trip, head to the Blue Mountains and Nepean Christmas Lights Facebook group, or visit christmaslightsearch.com. au. If you think we’ve missed a lights display that deserves to be mentioned, make sure you call us on 4722 2998.

Werrington

Pembroke Street in Cambridge Park.

STAYING SWIM SAFE

Summer is here and Christmas is coming and I am excited (it really is the most wonderful time of the year!)

However we can’t afford to become compla cent – Royal Life Saving Australia research shows that Australians are twice more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year – 210 Australians drowned on public holidays over the past 15 years.

Holiday makers are at highest risk, being 2.5 times more likely to drown due to lack of knowledge and familiarly of the local water ways. Alcohol is a significant contributor to public holiday drowning deaths, and it’s men that are commonly susceptible to a higher risk, with the report showing men are four times more likely to drown than women. Let’s do all we can this summer to minimise the risks.

These are my top 10 water safety tips for a happy holiday period:

1. Swimming lessons! Teach children to swim and continue to attend lessons regularly. It may be tempting to drop lessons as life gets busy but until children reach their age related milestones swim ming lessons should remain non-nego tiable. Be sure to utilise all of the NSW Government vouchers currently availa

ble, such as the First Lap and Active Kids Vouchers to ensure your child becomes a capable swimmer – don’t let your 2021 Active Kids go to waste, they expire on

every other aquatic environment, always.

7. Fence the pool, check and close all gates and make sure they are self-latching.

8. Be aware of other household items which represent a drowning risk, ie eskys, inflatable pools, bathtubs, buckets, fishponds, even pet bowls. Children have drowned in less water than a drink bottle can hold.

9. Make supervision of children the priority around all water – delegate a supervisor at all events with the adults talking turns on rotation. Never assume someone else is watching.

10. Learn how to perform CPR and use an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). Drownings remain a risk at home, where we are often most relaxed and assume nothing bad will happen. Water safety crusader Laurie Lawrence has been in the media this past week reminding home owners to check pool fences and gates, and Royal Life Saving has developed a home pool safety checklist home owners can use to minimise the risks. You can find the checklist at www.royallifesaving. com.au/programs/home-pool-safety/home-

Wishing you a safe summer with your fami

New Council program ensures water safety is a summer priority

An immersive partnership program is providing swimming lessons for young people in the Penrith Local Government Area ahead of the summer season.

Penrith City Council’s Children’s Services has partnered with Ripples St Marys to deliver a six-week Learn to Swim program to some of the city’s youngest residents attending local Out of School Hours Care, to help keep local families safe in and around the water.

This is in response to devastating statistics released in the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022 , which revealed there were 15 drowning deaths in children aged 5-14 years in 2021 – an increase of seven per cent from the previous year and a 36 per cent spike on the 10-year average.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen commended Children’s Services and Ripples on working together to make water safety a priority in the community and said the teams were passing on vital skills in an innovative way.

“Council is proud of this collaboration between Children’s Services and Ripples as it provides a solution for parents who may not be able to get their children to swim ming lessons,” Cr Hitchen said.

“Whether they are time-poor or can’t afford to add another expense due to the rising cost of living, this is a suitable alter native and a great service for families,” she said.

“The program is seeing young people develop their swimming ability and confi dence while teaching them life-saving water safety skills – and these young people get to learn in a fun way alongside their friends.

“This then sparks important conver sations at home and in our community around water safety, which might one day make the difference in saving the life of a child or their family member.”

Young people from Oxley Park and King swood Park Out of School Hours Care are the first to participate in this joint program.

Children’s Services and Ripples are committed to delivering the service to young people in other parts of the commu nity and plan to expand the program in 2023.

To find out more about Ripples’ swim school, visit ripplesnsw.com.au/learn-toswim.

For more information about Children’s Services, go to penrith.city/childcare.

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• Ensure children are Supervised by an adult at all times

• Be extra vigilant when hosting pool parties

• Obtain a compliance certificate if selling or leasing a property.

• Report unsafe pools/ spas to Council

• Learn CPR - (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can help save a person’s life if their breathing or heart stops. Ensure you have a current CPR chart prominently displayed in the pool area

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Find out more penrith.city/poolsafety ripplesnsw.com.au

Local children participating in the new program at Ripples.

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Dancers’ time to shine

Local dance schools in the spotlight as end-of-year concerts return to ‘normal’

CASSIDY PEARCE

After 12 months of hard work, Decem ber is the time for local dance studios to show off their stuff in end of year concerts and productions. But, after two years that were anything but normal, 2022 is a little more special than most.

For co-owner of Westside Performing Arts in Penrith, Laura Granger, 2020 and 2021 couldn’t be described as anything but rushed and chaotic. But, she said it helped to get creative.

“Last year, we came back in term four and had seven weeks to put a concert together, so we did a movie, because we weren’t sure if we’d be able to have an audience,” she said.

“We hired Penrith cinema at the beginning of the year and watched it – it was fantastic. It was such a great experience for the kids, with a red carpet event and everything.”

Despite this, Ms Granger admits she couldn’t be more excited to have her students back on stage for a full concert.

Held at the EVAN Theatre on December 8, Ms Granger chose the theme ‘A Very Elvis Christmas’ for Westside’s End of Year Concert, which she said has resulted in endless fun over the course of the semester.

“It’s nice when you get the creative juices going, and you come up with concepts, and it all comes together,” she said.

Also holding their concert at the EVAN Theatre is A-Live Performing Arts.

Having only started in the top spot this year, Racquel Jean was most excited to see her students shine not only as a teacher, but as a co-owner of the studio, particularly given the studio’s exponential growth from 20 students in January, to now 100.

“In the past, when I was just a dance teacher, it’s like you’re proud of your own routines, your own choreography, and what you’ve

done yourself, but as a studio owner, there’s so much more that goes into it, it’s like every student is your child,” she said.

“We’re one whole big family now, so it’s 10 times more rewarding doing it as a studio owner. It’s almost overwhelming, how much love we have for everyone. It’s really special.”

A-Live’s concert theme is ‘FunkyTown’, which will see the dancers venture through schools, banks and fire stations in a journey through their own city.

Despite it being her first concert as a studio owner, Ms Jean said that the excitement for the concert is overtaking her nerves.

In particular, she’s excited to see her Adults A-Live Ability Class – a dance class for adults with special needs and disabilities – have their time to shine.

“Over the weeks, I’ve been watching them, and they’ve slowly been doing the dance without me, and they’re doing an amazing job without any help,” she said.

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“Together , wesupport children’sandfamilies’ learning , safetyand wellbeing ”

“Together, we support children’s and families’ learning, safety & wellbeing.”

DEAR WEEKENDER

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Stadium solution needed

If you’re looking to join a workplace that has an inspiring purpose, offers a family friendly work environment, and nurtures your personal and professional development, join the Connect Children and Families team.

If you’re looking to join a workplace that has an inspiring purpose, offers a family-friendly work environment, and nurtures your personal and professional development, join the Connect Children and Families team.

We’re a small Blue Mountains Community based not for profit organisation, meaning we exist purely to improve the lives of children and their families in NSW’s Blue Mountains region and areas of Western Sydney. Our work truly makes a difference, creating positive change for children, families and community.

We’re a small Blue Mountains Community based not-for-profit organisation, meaning we exist purely to improve the lives of children and their families in NSW’s Blue Mountains region and areas of Western Sydney.

Our work truly makes a difference, creating positive change for children, families and community.

Our small organisational size means greater employee connection and a community feel to our workplace. Our team members are names not numbers.

Our small organisational size means greater employee connection and a community feel to our workplace. Our team members are names not numbers.

Current Career Opportunities:

• Early Childhood Teaching Director—Part Time—Possum Early Childhood Centre

• Early Childhood Educator, Cert III—Full Time—Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre

• Cert III Traineeship—Full Time—Possums Patch Early Childhood Centre

• Occupational Therapist (Paediatric)—Connected Abilities

• Speech Pathologist (Paediatric)—Connected Abilities

• Early Intervention Specialist/Key Worker—Connected Abilities

Benefits of working at Connect:

• Situated in beautiful bushland surroundings

• Situated in beautiful bushland surroundings

• Lots of part time opportunities to fit around family and study

• Lots of part time opportunities to fit around family and study

• Female friendly working environment

• Female friendly working environment

• Salary packaging – helping you to reduce your taxable income and increase your fortnightly take home pay

• Salary packaging – helping you to reduce your taxable income and increase your fortnightly take home pay

The ‘no brainer’ solution would be to relocate Howell Oval into Jamison Park and redevelop that entire area into a stadium precinct that’d include a significant amount of parking to take the stress off the already overburdened CBD during events (Advocat ing for stadium, Weekender December 2). This will also ensure we don’t lose a cultur ally significant landmark with minimal impact to surrounding residents.

CRAIG S, VIA WEBSITE

Paceway needs support

fied compulsory acquisition, to the Paceway themselves (Stadium standoff, Weekender December 2). They could have benefited from upgraded facilities as well alongside the existing Panthers Stadium. It definitely would have created less angst and stress for management, staff and everyone affected by his current actions.

