Western Weekender February 9 2024

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Friday, February 9, 2024

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PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPAPER

VALENTINE’S DAY 2024 Pages 24-26

DAWN OF A NEW CITY The long-awaited Master Plan for Bradfield has been released, giving us our first glimpse at the stunning new airport city.

Details on Page 2

DEPUTY MAYOR TO CHALLENGE MELISSA MCINTOSH FOR PRESELECTION AHEAD OF NEXT ELECTION

SHOWDOWN S FOR LINDSAY

TROY DODDS

itting Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh is facing a challenge from within her own party ahead of the next election, with Deputy Mayor Mark Davies to contest preselection for the seat.

Davies confirmed this week he would be a candidate when preselection opens, as a factional battle looms over the prized Liberal seat.

Full story on Deputy Mayor Mark Davies. page 5.

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LOCAL NEWS

First look at airport city Bradfield Master Plan revealed with expectation of 10,000 brand new homes

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he long-awaited Master Plan for Bradfield City Centre – the new airport city – has been released to the public this week.

The Bradfield City Centre Master Plan sets out a framework for future development within the new 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

Bradfield is expected to deliver 20,000 direct jobs and is positioned to emerge as Australia’s premier hub for advanced and emerging industries.

It is expected to also create up to 10,000 new homes.

“This Master Plan shows how investment in the area surrounding the new airport will drive growth and better opportunities for all western Sydney,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform western Sydney and can only be realised if we work together to ensure it benefits everyone.”

The proposal contains all key areas for a new city, including homes, streets and roads, city blocks, parks and open space, commercial and retail precincts, and, crucially the strategies to deliver the required infrastructure.

The development is backed by a more than $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and is anticipated to unlock billions more in private investment.

If approved, the Master Plan will outline a staged approach to more than two million square metres gross floor area of development across the city centre, located on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

While the Aerotropolis and new Metro line are substantially underway, the draft Master

An artist’s impression of Bradfield, with the new Metro station in the background.

Plan for Bradfield City Centre marks a significant milestone.

“This Master Plan is a draft blueprint for a world-class city that will support Western Sydney Airport, attract investment, house thousands of people, and create thousands of jobs,” said Minister for Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

“This is the first Master Plan to be publicly

exhibited after progressing through the new Aerotropolis master-planning pathway and it’s critical we hear directly from the community and stakeholders as we lay the groundwork for significant infrastructure plans.”

Business Western Sydney’s Executive Director, David Borger, welcomed the Master Plan release.

“The new Master Plan demonstrates the

An overview of the new Bradfield City Centre, which is being built alongside Western Sydney International Airport.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

extensive thought and vision that has gone into developing a cohesive community within the vicinity of the new aerotropolis,” he said.

“This will be a dynamic and innovative city that brings together innovation, education, higher skills, and employment opportunities in the heartland of western Sydney.”

View the Bradfield Master Plan online at https://bit.ly/bradfieldplan.

LOCAL NEWS

Rescue operation after crash TROY DODDS

T

his was the scene at Wallacia on Sunday night when a car crashed off the road and into a creek, trapping the driver.

The single vehicle crash happened on Greendale Road late on Sunday evening, sparking a major emergency response.

The car left the road and came to a rest at Duncans Creek.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Warragamba and Regentville, as well as the Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade, attended the scene along with police and paramedics.

Lights were set up to assist workers at the scene as darkness set in.

The driver was extricated from the vehicle just before midnight and transported to hospital.

For a number of hours, Greendale Road was blocked between Wallacia and Greendale to allow emergency crews to do their work. It was reopened just before midnight.

Meanwhile, there were extensive traffic delays on the M4 Motorway during the morning peak on Wednesday after a crash at Claremont Meadows.

The accident happened in the citybound lanes at around 8am approaching Mamre Road. It was cleared an hour later.

Crews hard at work at the crash scene on Sunday. Photo: Wallacia Rural Fire Brigade / Facebook.

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255

The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

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Stadium plan leaves empty feeling

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t some point later this year, the bulldozers will roll in at good old Penrith Park as it prepares to enter another chapter in its long and storied existence straddling Mulgoa Road and Station Street.

The Panthers will spend a year away from home, maybe longer, while the two grandstands are refurbished and various facilities improved, in time for a 2026 opening.

A lot of water has travelled under the bridge since December 13, 2021 and January 24, 2024 – but that gulf in time resulted in two different governments making the same announcement: Penrith Stadium would be re-built at a cost of around $300 million.

Problem is $300 million buys you a lot less in 2024 than it did in 2021, and Labor’s investment will not increase to cover inflation and rising costs.

Not that anyone is about to knock back a $300 million investment, but it’s hard not to ignore that we’ve ended up with an outcome that is far from ideal and certainly the poor cousin to the initial plan from 2021, and the Paceway / Showground plan that popped up along the way.

And I don’t say that in the context of the upgrade itself, which I accept is needed, but moreso that this is a once-in-a-generation investment – once it’s done, further significant spending on the stadium will be a lifetime away.

Is this particular $300 million project really a win for Penrith, or is it just what you get when a new government is dragged to the table to meet an election commitment it made to ensure it matched the previous government’s announcement?

The irony is that had Labor campaigned against the stadium spend at the last election, I’m not sure the result of the seat would have been any different. This project has never been an all-out winner with Penrith residents, or even Panthers fans who frequent the stadium.

The truth is, hard as it is to accept for many, that the best outcome was the one we were heading towards had the Coalition Government been retained at the election last year.

A world class stadium on the site of the

Index

Penrith Showground and Penrith Paceway, with the harness racing track moved out of the Penrith CBD and the current Penrith Stadium opened up as public space.

That project too never had everyone on the same page, but if you were to make a decision based on vision and future realities in mind, it was always the obvious winner.

Instead the stadium that opens in 2026 will see the capacity increase by 2,500 with a brand new western stand, major refurbishments to the eastern stand and the two hills remaining in place.

It’s hard not to feel that Penrith has been handed the leftovers here; after the stunning redevelopments of Parramatta Stadium and Allianz Stadium, and even the new stadium in Townsville.

“I was never a fan of an upgrade that only increased the capacity by a few thousand” The funny thing about all of this is that I’m not actually sure if it would have been a career killer for Premier Chris Minns or even new State MP Karen McKeown had the State Government put a red line through the project and backed away from its commitment based on soaring costs.

Instead Minns will cut the ribbon on a new stadium in two years’ time that he never really wanted to build, so many people in Penrith didn’t want and will wear the brunt of failing the pub test in terms of return on investment.

I can’t help but feel this is the plot a new episode of ‘Utopia’.

We announce a grand new stadium, then an even grander one, and then cut the ribbon on one that looks pretty much the same as the old one and pat ourselves on the back for doing it.

News..........................................................1-23 Love Is In The Air........................24-27 Business.............................................28-32

Along the way we pull out all the standard announcements to turn bad news days into good ones – everything from sod turns to construction milestones.

None of this is really anyone’s fault and I’m not going to criticise the State Government for only wanting to spend $300 million on the project.

But in some ways it feels like spending nothing or spending a lot more would have actually both been better outcomes in terms of the bigger picture. Not that the upgrade isn’t needed or justified, but when you’re only getting one shot at this in a generation – perhaps this isn’t the right shot to take.

I was never a fan of an upgrade that only increased the capacity by a few thousand because for me, it leaves the door open for a future Board not as football focused to shift blockbuster games away from Penrith with capacity being an argument.

Regardless, this will all happen and there’s no going back now.

If there is one group of winners out of all of this it’s probably those who didn’t want the stadium touched in the first place.

The overall structure and feel of the new venue won’t be all that much different to the old one given both hills are being retained.

Infrastructure NSW seems to be intent on retaining the stadium’s unique identity and community feel and honouring its history, which is obviously a good thing.

The last thing we need is for the stadium to feel like an empty shell that the Panthers just happen to play at.

Whatever happens, we will all get used to the new venue.

But for those of us who grew up with Penrith Park as it is today; and who’ve witnessed upgrades along the way be generally modest and unintrusive in nature, it’ll be hard not to pine for the past.

And for others, it will be a case of ‘what could have been’ as they ponder the original stadium announcement back in 2021, and the fleeting Paceway plan.

At the end of the day, no matter what happens, we hope for only one thing: that it still feels like home.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

LOCAL NEWS

McIntosh to face challenge Penrith Deputy Mayor Mark Davies confirms he’ll stand for Lindsay preselection

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elissa McIntosh is a two-term MP who was one of the rare shining lights for the Liberal Party at the last Federal Election, but she's facing competition from within her own party in the lead-up to the next poll.

The Weekender can confirm that veteran Penrith City Councillor and current Deputy Mayor, Mark Davies, will contest Lindsay preselection when it opens at an undetermined date.

There is a push from some within the Liberal Party to endorse Davies over McIntosh as the Lindsay candidate.

It would be an extraordinary move given McIntosh holds the seat with a 6.3 per cent margin and had a swing to her at the last election.

When contacted by the Weekender, Davies confirmed he would be a candidate at preselection but said he was unable to comment further on the process due to party rules.

McIntosh similarly said she could not comment on preselection, but spoke of her passion for the job.

“From the moment I was elected in 2019, my top priority has always been to the people of Lindsay. I have stood side by side with our community during some of our toughest times, and it is my steadfast commitment to

represent them to the best of my ability and fight for what matters most," she said.

“Now, I am fighting on behalf of all families in our community who have been hard hit by the Albanese Labor Government’s cost-ofliving crisis, by the unfair preliminary flight paths impacting Lindsay, and the funding cuts to vital infrastructure surrounding the Western Sydney International Airport.

“As well as the local representative in the Federal Parliament, in my shadow portfolio I have been standing up for all Australians struggling with their mental health, by calling on the Albanese Labor Government to re-instate the full 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions people desperately need.

“These are the issues that are important.”

In an added twist, leaked texts from a Liberal Party group chat were published

by The Sunday Telegraph last weekend, revealing the bitter internal war set to erupt over the preselection.

In the messages, Tanya Davies – Mark Davies’ wife and State MP for Badgerys Creek – says if McIntosh is the best candidate, she'll win preselection.

“What has she got to fear? Let the locals have their say!” one of the messages said.

McIntosh and Davies sit in different factions within the Liberal Party, which has held Lindsay since the 2019 election.

Peter Dutton and Melissa McIntosh last year. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Davies did nominate for Lindsay preselection ahead of the 2022 election, but later withdrew. The Weekender understands he feels now – with the Coalition in Opposition – is the time to have a tilt at the federal seat.

Liberal Leader Peter Dutton was contacted

for comment, but did not respond before deadline.

It is understood his office is monitoring the situation in Lindsay.

The next election is likely to be held in the middle of next year.

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY TROY DODDS

Glenmore Park: Trio charged after brawl erupts following disagreement

Three men have been charged with ‘affray’ following an incident last weekend.

About 7.45pm on Saturday, February 3, a 33-year-old Padstow man was at a licenced premises in Glenmore Park.

He was sitting by himself, consuming alcoholic beverages. It is alleged he has made a comment or insult towards a 21-year-old Glenmore Park man.

The 21-year-old and a 48-year-old Glenmore Park man have approached the 33-year-old.

It is alleged the 48-year-old has grabbed the 33-year-old by the shirt and pulled him to the ground.

Police claim the 21-year-old and 48-yearold have punched the 33-year-old a number of times, before being separated by security.

It is alleged that the 33-year-old has moved around the security guard and punched the 21-year-old again.

Again, the trio were punching each other and the 33-year-old and 21-year-old have moved towards the exit.

Police were contacted and attended. On attending, they saw the 21-year-old and a security officer wrestling on the ground.

Police have handcuffed the 21-year-old.

All parties were spoken to and eventually calmed down and the cuffs were removed from the 21-year-old.

At this time, the 33-year-old man had left.

CCTV was viewed and confirmed all the persons actions.

Police used a dog to search for the 33-yearold and located him a short distance from the licenced premises.

All men were charged with ‘affray’ and will front Penrith Local Court in March.

Penrith: Stolen copper, drugs found on man

Jordan Springs: Man charged with high range drink driving

A man has blown more than four times the legal limit at Jordan Springs.

About 10.00pm on Monday, February 5, Police were patrolling the Greenwood Parkway, Jordan Springs.

Police have stopped a vehicle for a random breath test.

Police had a conversation with the driver, a 30-year-old Wilberforce man.

The man was breath tested, which proved positive.

He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.205. The man’s driver’s licence was suspended.

He was charged with high range drink driving and will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

Penrith: Man behind wheel last had driver’s licence in 2005

About 11.00am on Thursday, February 1 Police were stationary at the intersection of Mullins Road and Castlereagh Road, Penrith which is controlled by a roundabout.

Whilst stationary awaiting for traffic to clear, Police observed a black Great Wall Station Wagon enter the roundabout from Mullins Road travelling in an easterly direction towards Coreen Avenue.

Police observed the vehicle to enter the roundabout at speed, failing to give way to traffic already within the roundabout. The vehicle has entered Coreen Avenue before making a left hand turn into a service station and pulled alongside a petrol pump.

Police have approached the driver, a 47-year-old Cambridge Park man and had a conversation with him.

Police have asked him to produce his driver’s licence. It is alleged he stated that he did not have one. Checks were made which revealed that he was the holder of a NSW driver’s licence that expired in 2005.

He was charged and will front Penrith Local Court.

51579

Police have charged a man with multiple offences after he was caught with allegedly stolen copper and drugs.

About 11.30am on Saturday, February 3, police have seen a male walking on Castlereagh Road, Penrith, who was pushing a shopping trolley with copper in it.

Police have stopped and had a conversation with the 51-year-old St Clair man.

It is alleged the man informed police that he had spoken with a man at a nearby abandoned building and he had been collecting the copper from there and other locations.

The copper was seized as it was suspected of being stolen. The man was searched. Also

located on the man was a small resealable bag containing methamphetamine, LSD and three packets of buprenorphine strips.

The man was charged with three counts of ‘possess prohibited drug’ and two counts of ‘Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen’.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court on February 13.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

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

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES A big part of our practice is helping people navigate what to do after someone has passed away.

We refer to this as “administering deceased estates”.

We help executors of Wills understand their obligations and take care of all of the heavy lifting for them.

Where there is no Will we help the next of kin, usually referred to as an “administrator” do the same thing.

If someone has passed away and you are in a position where you think you need to take steps in relation to the estate, here are some tips that might help: 1.

In most cases, there is no hurry to formally get things underway. While of course there are some time limits that apply, there is no problem with taking the time to grieve, get through the funeral and start the estate administration process once all of that is taken care of.

2. The first step in starting the process is to find out whether or not the deceased person had a Will. The most common way to do this is to conduct a search of their papers and see if you can find a reference to a law firm or in some cases a copy of a Will or the original document itself. Quite often people will have solicitors draw up Wills for them and they will store the original at the solicitor’s office, so if you know the deceased person had a regular lawyer you might contact them to ask whether or not they held a Will. Note, in most cases where a person had assets but there is some doubt over whether or not they had a Will the solicitor you engage will contact local solicitors to see if they hold a Will for the deceased, and they will also contact the New South Wales Trustee and Guardian and the major banks which are other common places that people store their Will.

3. The next thing you should start to do is start to gather a list of assets and liabilities. Most of the time, your solicitor will want to write to each of the asset and liability holders to determine the exact nature of the asset or liability. It is

really helpful to take copies of any bank statements, statements from other asset holders, outstanding bills or any other document that references an asset or liability and associated account or other reference number to point your solicitor in the right direction when making their inquiries. These documents do not have to be the most recent version. Often an older document discovered amongst a deceased person’s papers can lead to the discovery of previously unknown assets.

4. If a Grant of Probate or other representation is required, an application to the Supreme Court of New South Wales cannot be made until the original Death Certificate is received. That is not to say that you cannot start to do the leg work in the meantime, but you should make sure a Death Certificate is ordered as soon as possible. In most cases, the funeral director who conducts the funeral will order a Death Certificate.

5. If there is real estate that forms part of the deceased person’s estate and they did not live with another person you should take steps to make sure the property is secure. Deceased estate properties are often at risk of things like burglary if people notice that no one is home. This is particularly the case where there are valuables stored in the home. You should also consider things like collecting mail and mowing lawns so as not to give the impression that the property has been abandoned.

6.

The manner in which a deceased person’s estate is administered depends on the nature of the assets they held. For example, wherever real estate was held by a deceased person either in their sole name or as in tenants in common a Grant of Probate or other grant of representation must be obtained – there is no way around this. This is also the case where a deceased person held significant other assets in their sole name, such as large amounts of money on deposit with a bank or financial institution.

If you have questions about a deceased estate, including contesting a Will or defending a contested Will, get in touch.

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News

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Contact Us 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

Council Briefs ● Is your pool summer ready? Over the last 20 years almost 500 Australian children under the age of five drowned. While all these drowning deaths are preventable, it’s the 54% that occur in home swimming pools where your immediate action can make a difference.

It’s easy to check whether your pool is safe for you and any children by making sure that there is an effective child resistant barrier, pool gates and latches are in working order, and gates are never propped open.

For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864. ● Penrith City Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on the draft St Marys Town Centre Place Plan up until Thursday, 29 February 2024.

Following extensive community consultation last year, Council adopted its St Marys Town Centre Structure Plan which established a shared vision to transform St Marys into a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming strategic centre over the next 20 years.

The St Marys Town Centre Place Plan is a community-led roadmap which outlines actions over the next five years between 2024–2028 to help achieve this long-term vision, with a focus on events, activities, and street and park improvements.

To view the draft St Marys Place Plan and share your feedback, please visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys

Meeting Dates 12 February 2024 – 7pm (Policy Review Meeting) Online via penrith.city 26 February 2024 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via penrith.city

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

Hard copies of the plan are also available to view at St Marys Library and Penrith City Council Civic Centre. ● Construction is underway on two playspace upgrades in the Penrith Local Government Area. Jim Anderson Park, Werrington Downs, is getting a new playspace with a castle-themed play unit with slides, a climbing wall, rope climber, fire pole, fencing, shade, and landscaping.

A new playspace is also being built in the reserve between Willoring Crescent and Harris Street, Jamisontown, which will feature a 25-metre flying fox, multi-play unit, swing set, balance trail, interactive equipment, shade, and more.

