Western Weekender April 5 2024

Wild weather set to hit

Penrith residents urged to be prepared with torrential rain expected today

Penrith locals are being urged to be prepared for torrential rain today, with up to 140mm set to be dumped on the city.

The wild weather was due to commence yesterday (Thursday, April 4) with up to 40mm of rain falling in Penrith. Another 50mm could fall tomorrow (Saturday, April 6) but the biggest downpour will be today.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts at least 35mm of rain will fall today but it could be as high as 140mm. Regardless, it will be a wet and wild day across Penrith.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said it was important to prepare for the poor weather.

“It's a good time to make sure you take steps to prepare your homes,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

“Simple things like cleaning your gutters, trimming trees and branches away from properties and securing loose items around your houses will help keep you and your families safe during poor weather.”

Kearns said assets and personnel had been prepositioned ahead of the forecast, and the NSW SES was ready to respond should the community need assistance.

“Rainfall may exceed 100mm over a large number of locations, and isolated totals close to 200mm are also possible, which is why we’ve prepositioned personnel and assets early at a number of locations across the state,” he said.

“To stay up to date on warnings and advice, people can download the Hazards Near Me App, which has all the latest warnings for floods and storms.”

“Flood and storms teams are on standby to respond should they be required, but we’re pleading with the community to be prepared, stay informed and not drive through floodwaters.

Conditions will be better on Sunday with no rain predicted, while only a few light showers are predicted early next week.

If you do need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500.

If it’s life threatening, call Triple Zero immediately.

The rain could play havoc with sport across the weekend with the Nepean Triathlon to run locally, multiple NRL games in Sydney including the Sea Eagles versus Panthers clash at Brookvale, racing at Hawkesbury on Saturday and junior sport across the city scheduled to be played at various venues.

Wet conditions are expected on the roads, with heavy rain predicted in Penrith.

Failing to deliver: Bus services need overhaul, says Councillor

In the wake of two Council submissions to Parliamentary Inquiries regarding transport infrastructure, Penrith City Councillor Sue Day is asking the State Government to do more for bus stop infrastructure.

Day is drawing attention to a bus stop on Maxwell Street, South Penrith, as an example of the issues associated with local bus services.

The stop sits on the side of a hill with no access for those with impairments.

“The here and now still lacks infrastructure,” Day said.

“People today can't access that bus stop especially in situations like this.”

Day’s comments come on the back of the Bus Industry Task Force Report which identifies buses as an essential service in the State’s public transport network, but sees the NSW bus system as presently predicted to fail to deliver on the needs of the growing population.

“I believe the burden of addressing the bus shelter gaps should not fall on Council budgets to the detriment of other services, and can be provided by the State Government as an investment in the health, safety and sustainability of western Sydney,” Day said.

Day is suggesting that improved funding models need to be delivered for improvements to be made.

“They [State Government] need a better funding model for bus stop infrastructure, public transport infrastructure, cycle ways, cycle lockers and all the stuff people need to get them out of their cars,” Day said.

“Because ultimately, that is what we want, because we want more development, but we don't want more cars on the road and that underpins everything.”

“The current system is struggling to keep pace with population changes.”

Day is asking the State Govern-

“The NSW bus system as presently configured is at risk of failing to deliver on the needs of a growing and expanding population in a financially and energy challenged environment,” the Bus Industry Taskforce Report said.

ment to do more to improve the state of bus stops across the state.

“The State Government needs to look at a more holistic approach to public transport and infrastructure,” Day said.

“Because just saying to us, ‘this is what we want you to do’, without any funding models, it’s difficult.

“Because then there is a pressure in services because we have to provide [the] services and if that is part of it, what service is going to miss out?”.

Day believes the burden shouldn’t be on the shoulders of local Councils to deliver better transport infrastructure.

Day said the good work Council is doing needs to be supplemented by the State Government with real funding.

“We need urgent funding for people to be able to access good public transport, in line with all the good work Council [is doing],” Day said.

Councillor Sue Day wants more transport infrastructure for Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

the western weekender

westernweekender.com.au

Society shifts everywhere you look

In defence of Facebook – sort of Facebook’s decision not to enter into new commercial deals with news publishers in Australia is an intriguing one that will have far-reaching consequences across the media landscape.

On Tuesday, Facebook removed the news tab from its platform – though news will still be available on the direct pages of news providers.

This is not a 2021-style news ban, though some have suggested it could end up that way if the Federal Government forces Meta to negotiate payment deals with publishers.

It should be noted that The Western Weekender does not and never has had a deal with Facebook under the news content agreements that were made a few years back.

In fact, the biggest benefactors out of those deals were big publishers like News Corp, Nine and Seven West Media.

This was an issue in itself, as it is smaller publishers – particularly in regional areas –that are struggling the most with changing advertiser trends and demands.

Meta, which owns Facebook, essentially argues that it shouldn’t have to enter into agreements to pay news publishers because publishers reap the rewards of posting articles on Facebook and the interaction that brings.

And to a pretty big extent, that is true. Publishers use social media platforms to promote their content, often taking the user to their own websites where subscriptions and advertising is sold.

“We don’t scrape or pull content from publisher websites, unlike other companies. We provide a free service which publishers voluntarily choose to use and can benefit from,” a Meta spokesperson said recently.

Meta has every right not to pay news publishers, unless the government pushes the button on forced agreements, but it should also be careful not to mislead the market.

Meta continues to argue that professionally created news only accounts for about three per cent of the content consumed by users on Facebook.

But Facebook chooses what you see on your feeds through its algorithms, and has significantly reduced the reach of news providers.

It’s pretty obvious that if you show users less news, they’ll consume less.

That’s literally like us choosing to run no sport in our paper and then putting out a statistic saying our readers are consuming less sports news. Well, duh!

It is a curated stat that would only have relevance if Facebook still provided users with the ability to see their feeds chronologically, incorporating every page and individual they follow (which, by the way, it should!).

Facebook can run the risky game of thinking its users don’t want news content if it likes, but let’s be honest, what’s left without it?

Community groups wondering why a helicopter is circling above or what time the corner shops open.

Your Mum posting a random meme or sharing a memory from six years ago.

And more seriously, a tonne of misinformation and crackpot theories.

In this whole news saga, I’ve been pretty understanding of Meta’s stance, though I do believe there should be some sort of agreement in place with news publishers.

But some of their comments about news suggests to me that Meta, despite all its research and data, doesn’t quite understand the wants and needs of its core users.

Let’s not forget, social media has been around for a couple of decades, at best. In the big scheme of things, the jury remains out on where it will settle in history.

News, and a desire for information, has been with us for centuries. Such demand will never disappear, just the vehicles of delivery change.

If Meta chooses not to be in that space, its users will simply find somewhere else; and it’ll be left wondering where everyone went.

News does not need Meta, but I’m really not sure that Meta’s argument that it doesn’t need news holds up.

Perhaps paying for news isn’t the answer, but better respect for news and its publishers would be a decent start.

Festivals are dead in the water

When the Big Day Out festival launched in Australia in 1992, it changed the local music landscape, delivering the nation its first annual festival and spearheading a huge festival culture that became part of the lives of a couple of generations of music fans.

By 2001, Splendour in the Grass had joined the festival landscape as the momentum continued to grow; with plenty of other festivals also doing the rounds.

Fast forward to 2024 and Big Day Out has now been gone a decade, Splendour in the Grass appears to have busted its last ear drum and the festival industry as a whole is on its knees.

Excuses? There’s plenty. Chief among them is the sky-rocketing cost of festival tickets, which have left much of the core audience behind, as well as repetitive line-ups, a changing drinking culture and generational shift – where going to the movies for two hours is an effort, let alone a music festival for two or three days.

I’m no expert here, but I’d tip the music festival era is all but done in Australia; save for a few that will survive.

It’s just impossible to turn around the plethora of reasons they’re not selling.

Of course Leichhardt should be saved Facebook and music festivals may be suffering from natural shifts in audience, but Leichhardt Oval’s is being forced.

Most concerning about some of the commentary of the past few weeks, especially from interim Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson, is that many appear to have lost sight of who rugby league is for.

Sure, entertaining corporate types is great. But rugby league is for those people on the hill; who keep turning up to Leichhardt despite being told it’s only a slight step up from the shallows of hell.

Leichhardt Oval cannot be lost to rugby league, and it’s time for the political games to stop and somebody to find a solution.

If you lose your traditions before your fans are ready to do so, you risk the very future of that fan base. It would be silly to do so.

Melissa McIntosh drives return of ANZAC Day ceremony at Emu Plains for 2024 Beloved

Amuch-loved ANZAC Day service in Emu Plains will return after several years in the wilderness.

The service was previously run by residents, but had to stop due to the increasing administrative burden of holding public events, including public liability insurance.

A small group of locals still gathered at the Melrose Park Cenotaph each year to pay their respects, and there has been a groundswell of community support to bring the service back, but there has been no formal event.

This week, Federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh confirmed the ceremony’s return later this month.

“Along with organisations including the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch, the National Servicemen’s Association (NASHOS), the Emu Plains Lions Club, the Nepean District Historical Society, the Emu Plains Girl Guides, Nepean Valley Trefoil Guild and Emu Plains Anglican Church, we have been working hard to return the service to Emu Plains,” she said.

“We had a few hurdles to jump over, but I am pleased we now have public liability insurance covered. That was the biggest issue to ensure the service could take place. Recently, Penrith Council approved our traffic management plan, so we now have

service returns

the green light to make this beautiful service happen.

“The Emu Plains Community ANZAC Service has been a true grassroots community event that is so meaningful to local families. We want to keep it community focused, as that is what makes it so special in honouring our veterans who gave the greatest sacrifice, and current serving defence personnel.”

McIntosh said the Emu Plains community has helped make it happen.

“We have a really dedicated group of locals, from people organising the service, to residents offering rosemary and their time on the day. We are also very grateful for the support of Dukes Estate Agents in Emu Plains, who are sponsoring the hire of the PA system and chairs,” she said.

“Everyone is working together in the true spirit of community.”

Penrith RSL sub-Branch Secretary Peter Ward said he was extremely happy to be involved in the local committee.

“We have been working hard to ensure all proper protocols are followed in recognition of our veterans past and present, in particular those who have paid the supreme sacrifice,” he said.

The Emu Plains Community ANZAC Day Service will be held at 11am on ANZAC Day, April 25, at the Emu Plains War Memorial (Melrose Cenotaph) at Lions Park, Emu Plains.

Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh with locals supporting the Emu Plains service.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Kingswood: Man refused bail after rampage resulted in assault charges

A man has been charged after allegedly spitting at hospital staff and police officers in Kingswood last week.

At about 8.20am on Monday, March 25 Police were called to Nepean Hospital where a 40-year-old Kingswood man was involved in a heated argument with an unknown male.

The 40-year-old male had received a laceration to his lip and presented to a clinic at the hospital and not the emergency department.

It is alleged the man entered the clinic and was pacing back and forth and has kicked and punched the entry door. The 40-year-old man has demanded to be let into the clinic. It was explained to him that he needed to go to the emergency department.

It is alleged that the 40-year-old has spat, saliva mixed with blood, on the Perspex screen that was protecting the attendant. The 40-year-old man continued to hit and kick the glass doors and has smeared the saliva and blood over the protector screen. It is also alleged he has picked up a bottle of sanitiser and threw it at the Perspex screen and has spat on the entrance door.

Staff in the clinic have hit the emergency alert and hospital security has attended. The 40-year-old man was still seated at the clinic. It is alleged that the man became immediately aggressive toward one of the security guards. It is alleged the 40-year-old man has spat at the security guard’s feet, lunged at him, and then spat directly at him; the saliva mixed with blood landed on the security guard’s shirt.

The 40-year-old was restrained by security until Police arrived. It was decided that due to the man’s original injury that he should see a doctor. An Ambulance was called and it is alleged at the time the 40-year-old man was on the Ambulance stretcher he was threatening Police and has kicked out at one of the officers. He was restrained on the stretcher and is alleged to have spat at one of the Police Officers.

The man was charged, and bail refused. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 18.

Penrith: Local woman charged with prohibited drug supply

A woman has been charged with supplying prohibited drugs.

In December 2023 Strike Force Greville was set up in relation to the supply of prohibited

drugs from a unit block on High Street, Penrith. It was established that the occupant of the location was a 55-year-old Penrith woman who was allegedly supplying prohibited drugs.

Surveillance was established and telephone warrants were applied for and granted. It is alleged that between February 2024 and March 2024, the woman has supplied prohibited drugs including heroin and methylamphetamine on more than three occasions in a 30 day period for financial gain.

At about 8.00am on Tuesday, March 26

Police have attended the woman’s unit and executed a search warrant where the woman was arrested. A search of the premises located a small resealable plastic bag containing methylamphetamine, and a pencil case containing a quantity of cash.

Also located during the search was a large amount of property believed to be stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.

A large amount of identification in other people’s names, blank identification cards, credit cards in other people's names, an item believed to be a card reading device, a large amount of mobile phones, laptops, and an NSW Police Badge with a warrant card was also found.

Investigations in relation to the property recovered continues.

The woman was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, April 12.

Kingswood: Woman charged with possessing prohibited drugs

A woman has been charged with possession of prohibited drugs after police searched her car.

At about 12.30pm on Thursday, March 28

Police were patrolling the Great Western highway, Kingswood when they sighted a vehicle that is alleged to have been driving erratically.

Police have stopped the vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 26-year-old East Lindfield woman. The woman was drug tested and it is alleged that a positive result was returned. The woman was arrested.

The vehicle was searched, and it is alleged cocaine was found in several locations.

Located in the centre console was a large amount of cash, and another large amount of cash was found in the glove box.

The woman was arrested and charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, March 9.

with Daniel McKinnon

HANDLING DISPUTES ABOUT TREES

Have you ever found yourself in a dispute with one of your neighbours about a tree?

Together with disputes about the location of boundaries and things like dividing fences, tree disputes are one of the most common disputes that occur between neighbours.

There is a piece of legislation that deals specifically with these types of disputes called the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (the Act).

The Act allows certain classes of people defined in the legislation who have suffered or are likely to suffer some form of harm to apply to the Land & Environment Court of New South Wales for Court Orders to remedy, restrain, or prevent damage to property or to prevent injury to any person when damage or injury arises from a tree that is situated on adjoining land.

The Act applies to trees that are on privately owned land in a number of contexts including residential zones, industrial and business zones, and some rural settings.

The Act can also apply to trees on Crown land (for example schools, public housing, and hospitals), however the application of the Act to trees on Crown land is more limited than its general application to disputes between private owners of adjoining land.

Applying the Act can be difficult because you need to have an understanding of what kind of plant constitutes a “tree” for the purposes of the Act.

Section 3 of the Act defines a tree to include any woody perennial plant, any plant resembling a tree in form and size, and any other plant prescribed by the regulations. Amendments to the Act in 2010 set out that vines are now trees for the purposes of the Act and case law has established that trees that are dead, dying, or heavily pruned will also satisfy the definition of the Act, for example a bare trunk or stump that is still connected to the soil of the land.

The regulations, which are essentially an annexure to the Act, also set out that bamboo, tiger grass/giant clumping grass is a tree for the purposes of the Act.

It is important to note that hedges, for the most part, are also considered to be trees for the purposes of the Act.

So, once you have determined whether or

not the plant/tree that is in issue is in fact a tree for the purposes of the Act, you must then work out what kind of Order you are seeking in the Land & Environment Court to make and the basis on which your application is made.

Section 9 of the Act sets out the kinds of Orders that can be made including an Order to remedy damage to property, restrain or prevent damage or further damage to property, prevent injury to any person, authorising the person making the application to take specific action to remedy, restrain or prevent damage or injury, authorise entry onto the relevant land for the purposes of carrying out an Order, Order for payment of costs associated with the carrying out of an Order, Order for compensation for damaged to property and/or requiring a tree to be replaced.

Some examples can include things like an Order to remove a tree, grind or poison its stump, remove offending roots, prune overhanging tree limbs, pay for roofing work and replacement of tiles damaged by fallen tree limbs, pay for repair or replacement of sewer pipes, cracked walls, or paths badly damaged by tree roots and pay for the installation of a root control barrier.

The above list is not exhaustive but provides you with some examples of the types of tree Orders that the Land & Environment Court can make.