MARK CARPENTER, VIA FACEBOOK

Labor gives us a sugar hit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to give us a pre-Christmas sugar hit by imposing price caps on coal and gas. He thinks this will drive basic household and business power bills down. But it will also speed up the closure of coal and gas sector assets, which will put increased pressure on the power system. I’m really concerned about the Albanese government’s approach to power; they are ill-informed, poorly educated on these issues and all they are about is how things look. Imagine having Chris Bowen in charge of your power poli cies. It’s now a frightening reality. Albanese promised lower power bills if he won government. Where are they?

• Not for Profit, Values based workplace

• Not for Profit, Values based workplace

• Nurturing professional development

• Nurturing professional development

• Passionate, friendly team that live the v alues

• Passionate, friendly team that live the values

For more information or to apply please visit our website or email us

• We encourage diverse staffing to reflect the diverse children and families’ we support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates as well as candidates with a disability

• We encourage diverse staffing to reflect the diverse children and families’ we support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates as well as candidates with a disability

• We are a Child Safe organisation

conne ctcfs or g au/ careers at connect/

careers@ conne ctcfs org a u

I don’t condone gambling, but the Pace way has a very long history in the region of providing a community space/s for groups from a variety of backgrounds and interests. It costs an arm and leg for a small community group to hire spaces at Penrith Panthers. It seems the Penrith Stadium Alliance only has the interests of more money coming into Penrith over where these groups will be able to meet in future. Doesn’t Daniel McKinnon write legal advice for the Western Weekender – how is that apolitical? The Weekender is very vocal about their politics. Penrith really is going backwards. It’s all about money and less about community. Many need to remember that football/money aren’t the only things that matter to human wellbeing.

KELLY ANDERSON, VIA FACEBOOK

Stadium debate rolls on Wouldn’t it have been an amazing gesture if our local member had pledged the amount of money he’s going to blow on the unjusti

NATHAN GILCHRIST,

VIA EMAIL

Data questions raised

I’m with you, Troy! (Editor’s Desk, Week ender December 2). Why do companies like Optus and Medibank have this data of old customers in the first place? They should be forced to destroy it once you leave them.

STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

Students from Westside Performing Arts. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Students from A-Live Performing Arts.

Δ Jumping Goat: Created in 2013 and now distributed across 12 countries, Jumping Goat offers two unique coffee infused varietals in Australia, including the Jumping Goat Coffee Infused Vodka Liqueur (pictured) and the Jumping Goat Coffee Infused Whisky Liqueur. Jumping Goat Liqueurs start by using 100 per cent organic, batch-roasted coffee beans from Papua New Guinea before being mixed with a blend of spices and either pure, redistilled NZ whey vodka or a premium blended whisky. The result? Two handcrafted, high-quality coffee-liqueurs with vibrant and playful attitudes, just waiting to become your new latenight staple or essential cocktail ingredient. Jumping Goat has landed in Australia just in time for Christmas and is available at Dan Murphy’s.

Δ Christmas fun: Eastern Creek Quarter is getting into the festive spirit with a range of Christmas activities happening this year. Events include a gingerbread and Christmas cone decorating workshop on December 16 and 17, a fog-filled Winter Wonderland and plenty of roaming Christmas characters and carollers between December 20 and 22.

Δ Calling all sports fans: A pop-up sports merchandise shop has opened at Caddens Corner in time for last minute Christmas shopping. AA

Sports (pictured below) sells jerseys, shorts, singlets, merchandise and framed collector’s items. It’s currently open seven days from 9.30am.

great coffees and juices on offer. We’ve already favourited the pork spare ribs, which are available from 11.30am daily.

Δ New breakfast spot: Grow Cafe Co at Leonay will be opening in the near future. They’ve currently been teasing some of their delicious look ing dishes on social media.

Δ Impressive menu: A new cafe, The Juice Bar Cafe (pictured below), has opened at 92-112 Henry Street in Penrith. The cafe features a great breakfast and lunch menu, plus has

Δ Restaurant makeover: Local diners may have noticed that High Street’s Savoury Dining restaurant has been closed, and is currently undergoing a makeover. It will launch a new concept, along with a new menu, on December 13. “We’re work ing hard to bring the most unique concept for you to fall in love with,” the restaurant promises on social media.

Mayor’s News

The

weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

History Calendar out now Go back in time to the humble begin nings of 12 of Penrith’s suburbs and learn the history behind their names with Pen rith City Library’s 2023 History Calendar.

The Library’s Research Services Team has once again mined the Photographic Collection and created a calendar cele brating Penrith’s history which is available for purchase at any Library branch. The calendar is $5.

The Research Services Team has been creating these calendars for the commu nity to enjoy for 20 years, with the first calendar launched in 2003.

For 2023, the team is taking us back to St Marys in the 1800s and the origins of its name and one of its key local businesses, detailing the interesting origins of King swood’s first name before it became the suburb we know it to be today.

The calendars have explored vari ous aspects of Penrith over the years, including key sporting events, before and

after photographs

Penrith’s evolution, local landmarks and events, and the 1800s, 1900s and 2000s.

The Photographic Collection is an archive of primarily resident photographs that have been donated over the years to be archived and made available to the community.

These photographs celebrate key peo ple, moments and landmarks in Penrith’s history and have allowed the Research Services Team to not only create the His tory Calendar for the last two decades but has allowed them to share pieces of our history in their weekly Flashback Friday social media campaign.

The Photographic Collection is accessi ble via Penrith Library’s Catalogue in the Local Archives Search at library.penrith. city.

See you next week.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THE PAPER?

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

We have some 130 distribution pick-up points. You can also secure home delivery

by signing up for a paid subscription from as low as $20 per month.

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

showcasing

lights off

EMILY FESZCZUK

Christmas lights are a highlight of every holiday season but the big man behind a dazzling local display is retiring after 21 years.

Colyton resident George Asciak has slowly grown his decorations at 7 Arcadia Place into a community attraction that is visited yearly by hundreds of people.

Starting for his family, Mr Asciak began dressing up as Santa and realised he could make a difference with his jolly demeanour.

“I started doing Santa Claus when my Mum and Dad were still alive and when my Mum went into a nursing home I would visit,” Mr Asciak said.

“I did it at home as well to go with the lights and then started getting donations for Westmead Hospital for three years and since 2017 I’ve been donating the funds to Nepean Hospital.”

‘Santa George’, as he is better known, has raised over $20,000 for the hospitals, along with visiting sick kids and making appear ances at other Christmas events for charities.

As expected, there is a large amount of work that goes into transforming the home so that it is merry and bright.

“It is a hard job so I can start as early as August or September,” he said.

“I spend about $1500 to $2000 a year as well to buy toys, lollies and drinks to hand out to the kids that get photos with me.”

Set to turn 70-years-old next month and having ongoing health problems, Mr Asciak has had to make the hard decision to host his weeklong annual event for the final year.

“I was in a car accident which has taken a toll on me. I have to have surgery on my shoulder

because I have ripped the tendons so between that and my age it is becoming too much,” he said.

“I have loved donating my time and effort for the community and the hospitals, so I am going to miss it, but I need to take care of my health.”

The community is invited to visit Santa during the week leading up to Christmas.

“I will be there seven nights from the 18th of December between 8pm to midnight so I hope there is a good turn out to end on a high and I am so thankful for everyone’s generosity over the years,” he said.

“On the 22nd the EK Racing Fender Benders will have cars on display and on the 23rd the Unwanted Few will bring some great bikes for people to see.”

The NSW Government is offering a new way to assist people on low incomes with their power bills by installing free solar systems for eligible households in place of their Low Income Household Rebate. This program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long terms savings on their electricity bills. While this means you will no longer receive the $285 annual rebate on your electricity bill, you could receive up to $600 in savings per year from your new solar system!

The offer is only available to households that live in the specified regions and meet the eligibility criteria. When participating in this program households will receive a free, fully installed 3kW solar system in place of their Low Income Household Rebate.

SAE Group are the approved provider, designing and installing solar systems to eligible homes in your region.

To be eligible you must: Currently be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate Agree not to receive the rebate for ten years Own your own home Not already have a solar PV system Hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card

If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household

A 3kW system is designed to generate an average of 12.6kwh per day, which will deliver electricity savings depending on each household’s energy consumption. Managing Director of SAE Group Glen Ashton comments “We know electricity bills continue to place a lot of pressure on households, and we are pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help ease the pressure on low income households.”

SAE Group are an Australian owned and operated organisation with over ten years’ experience in the solar industry. SAE Group are a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, and hold accreditations ISO 9001, ISO 45001 for safety and quality systems. Safety is paramount to us, and it our goal to ensure we provide quality solar systems to eligible households that will deliver ongoing savings for many years to come.

Want to find out more?

Visit: https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households to check your eligibility and apply online or visit www.saegroup.com.au or call us on 02 66 389 439. The Solar for Low Income Household Offer is supported by the NSW Government.

George Asciak is lighting up Arcadia Place one last time. Photo: Emily Feszczuk.

TURNING BACK TIME

This photograph shows men and boys harvesting asparagus on Leo Buring's farm in Emu Plains.

The exact date of the photo is not known but it’s believed to be from the 1930s.

Leo Buring and his wife Ida moved to Emu Plains in 1920. They planted a vineyard on their property, and Leo made his first wine in 1923.

Leo Buring passed away in 1961, but he left behind a strong legacy, particularly in the wine industry. A number of wines still carry his name today.

The property and vineyard once owned by the Burings is now the suburb of Leonay. The suburb is named after Leo and Ida, whose nick name was Nay.