The designs for each playspace were developed in consultation with the community. These projects are part of Council’s ongoing program to upgrade the City’s playspaces to ensure they modern and inclusive for residents, families and children to enjoy.

You can find your nearest playspace at: penrith.city/playspaces

● Join us in shaping Penrith’s creative life! The community has spoken, and we’ve heard your aspirations for affordable and inclusive arts and culture, local artists’ support, and creative spaces. We’re excited to share our draft Cultural Strategy and Action Plan for 2024–2028.

Check it out and share your thoughts with us at: yoursaypenrith.com.au/culturalstrategy

Public Notice Proposed amendments to the Orchard Hills North, Glenmore Park Stage 2 and Glenmore Park Stage 3 chapters of Penrith DCP 2014 Council invites you to review and provide feedback on proposed amendments to the Orchard Hills North, Glenmore Park Stage 2 and Glenmore Park Stage 3 chapters of the Penrith Development Control Plan 2014 (DCP 2014).

Council at its Ordinary Meeting of Monday, 11 December 2023 resolved to publicly exhibit the above proposed amendments to DCP 2014.

Key changes to the Orchard Hills North DCP chapter include making minor changes which reflect the associated final Planning Proposal, addressing formatting matters and addressing other discrepancies identified.

Key updates to the Glenmore Park Stage 2 and Glenmore Park Stage 3 DCP chapters include the addition of a development staging section, updated figures and minor formatting matters.

The proposed changes are administrative in nature and do not introduce or amend any existing policy positions in either DCP chapter.

Following the public exhibition, the outcomes of the exhibition will be reported to Council for consideration. The proposed amendments to DCP 2014 will be on public exhibition until Monday, 26 February 2024. The exhibition material may be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au and at Council’s Civic Centre.

You are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes by making a written submission to Council by Monday, 26 February 2024 by: • Email: city.planning@penrith.city • Post: The General Manager (Attention City Planning) Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 • In person: Council’s Civic Centre Please include a subject line indicating ‘Proposed amendment to the Orchard Hills North, Glenmore Park Stage 2 and Glenmore Park Stage 3 chapters of Penrith DCP 2014’.

For further enquiries: Please contact Owen Lay, Planner on 4732 7612.

penrith.city WW53117

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

LOCAL NEWS

Modern offices approved for vacant block on High Street TROY DODDS

A

new four storey commercial building costing almost $23 million to construct has been approved for the western end of High Street in the Penrith CBD. The development at 600-612 High Street is on the southern side of the street between Worth Street and John Tipping Grove.

Developers Nor Side Investments plan to excavate the site to create a single level basement car park containing 45 car spaces, which includes five accessible spaces and two service car spaces, bike spaces, stairs, lifts, plant and storage rooms.

They will construct the four storey commercial office building fronting High Street and Union Lane (rear elevation).

“The proposed office building will be provided with flexible floorplates that seek to maximise views, natural light and ventilation,” the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) prepared as part of the Development Application states.

“These office levels will generally feature similar floor layouts with no

The site of the future office building in the Penrith CBD. Photo: Melinda Jane.

distinctions between the variances to the lifts and core toilet/bathroom layouts.

“These office spaces will feature

technology to maximise occupant wellness, including industry best fresh, ventilation, and natural light solutions. This will promote a safe,

flexible and healthy lifestyle and wellbeing for workers and visitors.”

The ground level of the complex will have a total commercial floor

area of 1,306m2, with a generous sized foyer off High Street.

Level one will feature a floor area of 1,688m2, level two will have 1,703m2 and level three 1,273m2.

All existing structures on the site will be demolished.

“The proposal will be able to support the attraction of high performing tenants to the Penrith CBD with high quality commercial floor space in addition to the high level of active travel utilities,” the SEE said.

“The redevelopment on this site would result in substantial direct economic benefits in terms of job creation within the CBD. “This will support the decade of decentralisation of policy with the aim of relocating public sector jobs from the Harbour CBD to the Central City.”

There will be no impact on Union Lane as a result of the development, though refurbishment and enhancement of the laneway is proposed.

The Development Application was lodged in the middle of last year and was granted approval by Penrith City Council on Wednesday.

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 • Hi-Craft Home Improvements Pty Ltd

DA23/1091

Lot 3040 DP 259920, 12 Stockman Place, Werrington Downs DA23/0818

Lot 12 DP 24905, 63 Marsden Road, St Marys Proposed secondary dwelling and alterations and additions to existing dwelling • Adam Robert Wragg

DA23/0978

Lot 2082 DP 709079, 31 Dartmoor Circuit, Emu Heights Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling including a first floor addition, retaining walls and demolition of swimming pool Mod23/0279

Lot 37 DP 236060, 32 Beauty Point Crescent, Leonay Section 4.55(1A) modification to extend entry porch roofing of DA22/1025 Mod23/0282

Lot 161 DP 975322, 44–50 Fourth Road, Berkshire Park Section 4.55(1A) modification to DA20/0692 to amend the finished floor levels of the shed • Raj Shah

DA23/0970

Lot 397 DP 1229232, 11 Delaware Avenue, Caddens Reinstatement of fire damaged dwelling • C/O The Planning Hub

Lot 615 DP 1012081, 8 Coco Drive, Glenmore Park Pergola • Mcdonald Jones Homes

DA23/1065

Two-storey dwelling

• Joe Caballero

• Benjamin Joseph Sciberras

DA23/1049

Lot 754 DP 1282804, 12 Charbray Avenue, Glenmore Park

Carport

• Nawiri Design & Development

• UPG Lord Sheffield 162 Pty Ltd

walls and swimming pool • Jane Mcclymont

DA23/0729

Lot 2 DP 14656, 27 Nepean Avenue, Penrith Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of 2-storey dwelling with basement garage, retaining

• John Walton

DA23/0851

Lot 1 DP 1218801, 152 Henry Lawson Avenue, Werrington County DA23/0580

Lot 34 DP 1036699, 60 Jack Williams Drive, Penrith

Two-storey dwelling CD23/0011

Alterations to the existing dwelling including the installation of noise attenuating windows and doors

DA23/0042

• Vishal Lakhia

DA23/1006

Lot 3 DP 502054, 51 Jamison Road, Kingswood

Remediation of land and use of the site for a truck depot with associated earthworks, perimeter fencing, office and facilities

Demolition of existing structures and construction of detached dual occupancy

Mod24/0005

Lot 2 DP 815109, 19 Kana Close, Cranebrook Section 4.55(1A) modification to DA23/0785 for Windows and BASIX Certificate • Linfox Australia Pty Ltd

Lot 752 DP 1282804, 16 Charbray Avenue, Glenmore Park

Lot 173 DP 243735, 19 Roper Road, Colyton

Lot 100 DP 1235633, 40 Charles Street, St Marys

• Tim Harrington

DA23/1068

• Andrea Chalice

Temporary truck depot including 2 truck storage domes, truck and machinery storage areas, 3 ancillary office and staff buildings, related car parking, landscaping and associated site works • DECC Pty Ltd

Construction of 10-storey mixed-use commercial and residential development including 2-storey podium containing 14 ground floor retail premises and first floor commercial floor space; 2 x 9-storey residential towers containing 287 residential apartments (East Tower – 152 units; West Tower – 135 units); rooftop communal open space, 3 levels of basement car parking and public domain works • Elise Joy Rositano

Strata subdivision into 62 lots and common property • C/O The Planning Hub

DA22/1086

Lot 3001 DP 1184498, Lot 3002 DP 1184498 and Lot 3011 DP 1184498, 172 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith

DA23/0728

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.

Lot 56 DP 1116754, 1 Fox Lane, Erskine Park

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

Installation of a storage cage for the storage of dangerous goods within an existing distribution facility

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

penrith.city WW53118

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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PAGE TEN

Joke of the Week

Q: What do you call a wine hangover?

A: The grape depression.

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

N

prize cupboard

estled amongst the rolling green hills in the idyllic country landscape of Mount View, Briar Ridge Vineyard offers a range of award-winning wines, from classic to modern, that showcase the terroir and quality of estate vineyards honed by unparalleled winemaking.

At their cellar door, you can enjoy a tailored tasting with their knowledgeable yet personable staff, indulge in a decadent platter of local and imported delicacies, or book a picnic package to relax in their beautiful wine garden where they welcome children and pets with open arms.

Briar Ridge Vineyard also hosts exclusive experiences, such as the Radica tasting experience, where you can sample their

most premium wines in varietal specific glassware, or the Mystery Vineyard Tour, where you can explore their historical vineyard and enjoy a gourmet lunch.

Briar Ridge Vineyard premium wines are available at select independent retailers and via the website (www.briarridge.com. au).

The Weekender has three Briar Ridge Vineyard prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Briar’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, February 23 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com. au or Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender.

Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

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

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

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0876, 0564, 1120.

I SPY

Dose of Dorin

Do you know where this picture was taken?

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

Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The camouflaged ‘Disposals’ sign is located at the bottom end of High Street, Penrith – opposite One Point Health. The Army Disposals store closed down a number of years ago.

Connect with us online...

10

Sad news this week with the passing of country music legend Toby Keith.

His music was hugely popular in Australia, where he toured many times. May he rest in peace.

westernweekender.com.au facebook.com/westernweekender

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

@wwpenrith @westernweekender

The footy season is just around the corner! The Panthers held their official season launch on Tuesday night, getting in early due to the upcoming World Club Challenge.

@westernweekender @westernweekender

LOCAL NEWS

It’s an explosion of twins!

“Highly unusual”: Two schools welcome five sets of twins to start the school year CASSIDY PEARCE

S

taff and students at two local schools are well and truly seeing double, with five sets of twins each starting at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College and Kingswood South Public School this year.

At Kingswood South, twins make up a quarter of their incoming kindergarten students in 2024, with 47 students in total.

In her 12 years at the school, Principal Sandra Martin said the most sets she’s seen in one year group is three.

“It’s highly unusual, but exciting at the same time,” she said.

With some parents preferring their little ones be together, and others separate, Martin said they’ve made the decision to split them across their two kindergarten classes.

“If we had them all in one class, that would be half a class of twins!” she said.

Though she said the teachers may be in for some confusion, the twins are ensuring a fun and exciting year, with future police ninjas, birthday cake bakers and butterflies among

Charlotte Turnbull, Gabrielle Turnbull, Molly Basman, Matilda Basman, Ava Marakovic, Sophia Marakovic, Nehchal Gill, Rasleen Gill, Faizah Rehan, Fizzah Rehan and Principal Tania Cairns.

Double trouble at Kingswood South Public School. Photo: Melinda Jane.

them, as told on their first day.

“We’ve got sets of two girls, two boys who went through our pre-school and are definitely a bit confusing as they’re very close-looking, and some sets of boys and girls,” she said.

“They’ve all come here for their first day, and they’ve all had a fantastic day. They’re fitting in extremely well.”

Over at Caroline Chisholm, Principal Tania Cairns said she has also only ever seen three sets of twins in one year group before.

very special for them, because they said they had other twins in their school, but none of them had other twins in their year groups,” she said.

“They’re a special little group within themselves, really.”

Cairns said that all of the twins are in the same classes, except one set who have been separated since Year 4, noting how strongly linked they all are to one another.

“I’ve noticed how physically connected they were, because one of them had arms link and another was holding hands – you wouldn’t

“We have had two and I think one year there was three, but not five, so this is really a first, it’s very unusual,” she said.

“I don’t quite know what was in the water back in time when they were conceived, but there was certainly something in the water there!”

With four sets identical and one fraternal, Cairns said having that many twins at the school overall has been just as special for the kids as it is the school.

“Having gathered together last week, they certainly felt like it was

normally see that in Year 7,” she said.

“It was very hard to pull them apart, they were very strongly linked to each other.”

Noting last year’s leadership team, Cairns said that maybe Caroline Chisholm is the place to be for twins in the area.

“It’s extraordinary, and it’s very, very special, especially in an all-girls school,” she said.

“Last year we had identical twin captains, and they were great role models, so I’m excited about it.”

2025 ENROLMENTS FOR GIRLS YEARS 7-12 NOW OPEN

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Join the Caroline Chisholm community to experience the difference. ..................................................................................................................................................................

OPEN NIGHT TOURS 2024 Wednesday 6th March Thursday 7th March Tours of the college: 3:30 - 6:30pm

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL For further information and bookings please visit our website or social pages https://www.cccglenmorepark.catholic.edu.au/ ..................................................................................................................................................................

Celebrating our past Empowering our future 90 - 98 The Lakes Drive, Glenmore Park

WW52756

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At Caroline Chisholm College, girls take centre stage in their learning and our teachers have developed expertise in meeting the diverse needs of female students. ..................................................................................................................................................................

For enrolments contact Chantal Morris: cmorris12@parra.catholic.edu.au 4737 5561

Follow Us:

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

11

LOCAL NEWS

Plan met with criticism

Government says pubs and clubs must employ Responsible Gambling Officers

T

The State Government is introducing new rules around poker machines.

“We know there is no single solution to address harm from gambling, which is why we are implementing a range of gambling reforms.”

But Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Anderson said the plan was “light on detail”.

“I have real questions regarding

::

he State Government has been accused of “making it up as it goes along” after a major announcement in relation to problem gambling.

Labor announced late last week that clubs and pubs will be forced to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty when poker machines are in operation.

From July 1, venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have the officer on duty in an effort to reduce gambling harm.

Responsible Gambling Officers will help identify patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour, refer them to gambling support information and services and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.

“The NSW Government is committed to gambling reform, reducing gambling harm and stopping money laundering and criminal activity associated with poker machines,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris.

“Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

this proposal and nothing from the announcement provides any certainty that it will help those in the grips of gambling addiction,” he said.

“Evidence shows that those suffering from problem gambling can require professional help to

overcome their addiction, and the Government’s proposal does not detail any consultation with professionals.

“Furthermore, the hospitality industry in NSW is facing real issues in relation to finding the workers they need to run their venues and

now the government is insisting they must also have specialist staff who will be responsible for engaging with patrons experiencing suspected gambling harm.”

All hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Plan of Management as part of a suite of reforms being implemented to reduce risk of gambling harm and support people who may need help.

Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have additional Responsible Gambling Officers, to ensure enough sufficiently trained staff are available to support patrons and to ensure they have a reasonable workload.

“The introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers is the next important step in supporting people who may be experiencing gambling harm,” Harris said.

“They will be across pubs and clubs where gambling is happening, and be alert to patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour and link them in to the support they need, such as the GambleAware hotline.”

LOCAL NEWS

Where to find Penrith’s best pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Laughin’ Boy’s stunning pancake. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

T

hough there’s no need for an excuse to indulge in a delicious stack of pancakes, Pancake Day is undeniably the perfect opportunity – and it’s just around the corner.

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is traditionally celebrated as the feast day before the start of Lent, aiming to use up foods such as eggs, milk and butter before 40 days of fasting. The date of the event changes each year, but in 2024, it falls on Tuesday, February 13.

Of course, it can be a fun and easy way to start the day to get your DIY on and make the treat at home. But, if you’re looking to head out to a local venue, there are plenty of locations around Penrith where you can get a tasty stack.

Opened just last year, Laughin’ Boy is the perfect location to enjoy a pancake with the backdrop of the beautiful Nepean River.

A highlight of their breakfast menu, Laughin’ Boy serves up a unique deep-dish pancake – a macadamia pancake, topped with apple, butterscotch sauce, Golden Gaytime popcorn, mascarpone, and blueberries.

The right balance of sweet and savoury, Mikaela Writer assured that it’s one of their most popular menu items – and for good reason.

“It has some amazing dressings on there which make our pancake stand out from anyone else’s in Penrith,” she said.

“It’s so big and so filling – everyone loves our pancake.”

Over in Cranebrook at Leaf Café, chef Loki Lo has conjured up a new pancake menu ahead of the big day, including a reinvented version of their Belgian Chocolate Biscoff Ricotta Soufflé Pancake.

“We’ve had the Biscoff Belgian chocolate pancake for a little while, but previously it was just too big, and many people found it too rich,” owner Vie Vie said.

“Now, we’ve adjusted it to make it smaller, so that hopefully everyone can finish it, and it’s just the right portion and the right sweetness.”

The menu also includes the OG’s Pancake, perfect for kids, and anyone who prefers a more traditional brekkie.

“I think children will really like the OG, because it’s plain, but very tasty and fatty and rich,” Vie said.

However, Lo said that the all-new Mix Berries and Mascarpone Pistachio Pancake is his personal favourite.

“I like it because it’s different, it’s something new,” he said.

In Caddens, head down to Caffe & Co for their TikTok famous pancakes, including options with Biscoff, Belgian chocolate, bacon and more.

Cassandra’s in St Marys has a delicious buttermilk pancake option, including maple syrup, ice cream, and all of the delicious add-on’s you can imagine.

Or, in Penrith, pay Percy Plunkett a visit for their iconic deep-dish pancake, complete with butterscotch sauce, white chocolate mousse, caramelised banana, fresh berries and crushed pistachios.

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WW44040

*Member offers are subject T&Cs. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au Leaf Cafe at Cranebrook can’t get enough of pancakes. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

13

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

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LOCAL NEWS

Why starting school was such a big achievement for Hannah CASSIDY PEARCE

T

his week, kindergarten students across the country have been heading to primary school for the first time.

But, for five-year-old Hannah Dyer, this milestone has been a little bit more special, attending a mainstream school despite being born with hearing loss in both ears.

Hannah was born in August of 2018, and by October, she had been fitted with hearing aids in both ears. Admitting that the diagnosis was a shock at first, Hannah’s mum Tammy Dyer started her in early intervention services with NextSense – a not-for-profit organisation that has been helping those with hearing and vision loss for more than 160 years.

Over the last five years, Hannah has been taking part in weekly speech therapy classes and an early learning playgroup, aiming to hone her speaking and active listening skills.

Though all of this was a lot of hard work for the then-toddler, Dyer said she and her daughter couldn’t have

Hannah Dyer is excited to start school.

been better supported along the bumpy road.

“Hannah’s put in a lot of work, we’ve put in a lot of work, and the team of people that we have worked

with over the years has put in a lot of work to get her to where she is,” she said.