If you are thinking of making an application you may also need to engage an expert to prove the cause of the damage you are seeking be rectified/remedied and detail the type, extent, and cost of the damage.

This could include experts like arborists, builders, or engineers.

If your application is to remedy something like sunlight loss to windows there are expert tree surveyors who can assist with this also.

The first step in any tree dispute should be to try to have a respectful conversation with your neighbour.

Even though the Act is set out to try to assist people in resolving tree disputes cheaply and efficiently, like any legal matter if the matter cannot be resolved by agreement and lawyers become involved it will be inevitably expensive.

MOAY 15 APL

BARBIE MOVIE (PG)

ESDAY 16 APL

EVAN THEATRE 10. 30AM ULMA SPORTS

BACKYARD

SESSION 1 | 10. 30AM - 11 . 30AM

WEDNESDAY 17 APL

BACKYARD

BASEMENT INSIDE

SESSION 1 | 10.30AM

SESSION 2 | 11 30AM - 12 30PM DS MAGICIAN

FDAY 19 APL

EVAN THEATRE 10. 30AM P SHOW

JACK SHARP

10. 30AM DS DISCO

MOAY 22 APL SDAY 18 APL

SESSION 2 | 11 .30AM GO BUILD & BASH BASEMENT

ESDAY 23RD APL

SESSION 1 | 10.30AM

SESSION 2 | 11 .30AM

EVAN THEATRE 11AM DS COONG CSSGRUB/BASEMENT 11AM ME TO W  GAME SHOW

WEDNESDAY 24 APL

Council Briefs

Council, at its meeting of Monday, 20 November 2023, resolved commencement date of up to 6 months to ensure the VPA could be resolved and executed.

● Are you a creative person who hates networking? Join us and Creative Plus Business for a great evening at Networking Tips for Creatives on Wednesday, 1 May from 5–8pm at the Borland Lounge at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

and practice your skills in the second half. Register at penrith.city/events

● Thornton residents, we want to hear from you! In response to feedback about the use of Ron Mulock Oval, Penrith City Council invites you to have your say on how we can make Ron Mulock Oval an even better space for the community. Come and have a chat with us at our pop-up consultation sessions on the following dates:

• Saturday, 6 April from 10am–12pm

Ron Mulock Playground (near the BBQ area)

• Thursday, 11 April from 7.30am–9.30am

Thornton Community Centre

• Wednesday, 17 April from 5pm–7pm

Thornton Community Centre

You can also have your say by completing a short survey by Sunday, 5 May at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ron-mulock-oval

● Time is running out to nominate for the 2024 Local Celebration Awards, with nominations closing on Monday, 15 April!

This is your chance to recognise and celebrate these quiet achievers in our community, who help to improve the lives of others and make our City a better place to live.

These people often go unrecognised, but the Local Celebration miss this opportunity to uplift the people who support our community so much.

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

● It’s back! School holidays are just around the corner, so come down to Kokoda Park, St Marys on Wednesday, 17 April and City Park, Penrith on Wednesday, 24 April for a morning of fun activities and entertainment at Council’s free Mini Makers event. There will be arts and crafts, face painting, active games, Penrith City Council’s mobile playvan and live music – and the best part, it’s FREE!

Activities start from 10am. Go to penrith.city/events

Public Notice Draft Planning Agreement for 221–325 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills

Penrith City Council is publicly notifying a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council, Atilol Holdings and HB & B Property.

The draft VPA has been prepared in support of a Planning Proposal relating to 221–325 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills.

The draft VPA seeks to facilitate the delivery of upgraded Luddenham Road and Patons Lane and the dedication of land for the future widening of Luddenham Road to support the future development of the site.

A copy of the draft VPA and explanatory note can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

2 May 2024. Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday, 2 May 2024.

Enquiries: Madison McGlynn, Planner on 4732 8577 or email madison.mcglynn@penrith.city

Development Applications

by Council:

• 2 & 3 Daphne Close, Kingswood

town houses

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378

• 34–36 Preston Street, Jamisontown

Use of industrial unit complex as community facility and ancillary place of public worship including related internal building works

Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568

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

• Lot 162 DP 1249986, 1a Cressy Road, Mount Vernon

David’s passion for Saints

Big shoes to fill: New St Marys Leagues Club President confident of bright future

CASSIDY PEARCE

Over the last almost 40 years, St Marys Rugby League Club has become synonymous with its President, Warren Smith.

Now, with his retirement announced in March, it’s time for a new leader to step forward, in the form of David Cartwright.

Cartwright is no stranger to Saints, with a 55-year-long personal history with the Club, and his family’s involvement extending even beyond that, with David’s father, Merv Cartwright, being Secretary of the Junior League and coaching sides in the 1970s, and all his siblings playing rugby league for the Club also.

It’s for this reason that over the years, he’s grown so attached.

“When I was little, St Marys was a really small town,” he said.

“Growing up with all the people that ran it in those days left a big impression on me, just to see the passion that they had about the place, and eventually I always wanted to try and emulate the stuff that they had done.

“I’ve always lived in St Marys, I love living here, it’s my community, and that’s the way I feel at the club now. We’re community-based, and we wanted to make it a great place for people to visit, and to be proud of what we do there.”

It’s this drive that made Cartwright want to be involved in the Club on a greater level, though he admits he was shocked when he was admitted to the Board in the first place.

“I was approached by two former life members to run for the Board, Tony Mitchell and Tony Dicker,” he said.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, I was a young father at the time and working for myself, and didn’t really think I had the time to do it.

“But, they spoke to me at length and I could see where they were coming from, and they swayed me.”

Since that time, he’s seen the Club grow from just 10 sides to over 50, putting thousands of kids on the field each week – including both of his sons.

After so many years of involvement on all levels, Cartwright said he couldn’t be prouder to have been appointed the new President of the Board.

“It’s one of those things you wish your parents were still around to have seen, because they both loved the place, but I know they’d be very proud of me at this point, and I know my kids are very proud, and my wife particularly,” he said.

“It’s just something that’s always in the back of your head, and now it’s gone in the blink of an eye. My first son, Bryce, was only a baby when I first got on [the Board], and he’s well into his 20s!”

Development Consentt/s Detrmined (cont.)

• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust

DA23/0981

Lot 14 DP 1344, Lot 15 DP 1344, Lot 16 DP 1344 and Lot 17 DP 1344, 148–154 Caddens Road, Orchard Hills

Integrated Development for a Torrens title subdivision of 4 lots into 2 residue lots

• Thrive Homes Pty Ltd

Lot 869 DP 1279915, 58 Starline Drive, Caddens

Two-storey dwelling

• Better Built Homes & Developments Pty Ltd

Lot 865 DP 1279915, 50 Starline Drive, Caddens

Two-storey dwelling

• Physiotherapy Health Enterprise Pty Ltd

Use of Ground Floor commercial tenancy as Physiotherapy Clinic and associated signage

• Provincial Homes Pty Ltd

Two-storey dwelling

• Monika Elizabeth M Lubec

Lot 208 DP 13531, 47 Eton Road, Cambridge Park Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling

• Han Chong Wu

DA24/0014

DA24/0042

DA24/0013

DA24/0064

DA24/0022

DA23/1069

Lot 1 DP 38927, 32a Saddington Street, St Marys and construction of a secondary dwelling and demolition of existing structures

• Alex Gardiner

DA23/0704

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal, construction of 2 detached single-storey dwellings (to create a ‘dual occupancy’ development), swimming pool, wastewater treatment systems, fencing and associated works

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

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

Having known Smith since the age of 15 through rugby league, Cartwright admits he knows he has big shoes to fill. But, with the help of his mentorship along the way, he’s hoping for a seamless transition which will see the Club continue on the trajectory set up during Smith’s leadership, and foster the growth of even more young local athletes.

“We would like to improve some of the dressing room facilities for the ladies’ football teams. At the moment, we don’t have a real senior girls’ team, but when the NRLW is introduced in Penrith, we want a facility where the girls have their own dressing rooms, and feel like they’re not just tagged onto us – they have their own right, and can take ownership of what’s there,” he said.

“We also still have a fair bit of land there.

“Our hotel is going very well at the moment, and there’s been talk of perhaps putting a gym there or a swimming pool, but that will be part of our next Master Plan, which we’ll probably be having shortly now that Warren’s ticked all the boxes that he wanted to be done.”

David Cartwright is the new president of St Marys Leagues Club.

PAGE TEN

cupboard prize

AQ: Why didn’t the man take the stairs? A: He thought they were up to something.

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

s a proud member of the ‘PAW Patrol’, Rubble has stolen the hearts of preschoolers everywhere with his loyal, optimistic nature and penchant for treats. The ‘Rubble & Crew’ series expands Rubble’s world with storytelling that digs into amazing construction projects and the importance of family, combined with high-stakes action, fun adventures and messy demolition that preschoolers love.

To bring the excitement of the ‘Rubble & Crew’ world to life, four new ‘Rubble & Crew’ toys with life-like construction toys and pup figures are now available; Wheeler’s Dump Truck, Charger’s Crane Grabber Truck, Mix’s Cement Mixer Truck and Rubble’s Bulldozer.

paceway winners lucky

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

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-

This week’s lucky winners are: 0375, 0982, 1011. Joke Week of

‘Rubble & Crew’ Construction Vehicles are $24.99 each and are currently available exclusively at Kmart.

‘Rubble & Crew’ streams on Paramount+.

The Weekender has three ‘PAW Patrol’ toy packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Paw Patrol’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, April 19 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

This collection encourages an immersive and interactive experience through the collection’s features such as working wheels, movable scoops, rotating mixing drums, and extendable crane arms, so that kids can join ‘Rubble & Crew’ on their big adventures – recreating their favourite building projects from the show.

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

What’s the deal with daycare centres charging you if your child is sick, but then filling the spot with a casual vacancy and charging that person too? The practice should be abjured.

How good was it to see the Nepean River a hive of activity over the Easter weekend? It was great to see so many families out enjoying the great weather in a beautiful spot.

On a path to nowhere: Jordan Springs residents feel neglected

Aconcerned resident says Jordan Springs is frozen in time with pathways stopping just metres before the road and overgrown parks that have not been maintained since before summer in 2023.

Is it quickly becoming our forgotten suburb?

Local resident Jeff (surname withheld by request) is perplexed by a footpath stopping four metres from Lance Street.

“It is a tripping hazard,” he said.

A few metres away is another incomplete footpath that was originally intended to connect through to Tedbury Road, but it remains incomplete after five years.

“We are waiting for a 50-metre path,” Jeff said.

“All the houses [on Tedbury Road] have been finished for at least five years, so there is no excuse for Lendlease not putting this through.

“Now, this was all a part of the original Development Application (DA), and it was supposed to go though. On the other side, which is 50 metres away... there’s a bit in the gutter for it, ready to go, but it’s a dead end.”

Jeff has also seen a decline in the maintenance of Brick Kiln Park as it has become overgrown by bush and weeds.

“You've got weeds that haven't been attended to for a few years,” Jeff said.

Jeff shared how frustrating it is to not see people enjoying the parklands like they once did.

“Down here, people used to run, and take their dogs, but that’s rarely done now because

of how high the grass is,” he said.

Jeff said that maintenance of the area used to be a regular occurrence but now it is rarely done.

“It used to be done regularly and it was

awesome, and it is now just not happening at all,” he said.

Jeff is hoping for regular maintenance to bring the park back to its best and give Jordan Springs back some life.

“I don’t care if it is Penrith Council or Lendlease, I don't care who does it, but it has to be done,” Jeff said.

Penrith City Council has confirmed that developer Lendlease hold the responsibility for maintenance and care of the Jordan Springs area, and it is not a requirement of Council to maintain the area.

When contacted by the Weekender, Lendlease confirmed that targeted maintenance will begin within the next few weeks and plans to evaluate the extension of the footpath to Lance Street are underway.

“The growth of vegetation over the summer period has been steady due to the amount of rain and warm weather,” a spokesperson for Lendlease said.

“Landscape maintenance will target this area over the next few weeks so the parkland can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

“We will work with Council on the extension of the footpath to Lance Street.”

A you a Jordan Springs resident concerned about maintenance in the suburb? We want to hear from you! Email Emily.Chate@westernweekender.com.au.

Jordan Springs resident Jeff on the footpath to nowhere. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Asbestos panel established

Penrith Council spends more than $1 million annually on asbestos management

Penrith City Council will establish a panel of experts for asbestos removal services in the city, incorporating three companies.

A tender was advertised in the late stages of 2023 for asbestos treatment and removal services at Council-owned assets.

“A total of 10 tenders were received by the closing date,” a report to Council said.

“Of these 10 tender applications two were from Penrith.”

In regards to the two local tenderers, they were assessed to be below the standard of consideration.

“There were two local tenderers. The assessment of their submissions scored considerably less than the recommended panel of contractors,” the report to Council said.

The final recommendation for the service of asbestos treatment and removal was that a panel be established to perform the services incorporating RMA Contracting Pty Ltd, Beasy Pty Ltd and EnviroPacific Services Limited.

The Tender Advisory Group (TAG) recommended that the selected panel was the most favourable to Council.

“The TAG considered the recommendations in relation to the tender... noting that, the recommended tender was the lowest price, the company has demonstrated their ability to meet Council's requirements and their proposal was considered to be the most advantageous to Council for the scale of this project,” a report to Council said.

Council spends more than $1 million a year on asbestos removal and treatment.

“The estimated annual cost of asbestos removal and treatment is $1.3 million,” a report to Council said.

Councillor Kevin Crameri expressed

Asbestos was recently found at Regatta Park in Emu Plains.

concerns over the lack of policy regarding the removal of asbestos.

“Asbestos is a very big thing. It doesn’t get the attention it should do,” Crameri said.

“What we should be doing as a Council is saying to the State Government we need a

Applications are open from Thursday 4 April 2024 to Monday 20 May 2024 for placement in an opportunity class in Year 5, 2025.

Parents who have a child in Year 4 can now apply for a place in opportunity classes across NSW. This includes Aurora College, which provides online opportunity classes for students in rural and remote NSW public schools.

Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports our high potential and gifted students.

High potential and gifted students are supported across all NSW public schools through our High Potential and Gifted Education policy.

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

Contact the department’s Selective Education Unit:

Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 1300 880 367

Applications close

Monday 20 May 2024

policy that allows people to get rid of asbestos at a reasonable price rather than dumping it on the side of the road or whatever.

“... Council officers need to come back to us with a motion we can put to a minister or [the] State Government, because this is statewide –

every Council has got the same problem and I think that we're just not handling it the right way.”

Asbestos was in the spotlight recently when it was discovered in mulch at the Regatta Park construction site.

Highway upgrade at Emu Plains now complete

Penrith City Council announced last week the completion of road upgrades along the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains.

It is predicted drivers will benefit from a better flow of traffic and safer conditions on the major road.

The road upgrades included the construction of a new four-way intersection of the Great Western Highway and River Road, installation of new traffic lights, a dedicated left-hand turn lane from the highway into River Road, dedicated left and righthand turn lanes into Lamrock Street, road surfacing, new line marking, and drainage improvements.

Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney, and State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, officially opened the newly upgraded road, with Carney saying the upgrade will improve traffic flow within the area.

“These road changes will help to

ease traffic congestion in the area by improving traffic flow along the Great Western Highway for drivers coming in and out of Emu Plains,” Carney said.

“It will also make it much easier for residents and visitors who want to enjoy Regatta Park and the river.”

McKeown said the upgrade is a welcome addition for motorists.

“It is welcomed by all those commuters that travel the Great Western Highway,” McKeown said.

The upgrade follows the completion of stage one of the Regatta Park project last year.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney, and Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, in front of the newly upgraded section of the Great Western Highway as part of the Regatta Park project.

Graves attacked by crows

Council issues warning as influx of birds cause havoc at Penrith General Cemetery

Visitors to Penrith General Cemetery at Kingswood have been given a warning that a number of pesky crows have been attacking graves.

Penrith General Cemetery has put up signs alerting visitors that their loved ones’ graves might be disturbed and to make sure anything placed on to the graves is tightly secured.

The birds are being accused of removing items from grave sites including flowers and pebbles. Crows notoriously are known as scavengers who hunt for shiny objects, food and water.

“Penrith General Cemetery is experiencing a large number of crows within the cemetery grounds,” a sign on the cemetery grounds reads.