NSW)

(Photo thanks to State Library

BUSINESS

WITH KATINA BEVERIDGE WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

How to protect your business against ever-growing cyber security threats

Australia is the sixth hottest target of significant cyber attacks, according to a study conducted by cyber security company Specops Software. The study revealed that the country has experi enced 16 major incidents since 2010, all of them with costings above US $1 million in damages.

Aside from major incidents, Australian enterprises have also experienced a 90 per cent jump in the volume of cyber attacks in 2019. The Australian Cyber Security Centre also reported that it responded to 2266 cyber security incidents between 2019 and 2020. These attacks included targeted reconnaissance, ransomware, phishing emails and malicious software that impact larger organisations, supply chains, and government agencies.

Toll Group, the Melbourne-based global logistics company, was attacked twice by ransomware. It became a victim to MailTo ransomware last January and to Nefilim ransomware in early May. Cyber incidents have also impacted financial services company, MyBudget, beverage company Lion, steel maker BlueScope, and govern ment agency ServiceNSW.

Some of the common cyber security threats that plague Australian businesses, include:

• Online scams

• Phishing emails

• Spyware

• Identity theft and fraud

• Ransomware

• DDoS attacks

So how do you protect your business against these online threats? Here are some basic security tips you should employ:

1. Develop a clear online security strategy for your business and employees, and make sure they know it by heart.

2. Create a cyber attack incident response management plan for when an attack happens.

3. Educate and train your employees about your cyber security policies. 4. Update all your computers, devices, websites, POS systems, and other soft ware used for business.

5. Backup your data regularly.

6. Invest in a robust online security system.

7. Use strong passwords and always lock your devices.

8. Do not visit malicious websites.

Cyber attacks can be devastating for any business. Aside from data loss, you might also suffer from online threats. Hackers can gain illegal access to your devices, harvest sensitive and financial information, corrupt your data, or bring physical damage to your devices. In fact, according to Malwarebytes, 22 per cent of small businesses that have been infected with ransomware attacks were hit so hard they could no longer continue operating. Practicing safe Internet protocols and being vigilant against these threats can help protect you and your business.

CADDENS

CADDENS NEWS (CADDENS CORNER)

CLEMENTINE’S CAFÉ

WOOLWORTHS

CAMBRIDGE GARDENS

COLES

M c DONALD’S

OVERLANDER HOTEL

CAMBRIDGE PARK

CAMBRIDGE PARK NEWSAGENCY

CELLARBATIONS

FRIENDLY GROCER

CASTLEREAGH

AMPOL SERVICE STATION

CLAREMONT MEADOWS

IGA CLAREMONT MEADOWS

COLYTON

COLYTON CENTRE PHARMACY

COLYTON FRIENDLY GROCER

COLYTON HOTEL

COLYTON NEWSAGENCY

HEWITT STREET TAKEAWAY

CRANEBROOK

ALDI CRANEBROOK

CRANEBROOK COMMUNITY HEALTH

CRANEBROOK VILLAGE

M cDONALD’S

MOTHER EARTH NURSERY PLUS PHARMACY

WOOLWORTHS CRANEBROOK

EMU PLAINS

CHAMBERS CELLARS

LENNOX CENTRE NEWSAGENCY

M c DONALD’S

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY

WOOLWORTHS LENNOX VILLAGE

7/11 EMU PLAINS (GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY)

7/11 EMU PLAINS (OLD BATHURST RD)

EMU HEIGHTS

SUPER SAVE COMPOUNDING CHEMIST

ERSKINE PARK

ASHCROFT’S IGA

ERSKINE PARK CTC

GLENMORE PARK COLES

MAGS NEWS

M c DONALD’S

MEDI ADVICE PHARMACY

WOOLWORTHS

JAMISONTOWN

ABCOE

ABEL STREET EATERY (HAPPY HARRYS)

BATT STREET TAKE AWAY

GREY GUMS HOTEL

NEW ON YORK TAKEAWAY

PARRABEY GOURMET KITCHEN (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SALT CAFE (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SHELL SERVICE STATION

THE COFFEE CLUB NEPEAN RIVER

THREE SUGARS CAFÉ

WESTERN WEEKENDER

YORK TAKEAWAY

ZOO FITNESS

7/11 JAMISONTOWN

JORDAN SPRINGS

JORDAN SPRINGS NEWSAGENCY

WOOLWORTHS

KEMPS CREEK

CALTEX SERVICE STATION

KEMPS CREEK BOWLING CLUB

KINGSWOOD

BARISTA BAR COFFEE SHOP (NEPEAN PRIVATE HOSPITAL)

COUNTRY BREWER

HALLANI’S

KINGSWOOD HOTEL

KINGSWOOD NEWSAGENCY

KINGSWOOD SMASH REPAIRS

KINGSWOOD SPORTS CLUB

PENRITH GAELS CLUB

RADHE INDIAN GROCERY STORE

VOLUNTEERS DESK NEPEAN HOSPITAL

7/11 KINGSWOOD

LEONAY

EMU SPORTS CLUB WILLOW TREE CAFÉ

LLANDILO

IGA

LONDONDERRY

LONDONDERRY LIQUOR STORE SHELL X ROADS

LUDDENHAM

AMPOL

AUSTRALIA POST IGA LUDDENHAM

MINCHINBURY

McDONALD’S

MINCHINBURY FRUIT MARKET MOUNT DRUITT WESTFIELD MOUNT DRUITT

MULGOA

GLENMORE HERITAGE GOLF CLUB MULGOA NEWSAGENCY MULGOA PHARMACY

NORTH ST MARYS

LUCKY AUSTRALIAN HOTEL MFC FOOD STORES

ORCHARD HILLS

FLOWER POWER OXLEY PARK

UC STORE

PENRITH ALDI

ASTINA

ATMOSPHERE GYM

AUSTRALIAN ARMS

BOREC ROAD TAKEAWAY (VALLEY CAFÉ)

BRISKET BOYS

CALTEX COREEN AVENUE

COLES PENRITH (NEPEAN VILLAGE)

COLES (WESTFIELD PENRITH)

CRESCENT MINI MART

HIGH STREET PIES

HOYTS WESTFIELD

JOAN SUTHERLAND ARTS CENTRE

LIQUOR STAX PEACHTREE

M cDONALD’S HIGH STREET

M cDONALD’S PANTHERS LEAGUES

M cDONALD’S PEACHTREE

MERCURE HOTEL

MUSEUM OF FIRE

NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE

NEPEAN MOTOR GROUP CAFÉ

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE COFFEE CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE NEWSAGENCY

NEXTRA WESTFIELD

ONE POINT HEALTH

PANTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

PEACHTREE HOTEL

PENRITH BOWLING CLUB

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

PENRITH CITY LIBRARY

PENRITH GOLF CLUB

PENRITH HOTEL

PENRITH PACEWAY

PENRITH RSL

PENRITH SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE PIONEER TAVERN RE/MAX SITTANO’S RESTAURANT

TATTERSALLS HOTEL

THE CHICKEN RUN THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ THE LOG CABIN

WESTFIELD WORLD GYM 7/11 HENRY STREET

REGENTVILLE 7/11 REGENTVILLE

ROPES CROSSING COLES

ROPES CROSSING NEWSAGENCY SILVERDALE IGA THE CHEMIST SHOP

SOUTH PENRITH BUDGET SERVICE STATION FISH FISH FRIENDLY GROCER GROSE’S PHARMACY SOUTHLANDS NEWSAGENCY SOUTHLANDS TAKEAWAY WOOLWORTHS

ST CLAIR BLUE CATTLE DOG HOTEL

FOODWORKS MELVILLE ROAD TAKEAWAY ST CLAIR LIBRARY

ST CLAIR SHOPPING CENTRE 7/11 ST CLAIR

ST MARYS

AMPOL FOODARY ASTLEY PHARMACY CASSANDRA’S ON QUEEN GUIDO’S HAIR CARE JAYAM SUPERMARKET M cDONALD’S ST MARYS SOUTH MONFARVILLE CORNER STORE

QUEEN ST NEWSAGENCY

ST MARYS BAND CLUB

ST MARYS FISH MARKET ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB ST MARYS LIBRARY ST MARYS PHARMACY QUEEN ST ST MARYS PIZZA HUT ST MARYS RSL ST MARYS VILLAGE WAGON WHEEL HOTEL WALTER’S NEWSAGENCY

THORNTON PETRAMART THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

WALLACIA WALLACIA GOLF CLUB

WALLACIA HOTEL

WALLACIA POST OFFICE

WALLACIA TAKEAWAY

WARRAGAMBA

WARRAGAMBA SPORTS CLUB

WERRINGTON

COLONIAL HOTEL

CROSSROADS CONVENIENCE STORE

DIRANI’S MFC

GEORGE’S CHARCOAL CHICKEN

HENRY SPORTS CLUB M c DONALD’S

SUPA IGA

THE FOODARY WERRINGTON NEWSAGENCY

CASSIDY PEARCE

In the height of COVID, Willem Hendrik sen created the ‘Sounds of Our Towns’ project in an attempt to reinvigorate the nightlife in the Blue Mountains. Now, that has become a reality.

The ‘Sounds of Our Towns’ project saw Willem build playlists filled solely with Blue Mountains-based artists, getting people listening to pre-emptively build on the en hanced live scene he knew was to come.