“I’m really proud of her, in terms of having to do weekly speech therapy

sessions and go to learning groups and music therapy and all of that, in addition to homework.”

Prior to her starting school this week, Dyer said she couldn’t wait

to see all of this hard work to pay off upon watching Hannah walk through the gates at St Clair Public School – something she wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to do.

“On that initial diagnosis, it is scary, because it’s the unknown, and you just don’t know what to expect because you’ve just found out,” she said.

“After those initial appointments and working out that that’s what you’re aiming to do, it was just a matter of working out how we could get there. I feel like we’ve been prepared along the way to have her ready, so it’s really exciting.”

Of course, Hannah has her own reasons for being excited for big school.

“I’m excited about going to the canteen to get a slurpee, learning how to read, and playing with my friends,” she said.

Hoping to see parents of other kids like Hannah reach their goals too, Dyer reminds everyone that support is always available.

“If you get the early diagnosis, do start early to give them the best opportunity to be ready to go to school,” she said.

WW53139

Is it time for a new bathroom or laundry?

Why not deal with a local trades company who has been in the area for 50 years.

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

15

LOCAL NEWS

Trial figures solid

ROGUE ‘R’ SPOTTED ON BUS STOP SIGN Talk about digging a hole for yourself.

A number of locals have pointed out this error at a bus stop at Tench Reserve in Penrith.

A rogue ‘R’ has appeared – listing the stop as Trench Reserve.

One resident told he us informed Busways back in October last year of the spelling glitch – but the sign was yet to be rectified.

We contacted Busways this week, but there’s no word on when the sign will be replaced.

145 GP visits avoided thanks to government’s pharmacy trial

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ocal residents in Penrith have received 145 consultations for everyday medications from community pharmacists, under the NSW Government’s pharmacy prescription trial.

The trial allows pharmacists to provide medications for uncomplicated UTIs and low-risk oral contraceptive pills.

“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP, let alone one that bulk bills,” said State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown.

“By enabling pharmacists to dispense these medicines, we are clearing the way for those who need to access GPs the most.

“The NSW Labor Government is also aware of the current cost-of-living challenges and this initiative also reduces some of the costs patients face when seeking everyday medications while still providing quality healthcare at the right time and in the right place.”

Between July 1, 2023 and January 18 2024, 131 local residents in Penrith received consultations for uncomplicated UTIs. 14

When Tench became Trench.

received consultations for the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.

“Over the course of this trial so far, we have seen over 8,000 people across New South Wales

access everyday medications that they would have otherwise had to go to a GP for,” said Health Minister R y a n Park.

“This is part of our broader effort to relieve the pressure on our GPs, which includes the rollout of 25 urgent care clinics across the state.”

The trial continues.

State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown.

DEAR WEEKENDER NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750 Thanks to hospital staff

Family Worker “Gateway is committed to building a stronger community through helping to build stronger families.”

Gateway Family Services is a welfare service founded and supported by Blaxland Uniting Church. We provide a range of support services for families across the Nepean and Blue Mountains regions. Gateway applies a Solution Focused, Strength Based and Trauma Informed approach to our clients and our staff.

We are currently seeking an experienced case worker to join our Family Work team who provide a home visiting case work service to vulnerable children and their families in the Blue Mountains and Penrith areas.

What we can offer: • Flexible working hours (14 hours p/w) • An organisational context passionate about children and families.

• Regular external clinical supervision.

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Salary sacrifice • Friendly, supportive team environment • 40 years’ experience working with children and families.

What we need from you: • A passion to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.

• Experience working with vulnerable families and communities.

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work or equivalent • A commitment to Gateway Family Services vision and values

GFS is an Equal Opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Culturally and linguistically diverse persons are encouraged to apply.

Salary & Conditions: SCHADS award Level 4.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

WW53149

How to apply for this position: Only applicants who have requested an information package and responded to the essential criteria in their application will be considered.

• To request an information package email: sophiec@gatewayfamilyservices.org.au • Your application should be forwarded to sophiec@gatewayfamilyservices.org.au together with a cover letter, a current copy of your CV and your response to the essential criteria.

I wish to express my gratitude to the Medical Staff of Nepean Public Hospital for the wonderful care they gave my late husband during his five-month stay there.

He received excellent care, compassion, and understanding from all wards that he spent time in and I had support and understanding beyond what was required from their positions there, from the doctors, nurses, physios and ward workers. Very much appreciated.

DIANE BENNETT-MCGOWAN, VIA EMAIL

Lakes’ strange name change

Great to see “the Lakes” open to the public at last. I was one of its principal designers from the formation of its managing corporation in 1980 and continuing way past 2000 and the Olympics. I kept attune to the slow progress these last two decades, wondering if anything would ever eventuate in my lifetime out of this major quarry reclamation.

But I must not have been attentive enough as I was totally unaware that a name change was in the air until I saw the publicity about the opening of the beach. I was stunned to hear the news! So can I ask? Why – after over four decades of being known as Penrith Lakes; have the local and State Government bureaucrats that now manage this area decided to name it Western Sydney Lakes?

It is located at PENRITH! Please don’t use the word “inclusive”. It is not in the broader area of Sydney that is often referred to in the media as western Sydney. They often refer to a suburb such as Ashfield as “Sydney’s west”.

This major landscape, flood mitigation,

recreation site is in PENRITH – that is where it is! Not in the greater / broader western Sydney area! I can just see each of the lakes adopting a name. We might have Ashfield Lake. We might have Granville Lake. Or maybe after a more wealthy suburb – Strathfield Lake. We might have Parramatta Lake.

Oh no! That won’t work! We already have a Parramatta Lake at Parramatta. Why did they name it Parramatta Lake? It doesn’t make sense in the current context that it is actually at Parramatta! I just received the latest edition of the Penrith Council’s informative little magazine that gets delivered to the constituents. The beach got a mention but there was nothing in this edition or the last edition that gave a clue as to why this name change eventuated. As a long-term Penrith resident and someone who had so much to do with the design and construction phases of the lakes scheme I need to say that I am totally disappointed that the name change has occurred.

STEPHEN WHARTON, JAMISONTOWN

Beach naysayer won’t be going back for a splash

Penrith dam is a nope from me! (Beach makes a splash, Weekender February 2).

That is not a beach and whoever thinks it is has a few loose screws. The ocean has flow… water comes in… water goes out… “Penrith Beach” has no filtration, it’s still water going stagnant. People would be peeing in it on the daily and if all you people who are all for this “beach”… enjoy swimming in it.

KAYLA COLLENETTE, VIA FACEBOOK

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

WW52978

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS Council awarded flood risk grant Penrith City Council has been awarded $193,333 in funding to help manage flood risk and reduce the impact of floods on the community under the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program.

Council will use this funding to Claremont Creek Catchment Flood Study.

The study will be undertaken by a specialist consultant and overseen by Penrith City Council’s floodplain risk management committee.

It will define the flood behaviour under current floodplain conditions. All potential flooding mechanisms will be included in the analysis of flood behaviour.

This adopted flood study will form the basis for the future flood planning of the study area.

UBER LAUNCHES PHONE SERVICE Uber has launched a new phone-call based booking service in an effort to attract older Australians to its services.

People can now book rides by dialling 13-UBER (13 82 37).

“We often hear from riders whose family members want to use Uber, but are unfamiliar with how to navigate a smartphone,” said Managing Director of Uber ANZ, Dom Taylor.

“Now, with 13-UBER, everyone in the family can enjoy the same effortless Uber experience, even without the app.”

Every booking via the 13-UBER service includes a phone booking fee of $3. The service is now available.

Give Casey a hand New health battle for brave local as fundraiser launches CASSIDY PEARCE

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oving aunty Ranelle Jackson has set up a fundraiser in an effort to get her nephew through six months of weekly chemotherapy – and she’s hoping to see the local community get behind him.

Nine-year-old Jordan Springs resident Casey Cameron has hypotonic cerebral palsy with low muscle tone – a condition which has made it difficult to put on weight and muscle. He also has a global developmental delay and is on the spectrum with autism, as well as being vision impaired in one eye.

Up to this point, Jackson said his development has been slow but steady, with the help of a variety of different therapies, including speech, physical and social.

However, a month ago, everything changed, as Casey was diagnosed with leukaemia, causing additional challenges for both him and his family.

“As it stands now, he has just the blood cancer, but each week at

Jordan Springs local Casey Cameron.

the moment they’re putting him under anesthetic and checking his brain as well, and giving him a shot of chemo into his spine as a preventative,” she said.

“He’s just taken it all in his stride. He’s just such a gorgeous little kid.”

Jackson started a GoFundMe on behalf of her brother Mat Cameron – Casey’s father who shares custody of him and his two siblings, as well as working full-time.

After the shock diagnosis,

Jackson said she was desperate to help in any way possible.

“I just wanted to have something there for him and the kids just as a buffer, so they didn’t have to worry as much, even if it’s just an electricity bill, or putting fuel in the car to get to the hospital, or paying for extra time at after school care,” she said.

“I didn’t know what to do. When I found out, I was in disbelief, and because I’m five hours away, I figured this was something I could do from here.”

So far, the GoFundMe has raised almost $2000, accumulating funds from friends of the family, and many people completely unknown to them.

“There have been some really generous donations, and it just gives you such a good feeling knowing that there’s people out there who care,” she said.

However, she said she’s hoping to see more support flow in in any way possible, including donations to the Leukaemia Foundation.

“It’s going to be 12 months of chemo, and he can’t go back to school for 18 months because his immune system isn’t strong enough to handle that, so any support is welcome,” she said.

“My cousin is actually shaving off his dreadlocks that he’s grown for 17 years to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation, so as a family we’re all coming together and doing our bit. My brother was just so grateful for me and my cousin doing anything we could.”

To donate, visit gofundme. com/f/casey-and-his-familyfight-leukaemia.

Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

slushandtunes.com.au

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Celebrations success As Penrith continues to grow, its useful to reflect on what we value most about our community and our city. One of the ways that Penrith City Council encourages this reflection and celebration of our shared values, is through creative cultural events and activities.

Recently we connected with residents, businesses, community groups and artists to understand their creative and cultural aspirations for Penrith. The purpose of these conversations was to help inform the development of a Cultural Strategy and Action Plan.

There was a great response from the community, and based on the feedback received, we have prepared a draft Strategy titled ‘We Create Penrith’. It sets out our plan for fostering a thriving cultural sector and creating opportunities for

everyone to participate in the cultural life of our city.

‘We Create Penrith’ proposes support for local artists and young creatives and provides for affordable and inclusive arts and cultural experiences.

The draft Cultural Strategy and Action Plan 2024-28 ‘We Create Penrith’ is now on public exhibition for feedback until Thursday, February 29, 2024. This is your chance to view the document and ensure your aspirations for Penrith’s creative future are reflected in the goals, objectives and actions listed.

You can learn more about the project and contribute your feedback by visiting yoursaypenrith.com.au/culturalstrategy.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

GODFREYS CLOSES ICONIC SHOP

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Godfreys has closed its iconic Nepean Village retail outlet after falling into voluntary administration last week.

The shop, which has been inside the centre for years, was cleaned out this week and is now an empty shell.

It is understood the second store on Mulgoa Road is remaining open for now.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

The business operates 141 stores and employs more than 600 staff across Australia and New Zealand, with an additional 28 stores run by franchisees. It said last week that it expected to close 54 stores almost immediately.

Creditors will meet for the first time today (Friday, February 9).

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LOCAL NEWS

What a milestone! Local resident Norma celebrates 100th birthday CASSIDY PEARCE

L

ocal resident Norma Wilson has celebrated her 100th birthday this week with a celebration organised by her Nepean Legacy and War Widows family.

Wilson was born on February 7, 1924 to Frederick and Cathleen Croft as the third of four daughters.

Despite being born in Victoria, Wilson and her family soon relocated to Sydney where she would join the Australian Women’s Army Service as part of the first Signals training Battalion.

Wilson met her husband to be, Ian, whilst at Camp Grovely, and got married after the war on November 21, 1945. The couple lived in Bondi, Randwick, Lithgow, Naremburn and Glen Innes together before finally settling in Emu Plains.

Despite spending much of her retirement and later life, after Ian’s passing, travelling around Australia and New Zealand, Wilson has always considered Penrith her true home, especially since joining the local Legacy and War Widows clubs.

Norma Wilson turned 100 on Wednesday, February 7. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Norma Wilson was surrounded by family at her 100th birthday party on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Karen Lane from Nepean Legacy has known Wilson since she became a legatee six years ago, picking her up and dropping her home from their monthly meetings to allow her to continue being involved despite being wheelchair bound.

“Except for going out with her family, that’s the only social outing that she has,” she said.

“She really looks forward to it, and she’s a doll.”

In light of this, Lane said she knew she had to take charge and plan a big birthday bash for Wilson.

“She’s beautiful, and she’s a very

“I didn’t want it to be an obituary, so it grew to the book.”

Lane said she was ecstatic with how the party turned out on Tuesday, held at Penrith RSL. “We’ve got a lovely turnout of people,” she said.

“I’m very thrilled with how it’s come together, and I’m very thrilled with the way the RSL support our Widows Club. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”

Wilson was happy with the celebration as well, admitting it was a total shock to walk into.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful.

kind-hearted lady – never says anything bad about anybody. Even though life is difficult for her, she never complains,” she said.

“We just love her. We call her our matriarch of the group, and I just thought she needed to be honoured.”

As a gift, Karen created a book telling the story of Wilson’s life – one which would stay with her, and one that the rest of the group was able to view.

“The idea of the party was fine, it started with that, and then I thought I’d do her life story,” she said.

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Karen’s Comment The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

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Celebrating Penrith’s remarkable seniors: NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards

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Do you know a senior deserving of recognition in the Penrith community?

The NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards is an annual program that allows me to recognise and celebrate the contribution of local seniors in the Penrith electorate.

The NSW Seniors Festival celebrates and acknowledges the important role that seniors play in our community. It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 250,000 seniors participating in hundreds of free or discounted events. The events are held throughout metropolitan, regional and rural NSW and cover arts, sports, music, technology and entertainment.

This year, I invite you to help me celebrate and acknowledge the dedication of Penrith’s seniors by nominating a senior who has made remarkable contributions in the fields of: • Business • Environment, Science and Agriculture • Health and Wellbeing • Lifelong Learning • Community Service The nomination process is simple – submit your entries through the secure online form at https://forms.office.com/r/N8QsHc76Ne or by collecting a form from our office at Shop

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

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MEMBER FOR PENRITH

20

It was such a big, big surprise. I knew that we were having our usual meeting, but I didn’t expect this,” she said.

According to Wilson, her secret to reaching this special milestone is eating healthy, and not drinking or smoking.

Wilson said she was grateful to be able to celebrate the big day with her friends and family, of which she has one son, one daughter, two granddaughters and five great grandchildren.

“It’s a wonderful thing, to be able to get to 100,” she said.

23, 510-534 High St, Penrith NSW 2750 — all nominations close on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 12pm. Seniors aged 65 and above residing in the Penrith electorate are eligible for nomination in one or more categories.

2024 NSW Seniors Festival When: March 11-24 2024 Nomination Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 12pm For more information, visit my website. https://karenmckeown.client.trfg.au/ community/2024-nsw-seniors-local-achievement-awards-nomination-form.

Norma Wilson becomes a centenarian Congratulations to Norma Wilson from Emu Plains, who turned 100-years-old on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. I had the privilege of visiting Norma and gifting her some flowers to celebrate this momentous occasion. I am grateful to Norma for warmly welcoming me into her home and sharing her cherished memories.

‘Authorised by’ Karen McKeown OAM MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’.

Shop 23, 510-534 Ground Floor Tattersalls Centre High St Penrith 2750

LOCAL NEWS

Pilates on another level Hustled Pilates opens in St Marys, promising a community feel and impressive tech CASSIDY PEARCE

P

ilates has officially made its way to St Marys, with a brand new studio using impressive technology to take your daily class to the next level.

Co-owner of F45 St Marys Julie Fing and trainer Chloe Carpenter said they tried pilates at a few different studios before falling in love with it completely, yearning for a studio closer to home in the west.

The duo admitted the pieces of the new fitness venture came together very quickly in recent weeks.

“We started looking for somewhere, and we found somewhere straight away.

Within three weeks of us talking about the idea, we’d already signed the lease!”

Fing said.

After a brainstorming session where they came up with the name Hustled straight away, they got to work on the Queen Street space in

an effort to make it their own, fitting the clean, elegant vibe they’d been dreaming of.

“We got down and dirty, and did things that I never thought I would do,” Fing said.

“It was hard work, but now it feels really rewarding, because we know we did it.”

Despite only officially opening last Monday, classes have already started filling up.

“We’re just completely overwhelmed with the number of people who have signed up.

We’ve got over 100 members already!” Carpenter said.

Hustled is currently offering seven low impact and high intensity classes each day starting from 5am, including mat pilates, reformer pilates, and mums and bubs classes.

“It trains your core and flexibility, and it’s for all ages,” Carpenter said.

But, it’s not just open for classes – weekly members can go in and train at any time using their app.

If you want a guided class

Chloe Carpenter and Julie Fing. Photo: Melinda Jane.

without an instructor, you can also tune into video-led classes on kiosks in the studio.

“Say it’s lunch time, and you live up the road, you can just tap yourself in, put your headphones on, pick a class,

do the class, and then walk out of there,” Fing said.

Soon, the studio will also be launching a recovery room,

complete with an ice bath and infrared sauna.

“There’s nothing around here that offers that, and you don’t even have to do the reformer pilates – any member from any gym can come and book in to use it,” Fing said.

With so much at the new studio to be excited about, Fing and Carpenter said they can’t wait for the local community to embrace it, aiming for everyone to feel comfortable and at home at Hustled.

“We just want everyone to feel welcome. We want to make people come in and feel like they belong there,” she said.

“A lot of people haven’t done reformer pilates before, and they feel really awkward to come into a new place, and we don’t want anyone to feel like that.”

Hustled Pilates is located at 124 Queen Street, St Marys.

Search Hustled Pilates on Instagram for more information.

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Noodles are available in four-packs, in popular chicken and beef flavours. Maggi noodles will still be available in the original plastic cup format for those looking for an on-the-go instant noodle option.