“The crows have been observed removing flowers, pebbles and other item[s] from grave sites in search of food and water.

“To deter the removal of items by the crows from grave sites, could visitors please ensure any item placed on the grave site is placed as securely as possible.”

The scavenging comes as no surprise

as in some cultures the appearance of a black crow is often an omen or symbol for death and are sometimes considered to be spiritual messengers from the other side.

Other cultures see the appearance of a black crow as a symbol for good luck, new opportunities, and can even be seen as a sign of guidance and spiritual protection.

These interpretations are not universal and is dependent on the culture.

A spokesperson for Penrith City Council, which is the operator of the cemetery, confirmed the crows have been scavenging grave sites for a period of weeks.

“Over the past few weeks crows at Penrith Cemetery have been causing problems by pulling flowers out of vases, picking at unsecured items from grave sites, and generally scavenging grave sites,” the Council spokesperson said.

“We have been advising visitors to firmly secure items so that the crows cannot take the items.”

It is unclear what is being done to remove the threat of crows from the cemetery but in the meantime visitors are encouraged to ensure they securely place items at the graves of their loved ones.

A warning sign at the cemetery. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Molly proud to show western Sydney fire on Harbour stage

When putting her in dance lessons as a toddler, Molly Bugeja’s parents probably had no idea she’d end up a working professional. But, by age 10, she’d certainly let them know.

“I hadn’t really thought about a career or future work up until that point, but I think inside me, I always knew innately,” she said. “Then, you turn 11 and you start thinking about life properly, and going, ‘What am I going to do?’.”

A Leonay resident, Bugeja said attending Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School was what caused her to fall naturally into theatre, as she was able to thrust herself into new opportunities like singing and drama.

She recalls the moment she got a call from her agent whilst she was studying for her Year 11 exams letting her know she’d booked the in-theatre version of ‘West Side Story’ with Opera Australia, ultimately leading her to leave school to pursue it.

“It was such a mixture of hard work and luck. The stars just aligned for me,” she said. “It was pretty major, and I’m very grateful for that.”

In 2019, at the age of 17, Bugeja made her debut in the role of Anybodys.

Though she’s bounced around to different jobs since then, including performing in ‘Mary Poppins’, Bugeja said the role and show have grown particularly close to her heart, returning first in 2021, and again this year.

As for what she loves about the show, Bugeja said it’s primarily the themes within it, with ‘West Side Story’ sharing a tale of transcending hate that she says will always need to be told.

“I really think it’s the show that continues to give,” she said.

“It is based on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, which I think we can all agree is the

blueprint for an amazing story, and it is just so relevant as well. There’s themes of racism, themes of hate and love, and also love trumping all and fixing everything.

“It’s also just such a diverse cast as well. That script really allows audiences to see our society reflected on stage, which is really incredible.”

This year, the show is being performed on Sydney Harbour’s overwater stage, which is more than two-and-a-half times larger than any indoor stage in Australia.

With ‘West Side Story’ already receiving rave reviews, Bugeja said she’s proud to be

bringing ‘western Sydney fire’ to the show, and representing her community.

“There’s big talk in the industry that people who come from the west, we’re guns,” she said.

“There are so many of us in this industry, so many people from out west, and each and every one of us has really proved that we belong there. There’s something about the energy and the passion of people from western Sydney!”

‘West Side Story’ on Sydney Harbour will be on until Sunday, April 21. For more information, visit www.opera.org.au.

30 May 2024

The ZEST Awards are Western Sydney’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating the achievements of the region’s Community Sector

The cast of ‘West Side Story’ in action.

Molly Bugeja.

info@binethomes.com.au

www.binethomes.com.au

Family needs your help

As pressure builds and medical bills pile up, one local family deserves a hand

Jordan Springs mum of four Cherie Mills is asking the Penrith community to support her family through the toughest of times.

Mills has four children with special needs, but 14-year-old Connor and two-year-old Corey have recently both experienced terrifying seizures that will see them need to undergo a series of expensive medical appointments this year.

Mills and her husband were woken up early one Sunday morning to see her two-year-old son, Corey, having a seizure.

“From the moment we woke up it lasted five minutes,” Mills said.

“His eyes were rolled back and he was foaming at the mouth, he was having a full on seizure.”

Corey was taken to hospital where later that evening he suffered a second seizure, which Cherie recorded for proof.

“The nurse said ‘Mum, I know this is going to be very hard but I need you to record this, it needs to be recorded’,” Mills said.

“So now I have a video on my phone of Corey having his seizure.

“Which is very hard when you scroll through your phone trying to find something and it keeps popping back up.”

Later that same week, Cherie's

14-year-old son Connor had a seizure while sitting in his metal shop class.

“On that Friday, I get a phone call at 9.30 in the morning from Connor’s school saying your son has just had a seizure,” Mills said.

Corey has cerebral palsy with a global development delay and Connor has a global development delay with an intellectual disability with anger and emotional issues.

“Our kids already have things coming up which are hard for them

but, now this on top of it has just changed everything completely for us,” Mills said.

Mills is running a fundraiser event on Saturday, May 4 at Penrith RSL to raise money for the upcoming medical expenses her sons will need.

“We now have tests to be done, they've already got a few appointments booked up, each is $500, and we’ve already got six appointments for one of them and the other one has four booked,” Mills said.

“Being a mum, freaking out [and] not knowing what to do, they need these appointments, we don’t have a choice.”

“So, I just thought what am I going to do?”

The fundraising event is set to be a family friendly event with a series of raffles, fun games and activities for those attending on the day.

“This can be a family friendly event, something fun for the kids to come to,” Mills said.

“Yes it is a fundraiser, but I want families to come and have fun too.”

The fundraising event will be held at Penrith RSL on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 3pm. No bookings are required.

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Every donation counts at this year’s Mayoral Ball

I would like to invite you to come along to the Mayoral Charity Fundraiser 2024!

This event will raise funds for the Penrith Community Kitchen and tickets are on sale now.

On any given day, the Kitchen provides meals for between 80 and 100 people.

The Kitchen provides those doing it tough in our community a place of comfort and a social connection and ensures those reaching out for support services can get the help they need.

The event will see people from all walks of life will come together to hear real stories and contribute to a brighter future for those struggling to make ends meet in our community.

This highly anticipated event will be a great night of entertainment and community celebration for the life-changing work of a local service, while fundraising to keep the Penrith Community Kitchen’s doors open to those in need.

The dedicated and hard-working volunteers of the Kitchen are the backbone of this incredible charity with every donation

going towards food, clothing, and essential items for those accessing the Kitchen’s services is crucial.

The ticket price includes a $30 donation to the Penrith Community Kitchen with the event offering guests a three-course meal, beverages, a silent auction, and a range of spectacular entertainment throughout the evening.

All funds raised will be donated to the Penrith Community Kitchen at the conclusion of the event, to help make a difference and assist those in the community who are doing it tough.

The Mayoral Charity Fundraiser will be held at the St Marys Leagues Club on Friday, June 21 2024.

Local businesses, community groups and residents are invited to attend and raise money for the Penrith Community Kitchen.

Please help us, help our community. For more information, visit penrith.city/ mayoralcharity.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

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

Cherie Mills with her son Corey at Penrith RSL. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Youth shines bright: Student to represent us all at District Final

After winning the Lions Club of Cambridge Park’s Club Final in February, Yakshita Singhi has taken out the Lions Youth of the Year Area Final, seeing her progress to the next level this weekend.

The Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition is a program tailored for young individuals on the cusp of finishing high school and venturing into the workforce or pursuing higher education at university or TAFE.

At the Club Final, five students from three local schools – being Glenmore Park High School, St Marys Senior High School and Penrith Christian School – competed, with Glenmore Park High School student Yakshita coming out on top. Then, when advancing to the next level, Yakshita would compete again, representing Cambridge Park Lions, this time against students from all over western Sydney, including Janice Arul Selvan from Montgrove College sponsored by Penrith Lions, Shreya Mann from William Clarke College sponsored by Toongabbie Seven Hills Lions, Laura Shaw from Windsor High sponsored by Richmond Lions and Misk Awwad from Arthur Phillip High sponsored by Parramatta Lions. The initiative encompasses a written submission, a 40-minute interview with a panel of judges, and public speaking.

Though Janice was chosen as the winner of the

Public Speaking Award, Cambridge Park Lions Club President Barbara Margerison said that choosing an overall winner was an extremely close call.

“I was talking to the judges, and they said there was only one-and-a-half points between them,” she said.

“The reason that Yakshita won was because of what she does in the community.”

Given that Yakshita was their local repre sentative, Margerison said she was ecstatic to see her win, with this a testament to the good that young people are doing in the local Penrith community.

“I just think it’s pretty good that we can highlight some teenagers who are doing some good in the area,” she said.

“So often, you hear of these horrible things that these teenagers get up to, and very rarely hear about the good that they actually do do.”

Yakshita will now go on to the District Final, to be held on Sunday, April 7 at Wenty Leagues Club. Though competition will be tough, Margerison said she has high hopes for Yakshita.

“We’re very proud, and hoping that she can win,” she said. Barbara

Margerison, Yakshita Singhi and Jan Eaton.

Long-standing charity reveals new brand and raffle initiative

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they and their families are faced with significant associated costs – that are continuing to rise higher, and faster, than the cost-ofliving or wage growth.

The benefits of complementary therapies throughout the journey from diagnosis to living with cancer, have been cited in many studies.

Local charity, Cancer Wellness Support has played its part to provide affordable and accessible cancer care since 2005, through the generosity of the community – as a 100 per cent self-funded organisation, via local Op Shops, donations, events and fundraising.

To build on their near 20 years, it engaged the wider community in a brand review and has embraced a fresh look to build upon the legacy and strengths of their existing brand, while setting the foundations for continued local support for all who need affordable and accessible cancer care.

During a celebratory event held last Wednesday, the revitalised brand was unveiled with a new website, marketing collateral and

social media presence. As well as the Op Shop sub-brand, to promote its focus on environmentally sustainability and community engagement through the Katoomba and Penrith stores.

The website also houses evidencebased material that demonstrated how complementary therapies play a vital role in supporting people living with cancer, and how Cancer Wellness Support’s model ensures both the individual, their carer and

support network all are critical to building a solid platform.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, with attendees comprising of key stakeholders, community partners, clients, carers and valuable supporters.

Another exciting announcement at the launch was their highly anticipated wellness raffle, comprising over $7,000 worth of prizes spanning outdoor adventures, rustic getaways, wellness experiences and

pamper packs – as Cancer Wellness Support is all about living each day with a focus on wellness.

“We are thrilled to unveil our refreshed brand and new website, which reflects our ongoing commitment to education, and ensuring we continue to provide affordable cancer care to support local people living with cancer and their families,” said Deborah Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Wellness Support.

“The overwhelming generosity of our community is demonstrated by 12 businesses throughout the Blue Mountains and Nepean-Hawkesbury for our wellness raffle, and reflects our strong relationships across the community, for which we are immensely grateful”.

Visit the new Cancer Wellness Support website at www.cancersupport.org.au. Raffle tickets are one for $5 or five for $20 and are available until 4pm on June 10.

Cancer Wellness Support held a special function last week. The organisation revealed a new brand and raffle last week.

Park designer locked in

Next step in Cook Park overhaul confirmed with design work to begin this month

Penrith City Council last week selected the lead designer for the Cook Park Precinct.

Surry Hills architecture company Mode Design Corp has been given the green light to begin designs for the St Marys park precinct.

The tender was advertised earlier this year and garnered a total of 12 applicants. No applications were received from local Penrith companies.

The design process is expected to begin this month and will cost $530,160.

“Once approved, design works will commence in April 2024, with the completion of the design stage (and the subsequent tender process commencement for the construction stage) by December 2024,” a report to Council said.

The objectives of the design tender include the requirement for a multi-use space and consideration of the Urban Heat Index.

“... Create a multi-use open space facility that caters for both premier sports users and community use," the report to Council said.

“Respond to western Sydney urban heat and opportunity for greening our city.

“Consideration of design with Connec-

tion to Country, cultural heritage and site history.”

The appointment of the lead designer for the Cook Park Precinct comes as Penrith City Council has invested over $2 million into the regeneration of the area.

“To date, over $2 million has been invested in regenerating Cook Park through playspace (stage 1) upgrades, provision of an outdoor fitness gym, new car park and the construction of a new amenities facility at Bill Ball Oval,” the report to Council said.

The project is jointly funded by Penrith City Council and both the State and Federal Governments.

The Cook Park Precinct has a total confirmed budget of $19,526,235, but this is expected to exceed $27 million once funding from the Federal Government to the tune of $8.5 million is locked in by Council.

Once completed, the project is estimated to enhance the growth of the St Marys area and contribute a community designed park.

“The completed project will create significantly enhanced community, sport and recreation facilities which are essential to supporting the continued growth of St Marys while increasing the livability of the City,” the report to Council said.

Cook Park in St Marys. Photo: Melinda Jane.

France calls for talented apprentice

This September, 19-year-old vehicle spray painter apprentice Kynan Bonanno will be travelling from St Clair to France to represent Australia at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

Growing up, Bonanno’s father was always passionate about restoring cars, leading him to join the trade after buying his first vehicle at age 15.

It was at this point in time that he realised just how significant of a role his job plays in the day-to-day lives of customers.

“This industry is essential,” he said.

“People need their cars to make a living, so without this trade, they would be stuck if they found themselves in an accident.”

Bonanno started an apprenticeship with the Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) in 2023, and proved himself almost immediately by winning competitions right out of the gates.

“Just nine months into his first-year apprenticeship, Kynan won first place at the regional level and fourth place at the national level,” said Ian Price, General Manager – RTO, MTA NSW.

“This is a well-earned reflection on his incredible skillset, determination, and ability to act as a positive ambassador for the automotive industry.”

Now, he’s officially been named as a member of the Skillaroos, and will be travelling to France in September where he and his teammates will test their skills against competitors from more than 75 countries.

The Skillaroos will undergo rigorous training in preparation for the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition, ensuring that they are fully equipped to compete on the global stage.

For Bonanno, this is a dream come true, especially so early on in his career in the industry.

“I'm honoured to represent Australia at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition and will give my all to make everyone proud on the global stage,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to not only showcasing my skills but also being an ambassador for training in Australia, demonstrating the calibre of education and talent within our country.”

He said his mentors have played a big role in his success.

“I've had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my trainers who have shared their expertise and guided me on this path,” he said.

After also sponsoring last year’s WorldSkills Australia National Championships, MTA NSW will be funding Bonanno’s trip by covering flights, accommodation, and training.

Karen’s Comment

The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

Surgical Care Taskforce

In recent years, our healthcare system has been under incredible pressure, but today, the NSW Government is proud to announce that the waitlist for overdue planned surgeries has been slashed by 85 per cent since the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce was established in March 2023.

Urgent Measles Alert

After many Penrith residents return from travelling across the state this Easter, I advise people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles as NSW Health issued an urgent

Since March 2023, we’ve seen over 12,000 fewer people waiting for an overdue procedure as facilities across the healthcare system put in various innovative strategies to build resilience and improve performance across surgical services. I’m proud that Nepean Hospital has seen a significant reduction in overdue surgeries. It’s a real testament to the workforce here, and I am proud that no one in the Penrith community is waiting longer than they need to for healthcare.

Vaping Campaign

Under a new campaign launched by the NSW Government young people are being reminded ‘every vape is a hit to your health’. The campaign amplifies the voices of people aged 14-24 who have experienced the harms of vaping encouraging young people to consider the proven health harms of vaping, such as nicotine addiction, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes. For support and advice about quitting vaping

Continue to monitor for symptoms as it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after a person has been exposed to someone with measles.

For more information on measles, visit

Kynan Bonanno is a rising star of the automotive industry.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Δ Billson’s enters rum world: We all know the creative and tasty flavours Billson’s has developed with vodka, but the popular brewery has now entered the rum market. They’ve released three new rum flavours:

flavours are available now in cans to purchase from retailers or direct from Billson’s.

Δ Holidays are here: A giant colour-in wall, a liquid nitrogen show, and an interna

as the City’s school holiday program gets

underway from Monday, April 15. PHIVE, City of Parramatta Libraries, Riverside Theatres and parks across Parramatta will come alive with a combination of free and paid activities in one of the State’s largest school holiday programs. The internationally renowned 360 Allstars returns to Riverside Theatres combining BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, and drumming, while ‘Tempo’ by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (pictured above) will have the kids gasping in awe with magic, slapstick, juggling and acrobatics around a concert grand piano. Visit the PHIVE, Riverside Theatres and City of Parramatta websites for more information.