“We didn’t have a live culture, and I knew that before the live culture came back, we needed a listening culture,” he said.

The playlists, separated by both genre and theme, aimed to help people to connect with new music, and showcase the diversity of the Blue Mountains’ creative community by mak ing them available on streaming apps, and on QR codes on posters around the region.

Once the project gained momentum, it also garnered attention in high places, with Willem now working with Blue Mountains City Coun cil and Blue Mountains Theatre to put on live shows based off these playlists.

“It got the attention of Council, and I never thought that would happen,” he said.

“Usually, I’m doing grassroots pub sort of gigs, so having a space like the Hub, where you’re getting professional production – like high-end projections, great lighting, great sound and industry professionals – it’s been really good.”

There have been three ‘Sounds of Our Towns’ events so far this year, and Willem couldn’t be happier with the turnout.

“It’s just been beautiful, you see such a di verse demographic coming out,” he said.

“You’ll have 16 to 60, and you also get high

school teachers going to it. For this up and coming one, our Deputy Mayor is coming, we’ve got our State and Federal politicians coming, and it’s really cool, because then they get to see what’s happening in our backyard.”

For the Friday, December 16 event, ‘Sounds of Our Towns Vol. 4’ is boasting an all-female line-up.

“Alia Sharp is this amazing electronic artist – it’s like music with a message. She defines what it is like to be a woman in the modern era, and it’s really empowering,” he said.

“Then you’ve got these amazing 16-18-yearolds who have been rehearsing in a youth cen tre, doing their first big gig, Acid Amora. I’m really excited for the community to see that this is the future of Blue Mountains music.

“Then, the headliner, Sonori, I love how they’re going to use the theatre to its full ca pacity. They have a lot of visual elements, be cause a couple of them are in the film industry as well as musicians, so you’re going to have this immersive, artistic event, where you’re mixing elements of the visual with the audio.”

With such variety between the three acts, Willem assures there’s something for every one.

“They’re three totally different genres – Alia’s more like electro-indie, Acid Amora is like classic rock but with a postmodern edge, and then you’ve got Sonori, which is really sym phonic and epic,” he said.

For a night of boogying and learning all in one, this event is not to be missed.

“It’s like ‘edu-tainment’ – it educates people about what’s in our backyard, but it also enter tains,” he said.

‘Sounds of our Towns Mountains Getdown, Vol. 4’ is on at Blue Mountains Theatre on Friday, December 16 at 7.30pm. To book, visit bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

THINGS TO DO

After

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

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

Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Regular events.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL. Rhonda 0408 218 965.

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

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738.

Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

Chance

Free

Get

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Penrith National Serviceman’s Association

Meeting December 18 at 10.30am at Penrith RSL. Meetings 3rd Sunday of the month. No Meeting in January 2023.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Cambridge Park Lions Club

Second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Henry Sports Club. Call 0484 003 571 for details.

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the second Tuesday of each month from 9am-2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Victor Glanville – 0416 157 668.

Nepean Food Services

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

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum

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

Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains. A great place to discover the local history of Penrith

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group Monday, December 19 at Emu Sports Club. AGM commences 11.30am, Christmas Party at Midday. Call David on 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

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

Relationships Australia Counselling for individuals, couples and families. Domestic violence support group also available. 4728 4800. 340 High Street, Penrith.

Crisis Sexual Assault Service 24/7 support available for any sexual assault that has occurred in the last seven days. 4734 2000.

Lifeline 13 11 14.

a two-year hiatus, the annual Carols on the Course will be back at Emu Sports Club this Saturday, December 10. The event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with incredible local entertainment, fireworks, face painting, BBQ and a bar. This year, they will also have showground rides and food trucks! For updates, keep an eye on their Facebook page, bit.ly/3UkeREM.

Carols on the Course returns to Emu Sports Club

into the festive spirit this Saturday, December 10, by watching some Christmas classics with family and friends at Triangle Park. Penrith City Council will be hosting a double feature – ‘The Grinch’ (2018) at 5.30pm, followed by ‘The Santa Clause’ (1994) at 7.30pm. Finish off the night with some delicious takeaway food from a local restaurant.

festive movie night in Penrith CBD

Sailability’s Come N Try Day is on at the Regatta Centre this Sunday, December 11. Come N Try Days allow interested com munity members the opportunity to experience sailing. Sailing is available for beginners to experienced individuals, with guidance provided by the Sailability volunteer team. To book, email comentrysailability.penrith@gmail.com.

to experience sailing in Penrith

Next Friday, River City Voices will be partnering with WestWords to present Handel’s ‘Messiah’, as you’ve never seen or heard it before.

The story of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is one that has spanned many centuries – making it a familiar experience for many. But, when a choral Christmas tradition meets a beloved western Sydney art form, it creates some thing entirely new.

In this special concert, the universal message of ‘Messiah’ will be portrayed through the interpretive lens of dynamic young slam poets.

Having conducted ‘Messiah’ many times in the past, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sarah Penicka-Smith hopes that the performance will not only be a new

experience for veteran audiences, but also allow those who’ve never heard it to experi ence the drama of the work.

“Handel was a very theatrical composer who loved a good story,” she said.

“We’re offering this new version not because we think the music is missing something, but because we want to offer new audiences a way in to one of the greatest choral works ever written.”

The 75-minute performance features local talents, including internationally renowned baritone Warwick Fyfe, soprano Sarah Cherlin, tenor Joshua Oxley, poets J. Marahuyo, Paris Rosemont and Alasdair David Carter, alongside the Slam Messiah Chamber Ensemble and powerful River City Voices singers.

‘Slam Messiah’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Friday, December 16. Book at riversideparramatta.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

It’s dark, quirky, hilarious and at times absurd and ‘The Menu’ is without question a late entrant for movie of the year honours.

It is a brilliant social commentary on wealth and expectation, and the strive for impossible perfection. Beyond that, it’s a tense thriller largely set in one location that will leave you constantly surprised and always wondering what’s coming next.

Pretentious chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) runs an exclusive, intimate restaurant on an island and at $1,250 per head, its attend ees are very much the haves, being served meticulously by a kitchen full of the have-nots.

The group of diners on this par ticular night range from a variety of backgrounds there’s a slightly washed-up movie star, a group of obnoxious tech entrepreneurs, a prestigious food critic and her ed itor and a wealthy older man and his wife, who we learn have dined here countless times before (but, it seems, can’t name a single dish they’ve had there).

There’s also the younger, so cial media foodie Tyler (Nicholas Hoult), who has bought along a very unimpressed Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) for the experience of a degustation menu that features dishes like artisan bread, minus the bread.

is Margot’s unexpected attend ance at the restaurant this par ticular

See this movie at... PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

It

night that helps set off the evening’s turn of the events and what a turn of events they are.

You’ll need a slightly open mind as the film progresses, and it’s ac tually probably at its best before you actually know what’s going on, but ‘The Menu’ delivers a stinging

rebuke of modern expectations and a plethora of wonderful acting performances. It’s definitely one you should put on your plate.

Troy Dodds

Ê The ABC will again broadcast the official New Year’s Eve programming from Sydney this year. Hosted by Charlie Pickering and Zan Rowe, the ABC’s NYE 2022 concert and fireworks celebration is set to light up the night when it airs on Saturday, December 31 from 8.30pm. Broadcasting live from the Northern Broadwalk of the Sydney Opera House, the ABC is set to take NYE celebra tions up a notch with an incredible list of Australian artists who will take the stage for the epic three-hour show. The stellar line-up includes Tones and I, Ball Park Music, Vika & Linda, Dami Im, Morgan Evans and Tasman Keith who are all set to showcase a series of unforgettable performances.

Ê Stan has announced the original docu mentary ‘Show Me The Money’ will return in 2023 showcasing one of the most unpre dictable and dramatic AFL trade periods to date. ‘Show Me The Money II’ will be back as a feature-length documentary premiering February 2023.

Ê Disney+ original series ‘Chasing Waves’ will premiere on January 11. The series shines a spotlight on the people and places that are defining Japan’s reach in the global surf culture and examines the diverse regions, unique characters, and endless surf along the over 18,000 miles of coastline that makes Japan one of a kind. The character-driven

documentary series, shot with state-of-theart 4K cameras and stunning 16mm archival film, follows athletes from various cultural backgrounds as they pursue their dreams and paints a captivating picture of Japanese life and showcases what it takes to succeed in the international surf industry. Eight epi sodes will land on January 11.

Ê Foxtel has this week launched a dedi cated WWE channel. The brand new 24/7 channel features every premium live event including Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, Survivor Series and more, as well as archive shows and content. The channel launched on Tuesday on 144.

Ê Channel 10 will kick-off the new year with its twist on its reality staple ‘The Bache lor’. This summer be ready to witness a new era of love and romance when ‘The Bache lors Australia’ premieres on Monday, January 9. With the glitzy backdrop of the Gold Coast, there will be an exciting world first with triple the bachelors, triple the romance and

triple the engagement rings. And, of course some great drama. As the temperature heats up this January, so too will the Bachelors’ journey for true love. Join Bachelors Felix, Jed and Thomas as they begin their quest for their happily ever after in ‘The Bachelors Australia’.

Ê TV icon Ray Meagher will host ‘Christmas With The Salvos’ on Channel 7 this weekend. The special highlights the inspirational work of The Salvos across country, showcasing sto ries from work done in homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, natural disaster recovery and their key Christmas outreach through the distribution of toys, hampers and community meals. The special airs at 12pm on Saturday, December 10.