Δ New hot cross flavours: Coles has partnered with biscuit experts Arnott’s to spice up the supermarket’s Own Brand hot cross buns this Easter with the launch of two new, limited-edition, mouth-watering flavours — Coles

Δ Summer of Shapes: Want to look like a snack this summer? Thanks to the new Budgy Smuggler x Shapes limited edition collection, you can. The new collaboration features three different designs, available in both the classic Smugglers and Women's Smuggelettes Two Piece. So whether you're a Barbecue beach babe, Chicken Crimpy coastal camper, or a Pizza pool partygoer, this limited edition collection has you covered for those hot

summer days. We can't wait to spot a few of these at Penrith Beach.

Δ Sprinkle a little love: Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day this February 14 with Krispy Kreme’s Valentine’s-themed doughnuts.

Featuring two different flavours, chose from the strawberry truffle and kreme-filled I Love You Berry Much doughnut, or try the The Caramel Of My Eye. The limited-edition doughnuts are available to pre-order now, while stocks last.

Δ Creme egg frozen treats: With Easter right around the corner, Peters Ice Cream and Cadbury have launched a range of new frozen Easter treats! Introducing the Cadbury Creme Egg tub (pictured top right), a tasty dessert filled with Cadbury milk chocolate pieces and a goey Creme Egg core.

Δ Iconic product changes: Maggi has announced a change to its iconic cup noodles with the launch of Maggi Mug Noodles, reducing plastic packaging by 83 per cent.

New Maggi Mug Noodles are designed to go straight into a standard at-home mug – simply add boiling water. The new Maggi Mug

Arnott’s Iced VoVo Inspired Hot Cross Buns (pictured above) and Coles Arnott’s Pizza Shapes Inspired Hot Cross Buns, available in stores nationwide now.

Δ Zooper Dooper slushies: Popular Penrith café Percy Plunkett has launched Zooper Dooper slushies. Get in and get one at the Station Street eatery before summer is gone.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

TURNING BACK TIME This photograph shows the Indian Pacific in Penrith on June 11, 1976.

Following the completion of the standard gauge rail works in South Australia and Western Australia (the NSW Railways were already built to the standard rail gauge) the governments of the three states agreed that a passenger service linking Sydney and Perth would be of considerable importance and beneficial, especially attracting tourists from overseas.

The journey across Australia would give passengers a chance to relax and see the beauty and vastness of the continent while travelling in airconditioned comfort.

The two oceans that would be linked were the Indian on the west coast and the Pacific on the east. Hence the train’s name the “Indian Pacific”.

The first Indian Pacific service left Sydney on February 23, 1970, becoming the first direct passenger train to cross the Australian continent. At the time it was the third longest passenger train in terms of distance travelled.

The train's route includes the world's longest straight stretch of railway track, a 478-kilometre stretch across the Nullarbor Plain.

(Photo and information thanks to James Whitfield)

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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Reign Elite is Penrith’s premier Cheer and Dance gym, offering a range of classes in all styles of dance, cheerleading, tumbling and circus skills.

Boys only classes in dance and tumble, and recreational classes for the non- competitive athletes.

This gym really does have it all!

Reign Elite has had an extremely successful 2023 competition season with multiple Grand

Champion placings and their teams placing 3rd, 9th and 12th at the Worlds event in Orlando, Florida and some athletes were hand chosen to represent Australia.

Reign Elite prides itself on providing children with a fun and positive learning environment where they feel inspired and make lifelong friendships.

For more information please visit reignelite.net or come down for a free trial class and see for yourself!

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Our Pre-School Program is designed just for you. From Bouncy Boppers and Tiny Tots to Little Legends we have something for all the little ones.

your little one’s all they need to know in developing gross motor skills and co-ordination.

And of course, have fun and make new friends!

Whether they’re learning to dance, balance or tumble our specially designed program taught by our accredited coaches, will teach

Come down and have a look at our amazing facilities, meet our friendly coaches and trial a class for free.

Check out our website or give us a call for more information! ittybittymovers.com.au | 0477 531 755 | Located at 18 Coombes Drive, Penrith

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: VALENTINE’S DAY 2024

Penrith’s real Sweeties N

ext Wednesday, Brian and Robyn Stokes will be spending their 63rd Valentine’s Day together. Though they won’t be celebrating to the extent they once did, they said they’ve realised they don’t need to, with every day spent together just as special.

Brian and Robyn met on a blind date, set up by friends, at 19 and 16 respectively.

Brian proposed on just their third date, and they were married 11 months and 22 days later.

According to Robyn, the two just knew it was meant to be.

“You know as soon as you meet the right person, and that’s held out for 63 years in September,” she said.

After their wedding, Brian went to what was then Malaya for a year in the Army, followed by Vietnam for another year right after.

Upon his return, both worked various jobs until they started their own business – Sweeties Confectionary. Now in the area for 40 years, the wholesale business is still going strong, run by their kids.

Brian and Robyn have lived in Penrith since 1971 in Leonay, until moving to The Royce just short of five years ago.

Having only had two fights over the span of their time together, Robyn said the key to a long-lasting relationship is to learn to love each other’s hobbies.

“If you want to be compatible, you’ve got to share,” she said.

“We’ve learned to like what each other likes, so we both enjoy the cricket, football, country and western music because Brian liked it, and classical music because I liked it.”

Brian agreed with the sentiment, adding how important it is to never stop talking.

“When I was younger, I wouldn’t have gone to a stage show of any description because it wasn’t my thing, but now I really enjoy it, because first off, you have to, and then over time, you develop a liking for it,” he said.

It’s because of this that to this day the couple still does just about everything together.

“I don’t go to bingo because it’s just not my thing, but that’s about the only thing we do separately,” Brian said.

“In the Army, you’re constantly away for not only the years at a time, but you’ve also got months at a time that you’re away on operations and

exercises and things like that. So, you’ve had enough time away from home then to not want to do it again when you get back.”

After all this time, Robyn admitted they’re not big on Valentine’s Day. “When we were younger, of course you do,” she said.

“When you get older, you become content with your situation, and you’re comfortable with each other.

You don’t have to rush out and get roses.”

However, Brian assured they’ll still be spending time together doing their usual weekly activity at The Royce.

“We’ll play trivia – it’ll probably be Valentine’s trivia!” he said.

Noting how much the dating sphere has changed over the years, Robyn recommends that young people take a page out of their book; get off the apps and start listening to those who know them best.

“I think it’s hard for young people dating now. I’d hate to be in that position, because the young ones don’t have the same opportunities as back then,” she said.

“I’m sure there’s the odd failure around, but I think friends are your best source.”

– Cassidy Pearce

Brian and Robyn Stokes. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR: VALENTINE’S DAY 2024

Love doesn’t have to blow the budget A

s it turns out, inflation can’t kill love – according to new research from Compare the Market, the average adult Australian will spend $162 on their significant other this Valentine’s Day. But being in love will cost Millennials more than double what the average Aussie couple spends. Love-sick Millennials will shell out a whopping $334.35 for their partner’s Valentine’s Day gift.

But you don’t have to blow the budget on Valentine’s Day at all. Here’s five ways to save money this February 14, and still impress your significant other...

loved one the different things you like about them. You could use a sticky note for each idea and put them all into a small box wrapped up.

Bake something They say the secret to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Try whipping up a batch of heart-shaped cookies. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, go buy one; prices start as little as $2. Whatever recipe you decide to bake or cook, it’s going to be 100 per cent better than any premade food you can buy from a store – because it’s made with love.

Postpone your celebration

DIY date night

The day after Valentine’s Day, everything related to the day of love will significantly decrease in price. So maybe you could consider postponing your V-day plans until the following weekend.

• Skip the five-star dining and make a special meal at home.

• Make your own movie ticket and build a fort in your living room to watch a movie (don’t forget all your partner’s favourite snacks).

• Light some candles around the home and dance or listen to music together.

Make them a mixtape Long gone are the days when you burn a bunch of songs onto a CD; you can now make a playlist on Spotify. Pick all your partner’s favourite songs, and if you’re not 100 per cent sure, just ask their friends for help or stalk their Spotify profile to see what they’ve been listening to. A top way to show you care!

Write a love note Depending on who you’re dating, this V-day gift could backfire, but it could also earn you some serious brownie points. Writing a love note might sound old-fashioned, but there’s something utterly romantic about getting a pen and writing to your

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Say I love you with a delicious treat from Mrs C’s Cupcakes!

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

0434 111 769

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR: VALENTINE’S DAY 2024

Unique, thoughtful gifts for your love W

ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Aussies are gearing up to express their love and affection towards their significant others.

Whether it’s a thoughtful gift or something for the home, there are countless ways to make your partner feel extra special. Go beyond flowers and chocolates with these gift ideas to make this day an unforgettable one.

If you’re looking for a scent that reminds you of spring, the Haven Fresh Cut Flowers Signature Soy Blend Candle (RRP $25) is sure to please. The enchanting blend of exotic orchid and intoxicating jasmine is reminiscent of a freshly gathered bouquet.

After something elegant yet luxurious? The Haven Velvet Bloom Soy Candle (RRP $15) will fill your space with an opulent symphony of Prosecco and peony. With each flicker, your senses will be encapsulated with a fragrance that embodies opulence and timeless allure.

Haven candles are available at Woolworths.

Swing into relaxation Spend some relaxing quality time with your partner this Valentine’s Day in one of Two Trees’ range of stylish and versatile hammocks. Two Trees Deluxe Cotton Hammocks (RRP Double $69, King $82, pictured below) are made with 100 per cent virgin cotton to enable you to connect, relax, and reset.

Two Trees has a range of styles, but three looks are perfect for Valentine’s Day. For

those who prefer a classic and timeless look, The Hamilton features soft muted blues and curved printed lines with a pop of bright blue on the back. If you’re looking to add colour to your home, Nurture is sure to please with its splash of yellow and lush tropical-inspired print. For a more subtle addition to your garden, the Tribal hammock is reminiscent of the Australian outback with its earthy and pink undertones.

Available at Bunnings.

Upgrade date night with fresh DIY pizza

Set the mood with stylish decorative accents After a long day, lighting up a candle can be relaxing. Haven’s Luxe Collection offers a range of gorgeous scents that not only smell good but look great in any room.

Try the Haven Forever Yours Signature Soy Blend Candle (RRP $25, pictured above), a candle that ignites the eternal flame of love.

With scent notes of peony and patchouli, the candle encapsulates the very essence of timeless romance.

Pizza is undoubtedly the ultimate comfort food when it comes to a mid-week or weekend treat. With the Cozze 13 Inch Gas Pizza Oven (RRP $399), you can now elevate date nights with customised pizzas anytime.

This versatile pizza oven ensures pizzas will be ready in as fast as two minutes once the oven has pre-heated, making it an easy dinner choice for busy days.

As well as pizza, Cozze is ideal for tortillas, flatbread, calzones, and other food including steaks which will sizzle perfectly on the pizza stone. Just like firing up a BBQ, the 13” Cozze gas pizza oven connects easily to a gas source, while an electric version simply plugs into a power outlet, making it a fantastic addition to your home. Available now at Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10 stores.

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Embracing the power of training

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As we ease back into the rhythm of everyday life, it’s essential to take stock of where we stand and where we aim to go. One aspect that demands attention is the area of training and upskilling.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

look into it. Your staff are hungry for self improvement and development with 59 per cent of employees saying that training enhances their productivity, increases confidence and sharpens their time management skills.

So, what can businesses do to harness this potential?

Group training emerges as a powerful tool, fostering collaboration and synergy among team members.

Investing in key training opportunities not only nurtures growth but also aligns skill development with organisational objectives.

Fostering a strong culture of teamwork amplifies these benefits. Engaged employees contribute not only to a vibrant workplace culture but also to the bottom line, with studies indicating a two-fold increase in revenue generation for companies with fully engaged staff.

For business owners, training is not just an option but a necessity. From identifying new opportunities to bridging skill gaps, training acts as a catalyst for growth and innovation. There is a diverse range for training available that caters to a variety of preferences and needs. Whether it’s pursuing tertiary studies, tapping into business networks, or leveraging online resources, the options are vast. Local offerings further enrich the landscape, providing tailored solutions to address specific challenges.

The Service NSW for Business Bureau – Business Connect program has a range of free online learning resources, workshops and webinars available to help you start, run, grow and adopt.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

A NIGHT IN MEXICO

CASSIDY PEARCE

H

aving performed with everyone from Jimmy Barnes to The Wiggles, Victor Valdes has well and truly done his part to bring the sounds of Mexico to the forefront

in Australia.

This month, he’ll be releasing an album to celebrate 25 years living in Australia called ‘Viva Mexico’, and celebrating with a very special launch event right here in western Sydney.

The album was recorded over the span of a few months last year, using many of his existing musicians, plus the help of various Aussie engineers. According to Valdes, the experience couldn’t have been more different to

what he was used to, though it was also incredibly exciting.

“Back in Mexico, I was recording a lot, all the time. We spent time every day in the studio.

But, here in Australia it’s quite different – you need to make time and organise everything,” he said.

“The whole experience was very rewarding.”

Valdes said ‘Viva Mexico’ is the first album of Mexican regional music to be recorded in Australia, something he couldn’t be prouder to pioneer for the wider community here.

“I feel like I’m on the moon, it’s been amazing,” he said.

“This will pave the way for other young talent coming up with a Latin background. It’s very, very good for the multicultural Australian.”

It’s because of this that he can’t wait to put it

on stage – especially at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres.

“It’s going to be sensational, because we’ve been hunting Parramatta Riverside for a while, we’ve really been wanting to play there,” he said.

“I think now is the right time, because everything is working so smoothly, and everyone at Riverside Theatre is so helpful and enthusiastic.”

The show, which also acts as an album launch, will be full of fan favourites that Valdes expects to see everyone up and dancing to.

“The album is a compilation of the most requested songs here in Australia, and also back in Mexico,” he said.

“They are songs that everybody sings along to, and that you expect everyone to sing and

cheer to.”

Showcasing the best of Mariachi, Boleros, Banda, Son Jarocho, and Mexican cumbia right here in Australia, Valdes said a ticket to ‘Viva Mexico’ is like being teleported across the world.

“It’s truly an experience, it’s like being in Mexico for a couple of hours,” he said.

“If you don’t feel like catching a plane and going through all the hassle to go there, they better just buy a ticket to come to Riverside Theatre, because we’re going to give them a glimpse of all different styles of music from different regions of Mexicio.”

Victor Valdes’ ‘Viva Mexico’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Saturday, February 17 at 7pm. Tickets start at $39. To book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

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bringthebling.com.au Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

33

THINGS TO DO ‘Ghost’ experience comes to The Joan

History on show at Museum of Fire

New exhibition at Penrith Regional Gallery

Kicking off next week on Thursday, February 15 is a brand new interactive experience at The Joan. ‘Ghost’ is a 15-to-20-minute self-guided audio experience designed for The Joan that offers a twist on the classic ghost story. For more information or to book, visit thejoan.com.au, and be prepared for a unique, very different experience!

This Sunday, February 11, head to the Museum of Fire in Penrith for a special Heritage Morning to watch the Historic Fire Engine Association conduct a heritage display and for the announcement of their 2024 vehicle of the year. For more information, or to book a fire engine ride on the day, visit museumoffire.net.

Head to Penrith Regional Gallery for ‘Twelvefold’ – the culminating exhibition of the inaugural ‘Ancher Points: Emerging Artists Intensive’. ‘Twelvefold’ presents 12 pieces of a whole.

Stemming from the shared experience in ‘Ancher Points’, each work reflects the experimentation and expansion undergone by each participating artist. Visit penrithregionalgallery.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738.

Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

Probus Club of Nepean First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am.

Visitors and new members welcome.

Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.

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

JP Service Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm.

7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

Nepean Food Services Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability.

Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

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

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre.

Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

MUSEUMS

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

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

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

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

Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.

0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm.

0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month.

Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services.

4721 2499.

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

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

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

At the movies...

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Argylle

Poor Things

2 hours, 19 minutes From the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn comes ‘Argylle’, a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller.

Bryce Dallas Howard is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly’s fictional books – which centre on secret agent Argylle and his

2 hours, 21 minutes mission to unravel a global spy syndicate – begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organisation, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past.

Accompanied by Aiden, a cat-allergic spy, Elly (carrying Alfie in her backpack) races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killers as the line between Elly’s fictional world and her real one begins to blur.

See these movies at...

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr Godwin Baxter.

Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn, a slick and debauched lawyer,

PENRITH

on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

Based on Alasdair Gray’s book, the screenplay was written by Tony McNamara, making it the second collaboration between Lanthimos and McNamara. The movie is produced by Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Emma Stone.

www.hoyts.com.au

Tickets $15 Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (M)

Poor Things (MA)

Anatomy Of A Fall (MA)

8 to 21 Feb

8 & 9 Feb, 13 Feb

8 to 13 Feb

Dune

Roman Holiday

Bob Marley: One Love

(M)

(G)

(CTC)

10 & 11 Feb

11 Feb & 14 Feb

14 to 28 Feb

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COUNTRY CORNER

Amy Sheppard goes country Known as one of the most successful female Australian songwriters of her generation, Amy Sheppard (pictured above) is back in 2024 with her new single ‘Small Town Rumours’ as she beds down in country music. “‘Small Town Rumours’ is my fiery new anthem about the relentless gossip swirling through tight-knit communities,” she said.

“With lyrics that confront the chatter head-on, this song celebrates resilience and individuality – values really important to me. The wildfire of rumours may burn, but this single defiantly declares, ‘All I’ve found is they can’t bring me down’ and these are words I live by.”

Alongside her siblings and Sheppard bandmates, George and Emma, Amy relocated to Nashville in October where they have been busy preparing their new album for release, as well as supporting Amy’s country career.

WW43972

Country to the Max Hot off the back of her win at the Golden Guitars for New Talent of the Year, Max Jackson (pictured below) has released her brand new single, ‘Fixin’ Things’.

After a big year in 2023: announcing her signing to ABC Music, performing at CMA Fest in Nashville, showcasing at SXSW in Sydney and securing the Ambassador role for Tamworth Music Festival 2024, Jackson wrapped up the year with ‘Little More Country’ securing number one position on the CountryTown National Airplay Charts for two consecutive weeks.