Δ Aldi does streetwear: We all love the middle aisle at ALDI, and there's no doubt the special items available from next week will be a hit. ALDI Australia’s first-ever ALDI-branded

below). The 23 new pieces of streetwear in ALDI’s iconic colours are all under $20. Highlights from the new range include stylish slides ($7.99), bucket hats and beanies ($7.99), fleece hoodies ($14.99), and even crisp white sneakers ($19.99). The limited-edition range is only available while stocks last.

Δ New podcast: Long-time St Marys Leagues Club President, Warren Smith, is the latest guest on the Weekender’s ‘On The Record’ podcast. Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit www. westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

Δ Got some Source? We’d love to hear from you about store openings, closings, new products, menu changes and more! Email news@ westernweekender.com.au with submissions.

DEMENTIA SPECIFIC DAY CENTRE

Our brand new f acility is opening on the 15th of Apr il, 2024 at 88 Batt Street, Penr ith.

Our exper ienced and qualified Dementia Care Team allow us to provide a care experience like no other You will be encouraged and supported to live your lif e as you wish while remaining an active par ticipant in the local community.

Our homely centre of fers:

Engagement in the community f or activities/events

Music and ar t therapy

0472

914

094

Cooking and gardening

Yoga and exercise classes

Bus tr ips

Hairdressing and much more

officensw@aanddinhomecare.com.au

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Plenty to explore at Maritime Museum

Become an ocean superhero these autumn school holidays at the Australian National Maritime Museum, and dive into its fresh program of creative workshops, performances, tours, and trails inspired by the superheroes both within and who take care of our oceans.

Explore the galleries with the Sea Country Activity Trail, make art and scientific experiments at the Kids on Deck Maker Space, discover the superpowers of cephalopods and groupers in Slippery Cephalopod Science Circus Performances, relax with a film screening, or take a break in the Mermaid Melody Colouring Corner and Book Nook, enjoy creative play at the Octopus Garden Interactive Space, get hands-on with the touch collection at the Cabinet of Curiosities, and immerse yourself in all the additional adventures waiting to be had at the Maritime Museum.

There’s boatloads of fun to be had for the whole family, so don’t miss your chance to experience the autumn school holiday program this April. Highlights include:

Slippery Cephalopod Science Circus

Encounter clever characters and fun facts as performing artists and science communicators unlock the wonders of keystone species; from gentle giant groupers to clever cephalopods!

Puppet-making and puppeteering

Discover your puppet making superpowers

and learn the art of puppeteering with a guest artist from Erth, the much-loved makers of theatre for young audiences in this fun filled one-day workshop.

Storybook Making

Imagine, write, and illustrate your very own picture book inspired by the underwater stories in the museum’s newest exhibitions ‘Valerie Taylor’ and ‘Blueback’.

Learn techniques in powerful storytelling, narrative structure, and digital and hand illustration as you create your very own cher-

ished classic. Have a physical copy of your finished storybook published and sent home to keep.

Kids on Deck

Be inspired by underwater wildlife and ocean protection superheroes as you enjoy art making and experiments with your family.

Create your own spectacular scientific illustrations, fashion a polymer clay and shell miniature sculpture or wearable creation, craft whale shark, seadragon or octopus shadow puppets, or transform recycled

materials into bubble wands. Explore the significance of keystone species as you dress up as your favourite aquatic creature.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Explore wonderful and curious creature specimens and photographic objects in this hands-on discovery device in the galleries.

Ocean Health Lab

The Seabin Ocean Health Lab is the first of its kind in the world, Seabin scientists analyse marine debris – from microplastics to tiny nurdles, sucked from the sea by the 30 Seabins stationed around Sydney Harbour.

Mini Mariners Program

Explore the galleries, sing and dance in interactive tours with costumed guides. Enjoy creative free play, craft, games and story time in the themed activity area. The theme for April’s mini mariners program is Under The Sea, where kids can wobble like a jellyfish, glide like a tortoise and snap like a shark as we make our way through the museum to discover the magnificent world of creatures that live under the sea.

Sensory Friendly Sundays Access Program

Enjoy a comfortable environment for kids and adults with a variety of sensory differences.

Visit https://www.sea.museum for more details about the holiday program.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

You could help change a child’s life

The school holidays can be tough for many children, but you can give a child a brighter future.

Sadly, in NSW 45,000 children are unable to live with their parents due to abuse or neglect. Without a safe home, these children miss out on so much of their childhoods, and it hits hard during the holidays.

The good news is that you have an opportunity to ensure these children reach their brightest future. Barnardos is calling for people from all walks of life to become foster carers and support children to grow and thrive. Whether it is weekend care (respite

care), short-term crisis care or permanent care, you can make a difference.

Barnardos works carefully to ensure they match children to the right carers so that children can find a permanent home. Right now they are particularly seeking people to provide a short-term home to school aged siblings.

Whether you are single, married, renting, LGBTI+ or working full time, you can apply to become a carer and change a child’s life. Carers get training, ongoing support and a generous allowance. Contact Barnardos at 1800 663 441 or www.barnardos.org.au.

Lots of holiday joy in Penrith CBD

The April school holidays are just one week away and Penrith CBD Corp has brought together a series of local businesses to entertain the kids.

Penrith CBD Corp has reached out to local businesses to promote free and fun events being held within the two weeks, and CEO Gai Hawthorn is encouraging people to stay local.

“Have fun locally and support the people who need the support,” Hawthorn said. Hoyts will be handing out free ice cream on Tuesday, April 16.

The Log Cabin has a series of shows on offer from magic to reptiles throughout the school holidays so make sure to book a table.

Penrith PCYC is offering a range of activities for just $45 a day where kids can enjoy laser tag, ninja warrior and a messy day, the PCYC will be open every day excluding ANZAC Day.

Henry’s Bar and Grill are offering a $25 high tea experience with an installation of ‘Alice In Wonderland’ for an Instagram opportunity (pictured).

“It’s something that mums, nannas and kids can enjoy,” Hawthorn said.

Mega Games will be open for those who want to play board games.

Narrow Escape Rooms will be running and are taking bookings now. The school holidays will be on from Monday, April 15 and end on Friday, April 26.

Richie is a funny, intelligent boy who loves being outdoors and going to the beach. He has an interest in Maths and anything to do with Space. We are searching for compassionate and experienced foster carers who can give Richie the right support and care he needs to help him heal from the trauma he experienced earlier in life.

If you, or anyone you know has the skills to help Richie call our Carer Enquiry Team on 1800 663 441 or email wecare@barnardos.org.au

DINE & PLAY LOCA L

Th es e S ch oo l H ol id ays

School holidays at PCYC Penrith are never boring!!

Lots of Activities for your Kids to be involved in

April School Holiday bookings are now open! Pop into the club or jump on the website to enrol today!

www.pcycnsw.org.au/penrith/school-holidays

MAD HA TTER High Tea

MONDAY 15 APRIL TO FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2024

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

TO BOOK EMAIL

FUNCTIONS@HENRYSBAR.COM.AU

OR CALL 47048731

UNDER 18’S ONLY

$25 PER PERSON

HOT CHOCOLATE (WITH MARSHMALLOWS)

SAVOURY

FINGER SANDWICHES

SAUSAGE ROLLS

CHEESY PASTRY FINGERS

SWEET

CUP CAKES

MINI COOKIES

LAMINGTON FINGERS

Narrow Escape Rooms is the perfect school holiday activity. Work as a team to solve puzzles and complete a mission which having some amazing family time.

Bookings are essential

Narrowesc.com.au

This is not just for the kids. Adults will have an awesome time deciphering clues and solving puzzles too!

Rooms are suitable for kids 8+ with 2-6 players in each game.

fun@narrowesc.com.au Suite 4, 2 Castlereagh St, Penrith

4789 0140

Give your kids something creative to do these school holidays!

With 3 different classes for children that suit multiple interests and are sure to keep those busy little people occupied. The best part? They get to bring home their own creations to show off to the family while you visit the local cafe or shops and relax knowing that they’re in safe hands.

Just bring along a messy play shirt, your children will bring home 4 – 6 cupcakes from their class and a whole lot of pride in the edible artwork they have created themselves!

Parents can drop off or wait in store, you are unable to stay in the classroom. All classes require enclosed shoes, please arrive 15min prior to class and keep in mind finishing times may vary.

C all us on 47229580 or onestopcake.com.au/oscd/coursesclass- Call es / kids-classes/

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Revel in the mystery of the night!

Discover the magic of the rainforest, glide between clifftops among the stars, feel enchanted by the darkness in an all-new immersive experience at Scenic World this school holidays.

Immerse yourself in the moment the night comes alive. Take in the star-lit Skyway as you glide between sleepy cliffs. Feel the magic as you ride the world’s steepest railway – the Scenic Railway – and the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere – the Scenic Cableway – as dusk settles across the Blue Mountains.

Walk through a field of flowers, meander beneath light trees, and discover hidden creatures as you experience the wonders of the rainforest and explore our LUNA Light Journey* – a first for the Blue Mountains and Scenic World. Kids will have their very own Nocturnal quest to find clues along the Nocturnal journey and discover the Gundungurra story of creation! The child ticket includes everything they need to

unlock the clues: a spy pen, quest sheet and their very own Nocturnal Bandana.

Nocturnal is an immersive, sensory and interactive experience. Discover light installations and holograms that illuminate parts of Scenic World and will leave you feeling enchanted by the darkness.

This is the first time all Scenic World rides – Scenic Skyway, Railway, and Cableway – will be open at night! Nocturnal is a must-do experience for adults and kids alike.

Nocturnal runs from April 5 to May 4 2024 on select nights only, including every night in the school holidays.

Tickets include all Scenic World rides after dark and the 10-minute rainforest boardwalk. Tickets start from $55 for adults and $40.60 for kids.

Kids under three are free!

Book your spot now so not to miss out! Visit www. scenicworld.com.au

*LASERVISION’s immersive and magical LUNA Light Journeys span Australia, popping-up in expected and unexpected towns and cities.

HOLIDAY FUN

The perfect adventure for the family Mercure is the perfect holiday base

Just three hours from Sydney, Jenolan Caves is the perfect destination for a family adventure.

Discover a “world of its own” with above and below ground activities including guided cave tours, bushwalks, a bite to eat at Caves Cafe and accommodation in the newly renovated Mountain Lodge, which is perfect for families.

Guided cave tours range between one hour and 2.5 hours, offering a unique experience of a lifetime that will have you returning time and time again.

To experience all of Jenolan Caves, stay at their newly renovated Mountain Lodge with family rooms available.

Accommodation is available Thursday to Saturday nights.

Open 8.30am – 4.30pm daily, pre-bookings are essential for your visit. Check the website for availability and to book your tickets and accommodation at www.jenolancaves.org. au or by calling 1300 763 311.

Access to Jenolan Caves has changed but you can still visit! Access is via Edith Road only (on Jenolan Caves Road, there is a 30-minute detour to Edith Road via Duckmaloi Road). 3km before Jenolan, there is a Transport for NSW traffic escort vehicle (running approximately every 20min) which will take you into the car park.

Roadworks are currently happening on Jenolan Caves Road at Hampton with some days seeing full closures, resulting in a detour to Jenolan Caves. Please check www. livetraffic.com to plan your trip accordingly.

If you want to discover a stylish, relaxing, and affordable gateway to western Sydney these upcoming school holidays, make Mercure Penrith your home away from home.

Located at the foot of the Blue Mountains and adjacent to Panthers Penrith World of Entertainment, Mercure Penrith is the premier choice of hotels in Penrith for family holidays and weekend getaways.

Each of Mercure Penrith’s 222 accommodation rooms have been designed to be the perfect urban oasis, with plenty of amenities on the property – including a gym, outdoor pool, BBQ area and in-room Wi-Fi – to make your stay as convenient and comfortable as possible.

As a guest of the hotel, you’ll be close to all of Penrith’s top attractions, shopping outlets and restaurants. Soak up the vibrant arts

scene at nearby museums and art galleries. Experience the beauty of the Nepean Gorge from the deck of the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler. Picnic by the Nepean River or hike miles of unspoiled bushland and national parks. Visit Cables Wake Park or iFly Downunder Skydiving – some of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable are just metres from Mercure Penrith.

Just next door, Panthers Penrith offers 11 restaurants, six bars and a diverse range of family-friendly activities on 83 hectares of landscaped grounds.

These are just a handful of the breathtaking experiences you and your family can partake in during your upcoming visit to Mercure Penrith.

For more information, the latest special offers, and to book your stay, visit www. mercurepenrith.com.au.

No ctu rn al

EXPERIENCE SCENIC WORLD AFTER DARK

Skyway, Railway and Cableway by Night

Incredible Light Installations LUNA Light Journey Kids Quest: Discover the Gundungurra Creation story Street Food Menu & Fire Pits to Toast Marshmallows

Select dates from April 5 to May 4. Tickets are selling fast, BOOK NOW!

Invitation to Register an Interest –Microsoft Datacentre 132kV Power Feeder Route, Kemps Creek

NSW

Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd (ERM) have been engaged by Microsoft (The Proponent) to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment to support preparation of the Review of Environmental Factors for a portion of the 132kV power feeder route for the Microsoft Datacentre development at Kemps Creek, NSW The norther n portion of the development that is the subject of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment is located within Penrith Local Gover nment Area (within Lot 7 DP 1097134 and Lot 56 DP 1116754).

Aboriginal community consultation is being undertaken to assist the Proponent in the preparation of the Cultural Heritage Assessment to inform the development. It is intended that the consultation process would be continued into subsequent stages of the Project which may require approvals under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 or Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Future approvals will include an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP). This consultation process will be utilised to support the application for an AHIP and to assist the Secretary of Heritage NSW in their assessment of the AHIP application.

The proponents contact details are:

Microsoft

Isabella Di Nardo, Land Development Manager idinardo@microsoft.com

ERM is seeking expressions of interest from any Aboriginal people who may have cultural knowledge relating to the Kemps Creek area who may be able to assist. Interested Aboriginal parties wishing to be consulted for this assessment are invited to register a written expression of their interest by 19 April, 2024

Please respond in writing to:

Charles Bar nett

Level 14, 207 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Charles.Bar nett@ERM.com (02) 8584 8894

Please note that the consultation guidelines require the proponent to provide details of registered Aboriginal parties to Heritage NSW and the Deerubbin LALC. In your response could you please advise if you would like your details to not be provided.

the final word

The Panthers head to Brookvale Oval on Saturday evening knowing that a win is about more than just two competition points.

There’s always stakes in the ground as far as season progression is concerned and getting to their first bye in Round Six in pretty good shape would have been the first of many for the Panthers.

Penrith have a chance to enter that week off with a 4-1 record, pretty impressive given their shortened preparation and the loss of halfback Nathan Cleary to a hamstring strain after Round 3.

It also must be noted that the Panthers had an extremely tough draw, so the potential to go into the bye with such an impressive record is something to crow about, no doubt.

Standing in the way though is a Manly side desperate to get back into form after a diabolical 20-12 loss to St George-Illawarra last Saturday in Wollongong. How it wasn’t a bigger scoreline probably tells you how bad the Dragons are going too.

“We were out-played... that was really clear for everyone to see,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said post-game.

“We were second by a fair distance to be fair.”

You would think Manly couldn’t be that bad again. Not on their home turf, and not staring down the barrel of a third consecutive loss.

Penrith though would be fairly confident making the trip to the northern beaches, even with Nathan Cleary not bringing his match-day kit.

Ivan Cleary’s side was impressive against the

Roosters last weekend, never really headed on their way to chalking up a 22-16 win at Allianz Stadium.

Sure, had Nathan Cleary been there the game probably would have been iced much earlier, but yet again Penrith’s systems won through and it was great to see Jarome Luai take a more active role in Penrith’s attack, while Dylan Edwards had his best game all season. Manly will be looking for their big guns to fire on Saturday. With both Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans particularly disappointing against the Dragons, both will have something to prove. Trbojevic, for the record, leads the NRL in individual errors this year with 13. Meantime, his fullback counterpart in Edwards continues to knock on the door of Blues Origin selectors. Not only did he produce

a standout effort last week including one of the tries of the season, but he leads the NRL in All Runs, Run Metres and Kick Return Metres.