Ê Netflix has confirmed that season three of ‘Emily in Paris’ will land on the streaming service just in time for the Christmas holi days, on December 21.

Ê Nathan Taylor is on leave.

2023 THE BACHELORS AUSTRALIA, CHANNEL 10

Troy Dodds

TV Guide: December 9–15

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 The Pool (PG) 11:10 Walking The Dragon With Benjamin Law (M) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Belgravia (PG) 1:45 Doc Martin (PG) 2:35 Poh’s Kitchen 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Vera (M d,v) 10:00 Troppo (M l,v) 11:00 ABC Late News 11:20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 12:00 rage (MA15+)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40 Cricket: Test 2: Day 2

*Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 10:30 Movie: “Hitch” (PG) (’05) Stars: Will Smith 1:00 Home Shopping

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Carnage (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Rambo: First Blood” (M l,v) (’82) Stars: Sylvester Stallone

5:25 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 6:00 So Awkward 6:35 Operation Ouch! 7:05 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Good Game Spawn Point 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 Friday Briefing 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:45 Ticket To Qatar 8:00 Fault Lines 2022 9:00 ABC Nightly News

9:30 Close Of Business

Saturday 10 December

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest

Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Vera (PG) 2:00 Midsomer Murders (PG) 3:30 Stuff The British Stole (PG) 4:00 A League Of Her Own (PG) 5:25 Monty Don’s

Japanese Gardens 6:25 The ABC Of Wil Anderson (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:20 Shetland (M) 9:20 Midsomer Murders (M v) 10:20 Movie: “Judy” (PG) (’19) Stars: Renée Zellweger

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 5:30 Border Security International (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30

Escape To The Country 9:30 Escape To The Perfect Town 10:30 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages (PG)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Long Story Short” (M l) (’21) Stars: Rafe Spall 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Fred Claus” (PG) (’07)

Stars: Vince Vaughn 10:50 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M s) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn 12:35 Tipping Point (PG)

3:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 4:05 The Simpsons (PG) 4:35 Modern Family (PG) 5:05 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 6:35 Movie: “Rio” (G) (’11) Stars: Carlos Saldanha 8:30 Movie: “The Prestige” (M) (’06) Stars: Christian Bale

4:35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay (PG) 6:40 Extreme Africa 7:30 Barrumbi Kids (PG) 8:00 Movie: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” (PG) (’93) Stars: Elias Koteas

5:30 Come Dine With Me Couples 6:30 Nigella Express 7:00

The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Gordon Ramsay’s

Christmas Cookalong 9:00 Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown 10:00 Donal’s Meals In Minutes

12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 10:20 Evil (M)

5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Forged In Fire (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l)

12:00 Salvation Army Christmas Special 12:30 Border Security International (PG) 1:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 1:30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40 Cricket: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 10:30 Movie: “There’s Something About Mary” (MA15+) (’98)

5:30 Wild Transport (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 7:00 Motorway Patrol (PG) 7:30 Ultimate Rides (PG) 8:30 Counting Cars (M) 9:30 Full Custom Garage (PG) 10:30 Barrett Jackson: Revved Up

5:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:30 Born To Spy (PG) 6:10 Ted’s Top Ten 6:35 Robot Wars 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Lost In Oz 8:50 Danger Mouse 4:00 ABC News 4:30 The Breakfast Couch 5:00 ABC News 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Movin’ To The Country

12:00

ABC News

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Specially For Me 9:20 Peer To Peer (PG) 9:50 Paul O’Grady Little Heroes 10:50 Employable Me (UK) (M l,s) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Engineering Reborn (PG) 8:30 Inside Central Station (PG)

10:00 The Middle (PG) 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s)

4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Kung Fu Panda 3” (PG) (’16) Stars: Jack Black 7:30 Movie: “The Great Wall” (M v) (’16) Stars: Matt Damon 9:30 Movie: “Mortal Engines” (M) (’19)

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Blog Cabin 4:30 Barn Hunters 5:00 Buy It Or Build It 6:00 House

Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Yard

3:40 Movie: “Watch Your Stern” (PG) (’60) Stars: Kenneth Connor 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 TBA 8:30 Movie: “The Man With The Golden Gun” (PG) (’74) Stars: Roger Moore 11:05 New Amsterdam (M)

12:00 Cybershack (PG) 12:30 Our State On A Plate 1:00 Cross Court 1:30 Country Home Rescue With Shaynna Blaze (PG) 2:30 My Way (PG) 3:00 Christmas With Emma Dean - Eatwell Presents 4:00 The Garden Gurus 4:30 Explore TV 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Country House Hunters Australia 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Christmas With Delta 9:00 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley

2:10 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect (PG) 4:30 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:00 Wild Transport (PG) 6:30 Movie: “City Slickers II” (PG) (’94) Stars: Jack Palance 9:00 Movie: “Risky Business” (M l,s) (’83) Stars: Tom Cruise 11:00 Bridezillas (M l)

6:05 Interstellar Ella 6:35 Adventures Of Paddington 7:00 Andy And The Band 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (MA15+) 9:15 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M s) 10:00 TBA 10:25 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:30 Power To The People (PG) 6:00 Pacific Island Food Revolution 6:50 NITV News Update 7:00 On Country Kitchen (PG) 7:30 Call Of The Baby Beluga (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Arizona Dream” (M) (’93) Stars: Johnny Depp

4:30 Weekend Breaks With Gregg Wallace 5:30 Taste Of Diversity 6:30 Rick Stein’s Spanish Christmas Special 7:40 Destination Flavour Japan 8:40 Jamie’s American Road Trip 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 Top Chef

8:00 Escape Fishing With ET 8:30 What’s Up Down Under 9:00 Australia By Design 9:30 Studio 10: Saturday 12:00 Planet Shapers 12:30 Well Traveller (PG) 1:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 All 4

Adventure 3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4

Adventures 4:00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Hungry (PG) 7:00

Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders 7:30 Blue Bloods (M) 8:30 CSI: Vegas (M v) 9:30 NCIS (M)

2:00 A-Leagues All Access (PG) 2:30 Roads Less Travelled 3:00 MacGyver (M) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 I Fish 6:00 Scorpion (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 7: Sydney FC v Melbourne City *Live* 10:00 MacGyver (M)

5:35 Vs. Arashi 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Stuck In The Suez (In English/ French) 9:25 The Other James Bond Fellow (In English/ Swedish) 10:55 The X-Files (MA15+)

5:30 Football: QF: Match 49 Winner v Match 50 Winner *Live* 8:30 Football: QF: Match 53 Winner v Match 54 Winner *Replay* 11:30 Football: QF: Match 49 Winner v Match 50 Winner *Replay* 2:30 Football: QF: Match 53 Winner v Match 54 Winner

*Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 8:30 Kensington Palace: Behind Closed Doors (PG)

8:00 Frasier (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00

Friends (PG) 12:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:00 The Challenge Australia (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:15 Friends (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 1:45 Mom (M)

5:10 Movie: “The Boss Baby” (G) (’17) Stars: Alec Baldwin 7:00 Movie: “Shrek 2” (PG) (’04) Stars: Mike Myers 9:00 Movie: “The Mummy Returns” (PG) (’01) Stars: Brendan Fraser 11:30 Paranormal Caught On Camera (M) 12:30 Manifest (M)

4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Megamind” (PG) (’10) Stars: Will Ferrell 7:00 Movie: “Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (G) (’00) Stars: Taylor Momsen 9:05 Movie: “The Fate Of The Furious” (M) (’17) Stars: Vin Diesel

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence Get Macca’s® the western weekender » 40 Friday, December 9, 2022

6:35 Robot Wars 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 8:45 Danger Mouse

12:00 Movie: “Crown For Christmas” (PG) (’15) Stars: Danica McKellar 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 5 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40 Cricket: Test 2: Day 5 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 5 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 5 *Live*

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 5 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 American Pickers (PG)

7:00

12:00 Snackmasters (PG) 1:45 Talking Honey (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00

Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Snackmasters (PG) 8:45 Inside The Superbrands 9:45 Australian Crime Stories (MA15+) 10:45 NINE News Late

5:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (M s) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Universe With Brian Cox 8:30 Long Lost Family (PG) 9:20 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 10:05 Catalyst (PG)

12:00 Movie: “The Spruces And The Pines” (AKA ‘A Star-Crossed Christmas’) (PG) (’17) Stars: Jonna Walsh 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars *Live* From Manuka Oval 11:00 The Spin (M)

6:30 The Beaver Whisperers (PG) 7:30 From The Heart Of Our Nation A Celebration (PG) 10:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG)

7:30 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 8:00 Cooking With Curtis 8:30 Jamie & Jimmy’s Food Fight Club 9:30 River Cottage Australia

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Bondi Rescue 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30

Freshly Picked 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30

Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 8:30 FBI: Most Wanted (M) 11:30 The Project (PG)

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 The Code (M v) 11:15 MacGyver (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:50 The 77 Percent 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

1:00 Inside The Superbrands 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Skin A&E (M) 12:00 Bluff City Law (M)

7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 9:10 Staged (MA15+)

12:00 Movie: “A Godwink Christmas” (AKA ‘A Christmas Coincidence’) (PG) (’18) Stars: Kimberley Sustad 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers *Live* 11:00 The Amazing Race (PG)