Of the new single, Jackson said: “Imagine a late-night honky-tonk full of people partying their problems away. ‘Fixin’ Things’ is fun, high-energy and sure to get you moving with its tongue in cheek, quirky lyric, it’ll get you laughing too.”

PARKROYAL Parramatta invites you to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special curated 3-Course dinner menu complimented by a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Make it a surprise with a rose for that special someone on the house. Your evening is made extra convenient with a discounted parking.

Book your table now before it’s too late as limited seats available.

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36

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

Ê The new season of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ will premiere on 10 on Sunday, March 24 at 7.30pm. What makes this season so special is it’s the first one without Dr Chris Brown, with Robert Irwin taking over. The promos have been great, so hopefully the new look ‘I’m A Celebrity’ will be just as good. The show returns to a live format from South Africa as well.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê One of my favourite Aussie shows of 2023 has been renewed for another season. ‘Ten Pound Poms’ will return to Stan, with filming set to take place in NSW next week. Season one of ‘Ten Pound Poms’ followed a group of Brits leaving dreary post-war Britain to embark on a life-changing adventure on the other side of the world. After a challenging first year in Australia, season two will follow nurse Kate Thorne and the Roberts family into 1957 on their adventure down under, as they are determined to make this new country everything they hoped it would be for a fresh start. Ê Acclaimed UK drama ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’ is coming to Channel Seven on

MARCH 24 7.30PM I’M A CELEBRITY, CHANNEL 10

FEBRUARY 14

8.30PM

MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE, CHANNEL 7

Wednesday, February 14 at 8.30pm. It tells the story of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. Hundreds of innocent subpostmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud, and false accounting due to a defective IT system. Many of the wronged workers were prosecuted, some were imprisoned for crimes they never committed, and lives were irreparably damaged. The ITV series shocked the UK and led to unprecedented cultural and social change.

Ê Another one of my favourite shows of the last 12 months, ‘Hijack’ on Apple TV+, has been renewed for a second season. Idris Elba not only stars but produces this epic thriller.

“It’s top secret what new situation unfolds for Sam Nelson (Elba) but I can assure you we will bring the high octane back!” Elba said. Since its worldwide debut, ‘Hijack’ has become one of the top dramas on Apple TV+,

receiving wide acclaim from both critics and fans.

Ê The third and final season of animated series ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ will premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, February 21. The first three episodes will drop straight away, with the series finale airing on May 1. Ê The new season of ‘Gogglebox Australia’ will land on Foxtel on Wednesday, February 21 before it gets its free-to-air premiere on 10 the following night (Thursday, February 22).

OG cast returning includes the Delpechitra family; Lee and Keith; Anastasia and Faye; the Daltons; and Adam and Symon. Ê If you’re looking for the Super Bowl on Monday, you can catch all the action live on Channel Seven and 7Plus from 10am. ESPN will also be showing the big game between the Chiefs and 49ers.

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

37

TV Guide: February 9 –15

Sunday 11 February

Saturday 10 February

Friday 9 February

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Planet America 10:30 The Cook And The Chef 11:00 Fake Or Fortune? 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (M v) 2:00 Total Control (PG) 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:30 Tenable 4:15 Antiques Roadshow 5:10 Love Your Garden 6:00 Back Roads 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Midsomer Murders (M) 10:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 10:30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Party From Hell” (M v) (’21) Stars: Jackie Moore 2:00 House Of Wellness (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 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “The Help” (M) (’11) Stars: Emma Stone 11:30 TBA 12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Avarice” (M l,v) (’22) Stars: Gillian Alexy 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Intern” (PG) (’15) Stars: Robert De Niro 11:00 Movie: “Analyze This” (M l,s) (’99) Stars: Robert De Niro 1:00 Tipping Point (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG)

10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Judge Judy (PG) 11:00 Dr Phil (M) 12:00 10 News First: Midday 1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 TBA 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 8:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 9:30 Fire Country (M)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Make Me A Dealer (PG) 10:00 Great Lighthouses Of Ireland (PG) 11:00 Icons (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Good Ship Murder (PG) 8:30 Silk Road From Above (PG) (In English/ Mandarin)

2:30 Sydney Weekender 3:00 Cities Of The Underworld (PG) 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Border Patrol (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Desert Collectors (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Men In Black” (PG) (’97) Stars: Will Smith

3:25 Black-ish (PG) 4:15 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:45 America’s Got Talent Extreme (PG) 6:45 Movie: “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” (G) (’09) Stars: Bill Hader 8:30 Movie: “Angels & Demons” (M v) (’09) Stars: Tom Hanks

3:35 The Magic Canoe 4:00 Toi Time 4:30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Movie: “Hunt For The Wilderpeople” (PG) (’16) Stars: Taika Waititi

8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 9:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 FBI (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

1:00 Unsellable Houses 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 2:00 My Lottery Dream The Middle (PG) 2:00 Home International Two And A Half Men (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Caribbean Life 5:00 Fixer Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) Upper 6:00 House Hunters 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:30 The International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Island Of Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Bryan Two And A Half Men (PG)

5:00 Popularity Papers 5:20 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:55 So Awkward 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:05 Transformers: EarthSpark (PG) 8:25 Dragon Ball Super (PG)

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 Planet America: Fireside Chat 8:45 ABC News Tonight

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City 5:55 Octonauts 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Movie: “American Sniper” (M) (’14)

5:00 Taiwan Bites 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 8:40 Guillaume’s Paris 9:35 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 11:00 Bizarre Foods

4:00 PBS Newshour 5:00 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 5:30 TVNZ 1News At Six 6:10 Duckrockers (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l)

3:00 Seinfeld (PG) 4:00 Family Ties (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Movie: “Home” (PG) (’15) Stars: Jim Parsons 7:45 Movie: “Edward Scissorhands” (PG) (’90) Stars: Johnny Depp

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Caulfield/ Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Randwick *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Keeping Faith (M l) 1:30 Darby And Joan Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) (PG) 2:15 Spicks And Specks (PG) 2:45 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security McCartney 3, 2, 1 (M) 3:15 Julia Zemiro’s Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Home Delivery (PG) 3:45 Extraordinary Bourne Supremacy” (M l,v) (’04) Stars: Brian Escapes (PG) 4:35 Grand Designs Cox 9:45 Movie: “American Made” (MA15+) Transformations (PG) 5:35 Muster Dogs (PG) 6:30 Back Roads (PG) 7:00 ABC News (’17) Stars: Tom Cruise 12:10 12 Monkeys (MA15+) 2:00 Home Shopping 7:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 8:15 Vera (M)

6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Summer 12:00 Great Australian Detour (PG) 12:30 My Way 1:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 1:30 Movie: “Rocky” (M l,v) (’76) Stars: Sylvester Stallone 4:00 The Garden Hustle (PG) 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Country House Hunters Australia 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Yesterday” (M l) (’19) Stars: Himesh Patel

10:30 The Chef’s Garden (PG) 11:00 All 4 Adventure 12:00 Australian Survivor (PG) 1:30 Everyday Gourmet 2:00 Wildlife Rescue Australia 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Exploring Off The Grid 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Taste Of Australia 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 7:00 2024 AACTA Awards (PG) 9:00 TBA 10:00 FBI: International (M v) 12:00 NCIS: Hawaii (M v) 1:00 Deal Or No Deal 1:30 Football: AFC Asian Cup Final: Teams TBA *Live*

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 The World From Above 10:05 Love Your Garden (PG) 11:00 Britain’s Great Outdoors (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Figure Skating: ISU Highlights 4:00 The Weedy One (PG) 4:10 Multiply 4:45 Raiders Of The Lost Art 5:35 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres (PG) 8:25 Scotland’s Scenic Railways (PG) 9:20 Queen Victoria Love, Lust And Leadership

10:30 American Pickers (PG) 11:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 12:30 Motorsport: Shannons SpeedSeries *Live* 2:30 Cricket: One Day International Women’s Cricket: Australia v South Africa *Live* 9:30 Mighty Ships (PG) 10:30 Mighty Planes (PG)

2:55 Baking It 3:55 Dodger (PG) 4:55 Movie: “The Prince And Me 4: The Elephant Adventure” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jonathan Firth 7:00 Movie: “We Bought A Zoo” (PG) (’11) Stars: Matt Damon 9:35 Movie: “Last Night In Soho” (MA15+) (’21)

3:45 Movie: “Exile And The Kingdom” (PG) (’93) Stars: Mike Innes 4:50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:50 The Last Land (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Kura (M d,l) 7:00 Family Rules (PG) 7:30 Stay At Home (PG)

12:00 Pooches At Play 12:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Camper Deals 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 Reel Action 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 16: Central Coast Mariners v Sydney FC *Live*

8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 Neighbours (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:30 Frasier (PG) 5:30 How We Roll (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Friends (PG)

1:00 My Lottery Dream Home International 1:30 Houses With History 2:30 Renovation 911 3:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 4:30 Island Of Bryan 5:30 Restored 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

3:00 ABC News 3:30 5:15 Total Drama Island Indonesia Decides 4:00 (PG) 5:40 School Of ABC News 4:30 Close Rock (PG) 6:05 The Of Business 5:00 ABC News Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Mythbusters 7:35 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:15 Star Wars: Young Jedi Planet America: Fireside Chat Adventures 7:50 Kung Fu 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Panda 8:15 The Legend Of Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Korra (PG)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City 5:55 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG)

5:30 Khanh Ong’s Wild Food 6:30 Homegrown Tastes South Africa 7:30 Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours 8:30 Rick Stein’s Taste Of The Sea 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 River Cottage Australia

3:55 PBS Newshour 4:55 Australian Korean Hanbok 5:00 TVNZ 1News At Six 5:40 China’s New Silk Road (In English/ Mandarin/ Spanish/ German) 6:40 The UnXplained With William Shatner (PG) 7:30 Building The Ultimate

3:30 Movie: “Courage Mountain” (PG) (’90) Stars: Juliette Caton 5:30 Movie: “Tom & Jerry” (G) (’21) Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz 7:30 Movie: “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” (PG) (’00) Stars: Eddie Murphy 9:40 Movie: “The Boss” (M) (’16)

2:30 Movie: “Baby And The Battleship” (G) (’56) Stars: Richard Attenborough 4:30 Movie: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (G) (’68) Stars: Dick Van Dyke 7:30 Movie: “Space Cowboys” (M) (’00) 10:10 Movie: “American Assassin” (MA15+) (’17)

2:00 Escape To The Perfect Town (PG) 3:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Caulfield/ Randwick *Live* 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn

10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 2:00 News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:25 Dream Gardens 3:00 Nigella Cycling: Beretts Tour De Cure Highlights/ Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Bites 3:25 The Cook And The Chef 3:55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America (PG) 4:40 Highlights 3:00 Beach Cops (PG) 3:30 Joanna Lumley’s Britain (PG) 5:30 The ABC Border Patrol (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 TBA Of Julia Gillard (PG) 6:00 Grand Designs 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Australian Idol (PG) Transformations 7:00 ABC News 7:30 8:45 Ron Iddles - The Good Cop (M v) 9:50 Muster Dogs (PG) 8:30 Total Control (PG) What The Killer Did Next (M v) 9:25 Silent Witness (M v)

6:00 Fishing Australia 6:30 A Current Affair 10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Pooches At Play 11:00 Buy To Build 11:30 Healthy Homes (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 12:00 Australian Survivor (PG) 1:30 Cook GolfBarons 10:30 Endangered 11:30 The With Luke 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Bizarre Pet Vets (PG) 12:30 Fishing Adventures 3:00 Roads Less Travelled 3:30 Australia 1:00 Golf: Mick Fanning Charity The Placemakers - Expedition Kimberley Golf Day Highlights 1:30 Movie: “The Choice” (PG) (’16) Stars: Benjamin Walker 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Good Chef 3:30 Space Invaders (PG) 4:30 Explore 5:00 Bad Chef 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The NINE News: First At 5 5:30 RBT (PG) 6:00 Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 9:00 NCIS: Hawaii (M v) NINE News Sunday 7:00 Married At First 11:00 FBI: International (PG) Sight (M l,s) 8:40 60 Minutes (PG)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 The World From Above (PG) 10:05 Love Your Garden (PG) 11:00 Britain’s Great Outdoors (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 12:55 Judo 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Figure Skating: ISU Highlights 5:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Lochs (PG) 5:35 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Karnak - The Largest Temple In The World (In English/ French) 8:30 Genghis Khan’s Mongolia (M) (In English/ Mongolian/ French)

2:00 South Aussie With Cosi (PG) 2:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:00 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 5:00 I Escaped To The Country 6:00 Escape To The Country 7:00 The Vicar Of Dibley (PG) 8:40 Vera (PG) 10:40 Call The Midwife (M)

4:00 Disasters At Sea (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars New York (PG) 6:00 Border Security: International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Jurassic World” (PG) (’15) Stars: Chris Pratt

2:45 The Amazing Race (PG) 3:45 Blow Up (PG) 4:50 Australian Idol (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law & Order (M) 11:30 The Blacklist (M)

4:05 Marion Jones: Press Pause (PG) 5:05 Exile And The Kingdom (PG) 6:05 NITV News Update 6:15 Nature’s Great Migration (PG) 7:25 Monochrome: Black, White And Blue (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Twice Colonized” (M) (’23) Stars: Aleqa Hammond

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 What’s Up Down Under 4:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 4:30 Football: Round 16: Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets *Live* 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v)

2:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 19: Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers *Live* 4:00 Basketball: NBL: Round 19: Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

1:30 Mexico Life 2:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 3:30 The Garden Hustle 4:30 Escape To The Chateau 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Fixer Upper 8:30 Flipping 101 With Tarek El Moussa

4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 5:15 Total Drama Island 5:40 School Of Rock 6:05 The Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Mythbusters (PG) 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 8:15 The Legend Of Korra

3:00 ABC News 3:30 Offsiders 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Movin’ To The Country 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders 8:30 ABC News Tonight

5:05 Zog And The Flying Doctors 5:35 Pop Paper City 6:10 Pfffirates 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Queerstralia (MA15+) 9:30 You Can’t Ask That (M l)

5:30 The Curious Chef 6:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient 6:30 Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 James Martin’s French Adventure 8:30 Remarkable Places To Eat 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

4:10 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:40 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:10 TVNZ 1News At Six 5:50 Alone Sweden (M l) (In Swedish) 6:40 Ocean Wreck Investigation (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering

3:45 Movie: “Combat Wombat” (PG) (’20) Stars: Deborah Mailman 5:30 Movie: “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (PG) (’14) Stars: Jay Baruchel 7:30 Movie: “The Fast And The Furious” (M l,v) (’01) Stars: Paul Walker

3:00 Movie: “Moby Dick” (PG) (’56) Stars: Gregory Peck 5:30 Swimming: World Aquatics Championships: Day 1 *Live* 9:45 Movie: “Rob Roy” (M s,v) (’95) Stars: Liam Neeson 12:35 Major Crimes (M v) 1:35 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo

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

38

3:30 Movie: “Saturday Island” (PG) (’52) Stars: Tab Hunter 5:30 The Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speedsters (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Battle Of Britain” (PG) (’69) Stars: Michael Caine

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

Thursday 15 February

Wednesday 14 February

Tuesday 13 February

Monday 12 February

Get Macca’s® delivered.

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Australia Remastered 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:30 Tenable 4:15 Antiques Roadshow 5:15 Love Your Garden 6:00 Back Roads 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Nemesis - The Morrison Years (M) 9:30 Media Watch 9:50 Nemesis - Behind The Scenes (M)

6:00 Sunrise 10:00 NFL: Super Bowl LVIII: Teams TBA *Live* From Allegiant Stadium 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Australian Idol (PG) 9:15 The Irrational (M v) 10:15 The Latest Seven News 10:45 S.W.A.T. (M v)

5:00 American 4:30 Better Homes And Restoration (PG) 5:30 Gardens 5:30 Escape American Pickers (PG) To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Opal Hunters (PG) (PG) 8:30 Foyle’s War (M v) 10:45 Mighty Cruise Ships (M) 8:30 Aussie Salvage Squad

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:45 Explore TV 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 9:00 Big Miracles (M) 10:00 NINE News Late

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Brazil Untamed (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 8:30 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) 11:30 The Project (PG)

1:30 FBI (M v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)

5:35 TVNZ 1News At 6:30 Mary Makes It 6:30 Ben And Holly’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Six 6:15 The Fast Easy 7:00 The Cook Up Little Kingdom 7:05 5:00 ABC News With 7:00 Horrible Histories History Of (PG) 6:40 With Adam Liaw 7:30 Riley Rocket 7:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC 7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:00 The Legend News Hour 7:00 ABC National Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would Malaysia Gourmet With Justine Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Schofield 8:00 Long Weekend Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Of Korra (PG) 8:25 Kong: King News 7:30 ABC Evening News I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Does Countdown (M l,s) In... With Rory O’Connell Mythbusters (PG) 8:00 ABC News Tonight Of The Apes (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:25 Tenable 4:10 Antiques Roadshow 5:10 Love Your Garden 6:00 Back Roads 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Back Roads (PG) 8:30 McCartney 3, 2, 1 (M) 9:00 Earth 10:00 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Rosemary & Thyme (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 TBA 1:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Autopsy USA (M) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Australian Idol (PG) 8:50 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (MA15+)

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:30 Kenan (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 9:00 The Hundred With Andy Lee (PG)

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars 6:30 First Dates (PG) 5:00 American Australia (PG) 7:40 Restoration (PG) 5:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:45 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Movie: “Bridesmaids” (MA15+) (’11) Stars: Kristen Wiig Truckers (PG)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Indian Country 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Chatham Islanders (M)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

2:00 Zombie House Flipping 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Caribbean Life 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA

4:30 Antiques 4:30 The Addams Roadshow 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched Swimming: World 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Aquatics Championships: Day 2 *Live* 8:15 Signora Volpe Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) (M l,v)

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 Australian Survivor (PG) 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 9:00 NCIS (M) 10:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)

1:30 FBI (M v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 9:25 FBI: International (M)

12:10 Worldwatch 2:10 Vesuvius With Bettany Hughes (PG) 3:05 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Celebrity Letters And Numbers (PG)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:15 Vesuvius With Bettany Hughes (Part II) (PG) 3:05 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)

4:00 Caribbean Life 3:00 Rules Of 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 Engagement (PG) 4:00 House Hunters Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Twice The 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Life For Half The Price The Big Bang Theory (PG)

4:30 Antiques 4:30 The Addams 5:30 TVNZ 1News At 6:30 Mary Makes It 6:30 Ben And Holly’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Roadshow 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched Six 6:10 Duckrockers Easy 7:00 The Cook Up Little Kingdom 7:05 5:00 ABC News With 7:00 Horrible Histories Swimming: World 5:30 I Dream Of (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy!