Penrith identified issues on the Roosters’ left-side defence last weekend and continued to pepper that side, and they’ll no doubt look to exploit any shortcomings in the Manly side this weekend.

I’m expecting a high scoring encounter. On a crisp Brookvale evening, I expect there to be plenty of tries scored and the result to be pretty close before Penrith eventually pull away.

The return of James Fisher-Harris is a particularly big inclusion for Penrith.

And here’s a telling stat for you: Penrith have not lost the week before a bye since Round 11, 2016. Make of that what you will.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

panther rumblings

BROTHERHOOD REMAINS STRONG

! Always a Panther: Spencer Leniu has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately but it was touching to see him catch up with a few recent former team mates on the sideline at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night. The suspended prop chatted with Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago and Brian To’o – proving the bond built at the Panthers over the last few years will never be broken, regardless of the jersey you’re wearing.

! Cleary’s bar buy: A new sports bar will open on High Street in Penrith later this year –and it has a high profile owner. Two-time Clive Churchill Medal winner Nathan Cleary is part of the ownership group of Freddy’s, which will open at the site of the now closed Duck Duck Goose bar and restaurant. The bar is named after Panthers 1991 Grand Final winner Brad Fittler. It’s an expansion of Cleary’s off-field business interests, with the Panthers co-captain also a part owner in Drink West, a growing beer brand and brewery. The bar will open in June.

! Cleary conflict: The opening of Freddy’s – and Cleary's involvement in Drink West – has raised a few eyebrows among some Penrith officials and Directors. There's always been an awkwardness around Drink West being in competition with some of Penrith’s major sponsors, while a new sports bar obviously competes with Panthers Leagues Club. It’d never be raised in any serious way and Cleary is free to do what he likes, but it’s never sat comfortably with some.

! Chase for Turuva: Sunia Turuva (pictured above) has technically been on the open market since last November but with negotiations at the Panthers stalling, his management is now testing the market – as has been widely reported over the last week. I’m told Turuva couldn’t be more keen to stay at Penrith and

it would have to take an extraordinary offer to get him away from the foot of the Mountains. But as we’ve seen in recent years, extraordinary offers to winning Penrith players aren’t out of the question. The Dragons are frontrunners for his signature should he leave Penrith.

! Spotted: Legendary Panthers halfback Greg Alexander on his way to Allianz Stadium to watch his nephew Mavrik make his first grade debut last Thursday night. Brandy wasn’t scheduled to work at Fox Sports so was clear to enjoy the night. We spotted him again after the game happily taking photos with fans.

! Schneider steps up: The debut of Mavrik Geyer overshadowed what was a solid performance from Brad Schneider in his club debut last Thursday night. Presented his game day jersey by Nathan Cleary a couple of days earlier, Schneider followed in the footsteps of other Cleary understudies and got the job done against the Roosters. It meant coach Ivan Cleary had no doubts to rest his son for this weekend’s clash against Manly and bring him back against the Tigers in Bathurst on April 20.

! Vegas is a go: The NRL will announce within the next few weeks the four teams heading to Las Vegas in March next year to kick off the 2025 season. The Panthers are a certainty to be on the trip. The announcement will be made some 10 or 11 months in advance

in an effort to ensure fans can prepare and save for the trip. Travel package details will also be revealed.

! World Club Challenge in doubt: With Penrith being Premiership favourites and a certainty for Vegas, another Grand Final win this year would be put the 2025 World Club Challenge in serious limbo. I’m told there would be no appetite for Penrith to travel both to England and the US; it would simply be too much of a disruptive start to the year. The only window would be if the UK champions travelled to Australia – most of the Vegas teams fielded full strength sides for their opening trials, so there’s a chance the World Club Challenge could be played on that opening weekend of the pre-season challenge.

! Stadium work rolls on: I’m told Infrastructure NSW has used this lengthy break in Penrith's home draw to do some preliminary work at BlueBet Stadium ahead of the major redevelopment, which will kick off at the end of the year. It’s all very technical stuff apparently, moreso to do with the playing surface than anything else.

! Brothers in arms: Taylan and Terrell May were quick to spot each other and share a hug after competing for opposite sides at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night. The brothers still have a desire to play together – along with

! Podcast: Don't forget to listen to the latest edition of the ‘10 Minute Match Day’ podcast on Saturday, with your last chance to win Chairman’s Lounge tickets. All you need to do is send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Chairmans’ in the subject line and include the code word mentioned in the podcast. Entries close Saturday, April 6 and the winner will be notified by email. Remember, you must include the code word from the podcast in your email. To hear the podcast, search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts or visit www. westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

Tyrone – in the NRL one day.

Photo: NRL Photos.

HARD SUMMER ALL WORTH IT FOR MAV

Everything that led to Mav Geyer’s emotional NRL debut last week began midway through last year when he was upgraded from a development player to the club’s top 30 roster.

From that moment on, it was Geyer’s mission to play in the NRL in 2024 and, in order to do that, he had to sacrifice and become the fittest and best trainer over the summer.

“When I was upgraded to the top 30, everything became more real – this was my chance to take this opportunity with both hands,” Geyer told Extra Time on Tuesday. A heart to heart chat with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary during the pre-season allowed Geyer to see a path where his dream of playing first grade footy could become a reality in the not too distant future.

“Ivan had a chat to me about Hosko (Zac Hosking) leaving and said there’s an opportunity here and I’d like to see you grab it with both hands and have a real crack at it,” Geyer recalled.

“Even Jaeman Salmon leaving, he played that bench utility position, so there was a couple of spots

opening up for me and it was up to me whether I really wanted it or not.”

The 23-year-old said playing in the NRL, like his famous father Mark, was always the ultimate dream, but he knew he would have to put in the extra work to make that happen.

“I always wanted it, but it was finding that extra bit of confidence within myself,” Geyer said.

“I think that all starts with fitness.

I was really big on doing extra training in the off-season, making sure I was fit coming in.

“I’ve had a couple of injuries in the past and missing out on a couple of weeks can set you back in the fitness department. Fitness is where it all started for me in the off-season and gaining more confidence for myself.”

Geyer’s mission to first grade became a reality last Thursday night when he made his long-awaited NRL debut in front of dozens and dozens of close friends and family.

From famous faces in the crowd like his father MG and his uncle Greg Alexander to his schoolmates from St Dominic’s College, Geyer’s ultimate dream came true at a stadium that holds so many special memories for the Penrith Panthers fraternity.

“Dad went to the opening of the new Allianz Stadium a couple of years ago, so I knew it was a special stadium,” Geyer said.

“After Dad was there, he told me how many memories it brought back even though it had obviously changed. It’s still the same destination, same sort of feeling, it certainly heightened the specialness of it all. Words can’t describe the emotion around it.”

Also heightening the emotion of the occasion was the fact the young backrower was the first member of the Geyer household to play in the NRL since 2000 when his father retired.

It was a debut for the ages, arguably the most anticipated in Panthers’ history.

“It didn’t really hit me until after the game and seeing everyone there and how happy everyone was. It’s been a while since a Geyer had played NRL at the Panthers and the last time was my dad,” Geyer said.

“If I was just a regular player who didn’t have a father play in the NRL, it might’ve been more under wraps, but the whole experience has been humbling and it goes to show who my dad and my uncles were as people and it’s a credit to their careers and everything they did for this community.”

Mav Geyer this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

CLEARY UNDERSTUDY SHOWS HIS CLASS

His club debut may have been slightly overshadowed by the son of a legend, but halfback Brad Schneider was seamless in filling in for the injured Nathan Cleary against the Roosters last week. Not expecting to get a call-up to fill the superstar’s big shoes so early on in the season, the 23-year-old was a pro guiding the Panthers around the Allianz Stadium pitch and onto a surprising victory.

“When you step into a team like this with quality players, it makes your job pretty easy,” Schneider told Extra Time

“I didn’t really feel any pressure. Obviously, you’re filling Nathan’s spot but, to be honest, he gave me a lot of confidence as did all the coaches, to be myself and that made it pretty simple for me. At the end of the day, it wasn’t too hard [to fit in].”

older brother watching from home in Townsville and his partner, aunty, uncle and cousins in the crowd, Schneider was solid in combing with Jarome Luai for Penrith’s third straight win.

The Adelaide-born playmaker said a lot of hard work and long nights of studying went into his Panthers debut.

“There’s a fair bit going on when you’re a half but having a good pre-season with the boys helps you a lot,” Schneider said.

“You’re always studying and doing video but, to be honest, the work you’ve done before helps a lot, so when you do get that call you’re ready to jump in.”

It’s been a whirlwind journey for Schneider since arriving at the foot of the Mountains in time for pre-season training.

Midway through last year, he was released from his contract with the Canberra Raiders to join Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League. In just

his short time in the UK, he was voted Super League Player of the Month, he played in the Challenge Cup Final, and he went up against eventual champions Wigan for a spot in the Super League Grand Final.

“If you told me I’d be playing in England this time last year I never would have believed you,” Schneider said.

“It was an awesome experience over there. I learned a lot about leadership. Coming into a new team and being the halfback; we played in some pretty big stadiums in the Challenge Cup Grand Final and made it to the semis as well.

“It was one hell of a ride and an experience that was definitely worth it.”

With the Panthers desperate for a back-up half for the 2024 season, they held numerous interviews with potential candidates to be Nathan Cleary’s fill-in and one of those was with the man in the headgear.

The Kirwan State High School skipper said he always wanted to return to Australia at some point in his career, but he didn’t think it would be with the back-to-back-toback NRL Premiers.

“When I first went over to England, I had no idea what I was going to do afterwards. I always wanted to come back home and have another crack at the NRL, but then I considered staying over there for another year – I didn’t know what I was doing to be honest,” Schneider admitted.

“But when the Panthers came knocking, it was a bit of a no-brainer to join the club after the success they’ve had. The culture, everything, it’s something you really want to be a part of.”

Having been in Penrith for the past six months, Schneider is starting to feel more and more at home as each day goes by.

He’s enjoying the local cafes and easy drive to work.

“To be honest, I’ve only ever been in Penrith once before and it’s not what I expected,” he said.

“It feels like a little country town, it’s pretty easy getting around here. There’s no big buildings and it’s not too busy, which is good.

“All the boys at the club love the

cafes, so I’m still getting my bearings as to what is where.”

Fortunately, Schneider will have plenty of time to get himself acquainted with Penrith life, signed to at least the end of the 2025 season.

And with Jarome Luai becoming a Tiger next year, a spot will open in the halves to no longer be Cleary’s

understudy but his partner in crime instead. That’s for further down the track, however.

“It’s always a goal to be in the 17 and playing every week,” Schneider said.

“But to be honest, I’m not looking that far ahead yet, we’ve still got this season to go.”

We caught up with Brad Schneider at training this week.

Brad Schneider in action against the Roosters. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says James Fisher-Harris’ return from injury will be crucial against Manly this weekend.

The New Zealand international suffered a shoulder injury against the Eels in Round 2 and missed Penrith’s wins over Brisbane and the Roosters.

But Cleary has named him to start against Manly at 4 Pines Park on Saturday.

“He's our forward leader and has been for some time,” he said.

“It's more than the way he plays. He brings a level of leadership and confidence to the rest of the team.”

Cleary has been impressed with Fisher-Harris’ growth in recent seasons.

“He’s still very quiet, but it’s more than what he says. It’s how he projects it, his body language,” Cleary said.

“He has a lot of respect and when he talks people listen.

“He's definitely grown with his leadership. He doesn’t have to make the grand speeches, he leads with his actions and leads with his words when it’s needed.”

Cleary also confirmed forward Scott Sorensen is set to return against the Tigers in Round 7, along with halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary.

Had it been later in the season or a more crucial game, Cleary would have played.

“He was 50-50 but we’ve decided to err on the side of caution. He’s not quite ready,” he said.

“We would have played him if we thought he was right.”

James Fisher-Harris was injured against the Eels in Round 2.

lang on league analysis

BOLTS FROM THE BLUE

Is it too early to feel ‘Blue’?

Probably not and while we’re only up to round five, already rugby league commentators are talking about possible New South Wales and Queensland line-ups for this year’s state-vs-state, mate-vs-mate Origin series.

Allowing for injury there will be up to eight Penrith players considered to play for NSW including Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin.

However, I’m not going to talk about the credentials of the players named above, their resumes already speak for themselves.

I’d like to instead highlight two Panthers, who I believe will push hard over the next seven weeks, to earn a place in the 19-man Blues squad. I truly believe these two players have a legitimate shot at making the cut.

Of course, I’m talking about Izack Tago and Sunia Turuva, whose scintillating form is already catching the eye, of not only rugby league supporters but NSW selectors and coach Michael ‘Madge’ Maguire as well.

If even one of the two players can make it, they really will be an Origin bolter or a ‘Bolt from the Blue’ if you will, as neither player was even selected in Madge’s 36-man Blues camp earlier this year.

It doesn’t matter that both Tago (Samoa) and Turuva (Fiji) have played for their respective nations as this does not rule them out of NSW Origin contention. For the record Tago played his junior footy for St Marys while Turuva turned out for the Berala Bears in NSW.

With their eligibility established, form will be the next criteria which will determine their selection. So far, even after only four rounds, both players have put their hand-up!

Turuva is coming off a stunning three-try performance against the Roosters last week and currently leads the NRL try scorers list with six tries, while Tago has been the form centre of the competition putting up crazy numbers while scoring three tries of his own. For good measure Tago also leads the league with eight line breaks.

Now while both Tago and Turuva look like being at least in the conversation for the Blues, the other Penrith player which deserves to be selected and picked at fullback is Dylan Edwards.

There’s no doubt current NSW captain James Tedesco is far from a spent force but his numbers just don’t stack up when put up against Edwards. Currently Edwards leads the NRL in the follow-

ing stats. He is number one in ‘All Runs’ with 100, number one in ‘Run Metres’ with 1,013 and number one in ‘Kick Return Metres’ with 461.

He’s also second on the Dally M Player of the Year Leaderboard after four rounds with 11 points.

Now I know statistics don’t tell the whole story but in the Edwards case, they don’t have to. Blind Freddy (not you Brad) could see he deserves to take the custodian position.

Yes, I know there’s still seven weeks to go before the side is even selected and anything can happen but you’ve got to start talking about these sort of selections now.

Waiting until later may be too late.

Which Panthers will make it? Email news@ westernweekender.com.au.

player of the year

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS ROOSTERS

NATHAN TAYLOR: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – BRAD SCHNEIDER

TROY DODDS: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – JAROME LUAI | 1 – SUNIA TURUVA

PETER LANG: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – ISAAH YEO

LUKE PRIDDIS: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – JAROME

CURRENT LADDER

1st Dylan Edwards 15 6th Sunia Turuva

2nd Izack Tago 14 7th Mitch Kenny

3rd Isaah Yeo 14 8th Brian To’o

4th Nathan Cleary 13 9th Lindsay Smith

5th Taylan May 10 10th Jarome Luai

Sunia Turuva and Izack Tago are surely being considered for Origin. Photo: NRL Photos.

with Peter Lang

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

STORM BULLDOGS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS SEA EAGLES TIGERS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

COWBOYS EELS

COWBOYS EELS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS COWBOYS RAIDERS BRONCOS ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS TITANS EELS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

PANTHERS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

COWBOYS EELS

COWBOYS EELS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS RAIDERS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS TITANS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS COWBOYS EELS

PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS EELS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS TIGERS

COWBOYS EELS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS EELS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

COWBOYS EELS

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS

COWBOYS EELS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS TITANS EELS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS DRAGONS RABBITOHS PANTHERS TIGERS

COWBOYS RAIDERS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS TITANS EELS

STORM ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS EELS

LA HEAT MALE STRIPPERS

Friday 8pm

ELTON CHONG

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ la-heat-male-strippers-tickets809706091717?a =ebdssbdestsearch

BROWN SUGAR

Saturday 6pm – 11pm

ALBION FRIDAYSYOJI LIVE

Free entry before 9pm

https://www.albionhotel.com. au/albion-fridays

EMU HALL

https://emuhall.com.au/

afro takeover- TWERK COMP

Saturday, 9pm, MVP Nightclub

Crown Hotel Parramatta

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ afro-takeover-mvp-nightclub-tickets-798031492677

Taylor swift experience

11am & 2:30pm

panthers Penrith

https://premier ticketek.com. au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SWIFTEXP24

MEDEASHOCK THERAPY ARTS

10th-12th April

RIVERSIDE THEATRE

https://riversideparramatta. com.au/whats-on/medea/ If

FOREVER DIAMONDSTARRING PETER BYRNE

Saturday 7:30pm

WENTY LEAGUES

https://wentyleagues com au/show/forever-diamond-starring-peter-byrne-2/

party saturdays

Starting from 9pm penrith rsl

https://www.penrithrsl.com. au/entertainment/party-saturdays/

ABLION HOTEL wed 10

THE JOAN

BLAKE PAVEY- STILL KICKIN’ Wednesday 7:30pm

https://boxo ce.ppandva.com. au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebHtmlSeatPlan/HtmlSeatPlan.aspx

trivia with gaz

Starting from 7pm

https://www.mrwatkins.com. au/ mr watkins sat

an me to check ut these events!