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Robin Hood” (M l) (’18) Stars: Taron Egerton 9:45 Movie: “Flash Gordon” (PG) (’80)

7:30 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 8:00 Shelfie With Dan Hong 8:30 John Torode’s Ireland 9:30 River Cottage Australia 10:30 The Cook Up

Journeys 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 From The Heart Of Our Nation: A Celebration (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 The Weakest Link USA (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M)

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie: Easy Meals At Christmas 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Ambulance Australia (M) 8:30 Crossfire (MA15+) 9:30 NCIS (M v)

(PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (M) 10:20 Crossfire (MA15+) 11:15 48 Hours (M v)

7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland (PG) 9:30 Forbidden History

1:00 Travel Guides: Vietnam (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Family Law (M s) 12:00 The Thing About Pam (PG)

6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” (M) (’93) Stars: Emilio Estevez

6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Great Blue Wild 7:30 The Truth Tellers: 10 Years Of NITV News 8:30 I, Sniper (MA15+) 9:30 Kutcha’s Koorioke

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) 10:20 Crossfire (MA15+) 11:15 Tommy (M)

5:00 Good Bones (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 No Demo Reno 9:30 Steal This House 10:30 Windy City Rehab

6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Movie: “For Your Eyes Only” (M v) (’81) Stars: Roger Moore 11:20 New Amsterdam (M)

3:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 Navalny (PG) (In English/ Russian)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Botched (M) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M)

5:00 Steal This House 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Barn Hunters (PG) 8:30 Our Yorkshire Farm 10:00 Restored

6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Never Say Never Again” (M s,v) (’83) Stars: Sean Connery 11:20 House (M)

2:30 Football: SF: Match 57 Winner v Match 58 Winner *Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Toys That Built The World: Toy Car Wars (PG) 8:25 The Airport: Back In The Skies (PG) 9:20 Tokyo Vice: Kishi Kaisei (PG) (In Japanese/ English) 10:25 SBS World News

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M) 9:20 Two And A Half Men (PG)

7:25 Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes 7:55 Movie: “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” (G) (’20) Stars: Booboo Stewart 9:00 Danger Mouse 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story: Great Escapes 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Courtney Act’s One Plus One 10:00 The World

7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Movie: “What Happened To Monday” (M) (’17) Stars: Willem Dafoe 12:00 ABC News 1:00 QI (M ,s) 1:30 Question Everything (PG) 2:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 You Can’t Ask That: Kids (M l) 8:30 Dino Apocalypse With David Attenborough

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:40 Movie: “The Inbetweeners 2” (MA15+) (’14) 2:00 Kochie’s Business Builders 2:30 Travel And Eat With Dan & Steph 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades *Live* 11:00 Extreme Weddings Australia (PG) 12:00 Fantasy Island (PG) 1:00 Home Shopping

7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Octopussy” (PG) (’83) Stars: Roger Moore 11:30 Christmas In New York - Inside The Plaza 1:00 Dream Listings Byron Bay (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Emergency Call (M) 12:00 Pure Genius (M)

7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 8:00 Long Weekend In... With Rory O’Connell 8:30 Gino’s Italian Coastal Escape

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie’s Quick & Easy Christmas Special 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas 8:30 Crossfire (MA15+) 10:30 Law & Order: SVU (M)

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Motorway Patrol 8:30 Movie: “Resident Evil: Extinction” (MA15+) (’07) Stars: Ali Larter

7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story: Into The Wild 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Stan Grant’s One Plus One

6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30 Movie: “Glass” (M v) (’19) Stars: James McAvoy

6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Great Blue Wild 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:00 Strait To The Plate 8:30 Tribal (M d,l,v)

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (PG) 10:30 Crossfire (MA15+) 12:30 Home Shopping

2:30 Football: SF: Match 59 Winner v Match 60 Winner *Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 8:30 Britain’s Scenic Railways At Christmas (PG) 9:25 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 10:20 SBS World News Late Thursday 15 December 5:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Kavanagh Q.C. (M v) 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries

5:00 House Hunters Renovation 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters International 8:30 Island Of Bryan (PG) 6:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:55 Movie: “Saving Santa” (G) (’13) Stars: Newell Alexander 8:15 Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 9:00 Starstruck (M l,s) 9:45 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (M l)

7:30 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 8:00 Strait To The Plate 8:30 Dishing It Up Christmas Special 9:30 River Cottage Australia 10:30 The Cook Up

7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 10:10 Betraying The Badge (M)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:40 TBA 11:40 Young Sheldon (PG)

6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Grantchester (M) 8:40 Movie: “A View To A Kill” (PG) (’85) Stars: Roger Moore 11:20 House (M) Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

delivered. « the western weekender 41 Friday, December 9, 2022

Hexwords

Over the next three weeks, we’ll be handing out our ‘Country Corner’ awards for 2022.

International Album of the Year

We can’t go past Luke Combs’ third studio album, ‘Growin’ Up’, which was released on June 24.

The American country super star, who will tour Australia next year, again delivered an array of stunning, heartfelt songs includ ing ‘Doin’ This’ and ‘The Kind Of Love We Make’.

Australian Album of the Year

Amber Lawrence’s ‘Living For The Highlights’, released back in July, takes out our local award for Album of the Year in 2022.

Produced by Stuart Stuart, the

album features the singles ‘Bring It Back’, ‘I’m Coming Home’, ‘Fill It Up’ and ‘Making Up For Lost Wine’.

International Song of the Year Song of the Year honours this year goes to Lainey Wilson’s ‘Heart Like A Truck’.

Lainey continues to shake the Nashville country scene and this song has played a huge role in her rise during 2022.

Australian Song of the Year

It’s the song that everyone’s talking about: ‘Over For You’ by Morgan Evans (pictured).

Released in the wake of his divorce from Kelsea Ballerini, this song hits hard and has captured everyone’s attention.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Your home life looks lively this week, as Uranus (your ruler) and Mercury stir up your domestic zone. Uninvited guests could also drop in. And things are likely to become messy and disor ganised (especially involving friends and/or finances) as Neptune scram bles communication. You might get confused and make some mistakes, but that’s OK. Whatever happens – ex pect the unexpected, accept changes with good grace and adapt according ly!

It’s time for proactive Pisceans to make exciting plans and set solid goals. Go for gold, as the Sun and Saturn help you envision (and pur sue) ambitious dreams and creative schemes for the future. But keep a firm grip on reality this week otherwise you could delude yourself about a person or situation, especially involving work or money. In order to avoid disap pointing yourself (and others) do your best to stay on top of facts and leave fantasy for the movies.

Mercury, Venus and Pluto are vis iting your career zone, so aim to be more curious, creative and strategic at work. If you slow down, stagnate or procrastinate, then you’ll just be left behind. The Sun/Saturn connection encourages you to have the confi dence and discipline to turn your ab stract ideas into a tangible form. But remember there’s a fine line between communicating your ideas with plen ty of passion … and being completely misunderstood.

The Sun/Saturn link (on Monday and Tuesday) is terrific for work, ca reer, promotions, presentations and investigations. But – with Mars revers ing through your money zone – be prudent with finances. On the week end, Mercury and Uranus encourage you to express your original, authen tic, talented Taurean self. Be inspired by birthday great Taylor Swift (who was born on December 13, 1989), “If you’re lucky enough to be different, don’t ever change.”

With Mars reversing through your sign, conserve your energy and try to get lots of sleep. Geminis can be rather gullible … especially this week when nebulous Neptune scrambles your Reality Radar and deactivates your BS Detector. So be careful you’re not led up the primrose path to plenty of trouble – especially involving work and career or love and romance. If something (or someone) sounds too good to be true, then start running in the opposite direction!

Mercury, Venus and Pluto are all powering through your relationship zone. So the buzz words this week are companionship and conversation, as you get deep and meaningful with your partner, chat with family mem bers, fraternise with friends and/or catch up with acquaintances. Be in spired by this week’s birthday great, novelist Jane Austen, “My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.”

It’s a good week to make amends with a friend or colleague who you may have (unintentionally) offended. If you eat some humble pie, then the relationship will head in a positive new direction. It’s also time to share pleasurable activities with a loved one. Whether it’s a movie, a concert, a delicious meal or stimulating con versation, make it a priority to have fun together. But Neptune squares the Sun mid-week, so avoid sending out ambiguous messages.

Mars (the planet of confrontation) is currently reversing through your public/reputation zone. So you could encounter problems with colleagues, clients or customers (or with argu mentative people on social media).

Don’t waste time worrying or retali ating! As birthday great Taylor Swift reminds us, “Haters gonna hate.” Just shake it off and get on with the busi ness of living a positive, vibrant Virgo life. The weekend favours travel, edu cation and communication.

This week – despite some confusing moments with colleagues or friends – home is where the heart is. Fam ily matters and DIY projects are fa voured, as your ruler Venus joins Mer cury and Pluto in your home zone. So do your best to keep the lines of com munication wide open with relatives from near and far. A troubled child, teenager, lover or friend is waiting to hear some diplomatic advice from the heart. And you’re just the person to give it!