With Adam Liaw 7:30 Riley Rocket 7:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC 7:40 The Penguins Of 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Aquatics Championships: Day Madagascar 8:00 The Legend News Hour 7:00 ABC National Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would Mary Berry’s Love To Cook 3 *Live* 8:15 Agatha Christie’s Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Out Of 10 Cats Does Of Korra (PG) 8:25 Kong: King News 7:30 ABC Evening News I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Bliss 8:00 Nadiya’s Spices Made Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Marple (M) 10:15 See No Evil Countdown (M l,s) Simple 8:30 Selena + Chef (M l) 9:00 TBA 9:30 TBA 8:00 ABC News Tonight Of The Apes (PG)

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:25 Tenable 4:15 Antiques Roadshow 5:10 Love Your Garden 6:00 Back Roads 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (M) 9:05 This Is Going To Hurt (M)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 TBA 1:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Autopsy USA (M) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Australian Idol (PG) 8:30 Mr Bates vs.

The Post Office (M)

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:30 Explore TV (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 9:00 Under Investigation (M) 10:00 NINE News

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars 4:00 RSPCA Animal 6:30 First Dates (PG) 5:00 American Rescue 4:30 Better Australia (PG) 7:35 Restoration (PG) 5:30 Homes And Gardens First Dates UK (M s) 8:40 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 5:30 Escape To The Country Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 USA (M l) Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Lewis (M) Patrol (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch!

7:00 Horrible Histories 7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:00 The Legend Of Korra (PG) 8:50 First Day (PG)

1:30 FBI (M v) 2:30 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Jake And The Fatman Te Ao With Moana 6:10 (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Bamay 6:40 NITV Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) News Update 6:50 Brazil 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) Untamed 7:40 High Arctic 9:25 Hawaii Five-O (PG) Haulers

12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Tombs Of Egypt The Ultimate Mission (PG) 3:05 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle (PG)

3:00 The Block (PG) 3:00 Rules Of 4:00 Caribbean Life Engagement (PG) 4:00 5:00 Holiday Homes In Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) The Sun 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town The Big Bang Theory (PG)

4:30 Antiques 4:30 The Addams 5:30 TVNZ 1News At 6:30 Mary Makes It 6:30 Ben And Holly’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing Roadshow 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched Six 6:10 Duckrockers Easy 7:00 The Cook Up Little Kingdom 7:05 5:00 ABC News With Swimming: World 5:30 I Dream Of (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy!

With Adam Liaw 7:30 Riley Rocket 7:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would Paradise Kitchen Bali 8:00 The 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Aquatics Championships: Day 4 *Live* 8:30 Midsomer Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Chocolate Queen 8:30 James Out Of 10 Cats Does News 7:30 ABC Evening News I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Doc Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Murders (M) Countdown (M l,s) Martin’s Spanish Adventures Martin (PG) 8:00 ABC News Tonight

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Earth 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 The Cook And The Chef 3:25 Tenable 4:10 Antiques Roadshow 5:10 Love Your Garden 6:00 Back Roads 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Grand Designs Transformations 9:00 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America (PG) 9:50 Fake Or Fortune?

4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 The Coroner

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Ambulance Australia (PG) 8:30 FBI: International (M v) 11:30 Blue Bloods (M v)

12:00 Australian Idol (PG) 1:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Your Money & Your Life 2:30 Border Security International (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 Home And Away (PG) 8:30 The Front Bar: All Sports Edition (M l) 9:30 The Latest Seven News

6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:30 My Way 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Emergency (M l) 9:30 RPA (PG) 10:30 NINE News Late

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:00 Lunch Break 4:40 The 77 Percent 6:00 6:30 10 Years Younger Cricket: Day 1 *Live* Bamay 6:30 NITV In 10 Days (PG) 7:30 6:40 Tea Break 7:00 News Update 6:40 Brazil First Dates UK (PG) 8:35 Cricket: Day 1 *Live* 9:30 Untamed (PG) 7:30 Going Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Movie: “Back To The Future III” Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) (PG) (’90) Stars: Michael J Fox USA (M l)

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 TBA 3:00 Farm To Fork 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:30 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall (PG)

12:30 NCIS (PG) 1:30 FBI (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (PG)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:10 Tombs Of Egypt The Ultimate Mission (PG) 3:10 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 DNA Family Secrets (PG)

4:00 Caribbean Life 3:00 Rules Of 5:00 Restored By The Engagement (PG) 4:00 Fords 6:00 House Farm To Fork 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 House Hunters Renovation The Big Bang Theory (PG)

4:30 Antiques 4:30 The Addams 5:30 TVNZ 1News At 6:30 Mary Makes It 6:30 Ben And Holly’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 6:30 Operation Ouch!

Roadshow 5:30 Family 5:00 Bewitched Six 6:10 Duckrockers Easy 7:00 The Cook Up Little Kingdom 7:05 5:00 ABC News With 7:00 Horrible Histories Swimming: World 5:30 I Dream Of (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy!

With Adam Liaw 7:30 Riley Rocket 7:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC 7:40 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:00 The Legend News Hour 7:00 ABC National Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would My Greatest Dishes 8:30 Rick 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Aquatics Championships: Day 5 *Live* 8:15 Poirot (PG) 10:25 Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Out Of 10 Cats Does Of Korra (PG) 8:25 Kong: King News 7:30 ABC Evening News I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Hard Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:40 Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Coroner (MA15+) Countdown (M l,s) Quiz (PG) 9:00 Gruen (MA15+) Come Dine With Me UK 8:00 ABC News Tonight Of The Apes (PG) Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

39

Pick up a copy of the paper

weekendeFrree THE GREATEST the western

Lifesttyle Home&L

Brought to you by

Friday, October

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai.

Photo: NRL Images.

F CT PERFE POT ANTS PLA

7, 2022

www.westernweeken

der.com.au

PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS

P

enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player.

But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match.

Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta.

It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons.

It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won .

From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

| SEE PAGE 62 GHTEN UP YOUR HOME

Mark STEVENSON

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

WW48421

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DREAMS COME TRUE FIND YOUR NEW HOME | NEW PROPERTY LISTINGS INSIDE

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PETER DIAMANTIDIS Director | Selling Principal

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

4 HORTI STREET, GLENMORE PARK

BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

4

2

PERFECT FAMILY HOME FRESH TO THE MARKET What is so great about this property?

This meticulously crafted home offers an array of features that elevate both style and comfort.

Nestled in the serene and sought after location of Mulgoa Rise, this property is a true masterpiece, offering a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. Presenting exquisite nine-foot ceilings and an

open-plan layout with an array of features that cater to every aspect of comfortable living, this property is a gem waiting to be yours!

Who does this property suit?

Families.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

One of the best things about

residing in this area is the abundance of green spaces and parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. The well-designed infrastructure, coupled with a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere, creates a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.

Additionally, the proximity to

essential amenities, schools, and recreational facilities ensures a convenient and fulfilling lifestyle.

Whether enjoying the scenic views of the Blue Mountains or participating in community events, the quality of life in Glenmore Park is unparalleled, making it a truly special and rewarding place to live.

2

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Contact Agent CONTACT: Ray White Diamantidis Group Joshua Cassells • 0410 504 918 joshua.cassells@raywhite.com

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

43

Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains 104 Hindmarsh Street, Cranebrook

OPEN HOME

8 Cotula Place, Glenmore Park

LI NEW ST IN G

AUCTION

Going To Auction 24th February • Appealing 3 bedroom brick home set for Auction • Spacious lounge & dining areas with lots of natural light • Galley-style kitchen, ample cupboards & bench space • Upgraded bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiling • Elevated fully fenced 560m2 allotment • Close to Cranebrook shopping complex, local schools & sporting fields

FOR SALE

3

1

AUCTION INSPECT Sat 10 February at 12:00pm - 12:30pm AUCTION 24th February at 12:30pm On Site ADDRESS 104 Hindmarsh Street, Cranebrook CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood

Definitely Worth Your Time!

• Beautiful 2-storey, 3-bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • Huge modern kitchen with S/S appliances • 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite to main • Private U/C timb er deck entertaining area • Secured gated complex with street frontage

FOR SALE

Expect To Be Impressed!

• Beautiful double-storey 3 bedroom home • Amazing modern living design with high ceilings • Stunning modern kitchen with S/S appliances • 3 double-sized bedrooms with B/I robes • Ducted A/C throughout • Established lawn & gardens set on fully-fenced allotment

3

2.5

3

This Could Be Home!

2

$669,990

• Beautiful 3 bedroom brick home is located in Glenmore Park estate • Spacious open living design • Large kitchen with ample cupboards & bench space • 3 good-sized bedrooms with carpet flooring • Quiet cul-de-sac location

OPEN HOME

Beautiful, Stylish & Modern

INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

41 Cooper Street, Penrith

FOR SALE

1

1

$859,990 INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 41 Cooper Street, Penrith CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

1

$845,000 INSPECT Sat 10 February at 10:00am - 10:30am ADDRESS 8 Cotula Place, Glenmore Park CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood

• Modern 2-storey 3 bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite & WIR to main • Large modern kitchen & bathroom • Ducted A/C throughout • 1 of 10 in complex, street frontage

3

1

Beautiful & Modern • Stunning modern 2 bedroom unit • Spacious open living design • Gorgeous modern kitchen with S/S appliances • 2 great-sized bedrooms, stylish ensuite to main • Large balcony with northern aspect • Currently returning $380 per week in rent

3

2

1

$659,990 INSPECT Sat 10 February at 11:00am - 11:30am ADDRESS 10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

56/144 High Street, Penrith

2

2

1

$529,950 INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 56/144 High Street, Penrith CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

penrithprofessionals.com.au 02 4725 3100 253 High Street, Penrith 44

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.® OFFICE: 233 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

57 Callistemon Circuit, Jordan Springs

4

2

9/28 Gwen Parade, Raymond Terrace

2+

3

2

2

JUST LISTED

VILLA

• 4 generous-sized BRs all fitted with BIRs • Main BR with generous WIR plus stylish ensuite & split system a/c • Open plan design with combined living & dining area • Modern kitchen with island benchtop, 900mm gas cooktop & ducted stainless range hood • Spacious WI pantry • 2nd living/media/home office • Main bathroom with separate shower, bathtub, toilet • Internal laundry • Plantation shutters • Under cover alfresco • Low maintenance backyard • Remote control double garage with internal access • Concreted driveway

Sale: Just Listed Inspection: Call Agent

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

26 Gadara Drive, South Penrith

Teenage

3+ Retreat

1.5

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

Thinking of moving to the Hunter Valley?

Inspection: February 3, 9am-9.30am

44 & 44A Richmond Road, Cambridge Park

2+

3+1

• 3 generous-sized BRs, 2 with BIRs • Natural light-filled living room with s/s a/c • Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar plus ample storage • Main bathroom with separate bath & shower • Internal laundry with 2nd toilet • Well maintained large above ground pool • Spacious front and backyard • Covered alfresco area • Concreted driveway • 758.5sqm block • Shops, schools, cafes and eateries as well as a variety of nearby transport options • Zoned R2, granny flat potential (STCA)

JUST LISTED

Sale: Just Listed Inspection: Call Agent

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

SOLD Very Happy Seller

1+1

JUST LISTED Close to Kingswood Station, childcare centres, bus stop, schools, shops, parks, Nepean Hospital & Penrith CBD. MAIN HOUSE: 3 BRs • Open plan living • Modern kitchen with dishwasher, breakfast bar • Separate dining • Spacious bathroom tiled up to the ceiling with bathtub • Ducted a/c throughout • External laundry • Good-sized backyard • Currently rented APPROVED GRANNY FLAT: • 1 BR, fitted with BIs • Contemporary kitchen • Modern bathroom • Internal laundry • Currently rented

Ideal for Growing Family or Astute Investors Inspection: Call Agent

SMSF $749,990

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GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

2

1

1

1

1

Great agent and very accommodating

“ We had a great experience with Gizzelle. She was very accommodating and if you have any issues or concerns, she will make sure all concerns are resolved. During our selling she always gave us updates. We are so happy for the short period of time our house was SOLD. Thank you so much Gizzelle, you are such an angel to us and it was a great experience that you were our agent. ” Ruby & Charles 31 & 31A Deborah Cres, Cambridge Park

Verified by RateMyAgent

81 College Street, Cambridge Park

3

19 Platypus Street, Marsden Park

Garage + Carport

1.5

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

Potential rent : $860-$920 per week Dual living (house & granny)

Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing?

Call or SMS Gizzelle on 0428 934 618

4

2

2

Ducted A/C

JUST LISTED

This fully renovated home is ideally suited for family living or investment purposes. Positioned in a sought-after pocket of Cambridge Park. Fully renovated, this home offers 3 generous-sized BRs, exquisite kitchen with beautiful splashbacks, island benchtops, 40mm stone benchtops and stainless-steel appliances. Walking distance to Kingswood Station, schools, shops, parks, and close to Nepean Hospital and only a short drive to Penrith CBD & St Marys CBD.

Sale: Just Listed Inspection: Call Agent

For Sale Furnished

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

4/490 George Street, South Windsor

2

1

• 2 good-sized bedrooms with built-ins • Combined bathroom and laundry • Separate toilet • Balcony • Carport

Inspection: February 10, 5pm-5.30pm

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

111 Blueridge Drive, Blue Haven

1

4

2

2

+ 50m2 approx shed

Central Coast

Coming Soon

• Secured Complex • Currently rented with tenants happy to stay

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

Put Our Winning Team to Work

Gizzelle Powell

0428 934 618

Litsa Meleti

0466 969 164 0

Room for the caravan, boat, trailer and more.

Peter Parker

0408 432 998

Uzrah Bi 0435 205 061

Sale: Just Listed Inspection: Call Agent

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

Teeannah Camilleri 0424 823 911

Victor Borg

0439 755 081 1

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

Electricity Substation

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131 Coreen Avenue, Penrith (02) 4731 4242

BROKING BREAKDOWN The Experts

FIVE WAYS TO PAY OFF YOUR HOME LOAN EARLY W

e’d all love to pay off our home loan sooner, and get rid of what is likely our biggest ever financial commitment. Here’s five ways you can pay off your loan sooner.

MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

1. Make your payments weekly You’ve probably heard this one before – but making weekly payments to your home loan can shave extensive time off the length of your loan, and save you interest. The actual payment will still be taken monthly but you end up making the equivalent of an extra repayment each year by ensuring the payment is taken weekly from your nominated account.

2. Use an offset account effectively If your loan can have an offset account attached, this is the account you should be getting your wages paid into. Let’s say

Find something you do every day, week or month and sacrifice it for the sake of extra money going into your home loan. Let’s say it’s a Netflix subscription – set up an automatic transfer of that $10 to go off the home loan on the date the subscription would have come out. You’ll hardly notice it, but it will add up over time. Do this once a year, and you’ll have a nice little extra amount going across. Small sacrifices can make huge differences. your loan is $500,000, but you have $50,000 sitting in your offset account. You will only pay interest in $450,000, with the other $50,000 being offset. You still have regular access to your money but you’re saving on interest.

3. Ask your bank for a better deal As they say, the worst thing they

can do is say no! You should be regularly asking your bank for a better interest rate, and you may be surprised at what they say.

Even a slightly lower rate can make a huge difference in the time it takes you to pay off your loan, shaving months if not years off the overall timeframe.

4. Identify a saving

5. Talk to a broker Have a chat with a broker to ensure you’ve currently got the best loan, and if a better option may be available. We’ve seen clients where we’ve been able to shave years off a loan term purely by moving the loan and having them pay their equivalent payments with a better interest rate. A broker will get you the best possible deal.

VIEW MARK’S COLUMNS ONLINE AT WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU/AUTHOR/MARKSTEVENSON/

SWIM SAFETY

E

veryone seems to be angrier these days. From hidden keyboard warriors voicing their unsolicited opinions and judgements on social media, to customer service staff suffering increasing levels of verbal abuse from irate customers, there seems to be more anger out there in the world. When did staff at supermarkets need to start wearing badges reminding people that they “are here to help”.

Why do many people seem to be so filled with rage?

And what does this have to with swimming? Please be patient and read on (unless of course you are already angrily questioning what this has to do with swimming…?)

Experts cite many reasons why rational behaviour may be on the decline, including the ongoing psychological repercussions of the pandemic as a large contributing factor. The New York Times has been covering this unpleasant phenomenon, focusing on

consumer anger, since it began. A 2022 article titled A Nation on Hold Wants to Speak With a Manager resonated with many, and was read over a million times. Journalist Sarah Lyall wrote: “From across the country, employees told stories of trying to manage customers’ out-of-control petulance … it was clear that reality had begun to shift, and that what once would have been horrifying — this outpouring of rage against a backdrop of constant, low-grade mistrust — had become the new normal”.

In the longer term, surely this anger has to abate soon?

As we move away from the pandemic, isn’t it time we all take responsibility for our psychological health and keep others around us psychologically safe?

Suffice it to say, prolonged anger is detrimental to you and those around you – it’s just unpleasant. That’s where exercise, and particularly swimming, comes into play. Studies suggest that because our body is made

ALEX MCKENZIE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

up of 70 per cent water, our brains immediately feel at peace and have a positive response when we are in water. This means that swimming can help increase the neurochemicals in our brain to make us happier, healthier and less stressed.

Swimming creates a 14 per cent increase in blood flow, which then acts with endorphins as a mood booster.

Swimming is therapeutic and has the ability to quiet our minds. When you’re focused on the movement of water, you’re able to live in the moment.

So – the next time you feel like yelling at a customer service employee – perhaps you should consider a swim instead?

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LEARN TO FOR ALL AGES

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SAFETY COMES IN MANY FORMS

The Experts

nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au • 4730 8900

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Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Finding a Valentine’s Day gift for a beauty-obsessed partner

W

hether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, a friend, or by yourself, receiving something a little bit extra can do a lot to make a person’s day, showing them that you really know them.