Something for everyone at Rashays

Over the last eight years of operation, Rashays has built up its reputation as a family favourite in the Penrith area.

According to franchisee Hiren Patel, being able to serve the local community has been a highlight of the job for both him and his staff, with the restaurant offering a wide range of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.

“On the menu, we’ve got something for everyone,” he said.

“We have a wide range of items on our menu, starting from different entrees, pizzas, pastas, seafood as well.”

Though there are plenty of underrated options, there is a clear favourite menu item among customers, with the Creamy Rashays Chicken the most popular by far.

“Our mushroom sauce is very popular. It’s our signature sauce, and it’s very yummy,” Patel said.

In addition to this, they also have lunch specials available until 4pm, and hot specials under $20 all day, every day.

But, for extra bang for your buck, you can join their membership program, which gives customers a

10 per cent discount off their bill.

It also provides you with access to special deals, like kids eat free on Sundays, and a $15 pizza and pasta special on Mondays and Tuesdays – both exclusively available to members.

Patel added that there are already lots of people taking advantage of these offers, with plenty of regulars coming into the restaurant week after week for delicious food and good conversation, or even just some time to themselves.

“We have neighbours who come in for a coffee and a chat, and we’ve got lots of seniors as well who come in almost every week,” he said.

“We’ve got lots of space, especially at lunch. We’ve got three different sections, so people will come in and have a seat in a quiet section as well, and spend however long they need working on their laptop.”

With everything you need and more, there’s never been a better time to head down to Rashays Penrith.

Rashays Penrith is located at 120 Mulgoa Road, Penrith. The restaurant has plenty of parking, and is open until late every day.

Visit rashays.com for more information.

FROM VEGAS TO PENRITH!

Though he admits that being involved in a Bee Gees tribute show was never his goal initially, Michael Clift said he saw the signs when the reception he got when playing their songs at corporate gigs was so positive, prompting him to start up a band for a bit of fun.

“It was never meant to be our main focus, we just thought it was a brilliant idea,” he said.

But, when people started liking it, Clift recalls conversations starting around who they wanted to be. Was it a matter of singing a few covers, or going all-in on authenticity?

“We soon realised that we needed to put

more effort into it, so then it’s a case of, how much effort do you put into it, is it really worth it?” he said.

“It was then that we decided that it’s a great idea, and it really deserved our respect and our 110 per cent.”

It was then that Clift decided to become Barry Gibb, taking the time to master those high notes, and the quintessential Bee Gees sound. To no-one’s surprise, this was when people started to respond, allowing Clift to take the show internationally. But, a tour in the US is when things truly changed.

“The US is a tough market, you have to be on your A game to nail it, and I think at that point when we did that and we got back, we felt like we did a good job, and we just had a different confidence,” he said.

Clift and the The Australian Bee Gees Show ended up scoring a Vegas residency, which has seen them perform to thousands, and continue to do so into next year.

According to Clift, this has been a phenomenal journey.

“If I wake up one morning and think about it, you think, ‘This can’t be real’, because we’ve been here for 13 years,” he said.

“We’re in Excalibur six nights a week, we’ve done over 4000 shows. People come to hear the Bee Gees’ music, and we deliver! It’s like sprinting a marathon. We don’t rest.”

This month, Clift will be heading back to Australia for the first time since before the pandemic, and he’s bringing the band along with him for a few shows.

“It’s a big deal for us to come back to Austral-

ia, especially for me because I’ve been in Vegas for 13 years. My family is here, my friends are here, so it’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

According to Clift, the show which will be taking to the Evan Theatre stage later this month is much the same as their Vegas stuff, allowing for Penrith locals to get a taste of Vegas, and a great Aussie success story, right here at home.

“For us, it’s a celebration of the whole catalogue of the Bee Gees, with less focus on the ‘60s and ‘70s,” he said.

“We’re taking the Vegas show on the road, and that’s what we love about it. When we say ‘direct from Vegas’, it’s direct from Vegas.”

The Australian Bee Gees Show will be on at Panthers on Thursday, August 18 at 8pm.

Tickets: $45. Visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

See Scenic World in a whole new light

From this weekend, head up to Scenic World for Nocturnal. Nocturnal is an immersive, sensory and interactive experience which includes all Scenic World rides after dark. Discover light installations and holograms that illuminate parts of Scenic World and will leave you feeling enchanted by the darkness. Nocturnal runs from April 5 to May 4 on select nights only.

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.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

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

Confronting play on stage in Penrith

Next weekend, Ruby Productions is bringing its newest production to the John Lees Centre stage. ‘Bang Bang You’re Dead’ is a visceral examination of the culture that can breed violence in contemporary society, and a heartbreaking in prospection at the aftermath of that violence. Visit rubyproductions.com.au for more details and to buy tickets.

Probus Club of Nepean

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

Penrith Lions Club

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

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

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

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.

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.

Blake Pavey’s still with us

After a sold-out debut tour in 2023, Blake Pavey’s plan of dying early didn’t exactly pan out. To celebrate him ‘Still Kickin’’ he’s decided to hit the road again with a brand-new show. His sophomore tour is sure to delight audiences around the nation in 2024, and it’s heading to The Joan on Wednesday, April 10. Visit thejoan.com.au.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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.

MUSEUMS

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

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

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

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

If you have a passion for animals and the environment then come and join our team of dedicated volunteers to truly make a difference There are a variety of different roles at Dingo Den Animal Rescue where all experiences and skill sets are valued. From den keeping and rescue through to administration, fundraising and event coordination we have something for everyone!! Volunteer opportunities now available

Get your paws dirty and jump in with all four feet!! Apply at www.dingoden.net/volunteer

‘The Tiger's Apprentice’ centres on a normal boy, Tom, who gets drawn into a world against his wishes when his eccentric grandmother who he lives with in San Francisco's Chinatown turns out to be the guardian of the phoenix egg.

When his grandmother perishes in battle and is spirited away in a ghost cart, Tom must apprentice with an unlikely mentor –a tiger, Mr. Hu – to learn ancient magic and become the egg's new protector. They team up with an unlikely band of exotic creatures, each representing a different sign of the Chinese zodiac, who can morph into human form while retaining their innate animal characteristics.

Oscar nominee Dev Patel achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimise the poor and powerless.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, ‘Monkey Man’ stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meagre living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.

After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Book now

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Harr y Manx Saturday 6 April, 8pm

Bach to Broadway with Paul Cincotta & Lisa Lombardo

Wednesday 10 April - Morning Tea 10am; Performance 11am

Festival Of New Work Saturday 13 April, 4pm

Whalebone Tuesday 16 April, 10:30am

Bocelli & Brightman Sunday 21 April, 2pm

The Pirates of Penzance Saturday 27 April, 2pm + 8pm

COUNTRY CORNER

Faith drives Scotty’s new track

Scotty McCreery (pictured above) has dropped a great new song, ‘Red Letter Blueprint’ – and it’s very much driven by his faith.

The song is off his forthcoming album, ‘Rise & Fall’, due out next month.

“It’s held me up during my lows, and it’s been with me when I celebrate my highs,” he said.

“This new album was influenced by the rises and falls in my life through the years, so I wanted to sing about what sustains me. I’ve featured songs about my wife and my son, but I also wanted to share a song about my faith. I hope it is comforting to anyone who may need to hear these words.”

CMT Awards on Paramount+

The CMT Awards will be broadcast into Australia on Monday, April 8 on Paramount+.

This year’s event will be hosted by country superstar Kelsea Ballerini.

April fool’s to reality

Aussie star Blake Dantier (pictured bottom

right) slip slop slaps on a healthy dose of self-love in his tongue-in-check single, ‘Pool Party For One’ featuring Andrew Swift. What started as an April Fool’s joke between Dantier and fellow country songsmith Swift, quickly snowballed into a very real poolside bop.

“We’ve shared a house at Tamworth the last few years, which has a pool of course,” shared Dantier.

“I spent a bit of time in there with a dark n’ stormy in hand and Andrew managed to snap a few cheeky photos.”

Swift used the photos to create a mock single cover for the fictional song, ‘Pool Party For One’ and posted it on social media the following April 1.

Yet, it wouldn’t be long before Dantier made it a reality.

“Friends who were fooled had said in their defence that it just sounds like something I’d have written,” explained the singer-songwriter.

“So, I wrote it, for real”.

The song is out now on all the usual streaming services.

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê ‘Swift Street’, a new urban heist-escapade through inner-city Melbourne, will premiere on SBS on Wednesday, April 24 at 8.30pm. This action-packed crime drama follows 21-year-old street smart Elsie who must team up with her jaded old-school hustler father, Robert, to get him out of a $26,000 debt and save him from a merciless crime boss. The unlikely pair embark on a series of crimes while navigating their complicated father-daughter relationship.

Ê A number of popular shows in the US as well as here have been renewed for further seasons. Dick Wolf-produced procedurals ‘Chicago Med’, ‘Chicago Fire’, ‘Chicago P.D’., ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Law & Order: SVU’ have all been given the green light by NBC. The only series yet to be renewed is ‘Law & Order: Organised Crime’.

Ê Disney+ is becoming the home of music docos of late, with one about legendary Californian band The Beach Boys set to premiere next month. Simply titled ‘The Beach Boys’, the documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other luminaries in the music business, including Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was. Viewers will also hear from the group’s Carl and Dennis Wilson in their own words, plus view a new interview with Blondie Chaplin and hear audio from Ricky Fataar. Catch ‘The Beach Boys’ from Friday, May 24 on Disney+.

Ê It was one of the most talked about shows a couple of years ago, and now ‘Nine

Disc ov er y our next family adv enture with a ne w Kids Par-TEA Package at N ovo te l Sy dne y Parr amatta.

Treat the little ones t o delicious treats and drinks within their ow n personal tepee, c omplete with an activity pack. Offer also includes ov ernight a cc ommodation, buffe t breakfast and parking.

Don’t miss out on quality family time.

Ê ‘Luxe Listings Sydney’ spin-off, ‘Luxe Listings Toronto’ is coming to Prime Video on Friday, April 26. The Toronto-based edition follows one of the most cutthroat real estate markets on the planet, showcasing highstakes multimillion-dollar listings in Canada’s largest city. It features agents Peter and Paige Torkan, founders of Team Torkan, and Brett Starke, founder of The Starke Group.

Ê Just in time for the school holidays, a reboot of 2000s animation ‘Dora the Explorer’ is coming to Paramount+ on Friday, April 12.

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00

April

5

Friday

TV Guide: April 5 – April 11

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

QI (PG) 10:30 That Pacific Sports Show 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (M v) 2:00 House Of Gods (M l) 2:55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:35 Gardening Australia 8:35 Happy Valley (M l) 9:35 Hard Quiz (PG) 10:05 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Mommy Group Murder” (M) (’18) Stars: Helena Mattsson 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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 Bone Collector” (M v,l) (’99) Stars: Denzel Washington 11:00

3:00 Imagine Rail

Journeys (PG) 3:30

Harry’s Practice 4:00

RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30

Better Homes And Gardens

5:30 Escape To The Country

6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard

5:00 Lagging (PG) 5:25

Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 6:00 Hank Zipzer 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35

Saturday 6 April 2:00

To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* From Randwick/ Caulfield 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn (PG)

5:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:25 Total Drama Island (PG) 5:45 School Of Rock (PG) 6:10 The Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! (PG) 7:00 Mythbusters (PG) 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures

Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00

NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point

The Latest Seven News 12:00 The Arrangement (M v) 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Scented With Love” (PG) (’22) Stars: Rebecca Olson 2:00

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30

American Pickers (PG) 6:30

Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 8:00

AFL: Round 4: Port Adelaide v Essendon *Live* 11:00 AFL: Post Game

Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Knights v Dragons *Live* 9:55 NRL: Golden Point (M) 10:45 Movie: “Out Of Time” (M l,v) (’03)

Stars: Denzel Washington 12:55 Tipping Point (PG) 1:55 Pointless (PG) 9:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 10:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:30 Judge Judy (PG) 11:00 Dr Phil (M) 12:00 TBA 1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 Ready Steady Cook 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 Judge Judy (PG) 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 Ready Steady Cook 8:30 The Graham

1:10 Australian Idol (PG) 2:45 Modern Family (PG) 3:45 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:15 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 6:15 Movie: “The Karate Kid II” (PG) (’86)

Stars: Danny Kamekona 8:30 Movie: “Charlie’s Angels” (M v) (’19) Stars: Kristen Stewart

4:35 Grace Beside Me (PG) 5:00 Our Stories

5:30 NITV News: Nula

6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wild Survivors 7:30 Eddies Lil’ Homies 7:45 Movie: “Molly” (PG) (’83) Stars: Claudia Karvan 9:20 Movie: “BioDome” (M) (’96)

Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Caulfield *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Raising Helen” (PG) (’04) Stars: Kate Hudson 10:00 Movie: “Anna” (MA15+) (’19)

Show (M) 10:30 Fire Country (PG) 5:00 Worldwatch 9:20 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 10:20 Puppy SecretsThe First Six Months (PG) 11:20 Mountain Vets (M) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Mastermind 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Worlds Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Ancient Egypt By Train (PG) 8:30 Michael Palin - Into Iraq (PG)

8:30 Ready Steady

Cook (PG) 9:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 NCIS (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) 9:25 NCIS: Hawaii (PG)

12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 The Middle (PG) 2:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 12:00 Renovate Or Rebuild 1:00

6:30

Vicar Of

& Kim

1:30 AFL: Round 4: West Coast v Sydney *Live* 4:30 Supercar Customiser 5:00 Counting Cars (M) 5:30 Storage Wars (M) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Raising Helen” (PG) (’04)

Stars: Kate Hudson

2:30 The Breakfast Couch 3:00 ABC News 3:30 India Votes 2024 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Close Of Business 5:00 ABC News 5:30

The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News

(PG) 3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Disasters At Sea (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars New York (PG) 6:00 Border Security USA (PG) 7:00 Motorbike Cops (PG) 7:30 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (M) 8:30 Movie: “Uncharted” (M) (’22)

11:30 The Proposal (PG) 12:45 Ultimate Tag (PG) 2:25 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 4:30 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:05 Movie: “Borderline Normal” (M s) (’01)

Stars: Robin Dunne 7:00 Movie: “Evolution” (PG) (’01)

Stars: Julianne Moore

4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City

5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30

Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00

QI (PG) 8:30 Melbourne

Comedy Festival: The All Stars Supershow (M l,s)

4:20 Utopia Generations (PG) 4:50 Persons Of Interest (PG) 5:50 Going Native 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Strait To The Plate 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Poltergeist” (M h) (’82)

5:30 Khanh Ong’s Wild Food 6:30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico 7:30 Jimmy Doherty’s New Zealand Escape

8:30 Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 The Wine Show

Cook 11:00 I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 12:30 Silvia’s Italian

1:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 2:00

Stars: Sasha Luss 12:30 Travel Oz (PG) 1:15 Harry’s Practice 2:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Great Australian Detour 12:30 Destination WA 1:00 Ageless 1:30 Living On The Coast 2:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 2:30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II (PG) 3:30 Renovate Or Rebuild 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Godzilla Vs. Kong” (M v) (’21) Stars: Alexander Skarsgård 9:30 Food Trail - South Africa 10:00 Ready