Courtesy of nebulous Neptune and retrograde Mars, money matters look rather confusing this week. If you’re expecting funds from other peo ple, then be prepared to wait. And, if someone else is managing your mon ey, make sure you have your finger on the pulse and know exactly what’s go ing on. It’s not a good time to borrow funds, lend money, buy real estate or make a major purchase. But it is an appropriate time to research, revise and recalibrate.

The Sun’s transiting through fiery, restless Sagittarius – sign of the Archer, traveller, teacher and seeker – which will boost energy and motivation lev els (that have been flagging due to ret rograde Mars). But Neptune squares the Sun, so situations (and people) are not as they seem. And a family mem ber may try to pull the wool over your eyes. Smart Sagittarians will dismiss surface appearances and look be neath the surface to discover what’s really going on!

Saturn (your patron planet) provides a welcome energy surge this week when your words and wisdom have the power to move other people in profound ways. You’re keen to per suade someone to do something, but are they ready for your serious (and sometimes controlling) approach?

Venus is vamping through your sign so clever Capricorns will be an iron fist in a velvet glove, as you utilise your magnetic personality and natural charm to get others onside.

PET HEALTH

Desexing (speying) is advised for all female dogs that are kept as pets.

Apart from reducing the number of unwanted puppies, there are many medical reasons to desex your female dog.

So, what are the advantages?

Prevention of coming into season or oestrus

When a female dog comes into season, there are behaviour and hygiene problems to be aware of.

The female dog’s scent (pheromones) attracts male dogs and they often escape from the house or yard, putting them in the danger of traffic, being lost or being involved in dog fights.

You may often find there is a sudden influx of male dogs around the home and yard.

Owners also need to contend with the vagi nal bleeding that typically lasts for up to 21 days.

Prevention of uterine infection (pyome tra)

Many female dogs have problems with a severe uterine disease called pyometra following their heat cycles. In this disease the uterus becomes filled with pus and if not treated can prove fatal. Treatment requires a complicated ovariohysterectomy and the pet is more at risk due to the severity of the condition.

Eliminates the possibility of false preg nancy

Some dogs fail to go out of their heat cycles

correctly causing a condition we call ‘false pregnancy.’ In these cases, even though the dog may not have mated with a male dog, her body believes it is pregnant due to incorrect hormonal stimulation that it is receiving.

The dog may have abdominal swelling and/ or engorgement of the mammary glands and in some cases, may make nests and snuggle with socks or toys against their bodies.

The prevention of mammary cancer

Dogs desexed before the first season have less chance of developing mammary (breast) cancer.

What are the disadvantages?

Most of the perceived disadvantages of desexing a female dog has proven to be false. The most commonly cited are that the dog will become fat and change their person ality. Desexing doesn’t cause a change in personality, guarding instincts, intelligence or playfulness. Obesity is the result of over feeding. By regulating a dog’s diet, caloric intake and exercise, you can prevent obesity in desexed females.

When is the best time to desex my female puppy?

The best time to desex your puppy is around six months of age before the female experi ences her first season. This also aligns with the need to have your dog registered with Penrith City Council. This registration fee costs less when your dog has been desexed.

Desexing your pet will allow your female pets to live longer, happier and healthier.

The protections in place around your credit card and how the process works

This week I received a phone call from my credit card provider advising that they believed my card had been compromised. They wanted to verify my information to ensure they spoke to me. So, what should you do if this occurs to you?

I did a few things; I asked for a reference number and hung up. I logged into the credit card portal, which popped up with a warning message stating that my card was compromised; I then called the number on the back of my credit card and read out the reference number.

So, what is the procedure when you use a credit card for purchasing an item and what protections are in place? There are three phases to a card transaction – Authorisation, Settlement and Funding. The most impor tant one to us as consumers is the Authorisa tion stage. In most stolen card cases, they are used in an online transaction.

When you use your card over the Internet or in an online transaction, the payment gateway provides the first line of protec tion. It has a set of fraud filters that verifies things like matching addresses, whether it is an international transaction, meets limit approvals, has the card been used multiple times on the site. It will often do an IP lookup to ensure that it is not an identity theft scenario.

If it passes, the transaction is sent to the company’s bank, which immediately passes it on to the credit card provider for authori

sation. The credit card company will do the following checks

• Is the card valid – card number check, expiry date and CCV?

• Has the card been reported stolen or lost?

• Does the spending match the customer profile or usual spending habits?

• Are there sufficient funds to cover the purchase?

• Has the credit card been used to purchase a series of products over a short period of time?

• Do the addresses supplied match what’s on file?

The transaction will be approved, placed in a pending state, or denied depending on the results. If pending or denied, this is when your card provider will reach out to you. In my situation, the spending did not match my profile spending. It was done at an online store that specialised in women’s clothing. Because it is coming up to Christmas and I could have potentially been buying a gift, the transaction was in a pending state. After verification with me, the transaction was moved to a declined state.

The final step is reissuing the credit card under a new number. Interestingly my existing card was not completely cancelled and could still be used for a physical trans action but not for an online transaction. All credit card companies have different levels of verification and security.

HEALTH

WITH MARK LOUKA

ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

Ingrown toenails and why your first phone call should be to a podiatrist

In podiatry one of the more common things we treat are ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail is when the edge of the nail starts piercing into the surrounding skin of the toe which can result in pain, inflammation and infection. An ingrown toenail can be caused by having a wide nail, an involuted nail or ill-fitting footwear. There are other causes but these are the more common causes of an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful that even the slightest amount of pres sure placed on the toe can elicit pain.

It is imperative that you see a podiatrist if you start to feel any discomfort in your toes. Upon seeing your podiatrist, we will carefully remove the edge of the nail that is pierc ing into your skin in order to provide pain relief. This is considered as conservative care.

The reoccurrence of an ingrown toenail is dependent on the cause of the ingrown

toenail. It is more likely than not that an ingrown toenail will return. If conservative care does not prevail, we start looking at more permanent treatment options. A more permanent treatment option for ingrown toenails is a partial nail avulsion (PNA). A PNA is a nail surgery that is conducted in the clinic where we remove the nail spicule that is continuously piercing the skin. Once the nail spicule is removed, we use a chemical to stop the section

of the nail giving pain from regrowing.

PNAs have a high success rate and healing time can be between two to four weeks if there are no complications.

If you have an ingrown toenail it is recommended that you see your podiatrist immediately and that you don’t try to remove the ingrown nail on your own. Your podiatrist will assess your foot and discuss with you with the best manage ment plan for you.

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The GWM Ute range has welcomed a new member with the addition of the stylish new Cannon Vanta.

Sitting proudly at the head of the GWM Ute range, the Cannon Vanta adds a number of styling enhancements to make it stand out from the crowd.

The 18-inch alloy wheels now come finished in black as do the exterior mirrors and door handles while the signature GWM front grille is now also black creating a bold front look that means business.

In addition, a new black sports bar has been introduced which now extends further down the side of the rear tray to further enhance the tough new look of the Cannon Vanta. Blacked-out badging completes the look. The Cannon Vanta is available in a selection of five exterior colours – Pearl White, Crystal Black, Blue Sapphire, Scarlet Red and Pitts burgh Silver.

With the exception of roof rails, the Cannon Vanta adopts all other features of the Cannon-X, on which it is based, including heated (front) leather seats, wireless phone charging, 360-degree camera, 7-inch colour instrument cluster, automatic anti-glare rear view mirror and three selectable power assist steering modes.

In keeping with the GWM Ute’s 5-star ANCAP rating the full array of available safety technology has been made standard

on the Cannon Vanta. This includes, but is not limited to, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and bicycle detection, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane

Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Traffic Sign Recognition. The Cannon Vanta is available now at

$46,490 Driveaway and comes with a sevenyear, unlimited km warranty, five years roadside assist and five years Capped Price Servicing.

The Cannon Vanta from GWM is available now.

Racing to top of the class

Martin Bishop, who runs the program from the school, was no easy feat.

Penrith Christian School students

Tahlia Whiley, Jaida Timbs and Faith Martinez have come out on top in the F1 in Schools State Finals competition.

With over 17,000 schools across 51 nations competing each year, F1 in Schools is the larg est worldwide STEM competition, which sees school students aged nine to 19 utilise CAD/ CAM software to design, manufacture, test and race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block.

After hearing about the competition, Jaida became interested in the skill development and networking opportunities it offered. However, she admits that getting an in with

“He has so many people that come into his office and ask that never come back, so when I approached him initially, he told me registra tion was closed,” she said.

“I did some research and found out that it was open, so I went back again, and he told me to wait until next term to see if I still remem bered and was still interested, and then the holidays passed and I came back again, so he knew I was serious.”

Working alongside Tahlia and Faith, Jaida, as the team’s Design and Manufacturing Engineer, went to work on creating their car, taking into account drag, weight and other factors to create a vehicle capable of 0-80km/h

But, this is only one portion of the compe tition, with the team also undertaking interviews with professionals, creating verbal presentations, advertising the car, and cultivating industry relationships to garner sponsors for the enterprise component.

Though Tahlia’s main focus is marketing, and Faith’s social media, they agree that the process has been collaborative from start to finish.

“Although there are definitive roles, we all overlap, so while Tahlia is our middle woman, and I do our social media stuff, I’ll also help out with graphics for renders,” Faith said.

Competing as Team EVE, the Year Nine students became determined to better their results after placing third at Nationals earlier in the year, going on to place first at Regionals.