If you’re still in need of a gift for the 14th, here are a few ideas for someone who loves a trip to Mecca almost as much as they love you.

For someone who loves to be done up These gifts are for the person in your life who spends the better part of their

day getting ready, and has no intention of changing that.

As far as I’m concerned, you can’t go wrong with lip products. Any beauty-obsessed individual has at least four lip glosses in rotation – sometimes they’re all the same product, just in different bags.

Summer Fridays has just released their new Dream Lip Oil, or if they’re more of a lip balm person, you can’t go past their Lip Butter Balm.

For someone practical Practical recipients are the type of people who want a gift they can really use.

If you’re buying for someone who sticks to their guns as far as their beauty routine goes, check out their vanity or shelf for something you might be able to restock, like a perfume or blush.

Or, go above and beyond with something a step up from what they would usually buy themselves, like swapping out their regular moisturiser for the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream or Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream.

For someone who loves to be pampered Some people just love to be spoiled, and there’s no better time to make that happen than

Valentine’s Day. Pamper your loved one with something from Rare Beauty’s new Find Comfort collection, or a Sol de Janeiro set.

If a good sleep is really what they’re after, look into Slip for all the silk accessories of their dreams, like scrunchies, pillowcases and eye masks.

For someone who loves love Pink and red heart-shaped gifts aren’t for everyone, but if you’re buying for someone who’s been waiting for Valentine’s Day all year, now is the time to take it to the next level.

The Benefit Cosmetics Lovetint is the perfect way to infuse a little bit of Valentine’s Day spirit into a gift that the receiver can actually use day-today. If you’re wanting to splurge, Natasha Denona’s Love line is really beautiful, both inside and out – especially the cheek duo, which may just have the cutest packaging I’ve ever seen.

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SALES, SERVICE, MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

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A must for any Penrith Panthers supporter! www.westernweekender.com.au/threepeat

PET HEALTH The Experts

KEEPING DOGS HAPPY WHILE YOU’RE AT WORK A

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

s responsible pet owners, it’s not uncommon to experience a pang of guilt when leaving our furry friends at home while we head back to work. The key to a happy, well-adjusted canine companion lies in keeping them mentally and physically stimulated during your absence. Here are a few tips to ensure your dog remains entertained and content while you’re at work.

First and foremost, exercise is crucial. Just as we need our daily dose of physical activity, dogs thrive on it too. Before heading to work, take your canine pal for a brisk walk or engage in a lively play session. A tired dog is a happy dog, and expending their energy before you leave can help prevent mischief.

Interactive toys are a game-changer for a dog’s mental stimulation.

Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and chew toys not only keep your dog occupied but also provide a source of mental enrichment. Dogs enjoy the challenge of extracting treats from toys, and it keeps them engaged and focused, preventing them from feeling lonely or anxious.

Consider creating a designated play area for your dog. Set up a safe space with their favourite toys, comfortable bedding, and for our indoor dogs a window to watch the world go by.

This designated spot will become a sanctuary for your pet, alleviating any stress associated with being alone. Introduce positive associations with this area by leaving treats

or favourite toys, gradually making it a place your dog looks forward to. Our energetic outdoor dogs can often find hours of entertainment with sand or water filled wading pools and their favourite toys.

Incorporate background noise to combat the eerie silence of an empty house.

Leaving on soft music, a TV show, or even a calming podcast can provide

a sense of company for your dog. The familiar sounds can be soothing and act as a distraction from the solitude, making the environment more comfortable for your furry friend.

Technology can be a valuable partner in keeping your dog entertained.

Pet cameras with interactive features allow you to check in on your dog, talk to them, and even dispense

treats remotely. This not only reassures your pet but also allows you to actively participate in their day, fostering a sense of connection despite the physical distance.

Remember, every dog is unique, so it might take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of activities and toys that suits your pet.

Investing time and effort into your dog’s wellbeing while you’re away is a small price to pay for the immeasurable joy and companionship they bring into our lives.

For more information on how to keep your canine companion content as you head back to work after the holiday season, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

We’d be happy to offer some advice.

HEALTH

H

ave you been having tight muscles and having to go through deep tissue massage has been extremely painful?

Dry needling might just be the best option for you with great results and comparatively reduced pain during treatment.

Dry needling is a treatment technique used by podiatrists to treat the pain associated with muscle tension and to treat joint and tendon dysfunction. Although dry needling involves the use of acupuncture needles, it is not the same as acupuncture, as the podiatrist will place the needles directly into muscle trigger points instead of following the traditional body map used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Dry needling is usually used in conjunction with other treatment techniques, such as joint mobilisation and massage, and involves the practitioner inserting needles into tight, irritable bands of muscle to help

improve the patient’s symptoms and increase the range of motion of that muscle.

It is far less painful than rubbing knuckles and hands onto those tight muscles to get rid of the knots, but instead thin fine needles are placed in these trigger points for 10-15 minutes.

Further manipulation that the podiatrist may use, deactivates the tight and irritable parts of the muscles and as a result helps to reduce pain and tightness. Post this treatment the podiatrist

Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district.

We offer: • Vaccinations • Radiography • Microchipping • Surgery • Dental care • Ultrasound

ANITHA BEERAPU One Point Health 4732 5188 will do a gentle massage to encourage the blood flow through the muscles.

A podiatrist can discuss whether or not dry needling is a suitable treatment for you.

Contact us!

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CONSIDER DRY NEEDLING

The Experts

Phone 4736 2027 49 Wentworth Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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PET OF THE WEEK Relax & Unwind

my name: Nova my proud owner: Kyle Hopkins i live in: Glenmore Park a bit about me: Nova is a shy girl, but loves spending time with her brother dachie Norman.

Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro bohoastro.com @JoMadelineMoore © Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week – as we celebrate Valentine’s Day – the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto are all powering through your sign, so you’re at your amorous, adventurous, quirky Aquarian best.

Spread your special kind of universal love around! Your motto for the moment is from uber-Aquarian, composer Amadeus Mozart, “Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both go together in making genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”

Love planet Venus hooks up with your power planet Neptune, so romance is in the air. But the energy is behind the scenes suggesting a private, magical Valentine’s Day. “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” (Carolyn Gold Heilbrun). Unhappily single? Subtle signs and unexpected synchronicities could lead you to your soul mate, so keep your intuition well-tuned. Happily single? It’s time to get creative.

Have you got a pile of projects that you’ve started but not finished? This week Mars and Pluto boost motivation and concentration, so you can bring a project to a satisfying conclusion.

Don’t waste the opportunity! With five planets highlighting your hopes and wishes zone, you’re set for an amorous Valentine’s Day. Romantic music, stylish surroundings and gourmet food are calling. Singles – sparks could fly with a sexy Scorpion or an adventurous Aquarian.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Vibes are high, as love planet Venus links up with atmospheric Neptune.

Focus your attention on your lover, as you give them the right royal treatment this Valentine’s Day via a special pronouncement, a thoughtful gift, or a candlelit dinner. Singles – love and work are connected, so you could meet your soul mate via a colleague, client or customer. On Saturday, the Venus/ Pluto conjunction highlights profound thoughts and boosts passionate feelings.

Gregarious Geminis love to chat, so this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to tell loved ones how much you really care.

Inspiration for the week is from birthday great, avant-garde artist Yoko Ono (who was born on February 18, 1933), “The regret of my life is that I have not said ‘I love you’ often enough.” Saturday’s Mercury/Uranus square could lead to hasty words and impulsive actions. So slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act!

Attached Crabs – you’re feeling extra romantic as you lavish attention (and money) on your partner, wear your heart on your sleeve or play out a secret fantasy with your lover. Singles – don’t base your self-esteem on whether you have a partner. You possess a multitude of talents, and a kind nature. Finding your soul mate is just the extra icing on an already spectacular cake! Things get passionate and/or intense on Saturday when Venus hooks up with Pluto.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

With the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Pluto all visiting your partnership zone, prepare for a bold and busy Valentine’s Day. Coupled Cats – why not initiate a special romantic rendezvous with your partner? Singles – in order to find true love, you need to be brave and step out of your comfort zone. So your motto for the week is from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

At the moment, with taskmaster Saturn moving slowly through your romance zone, love is a very serious business. So your quote for Valentine’s Day is from writer William Barclay, “Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice.” Singles – it’s time to give flirtatious, superficial suitors the flick. Instead, look for a lover who has real character, depth and substance. A philosopher (with a romantic soul) who can last the distance.

Librans are addicted to love in all its forms – romantic, platonic, and universal. Whether you’re attached, searching for your soul mate, or happily single, Valentine’s Day is an appropriate time to reflect on the fact that love really does make the world go around, and it’s the glue that binds us all together. So do all you can to encourage and nurture more love in your life. As John Lennon (a fellow Libran) observed, “Love is the flower, you’ve got to let it grow.”

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

When it comes to finding (and maintaining) love, resist the urge to be overly controlling. Attached Scorpio – avoid the temptation to be bossy at home. Give your spouse more space. Singles – stop looking for love in all the obvious places.

Write a wish-list of the important qualities you desire in a dream partner. Then sit back and wait for the magic to happen.

As actress Loretta Young observed, “Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.”

It’s time to be more proactive about your health, fitness, diet and daily routine, but tread carefully with an unpredictable relative or neighbour, who may be stewing with a hidden grievance.

On Valentine’s Day, find a dream you can share together. “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but of looking outward together in the same direction” (Antoine St Exupery). With Mercury and Uranus revving up your restless side, you’re in the mood for a getaway.

Don’t take your partner – or potential partner – for granted! If you do, then your neglected lover may go looking for attention elsewhere. “Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone. It has to be made like bread, remade all the time, made new” (Ursula Le Guin). So plan something uniquely special this Valentine’s Day. Singles – it doesn’t matter what a potential partner looks like, or how much money they make. You need a romantic mate who is also a friend.

We’re S o c i a l !

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CO N N EC T W I T H U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

TRAVEL Relax & Unwind DESTINATION Fairmont Resort, Leura

WORDS

Troy Dodds

IMAGES Supplied

FAIRMONT’S STILL GOT IT W

hen it comes to family holidays, plans can immediately turn to the warmth of the sunny Gold Coast or perhaps overseas to Fiji.

But with the beautiful Blue Mountains right on our doorstep, there’s so much to explore a little closer to home – and you’ll have just as much fun, if not more.

We recently undertook a family trip to Leura – staying at the beautiful Fairmont Resort, which opened back in 1988 and remains an ideal location if you’re looking for plenty of entertainment and activities under the one roof, and quick access to the Mountains.

The resort is on the cusp of some major renovations, but its accommodation remains comfortable and spacious and its activities for kids certainly not lacking.

MORE INFO “YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE MAY BE NEGOTIATING WITH YOUR KIDS WHAT TO DO FIRST”

(02) 4785 0000

We stayed in a Junior Suite (pictured top right) – which boasted an enormous balcony overlooking the tennis courts and wider grounds – but all of the accommodation options are generous in size; it all comes down to the size of your travelling party as to what suits best.

Being summer, it was reasonably warm on our visit so a journey down to the outdoor pool was first on our list – but there’s an indoor pool too, if you’re looking for something a little warmer. You’ll also find a sauna nearby too.

Your biggest challenge may be negotiating with your kids in terms of what to do first – because there’s plenty on site. Once you’ve cleared the pools, there’s a fully equipped games area that features soft play for toddlers and little ones, and video games and a mirror maze for the older kids (and for the humble newspaper journo, I might add).

If you prefer the outdoors, there’s a tennis court, basketball court, outdoor gym and giant chess sets – and during school holidays, additional activity programs to keep the kids

entertained. Make sure you check the timetable for the electric train too, while pony rides are also available on site.

You can add a little more adventure to your stay by visiting the Blue Mountains Ice Rink, and if golf is your thing, the Fairmont sits adjacent to Leura Golf Club.

There’s a number of restaurants at the Fairmont, but we opted to dine at Embers Grill (pictured above) – enjoying the charcoal grilled lamb skewer and the Angus Reserve Scotch Fillet to share; a delicious steak that had us craving a repeat visit.

If you don’t have kids in tow, or you manage to escape for a few hours, No.1 Sublime Point is an excellent option for a romantic dinner, while Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern is a mustvisit for a drink.

And if all of this sounds pretty exhausting, the Ubika Day Spa sits within the grounds of the resort – perfect for a massage or high performance facial.

The location of the Fairmont couldn’t be better as a base – we drove into Leura to experience its unique and quaint main street, visiting its popular candy store and one of its more quirky cafés in The Waygoose Diner.

A five-minute drive will have you at The Three Sisters, a must-add to any trip to the Fairmont, while there’s countless walking tracks and waterfalls nearby.

The biggest challenge of a is without doubt fitting everything in. There’s so much to do, so many dining options and so many experiences on offer, that you’ll almost certainly need a day or two more than you think.

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

55

Word Search brought to you by Merv Shipp Smash Repairs mervshipp.com.au | 4731 4587

ACROSS DOWN 1. Tofu bean 1. Dimensions 4. Strangely unexpected 2. Tugs 8. Expert, dab ...

3. Unreturnable tennis serve 11. Squirrel nut 4. Unbutton 13. Golden Globe or Oscar 5. Fasteners 15. Designated (region) 6. Alcoves 17. Circle portion 7. Open mouth wearily 18. Express appreciation 8. Royal title (1,1,1) to 9. Adjust 20. Large antlered animal 10. Anti-flood 21. Woodwind embankment instruments 12. Whiff 24. Vietnam’s capital 14. At an angle 27. Writer, Edgar Allan ... 16. Martini garnish 28. Matter 19. Pried (into) 30. Hard sell 22. Ringo or Paul 31. Low-lying areas 23. Group feeling, ... de 33. Walks heavily corps 34. Layers 25. Modifies 35. Roman emperor 26. Family crest, coat ...

(2,4) 36. Current (1,1/1,1) 29. Storing charge 39. Enter (4,2) 32. Top credit rating 42. Shabbily-dressed (1,1,1) woman 35. Infant 44. Robust 37. Dices 45. US oil state 38. Hunter-gatherer 46. Swedish car brand 40. Heads-up 48. Fawn shade 41. Better late than ...

49. Prolonged assault 42. Defect 50. Healing gel, aloe ...

43. Savoury food spread 52. Battery segments 44. Skin rash 54. Bank cash dispensers (1,1,2) 47. Without purpose 55. Instruct 51. Actress, ... Hepburn 56. Cord fringe 52. London opera house, ... Garden 57. Famous monster loch 53. Military engineer 60. Panache 54. Appoint 62. Lathe operator 58. Provide (with) 65. Telco technology, fibre ...

59. Pig’s home 67. Sherlock Holmes’ 61. Overhead creator, Arthur Conan 63. Gastric ailment ...

64. Brighter (future) 69. Not a single person 65. Eye-watering (2-3) vegetables 70. Verve 66. Comfortable (job) 72. Unruly crowd 68. President Barack ...

73. Bladders 71. Urban centres 75. Golf clubs 72. Mutilate 77. Frequently (poetic) 74. Discharged firearm 79. In the know 76. Clodhoppers 81. Nuptial vow (1,2) 78. Fuss (2-2) 82. DIY (book) (3-2) 80. Screened (movie) 84. Explorer, ... Polo 83. Lennon’s widow, Yoko 85. Actor, Errol ... ...

Previous solution - Tough 86. Spiteful 87. Shoves 2 3 5 6 8 7 9 88. Peace Prize city

edium

4 4

2

© 2024 Syndicated Puzzles

5

3 4 5 8 7 9 5 6 4 3 8 9 6 7 2 3 7 6 8 5 9 3 4 9 8 7 1 6 5 Last 6week’s solution 8 2 4 5 7 5 1 3 2 4 6 7 2 4 3 1

r8ts.com

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6 2 5 1 4 3 8 9

1 4 2 3

2

3

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88

Sudoku brought to you by Ray White St Marys raywhitedg.com.au

SUDOKU No. 681

7 9

Medium

Previous solution - Easy

4 7 1 6 5 8 2 3 02 9623 4033 | 200 QUEEN STREET, ST MARYS NSW 2760 9 3 6 1 02 9834 1044 | SHOP 1/46-52 MELVILLE ROAD, ST CLAIR NSW 2759 2 9 3 5 8 1 5 4 6 4 7 9 1 6 8 7 7 2 4 8 3 5 9 2

7

5 3 8

6

1

2

7 8

1 4 9 3

4 7 1 5 6

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

2 9

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

6 4 6

1

3 4

© 2024 Syndicated Puzzles

Crossword

1

8 4 2 7 6 3 9 5 1

9 7 5 1 2 8 4 3 6

2 9 7 4 3 1 5 6 8

5 1 8 6 7 2 3 9 4

3 6 4 8 9 5 2 1 7

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

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Servicing the Blacktown and Penrith Regions 0404 051 702

Peter Diamantidis Director Selling Principal

This wordsearch is brought to you by CPAP Direct, would you finish it faster with a better night sleep? - cpap.com.au

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: EGYPT ABU SIMBEL AFRICA ALEXANDRIA AMULET ARABIC ASWAN CAIRO CARTOUCHE CATARACT CATS COPTS FLAX HIEROGLYPHS KHARTOUM KOHL LOTUS LUXOR MASK MUMMY NEFERTITI NILE RIVER OSIRIS PHARAOH PYRAMID RAMSES SARCOPHAGUS SCARAB SOUK SPHINX TEMPLE TOMB TUTANKHAMUN

Last week’s solution P S R E D L V R T T N N D V E I E I H E H C K E F C K S S S S A A T C S A P L M L A E P W I O N R E A H P T C N T Y M S N D O S C A A I E N H E P X S I Y H G S K E L E U J S V K I

U O H S A F K I A N C P N H D M N R H E K Q W O H T M B L A D D E R E S E I R E T R A S E S R E G N I F T L A E E N C A K I C R L N V E U M N S E T I O I R K E U S E I V M L V S M P I L L A R I E S A D D P A L O D S T E E T S G N H G T O N B O A E S E D N E Y H B E Q L

V E P S E A S S B I Y M T I N W R M Y S L E T A M U L U T I S E S W R S P R P O O A T I L H P A S M A A M T O M T A T E O N H A A B M R E U C M N R R A L R I I R A I L T U L K E I R C U C N H C E D M W O H F V A J I X K X T O M G L T A E E H I E R O G L Y P H S U M N R P L K Q F R J F O H X S U O B S S O U K A P K K S A M N A C T W A B U S I M B E L G R J A A I R D N A X E L A F A U L I C E H C U O T R A C C I E S R D C A T A R A C T S I R I S O Trivia Quiz Test your knowledge about Taylor Swift in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. How many albums did Taylor Swift release under the country music genre?