Less Travelled 2:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Taste Of Australia 5:00 10 News First 6:00 TBA 7:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 8:00 Ambulance UK (M l) 10:30 So Help Me Todd (M) 5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Love Your Home And Garden (PG) 10:00 Vintage Voltage 10:50 My Unique B&B 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Motorsport: Superbike World Championship Highlights 3:00 Cycling: Tour Of Flanders Womens Race Highlights 5:00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:35

1:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Isuzu Ute ALeague: Round 23: Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City *Live* 10:15 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)

4:15 PBS Newshour

5:20 Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia 5:55

The Food That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Impossible

Engineering (PG) 8:30 Big Fat

Quiz Of The Year (PG) 10:15

The UnXplained With William Shatner (PG)

11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 I’m

A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Friends (PG)

2:45 A1: Highway Patrol (PG) 3:45 The Bradshaw Bunch (PG) 5:15 Kenan (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” (G) (’11) Stars: Justin Long 7:30 Movie: “17 Again” (PG) (’09) Stars: Zac Effron

1:00 My Lottery Dream Home 1:30 Houses With History 2:30 Renovation Impossible 3:30 Restored 4:30 Scott's Vacation House Rules 5:30 Dream Homes Revealed 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

2:30 Movie: “How To Murder Your Wife” (PG) (’65) Stars: Jack Lemmon 5:00 Rugby Union: Super W: Brumbies v Drua *Live* 7:00 Rugby Union: Rugby Pacific: Brumbies v Waratahs *Live* 9:30 Rugby Union: Post Match

1:30 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 3:00

Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:30 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special (PG) 5:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 5:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M)

4:30 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra 5:10 Dizzy Gillespie In Studio 104 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Animal BabiesFirst Year On Earth (PG) 7:30 The American Buffalo (PG) 8:30 The Endangered Generation

11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Taste Of Australia - BBQ Special 2:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 23: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC *Live* 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 11:15 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)

11:00

2:00 Movie: “Pokémon

The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back” (G) (’98) Stars: Ikue Ôtani 3:30

Movie: “Are We Done Yet?” (PG) (’07) Stars: Ice Cube 5:25

Movie: “Stick It” (PG) (’06)

Movie: “What Did You Do In The War, Daddy?” (PG) (’66) Stars: James Coburn 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Expendables 2” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Sylvester Stallone

Stars: Jeff Bridges 7:30 Movie: “Ocean’s 8” (M l) (’18) 2:05 Movie: “Tonight’s The Night” (PG) (’54) Stars: David Niven 4:00

Monday 8 April

12:00 ABC News 12:55 Vera (M v) 2:55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:45 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Four Corners (PG) 9:15 Media Watch (PG) 9:35 The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson (PG)

4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape

To The Country 6:30

Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin

(PG) 8:30 Foyle’s War (M v) 10:40 Railroad Australia (PG)

6:00 Hank Zipzer 6:30 Operation Ouch! (PG) 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 8:00 Hotel Transylvania

12:00

Anh’s

12:00 Movie: “Heart Of Down Under” (AKA ‘Love At Daisy Hills’) (PG) (’20) Stars: Cindy Busby 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Equalizer 2” (M) (’18)

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30

American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Opal Hunters (PG)

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 ABC News Tonight

Call The Midwife

Fame 2:25

Roads 2:55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian (M l,s)

4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 8:40 A Touch Of Frost (M l,v)

6:00 Hank Zipzer 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00

Horrible Histories 7:35

Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 8:00 Hotel Transylvania (PG)

Wednesday 10 April

12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:45 Explore 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) 9:15 TBA 10:40 100% Footy (M) 11:40 NINE News Late 12:10 Tipping Point (PG)

4:30 Bondi Vet (PG)

5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Puppies Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v)

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Would I

12:00 Movie: “Cup Of Love” (AKA ‘Love & Coffee’) (PG) (’16) Stars: Anna Hutchison 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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) 7:30 Ego - The Michael Gudinski Story (M d,l) 9:55 First Dates UK (M)

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Truckers (PG)

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 ABC News Tonight

5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update

1:30 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30

The Project (PG) 7:30 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 9:00 FBI: Most Wanted (M v) 11:00 The Project (PG)

1:30 NCIS (M v) 2:30

Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis

6:40 Wild Survivors 7:35 First Australians (PG) 8:30 Karla Grant Presents (PG)

Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 10:30 Matildas Preview Show

Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Finding Your Roots (PG) 8:30 Secrets Of The Tower Of London (M) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:20 SBS World News Late

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30

Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big

Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

12:00 Married At First Sight (M l,s) 1:45 Talking Honey (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 Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars (PG) 9:40 TBA 10:40 NINE News Late 11:10 Chicago Med (M) 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) 1:30 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG)

5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M) 8:35 Movie: “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (PG) (’94)

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 9:15 Upstart Crow (M s) 9:45 Double Parked (PG)

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:25 Back Roads

2:55 Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 The Weekly (PG)

4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Judge John Deed (M v)

12:00 Movie: “At Home In Mitford” (G) (’17) Stars: Andie MacDowell 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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) 7:30 The 1%

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG)

5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Dogs Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares UK (M l)

5:30 Indian Country

6:00 Bamay 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Wild Survivors 7:40 Great Lakes Wild (PG) 8:40 Ice Cowboys (M) 9:30 Over The Black Dot

6:00 Luke Nguyen’s India 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30

Rachel Khoo’s Simple Pleasures 8:00 Selena + Chef

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30

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

5:40 Haramain: The Train Of The Desert (In Spanish/ English) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

2:45 The Block (PG) 4:00 Barnwood Builders

5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Help! I Wrecked My House

11:00 See No Evil (M v)

5:30 Te Ao With Moana

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms 7:30 Kickin’ Back With Gilbert McAdam

1:30 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here

(PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 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 I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here (PG) 9:00 FBI: International (M v) 11:00 The Project (PG)

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 NCIS (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)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Flip Or Flop

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Country House Hunters NZ

5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M) 8:40 Agatha Christie’s Marple (M l,v) 10:40 A Wedding And A Murder (M)

2:30 Insight (M) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Worlds Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You (M) 9:25 Litvinenko (MA15+) 10:20 SBS World News Late

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Holiday Homes In The Sun 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Good Bones

URBAN PROPERTY GROUP CONTINUES ITS BOOM

Urban Property Group has taken home another two awards with its wins at last month’s 2024 the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) National Awards for Excellence at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne.

These latest accolades come after first winning the state level UDIA New South Wales awards last year.

Urban Property Group’s CEO Patrick Elias received the Young Leaders’ Award and Navali, a premium mixed-use development in Penrith, was crowned the winner of Apartments (Mid-Rise), against the other states.

These two award wins demonstrate not only Urban Property Group’s quality leadership, as well as quality projects, but also that quality and affordability do not need to be mutually exclusive, as well as the strength of the

New South Wales property sector. Urban Property Group has long shown leadership in creating high-quality spaces, by providing buyers with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance in an Australian-first, being one of the first developers in Australia to receive an as-built BTI rating from KPMG Origins, an independent assessor of “trustworthy buildings”, as well as having received a New South Wales Government-endorsed iCIRT rating.

Navali, a conveniently located Penrith 10-storey mixed-use development received top honours for Apartments (Mid-Rise). Part of the Sheffield Quarter development, which is made up of 541 apartments, Navali provides high-quality, yet affordable homes, including some National Disability Insurance Scheme apartments, affordable housing, and private market

housing. Navali reached Practical Completion in 2022, featuring resident facilities including a rooftop garden, communal space, kitchen, garden, and children’s play areas. In addition to Navali's latest award win, it was also crowned as the winner of the 2022 Urban Taskforce Mid-Rise Development Award.

“IT’S AN INCREDIBLE HONOUR FOR URBAN PROPERTY GROUP”

Elias, CEO of Urban Property Group, was awarded as the winner of the Young Leaders’ Award in recognition of his visionary thinking, strategic mindset and focus on innovation.

He was also acknowledged for putting his team first, and for fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

“It’s an incredible honour for Urban Property Group to have taken home two national UDIA awards on top of our state wins, for both my Young Leaders’ Award and for Apartments (Mid-Rise) for our Penrith development Navali. I’m truly grateful for this recognition and could not be prouder of what our team has achieved,” Elias said.

“These awards are also reminders of how vital our work is in creating high-quality, yet affordable homes to assist with tackling the housing challenges we face in Australia. We are not just building properties, we are creating homes where people can thrive. In today’s housing crisis, that mission feels more important than ever.”

What is so great about this property?

Who does this property suit?

Perfectly positioned on a generous block of est 665m2 in the ever-popular suburb of South Penrith, this family home offers a versatile single level floor-plan with enough room for the growing family, two large living areas, outdoor undercover entertaining area and granny flat potential (STCA).

Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

A growing family or a savvy investor.

South Penrith has everything you would need. Within close proximity to the property are great local reputable schools, family friendly parks and sporting grounds, public transport, Southlands Shopping Centre with post office, Penrith CBD, Nepean Hospital and easy access to the Northern Road and M4 Motorway. South Penrith has been one of the area’s most popular suburbs for many, many decades.

This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s

• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es

PATIOMAN

No job too small

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Save or splurge? Look good and save during tight financial times

With the cost-of-living at an all-time high, you wouldn’t be alone if you’ve decided it’s time to put a little more thought into what you’re spending your hard-earned cash on.

Though some would consider beauty to be a category where it’s necessary to splurge, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be, with so many good quality, affordable options out there that you don’t need to be shopping high-end for every step of your routine.

If you’re having trouble deciding where to splurge, and where to save, here are my top tips.

Primer: Save

This may be a hot take, but unless you have a specific skin concern you want to amend, you don’t need to be using a high-end primer – you probably don’t need a primer at all.

Even the most prepared person can be thrown a financial curve ball in their life, where a comfortable lifestyle can suddenly become a stressed one.

Perhaps you’ve lost your job and you’re a sole income family, or maybe illness has struck. As we saw during the COVID pandemic, the most unexpected of issues could arise.

So what happens if you can’t meet your home loan repayments?

First and foremost, the main rule is to not bury your head in the sand. Ignoring emails or calls from your bank, and just hoping the problem can get kicked down the road, is not the right approach.

The last thing a bank wants to do is kick you out of your home and sell your property. It is the absolute last resort, despite the reputation they may have at times.

Your bank will be able to provide you with a whole

Lash Sensational or Essence

Though using a nice primer can definitely make a difference in the way your makeup looks, if you’re in a pinch, a good skincare routine or a more affordable primer can get the job done. I personally like the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Primer, or the e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer for a more flawless, shine-free complexion.

is one of my favourites!

Setting Powder: Save

Though I am a fan of high-end setting powders, I do think this is another area where you can save if necessary – especially if your skin is on the drier side.

My favourite affordable option is the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder.

Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter: Splurge

Foundation and Concealer: Save

Though this may not be possible if you have sensitive skin, or if you’re tricky to shade match, I do believe that you can save on your foundation and concealer. the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer

range of options, including pausing your payments for a period of time, reverting to interest only or consolidating other loans. There will be a variety of options on the table well before the prospect of selling.

And once you’re back on your feet, or even while you’re still off them, talking to a broker is a good option. A broker can ensure you have the best possible home loan arrangement, and if your credit history has taken a hit during your period of financial stress, they’ll be able to provide the best advice possible for your circumstances.

Paying off the family home is a wonderful achievement, and of course takes a long time. Perhaps 30 years, in a lot of cases. You can’t expect that during those 30 years it’s all going to be smooth financial sailing. There will be times of change and stress, and knowing your bank or broker is in your corner is important.

Whilst you can definitely get away with affordable face products, I do think spending a little bit extra in this category is worthwhile – especially if you’re saving on your other base products.

If you’re wanting to splurge on quality, you can do it in a more affordable way by keeping an eye out for a face palette that you love, so you get more product for less. I really love the Hourglass palettes and

sets when they’re available, as well as the One/Size blush and bronzer trios for some variety.

Eyeshadow: Splurge

Eyeshadow in particular is one place where I think it’s necessary to splurge if possible. You just can’t get the same quality in affordable palettes!

To spend your money effectively, find a palette you love and know you’ll use every shade in, or invest in a lid shade or glitter to use with bronzer in the crease.

Mascara: Save It’s no secret that there are plenty of amazing affordable mascaras on the market right now.

If you haven’t tried them already, I recommend giving the Maybelline

Lash Princess False Lash Effect mascaras a go.

Eyebrow Products: Save

No matter if you use an eyebrow pencil, gel, or pomade, there’s a great, affordable option out there for you.

The Mecca Max BROW GURU Power Brow Strong Hold Gel is perfect for no makeup-makeup days.

Hair Products: Somewhere in the middle!

Though I’m not generally a fan of super affordable hair products, I do think it’s possible to find a middle ground. Opt for Shark tools instead of Dyson, or switch from Kérastase to Redken if you want to save without compromising the look and health of your hair.

So if you do have a time of financial stress, make sure you be up front and active straight away – don’t bury that head!

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital

4736 2027

WHY IS YOUR DOG TRYING TO ESCAPE?

You let your furry friend out in the backyard for some exercise and fresh air, only to find him wandering down the road, in the neighbour’s yard or chasing birds in the park. It’s a scenario that’s all too common for many dog owners. But why does it happen, and how can you prevent it? Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s escape attempts is the first step towards keeping them safe and content within the confines of your yard.

There are generally two main reasons why dogs try to break free from their yards.

To escape from something Dogs, like humans, have their fears. Loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even construction sounds, can trigger anxiety in dogs. Faced with such discomfort, a frightened dog may do anything to flee the source of distress, even if it means breaking through barriers like fences. To prevent such incidents, ensure

your dog has a safe, enclosed space during times of heightened noise and always keep identification updated, providing a better chance of being reunited if they do manage to escape.

To escape towards something

Sometimes, the allure of the world beyond the fence is simply too tempting for dogs. Whether it’s chasing after wildlife, investigating intriguing scents, or seeking the company of other dogs or people, the outside world can offer endless excitement. Additionally, intact male dogs may feel compelled to wander in search of a mate. To lessen these urges, it’s essential to make the home environment as stimulating and appealing as possible.

Here are some strategies to prevent your dog from escaping:

Supervision

Avoid leaving your dog alone in the yard for extended periods. Dogs left to their own devices

may quickly grow bored and seek entertainment elsewhere. Stay outside with your dog, engaging in activities like fetch or simply providing companionship.

Enrichment

Create a fun and engaging environment within the confines of your yard. Offer toys, a sandbox for digging, or a kiddie pool for splashing on hot days. Consider setting up a mini-agility course or inventing new games to keep your dog mentally stimulated and less likely to seek adventure beyond the fence.

Secure fencing

Invest in a solid fence that prevents your dog from seeing through or over it. Ensure the fence is securely installed, with no gaps or loose boards that could provide an escape route. If your dog is prone to digging, consider sinking the fence into the ground or installing barriers to prevent tunnelling.

The pelvic floor is located between the tailbone and the pubic bone within the pelvis and supports bowel and bladder control.

Common causes of pelvic floor weakness include pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, constipation and age. The main reason we exercise the pelvic floor is to assist with urinary and bowel incontinence.

Exercise physiology plays a crucial role in promoting pelvic floor control and overall pelvic health which include:

Improved strength:

It is key to focus on strengthening the pelvic floor and abdominals while focusing on breath control. This can help improve bladder and bowel control, reduce urinary continence and provide support for pelvic organs.

Enhanced stability and support

Positive reinforcement

Encourage your dog to stay within the yard by offering rewards for good behaviour. Call him over for treats or praise him when he chooses to remain close by. Positive associations with the yard can help reinforce the idea that staying home is rewarding.

It’s also essential to consider your dog’s breed and individual needs. Some breeds, like sporting dogs or those with high energy levels, may have a stronger inclination to wander. Providing adequate physical and mental exercise tailored to your dog’s breed and temperament can help prevent escape attempts.

Taking proactive measures to create a secure and stimulating environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents. By addressing the underlying reasons for your dog’s desire to roam and implementing preventive strategies, you can help ensure your furry friend stays safe and content.

Exercise physiology interventions can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women and postpartum individuals. Pelvic floor exercises and other targeted exercises prescribed by exercise physiologists can help maintain pelvic floor function during pregnancy, reduce the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum, and facilitate recovery after childbirth.

What exercises should I do at home?