After refining their project for the State Finals in late November, they were not only awarded State Champions, but also Best Team Portfolio, Best Team Trade Display, Best Managed Enterprise, Best Team Marketing, Best Verbal Presentation, Grand Prix Race and an Innovation Award.

For the girls, this was a welcome surprise.

“I don’t think we expected to work as well as we did, but we went in hopeful that we would do well,” Jaida said.

As for what’s next, Team EVE is now racing to the National Finals in March 2023, with hopes to compete in the World Championship later in September. The team admits there’s plenty of work to do before then.

For updates on Team EVE’s journey, follow their Instagram, @eve_pcs_.

Tahlia Whiley, Jaida Timbs and Faith Martinez. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Penrith have fought hard but in the end went down to UTS North Sydney in Round 6 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a t wo-day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and sent UTS North Sydney into bat first. The Bears were strong at the crease, declaring on 7/368 after 102 overs. When Penrith hit the crease on Day 2, they played well but ultimately fell 50 runs short of UTS North Sydney’s target on 9/318. Penrith will be taking on Western Suburbs in Round 7.

CRICKET: Sunday saw Penrith take a strong win in Round 9 of the Women’s First Grade competition, playing in a one-day match against Manly Warringah. Playing at Howell Oval, the away side won the toss and elected to bat. Manly Warringah clocked up 7/101, which Penrith was able to chase in just under 17 overs. Penrith will be taking on Bankstown in a one day match this Sunday.

CRICKET: The Panthers first grade side kept their winning streak alive in a high scoring match against Springwood by two wickets. Springwood batting first scored 10/200. Panthers were able to reach the target for the loss of eight wickets to finish at 8/201. For the seventh grade side, Panthers’ inconsistency throughout the season was again on display as they scored a seven run win over Glenmore Park. Panthers batting first scored 6/159 with the result of the match going down to the 40th over where Panthers were able to dismiss Glenmore Park 10/152.

GRIDIRON: Over the weekend, Nepean Ducks Gridiron received two awards at the Gridiron NSW 2022 season awards, with Lachlan Bignall being awarded Colts coach of the year, and Glen Bowes awarded Mens coach of the year. Congratulations to both men.

BASEBALL: Round 9 of the NSW State Basketball League saw a tough week for Greater Western, who lost both games to Baulkham Hills. On Wednesday, the local side lost 5-3, and took an even greater loss of 6-1 on Saturday. The team will look to bounce back when they take on Cronulla Sharks in Round 10.

AFL: Following the announcement of round one of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premier ship fixture, new jumper numbers have been revealed for eight GIANTS this week. Draftees Aaron Cadman, Harry Rowston, Darcy Jones, Max Gruzewski, Toby McMul lin, Nick Madden and Jason Gillbee along with new recruit Toby Bedford, all received their new numbers as the team finalises their pre-season preparations before the Christmas break.

FOOTBALL: Matildas World Cup hopeful Remy Siemsen has broken Western Sydney Wanderers’ hearts by sealing victory for Sydney FC in the first Sydney derby of the Liberty A-League season. After a seesawing 82 minutes, Siemsen confirmed the 1-0 result with her first goal since returning to the competition after a stint in Sweden. The Women’s side will be taking on Adelaide United this Sunday, December 11 at Wanderers Football Park, with the men going up against Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, December 10 at WIN Stadium.

MARTIAL ARTS: Competing across Traditional Forms, Sword Combat, Point Sparring, Clash Sparring and Light Kick Sparring events, local training centre Emerald Dragon Martial Arts brought home three third places, seven second places, and two first place National Champions over the weekend.

Silver medal haul for Elaine

Elaine McNaughton, Pendragons Dragon Boat Club member and resident of Jordan Springs, has returned from the International Dragon Boat Federation Asian Championships in Thailand with three Silver Medals.

Back in April this year, McNaughton was selected at rigorous trials; from paddlers across Australia to be part of the Australian Auroras Perpetual Premier Crew.

Since that time she has worked extremely hard through a vigorous elite athlete training program including intensive strength and conditioning, cardiovascular fitness, row and paddle ergs, extensive dragon boat water training plus various athlete camps for further performance assessment.

All of the effort and hard work paid off for the Auro ras with the Women’s 20s crew placing second in the 1000m, 500m and 200m categories, with fast and furious racing the order of the day.

A field of teams from Thai land, India, China, Cambo dia, Myanmar, Malaysia,

Hong Kong, China, Indo nesia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Australia competed in mens, womens,

mixed races, in 10s and 20s crews for a real variety of racing and excitement at the Championships.

Elaine McNaughton with her Silver Medals.

panther rumblings

! Locked in: Matt Eisenhuth has signed a contract extension with Penrith that will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2024 season. Meantime, Jaeman Salmon will also remain at the Panthers for a third consecutive season after signing a one year deal for 2023. Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said he was pleased to retain Eisenhuth and Salmon at the club. “On behalf of all at Panthers, I’d like to congratulate Matt and Jaeman on their new deals with the club,” Cameron said. “Matt and Jaeman have both played important roles for the club over the past two seasons, and I look forward to seeing them remain at Panthers.”

! To’o secures future: Not only is Penrith winger Brian To’o getting married this week, but he’s also locking up his future on the footy field with the 24-year-old set to agree to a new deal with the Panthers. The club is currently ironing out the final details of the arrange ment, with the length of the deal believed to be the final sticking point. There’s some hope that the re-signing could be announced before Christmas.

a wonderful look

year.

The

it

to the game’s retirees, and honours the prom inent people lost in 2022; one of the original four Immortals in Johnny Raper, and beloved Cowboys premiership-winning coach Paul Green. Every club has full player and team sta tistics including the six NRLW clubs. Buy yours now at www.rugbyleagueannual.com.au.

! Cleary soaks up time off: Penrith co-cap tain Nathan Cleary didn’t head home after the World Cup, instead opting to stay in the UK and Europe where he’s been playing the role of tourist. He called by a British pub to watch the Socceroos take on Argentina on Sunday. He’s due back in Australia this week.

! Footy legend’s battle: Ken Wilson, best known for his career with the Newtown Jets, has been given less than 12 months to live. The 71-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago, which has now spread.

“I’m not scared because I’ve had plenty of time to digest it and talk it over with my wife. What can you do? You can kick stones and whinge or

accept it for what it is,” he said in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph last weekend. While Wilson spent most of his career with the Jets, he played for Penrith across three seasons in 1976, 1977 and 1978.

!

Backing women: The Panthers may not have an NRLW side but nobody could accuse them of not backing the women’s game. The club will launch an historic new under-20s competition next year that will provide local female players (aged 18, 19 and 20 in 2023) the opportunity to participate in a competitive program before progressing to open-aged and professional competitions. The first-ofits-kind competition, coordinated by Pan thers Pathways in conjunction with Panthers Juniors, will run parallel to the junior rugby league competition – from April to August. The PRLW will comprise of 15 rounds and finals, with matches to be played on weekends in the Penrith district. Players will compete in a Pan thers-inspired jersey, with each team playing in a different colour variation.

!

Here’s cheers: The Pantherettes will definitely be back in 2023, with auditions for

! Launch locked in: The Panthers will hold their 2023 season launch prior to the trial matches kicking off. They’ve locked in an event for corporate partners, sponsors and officials on Tuesday, February 7.

! Spotted: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary par tying the night away at the launch of the River Boat Bar on the Nepean River last week.

! Season keepsake: David Middleton’s famed Rugby League Annual is about to be released, looking back at the 2022 NRL season, which saw the Panthers claim the NRL title for a second consecutive year. Penrith features on the cover of the Annual, which is currently available for pre-sale and is

back at the rugby league

Almost 300 games have been reviewed, and

features in credible action photos.

book pays tribute

the squad expected to be held in the coming weeks.

Matt Eisenhuth. Photo: NRL Images.

Riders finish year on a high

EMILY FESZCZUK

It’s been a rocky year for Penrith BMX Club, but it hasn’t stopped riders from wrapping up the racing season in style. Despite flooding impacting the track at St Marys multiple times, six riders aged nine to 52 have overcome obstacles to represent the club at the AusCycling BMX National Cham pionships in Tasmania.

Joining over 1000 riders at the end of November to compete over six days were Jobe Degnan, Mackenzie Degnan, Erica Goodwin, Danielle Fleming, Luke Goodwin and Geoff Goodwin.

Parent volunteer and club officiate Donna Montgomery attended to cheer on her husband Geoff and her children, Erica and Luke, and said it was a fitting end to a tough year.

“The club has been severely affected by COVID and then the track has been under water three times which meant the riders

haven’t been able to train there since March,” Montgomery said.

“It has finally been re-surfaced but the preparation for competition was so disrupted so for the riders to get there was an amazing achievement.”

Three riders came home with Australian Plates, which signified they made it to a final of eight.

Jobe Degnan achieved 3A in 9 Boys 20 inch and 7A in 8-10 Boys Cruiser.

Erica Goodwin achieved 8A in 13 Girls 20 inch and third in 13-13 Girls Cruiser while Danielle Fleming got 8A in 16 Girls 20 inch.

The AusCycling National Championships signal the end of the year for BMX racing and culminates in the tallying of National Cup points.

Seven members from Penrith ranked in the top eight in their divisions with riders from all around the country.

The club is looking forward to resuming normal racing on Friday nights and is welcoming new members.

Nine-year-old Jobe Degnan shows off his BMX skills.