2. How many nights will Taylor Swift appear at Sydney’s Accor Stadium later this month?

3. How many Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards has Swift won?

4. True or false? Taylor Swift has

never won the famed ACM Entertainer of the Year Award.

5. Who has Taylor Swift credited as her biggest musical influence?

6. In October 2023, what did Forbes and Bloomberg News estimate Taylor Swift’s net worth to be?

7. In what year was she born?

ANSWERS 1. Four 2. Four 3. Eight 4. False 5. Shania Twain 6. $1.1 billion 7. 1989

Word Search

VOICEOVERS ON HOLD MESSAGES RADIO COMMERCIALS & ALL OTHER AUDIO info@hourmedia.com.au www.happyhourmedia.com.au Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

57

Test Your Brain brought to you by My88, Your home of the eighties! my88.com.au | 0401 222 088

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOK Str8ts, Hexwords & Name the Movie brought to you by Choices Flooring Penrith

Medium

3

2 3 3 4 5 5 6 8 9 7 6 8 9 8 7 6 7 5 1 3 2 4

5

7 4

7

1

3 6 7 9 4

9

1 2 6 4 8 4 2

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Hexwords

No. 681

Previous solution - Tough

© 2024 Syndicated Puzzles

Str8ts

No. 681

4 6 5 1 8 2 3

5 8 3 7 9 6 2 4 1

9

6 8 7 7 9 6 2 2 3 5 3 4 1 5 4 4 5 3 6 8 7 9

1 4 2 3

7 9

2

7 8

1 4 9

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will see how ‘straights’ are formed.

2

6

9

Name the Movie

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles.

We’ve given you a head start.

MVRGLEEOFR R Previous solution:

Who Am I?

adVanced

200

x9

douBle IT

of IT

douBle IT 5/6 of ThIs Plus 10%

www.30secondchallenge.com

-1 ÷5 x8 ¼

3. I have signature hairstyle.

of ThIs

50% of IT 2/7 of IT

ansWeR

4. I’m starring in the new ‘Wicked’ film.

½ % 66 /3% 800% Plus 2½% -900 62 of ThIs of ThIs of ThIs

ansWeR

5. I’m an award-winning singer.

of IT 2/3 of ThIs

TIMes By ITself 2

Last week’s answer: ADAM SANDLER

Last week’s answer: 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 171 - BEGINNER - 49, INTERMEDIATE - 70, ADVANCED - 18.

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 172- BEGINNER -10 , INTERMEDIATE - 28, ADVANCED - 8200.

Plus 15% ThIs +240 -110 of87½% -40 Plus 12½% 20% of ThIs ÷11

2000 9/10 of IT +1600 50% of IT -900 /5 of ThIs 25% of ThIs x5 2

InTeRMedIaTe

+15 ¼ of ThIs ÷6

x9

douBle IT

7/10 of IT

¼ of ThIs

+6 ÷7 x9 -5

ansWeR ansWeR

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

www.30secondchallenge.com

58

33

13

TIMes By ITself

x2 +9 ÷3 -25 5/12 x7 5%

2. I’ve been engaged multiple times.

ansWeR

adVanced

0401 222 088

InTeRMedIaTe

-8

1. I became a household name through Nickelodeon.

intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.

12½% of ThIs

my88.com.au

23

HINTS

6000

Your home of the eighties!

your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge, BegInneR

I

Previous solution: JINGLE ALL THE WAY

30 Second Challenge My88

Y

AUTO ADVICE with AARON HILLS

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THOSE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS I

n the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, modern vehicles come equipped with an array of dashboard warning lights designed to communicate potential issues and ensure the safety and longevity of your ride.

Yet, for many drivers, these illuminated symbols can be a source of confusion and concern. Today, we delve into the language of dashboard warning lights to help you navigate the road of automotive diagnostics.

The Symphony of Symbols: Understanding the Basics Your car’s dashboard is essentially a communication hub between your vehicle and you. Each warning light represents a specific system or component that requires attention. Common symbols include the engine light, battery light, oil pressure warning, and tyre pressure

engine light illuminates, it’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s manual for guidance on whether immediate attention is necessary or if you can continue driving cautiously until the issue is resolved.

monitoring system (TPMS) light. Familiarising yourself with these basic symbols is the first step in interpreting your car’s messages.

Red vs. Orange: The urgency code Dashboard warning lights are typically colour-coded, with red indicating a more severe issue requiring immediate attention and an orange signalling a less critical matter that should

be addressed at your earliest convenience. Ignoring red lights can lead to severe damage and costly repairs, emphasising the importance of prompt action.

The Engine Light Enigma: Unravelling the mystery Perhaps the most notorious of all warning lights is the engine light. It can signal a range of issues, from minor hiccups to more complex engine problems. When the

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The Silent Messenger: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Modern cars are equipped with a TPMS to monitor tyre pressure and alert drivers to any deviations from the recommended levels. A lit TPMS light may indicate low tyre pressure or a malfunction in the system. Properly inflated tyres not only ensure safety but also contribute to fuel efficiency.

Diagnosing the Unknown: When in doubt, seek professional help While some warning lights may have straightforward meanings, others may leave

you scratching your head.

It’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s manual to determine what the light may mean.

When in doubt, it’s wise to consult with a professional mechanic. Today’s cars are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that can pinpoint issues accurately, saving you time and potential headaches.

Once at the mechanics they will hook the car up to a scan tool which gives them a code and let’s them know where to look to diagnose the problem.

Proactive maintenance: A preventive approach Rather than waiting for warning lights to illuminate, adopt a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance.

Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid checks, can go a long way in preventing potential issues

and keeping your car running smoothly.

In summary, having a fundamental grasp of your car’s dashboard warning lights proves invaluable in vehicle ownership.

By deciphering the messages these lights communicate and recognising when to seek assistance, you equip yourself to respond promptly and knowledgeably.

This proactive approach safeguards the durability and safety of your automotive companion. The next time a warning light illuminates on your dashboard, view it as your car’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s address this together for a smoother ride ahead!”

At Angus Car Service we have the equipment and knowledge to help you with your warning lights and any other vehicle concerns, call us on 4732 3676.

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Bondys offers a full range of services from mechanical servicing to auto electrical servicing and repairs.

They also look after wheel alignments, wheel balancing, brakes, suspension, steering, batteries, body, exhaust – you name it.

The team rely on some of the latest technologies and precision equipment when

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SPORT

Season launched

GOOD NEWS FOR LOCAL REFEREES Story continued from » p.64

The Penrith Referees’ Association are running a referee’s course on Sunday, February 18 from 8.30am at BlueBet Stadium. Chairman Gary Haines said becoming a referee is quite simple.

“There’s two parts – first you have to register and complete an online module and then the course on the 18th is the face-to-face module. Once both have been completed, you can join the association and start refereeing,” he said.

“Anyone who is 13 years and above can do it and we’ve got the best coaches within the association to help them to achieve their goals – no matter how high they are.”

Meanwhile, the association have unveiled their new kit for the upcoming season, with confirmation that 7 News is back on board as a major sponsor. The partnership with 7 News will enter its sixth year in season 2024.

To become a referee, visit www.playrugbyleague.com/referee/courses.

Panthers launch 2024 NRL season ahead of trip to England NATHAN TAYLOR

T

his is your Penrith Panthers squad hoping to do the unthinkable – win four NRL premierships in a row.

The 2024 Panthers squad was officially unveiled to fans and corporate partners on Tuesday night at the club’s season launch, held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre.

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo will once again co-captain this year’s team as they look at making even more history come October.

Players hard launched new hairstyles for the upcoming season (Dylan Edwards and Scott Sorensen), while poke bowls and pork rib sliders were making their way around the room to the delight of players and guests.

Panthers Chairman Peter Graham welcomed the large crowd, upbeat for the NRL season ahead.

“Tonight is about football and the launch of the Panthers’ 2024 season,” he said.

The 2024 Penrith Panthers squad on Tuesday night. Photo: Nathan Taylor.

“The success we are having on and off the field is no accident, in fact its taken years for Panthers to become an overnight success.

“So at the launch of our 2024 season, we acknowledge the giants on whose shoulders we now stand for the foundations that have been built.”

Three-time premiership winners Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and James Fisher-Harris also participated in a Q&A

session with ‘Today’ sports presenter Alex Cullen.

In one of the more awkward moments of the evening, Cullen asked Cleary about his new relationship with Matildas star Mary Fowler. The two-time Clive Churchill Medal swiftly sidestepped the “how’s Mary?’ question with a “she’s great” in response.

Meanwhile, coach Ivan Cleary also spoke about the season

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“Winning premierships has its rewards but it also has its challenges,” he said.

“We also have the World Club Challenge coming up, we are going to England next Friday, so that’s exciting times for the club.

“We’ve never won one but we just feel so blessed and it’s such a reward for an enormous effort by the players and the staff.”

Jack Catania and Megan Buckley.

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SPORT

Sport’s biggest showdown Your Super Bowl guide: Where to watch the blockbuster game in Penrith NATHAN TAYLOR

P

enrith and Las Vegas may be worlds apart, but that won’t stop us from celebrating the biggest event on the American sporting calendar.

Restaurants, pubs and clubs all over town will switch over their television sets to the Super Bowl this Monday, February 12 as football fans come together to cheer on this year’s opponents Kansas City and San Francisco.

Travis Kelce and the Chiefs will be aiming for back-to-back NFL titles, while the 49ers will be searching for their first Super Bowl victory since 1994.

The NFL’s popularity continues to soar in Australia and locations in Penrith and surrounding suburbs will be cashing in on that very hype next week.

One of the biggest parties will be happening at the ‘Las Vegas of Penrith’ – Panthers World of Entertainment – on Monday morning.

Kicking off at 9am in the Basement Bar, there will be plenty of food and beverage specials on the day including $1 wings until half-time,

Podcast host and local business owner Brett McVea is preparing for a Super Bowl event at The Arms Hotel.

Jim Beam buckets and of course the game live and loud on their mega screens.

Over at Drink West brewery on Castlereagh Road, the team will be

serving $6 schooners all day as well as showing the Super Bowl live on their massive screen. If you’re after something to eat, Brisket Boys next door will be slinging food all game

long – from hot wings to loaded chilli dogs.

Down in Penrith’s High Street, the recently refreshed The Arms Hotel will be holding a cool Super Bowl

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Jan 12th - 15th Nepean Summer Open & Junior Feb 24th - 25th Tennis Country Series Nepean March 17th Nepean Regional Matchplay Series March 28th - April 1 Nepean Open/Roche & 260 Junior

the western weekender » Friday, February 9, 2024

|

4721

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August 19th - 23rd Nepean Open 10k October 1st - 3rd Nepean Open & Junior December 20th - 23rd Nepean 3k Summer Open

event for the very first time. For $70 per person, fans can enjoy a bacon and egg roll on arrival, a Budweiser bucket to stay hydrated, as well ribs and wings with chips and slaw to eat.

For the cherry on top, ticketed fans will also receive discounted prices on selected beverages for the duration of the game. It kicks off at 8.30am.

Next door to Westfield Penrith, the Red Cow Hotel will continue their Super Bowl tradition by throwing a massive game-day party. Score $30 Bud buckets, tackle a $20 loaded Mexicana dog with corn chips, and enjoy free popcorn while watching the two sides go to war in Vegas.

Our friends in St Marys won’t be left out on Super Bowl Monday, with St Marys Leagues Club showing the game live and loud at Saints Sports.

Fans can tuck into 10 mouthwatering chicken wings for only $10 (with any food purchase) and wash it all down with a crisp cold beer. Doors open at 9.30am.

Plenty of people will also be hosting Super Bowl parties at home or at work on Monday, so make sure you channel your inner Taylor Swift and get in the football spirit.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Physie club looks to build on success PHYSICAL CULTURE: Off the back of a hugely successful 2023 season, St Clair Physie Club are ready to do it all again this year. Some of the highlights from last season include Ariana Tantalos being awarded first place in the 6 Years section at the Junior National Championships, claiming the title of 6 Year National Champion. This amazing result was special for St Clair Physie as Ariana became the club’s youngest ever national champion.

Chelsea Cahalane was awarded second place in the Open U33s Ladies section at the Ladies National Championships, which then qualified her to challenge for the title of Ladies Grand Champion. Tahlya Johnson was awarded second place in the 15 Years section at the Senior National Championships, held at the Sydney Opera House. The club also had some successful team results with both the 7/8 Years and 9/10 Years team winning first place in A Grade at the Junior Teams Competition. St Clair Physie Club are currently recruiting for the upcoming season. Classes are held at St Clair Public School. For more information, call 0404 988 381 or email stclair.physieclub@gmail.com.

Ariana Tantalos.

Chelsea Cahalane.

FOOTBALL: Western Sydney fans have had their hearts broken after a wild west-style shootout against Macarthur in the A-League last Sunday night. Following a first half scoring fest, where scores were level 3-3 at half-time, the game looked headed for a draw as it entered injury time. However, the home side had

Tahlya Johnson.

St Clair Physie Club celebrate their success.

other ideas with Bulls star Valere Germain completing his hattrick with a 93rd minute goal to prevail 4-3. The talented Frenchman popped up with a header in the third minute of stoppage time, though substitute Wanderers keeper Lawrence Thomas was convinced he had stopped the ball from crossing the line.

The Socceroos star scrambled to keep the ball out of the net but despite a VAR review, the goal was given as Germain and the Bulls celebrated the thrilling win in Campbelltown. Western Sydney will look to bounce back when they play the Newcastle Jets this Sunday at CommBank Stadium.

into the triumphs and challenges experienced

by Panthers players, coaches and staff as they work together to achieve a historic three-peat,” promotional notes for the documentary read.

“Not only will viewers be taken inside the inner sanctum at the biggest NRL games of the season, players also welcomed cameras into their homes to capture their lives away from rugby league.” Episodes air weekly from February 16.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have lost back-to-back games, defeated by Adelaide United 2-1 last Saturday in the A-League Women’s competition. The Wanderers led 1-0 through an Amy Harrison penalty before the Reds hit back with two second half goals to pull out the win. The Wanderers have now slipped to seventh on the ladder ahead of Friday night’s game against Newcastle at Carrington Park in Bathurst.

CRICKET: Penrith have bounced back into form with a huge win over Mosman in Round 13 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day match at Allan Border – Mosman Park, Mosman won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith got off to a slow start before Brent Williams stepped up to the crease and went berserk. Williams put up an astonishing 173 before being bowled out. In the end, Penrith were dismissed for 345. When Mosman hit the crease, they were unable to fire and were 9/237 at the end of the game. Owen Cole took 3/36 for the visitors. Penrith will play Northern District this Saturday at Howell Oval.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The long-awaited Penrith Panthers documentary focused on the 2023 Premiership run will premiere on February 16. The documentary, ‘Undisputed’, will air on 9Now and later Channel 9. “Embark on a captivating journey through the 2023 NRL Finals Series in this three-part series, delving

CRICKET: Penrith can’t buy a win at the moment, going down to Sydney in Round 15 the Women’s First Grade competition. Playing in a One-Day match at Howell Oval, Sydney won the toss and elected bat. The visitors started slow before posting a respectable 10/150. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, their top

order struggled, and they were ultimately dismissed for 107. Penrith will play Bankstown this Sunday.

CRICKET: Round 14 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition took place last weekend, with a good round of results for Panthers Cricket Club. In first grade, Panthers are in a strong position after the first day against Gen X. Batting first, in ideal conditions and a batting friendly wicket, Panthers finished the day at 8/297 with the middle order cashing in after a solid start. In fifth grade, Panthers scored a 116-run win over Emu Plains to keep their prospects of a top two finish alive. After scoring 251, Panthers dismissed Emu Plains for 135. Panthers bowlers toiled hard in heatwave conditions with Paul Dent picking up 4/44.

BASEBALL: Round 12 of the Baseball NSW State League First Grade competition took place last week, with Greater Western struggling as the season draws to a close. On Wednesday, the Warriors were thrashed 10-0 by the Macarthur Orioles, while Sunday’s game at Chapman Gardens was cancelled. The Warriors will play the Blacktown Workers in Round 13.

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

Friday, February 9, 2024 « the western weekender

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Physie club’s success – see page 63

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WHISTLE BLOWERS NATHAN TAYLOR

J

ayden Kastelan took up refereeing after he was unable to play rugby league anymore due to a medical condition. Now, as he enters his 10th season with the whistle, Kastelan is encouraging others to get involved in the game that he loves.

Born with one kidney, Kastelan was never meant to play a contact sport like rugby league, but he ended up doing so until the age of nine.

“I wasn’t supposed to play at all but the kids got a little bit bigger and hit a little bit harder, so I had to stop playing and refereeing was the only other position I could have on the field,” he told the Weekender.

“I stopped playing footy when I was nine-years-old and then I had to wait until I was 14 to start refereeing. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

The 23-year-old now referees the SG Ball and Harold Matthews competitions among others and is hoping, with hard work and commitment, to rise up the ranks in the sport.

The Penrith Referees’ Association are currently recruiting, with around 30 new referees needed for the upcoming junior rugby league season.

There’s no age limit and people can start getting involved from 13.

“It’s a great way to keep fit, earn yourself money and make friends all at the same time,” Kastelan said.

“We put the referees through as much training as we can so they are prepared for games and know what to expect once out on the field.”

Entering her fifth season as a whistle-

blower, late bloomer Megan Buckley said becoming a referee was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

“An ad came up on my Facebook feed and I thought why not give it a go?” she said.

“From the very first training session, everyone was so supportive and – as a female – that was really empowering. If you ask for help, there’s always a dozen people willing to give you a hand.

“It’s much better than any other organisation I’ve been a part of.”

Story continues on » p. 61

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