It is best to consult with an Exercise Physiologist to develop an individualised program. However, try these at home.

Dead bugs: Keep your back on the floor, bring up hips and knees to 90 degrees and raise your hand vertically

A strong and coordinated pelvic floor provides stability and support for the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Exercise physiology techniques can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, reducing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic floor disorders. Optimised function during pregnancy and postpartum

over your head and lower the opposite arm and leg away from one another towards the floor.

Glute bridges: Lay on your back with feet flat on the floor and lift your hips off the floor, and slowly lower your glutes down through rolling down your spine.

Exercise physiology offers a holistic approach to promoting pelvic floor control and overall pelvic health through targeted exercise interventions, education, and support. By strengthening and coordinating the pelvic floor muscles, improving core stability, and addressing needs, exercise physiologists play a valuable role in preventing, managing, and treating pelvic floor issues.

GLENMORE PARK we’ve got you covered

Glenmore Park can pick the paper up at the following locations:

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Relax & Unwind

my name: Charlie, Teddy and Minnie

my proud owner: Michael and Amanda

i live in: Glenmore Park

a bit about me: Charlie’s superpower is puppy dog eyes that could melt a heart of ice. Teddy’s superpower is he can make food magically disappear –just don’t ask him to bring it back. Minnie’s superpower is taking down Teddy (five times her size), what a bully!

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.

Since 1975 Pancakes On The Rocks has been a Sydney favourite with restaurants at The Rocks, Northmead, Darling Harbour, Beverly Hills & Darling Square. With something for everyone from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we have a wide range of meals including Ribs, Steak, Pizzas, Salad, Crepes & of course our Pancakes.

www.pancakesontherocks.com.au

Relax & Unwind HOROSCOPES ARIES

MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

The Aquarian buzz word for the week is Communication (with a capital ‘C’).

Monday night’s Solar Eclipse stimulates your neighbourhood and conversation zone, so expect increased social interaction and educational activities within your local community. When it comes to an ongoing neighbourhood problem, think global and act local. Wisdom for the week is from fashion designer (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood, “The sexiest people are thinkers.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Taurus is a fixed sign and you can be a bossy, stubborn Bull. Aim to be more adaptable and adventurous this week, as you focus attention on helping those around you. The Solar Eclipse lights up your humanitarian zone, so being of service to others sees you glow on the inside. But with Mercury in retrograde mode, take the time to double-check all information and communicate clearly. On Wednesday and Thursday, tread carefully with family and friends.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Are you a Lion who’s feeling rather restless? On Monday night there’s a fiery Solar Eclipse in your adventure zone, which highlights holidays, adventure, exploration and exciting beginnings. But retrograde Mercury is also there, which could complicate travel plans, limit patience, shorten timelines and lengthen frustrations. So you’ll need to be on your best behaviour if you want to cruise through the week! Clever Cats will check, double-check, listen and learn.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Jump off the comfy couch! The Solar Eclipse (in Aries) encourages you to be proudly proactive as you get your body moving, set challenging daily goals and then actively pursue them. Not sure how to do that? Try rubbing shoulders with your kickass Aries friends … they’ll show you how to crank up your motivation and energise your enthusiasm. But Mercury is in retrograde mode, so be careful you don’t stir up trouble and play power games.

PISCES

Mars and Saturn link up in your sign (on Wednesday/Thursday) which could stymie progress, squash confidence and bring you down. However – fortunately – the Solar Eclipse and Venus stimulate your self-esteem zone. So steer clear of criticism (in person and online); avoid getting caught up in a negative self-talk loop; and stop worrying about the qualities you perceive you don’t have. It’s time to celebrate your strengths and be your Number One fan!

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Mercury is your ruling planet and it’s in retrograde mode until April 25. So it’s not a good time to gossip; sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on an important business trip or embark on a big overseas holiday. However, it IS a good time to do anything with an ‘re’ in front of it … revise, rehearse, review, remember, return, recover and reconnect. And make sure you double-check everything.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury (your boss planet) is in retrograde mode until April 25. So – even though there’s a New Moon/Solar Eclipse on Monday night – it’s not an appropriate week to expedite tasks, initiate ideas or race ahead with projects. Instead, use the time wisely to remember, revise, research and review. Be patient, pace yourself and move ahead slowly in planned stages. Your motto for the moment is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

With your sparky Sagittarian mojo and momentum running on high speed, you’re ready to rock and roll! Monday night’s fiery Solar Eclipse activates your leisure and pleasure zone, so all forms of entertainment will appeal as you socialise with friends and enjoy yourself to the max. However – with Mercury reversing through your friendship zone – be careful you don’t say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Think things through before you speak.

Monday night’s Total Solar Eclipse is in your sign which boosts energy levels, turbo-charges your motivation and increases your determination. If you’re lacking confidence (and feeling more like a meek lamb than a courageous ram) then spend time with an uber Aries friend. Hopefully, some of their chutzpah and self-assurance will rub off on you. But Mercury is also activating your sign, so slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act!

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Avoid being a lonesome Crab! Professional projects and creative collaborations with colleagues are favoured, as you spark ideas off each other and pool your talents to produce something special. The Total Solar Eclipse and Venus increase enthusiasm and encourage rebooting a rickety work relationship that’s been experiencing problems. But be careful you don’t get into an emotional stew over a festering secret, a broken promise, or a breach of trust.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

With Venus and the Solar Eclipse in your relationship zone, you’re keen to motivate, encourage and inspire others. But Mercury is retrograde, so you’ll need to utilise your well-developed diplomatic skills. Librans are the fashionistas of the zodiac, so it’s up to you to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Wisdom for the week comes from fashion designer/innovator (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The Solar Eclipse promises a fresh start involving family plans, a domestic situation, or a new housemate. But the Mars/Saturn conjunction – and retro Mercury – could delay a project, exacerbate a misunderstanding, or frustrate a financial situation. So proceed with a pragmatic attitude plus plenty of caution. Family and friends are the ones who matter. As Michelle Obama (a fellow Capricorn) observes, “Surround yourself with people who will make you better.”

JOANNE

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

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

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

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

This wordsearch is brought to you by CPAP Direct, would you finish it faster with a better night sleep? - cpap.com.au

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: ANNIVERSARIES

ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATE CRYSTAL DATE EMPLOYMENT

GOLD HISTORICAL MILLENNIAL NATIONAL OFFICIAL PAST PLATINUM QUADRENNIAL RECURRING RUBY SAPPHIRE SEPTENNIAL SILVER SPECIAL DAY TRIENNIAL

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about classic television shows in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. ‘Ozzie and Harriet’ launched the singing career of which American pop star?

2. Buddy Ebsen and Irene Ryan starred in which 1960s comedy about a poor, backwards family who struck it rich and moved to California?

3. Who created 1960s sci-fi show ‘Lost In Space’?

4. Who did Ron Howard play in the hit 1970s/1980s series ‘Happy Days’?

5. What was the name of the family whose home ALF crashed into on ‘ALF’?

6. What was the supposed job of Norm Peterson on ‘Cheers’?

7. Where was ‘The Cosby Show’ set?

ANSWERS

1. Ricky Nelson

2. ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’

3. Irwin Allen

4. Richie Cunningham

5. Tanner

6. Accountant

7. Brooklyn

Honesty and reliability are two traits hard to find in a business these days but you can expect all that and more from the team at Mobile One Auto Repairs.

Located at Forrester Road in St Marys, Mobile One Auto Repairs has been in business for an amazing 27 years, and has the reputation to go along with it.

“We’ve been here for a long time and have a very loyal customer base,” co-owner Debbie Bartolo said.

But perhaps the best aspect of Mobile One Auto Repairs is their incredible customer service ethic. No longer will you leave the mechanic not knowing what repair work your pride and joy has undertaken and why.

“If a part is no longer working we’ll show the customer what is wrong with it and they are even welcome to take the part home,” Debbie said.

“We try and educate customers because there’s nothing worse than not knowing what you’ve paid for.”

They are at 6/176 Forrester Road, St Marys.

Mobile One Auto Repairs offers a range of high quality services including general mechanical repairs such as brakes, lubes, exhausts and tune-ups, plus registration checks and log book servicing without losing your new car warranty. They offer a limited pick up and drop off service, are flexible with appointments and very competitive with their prices.

Fans to help decide who lines up for A-League All Stars teams Select your talent

TAYLOR

The A-League All Stars return next month, and for the first time ever will include an A-League All Stars Women side – as the stars of the A-Leagues get set to take on giants of English football as part of Global Football Week Melbourne.

From now, fans can help decide which stars of the A-Leagues will be selected in the A-League All Stars Men squad to face Newcastle United FC, or in the first-ever A-League All Stars Women squad to take on three-time Women Super League champions Arsenal Women FC.

Whether it’s a side focused on the next generation of stars or a selection of the best-performed players from across the season – or a combination of both – it’s up to the fans to have their say.

For the history-making women, will the first ever A-League All Stars Women squad see Cortnee Vine, Kyan Simon, Tameka Yallop, Lydia Williams versus Matildas Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Steph Catley, and will we see the next generation of stars, like Daniela Galic, Maddie Caspers, Indiana Dos Santos, picked to play on the world stage?

“The 2024 A-Leagues All Stars doubleheader is set to be an exciting event which will showcase our best and brightest talent from across the Isuzu UTE A-League Men

and Liberty A-League Women to the world,” A-League Commissioner, Nick Garcia said.

“Allowing our fans the opportunity to play a role in the selection of each squad is a crucial aspect of the All Stars concept – we love their passion for the game and the stars they watch each week.

“The excitement for the 2024 All Stars matches is already growing and we can’t wait to get fans’ feedback and announce the squads in the coming weeks.”

Voting closes next Monday, April 15, and players with the highest votes in each category will be presented to the A-Leagues All Stars Women’s and Men’s coaches who will take into consideration the fans’ votes.

The A-League All Stars double-header will take place on Friday, May 24 at Marvel Stadium.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.

For more information and to vote, visit www.aleagues.com.au/allstars.

OZTAG REMAINS IN SAFE HANDS

Story continued from » Back Page

“Wet weather… I won’t miss the wet weather,” Jamie laughed.

“It used to stress me out, but you just get to a point where you laugh at the comments that come through on Facebook.

“Some people think I have an ‘on and off’ switch down there for the rain.”

But the good times far outweigh the bad, and there have been plenty of those over the years for the Howard family.

From growing the competition from 100 teams to 480, to successfully campaigning for new lights and amenities at The Kingsway in St Marys, Jamie says he has a lot to be thankful for.

“Penrith Council have come through over the years and we now have a facility that meets everyone’s needs,” he said.

“The numbers are great, of course, but it’s more the people who play and how focused they are on the club and community that I’m most pleased about.

“I want to thank my parents especially… they started OzTag down at The Kingsway way back when Penrith Touch were running it.

“I’d also like to thank all of the officials and referees over the years – without them the club doesn’t grow to what it is today.”

Now under new management, the new Penrith OzTag winter season officially begins on Tuesday, April 30.

The Howards finally get the night off.

Newcastle United are coming to Australia next month. Photo: Getty.

NATHAN

Our own Olympic Games SPORT

Famous Nepean Triathlon to be run this weekend as part of Redline Games

Following its hiatus last year, Australia’s oldest triathlon will be making its triumphant return this weekend as part of the 2024 Redline Games.

Running until this Sunday, April 7, western Sydney’s favourite multisport festival is back for its second year at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.

The Redline Games will feature a range of urban, water and landbased sports including triathlons, runs, open water swims, road cycling, speed skating, dragon boating, coastal rowing, yoga, breakdancing and more.

“It’s the Olympic Games of western Sydney,” CEO of Elite Energy Events, Mark Emerton declared.

“We are proud to return to Penrith with the Redline Games, an event that is inclusive, entertaining and showcases our vibrant sport culture in Australia.”

Headlining this year’s Redline Games is the return of the Nepean Triathlon, which hasn’t been contested since October 2022.

Following a change in ownership

late last year, the famous race will make its comeback with more than 1200 competitors set to take part.

“Those numbers are back to the good old days,” Emerton told the Weekender

tion with the Nepean and I didn’t want to change that too much. Our bread and butter is triathlon – we (Elite Energy Events) run nearly every triathlon in NSW.”

2024 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

“We’ll be running the traditional Nepean Triathlon on Sunday morning followed by a new race, the Nepean Classic, which is a 2km swim, 60km cycle and 16km run.

“There’s a lot of history and tradi-

Also being run and won this weekend is the shorter and faster Australian Super Sprint Triathlon Championships and the Nepean Sprint Triathlon, which is a World Qualifying event for next year’s World Triathlon Championships

in Wollongong. The 2024 edition of the Redline Games will also see the rebirth of Sydney’s Corporate Teams Triathlon, providing the opportunity to test workplace rivalries in the ultimate team bonding exercise.

Along with the various triathlons and other events planned, the Redline Games will also include a health and lifestyle expo, free breathwork and yoga workshops,

OVER 6000 STUDENTS

Sponsorship & Exhibitor opportunities available

OVER 6000 STUDENTS

breakdancing and bicycle trials demonstrations.

“If you’re coming along to watch, we’ll have a range of demos, workshops and entry-level events suitable for all,” Emerton said.

The 2024 Redline Games, which is free for all spectators, will be held this weekend at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. For more information, visit www. theredlinegames.com.au.

2024 GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY Careers Market

Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centres, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers.

22 & 23 MAY

22 & 23 MAY

PENRITH VALLEY REGIONAL SPORTS CENTRE

PENRITH VALLEY

REGIONAL SPORTS CENTRE

9 AM - 2 PM

BOTH DAYS

30 HERBERT ST

CAMBRIDGE PARK NSW

9 AM - 2 PM

OVER 6000 STUDENTS

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30 HERBERT ST

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Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers.

9AM - 2PM

22 & 23 MAY PENRITH VALLEY REGIONAL SPORTS CENTRE

www.brettcarterevents.com.au

Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers.

brettcarterevents.com.au

BOTH DAYS

9 AM - 2 PM BOTH DAYS

30 HERBERT ST

30 HERBERT ST

CAMBRIDGE PARK

CAMBRIDGE PARK NSW

Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers

Offering Exhibitors the opportunity to speak with thousands of GWS High School students and Careers Advisers as students explore career and further education options available to them through Universities, Registered Training Organisations, Apprenticeship Centre’s, Group Training Organisations, Private Colleges, Professional Associations and Employers.

brettcarterevents.com.au

NATHAN TAYLOR

Photo: Creative Soup Media / GeoSnapShot. Photo: Russell Pittaway / GeoSnapShot. Photo: Creative Soup Media / GeoSnapShot.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Rudan, Wanderers settle the ship

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have returned from the international break in style, defeating crosstown rivals Macarthur 3-1 on Easter Monday. Nicolas Milanovic came off the bench to devastating effect for Western Sydney, bagging a goal and an assist as the Wanderers scored three goals in 13 second-half minutes to beat the Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. The home side were by far and away the more dominant of the two teams in the first half and had multiple chances to take the lead, but they were made to pay after the break with the Wanderers running rampant. The win sees Western Sydney in sixth spot, four points clear of Melbourne City in seventh. The Wanderers will take on the Brisbane Roar at CommBank Stadium this evening (Friday).

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have missed out on a spot in the A-League Women’s Finals by the skin of their teeth. Following a shock 2-0 defeat to the Wellington Phoenix last weekend, the Wanderers finished the season in the seventh position despite finishing on the same amount of competition points as the sixth-placed Newcastle Jets. It was a sad end to the season for the Wander Women, who had won three in a row heading into the game against Wellington last Saturday.

AFL: Despite enjoying the Easter long weekend off with a bye, the GWS Giants continue to sit on top of the AFL ladder. The Giants will return to the paddock this Sunday afternoon when they face the Gold Coast Suns in Adelaide as part of the AFL’s ‘Gather Round’ concept. The undefeated Giants are red-hot favourites against the 10th placed Suns.

AFL: The Penrith Rams and Penrith Ramettes will kick off their 2024 AFL Sydney seasons this weekend. The Rams will compete in the Men’s Division 2 and Division 5 competitions this season, while the Ramettes will compete in the Women’s Division 2 competition this season. The two men’s teams will play at Greygums Oval against Sydney University, while the Ramettes will travel to Gipps Road Oval to face Parramatta in the opener

BASKETBALL: The 2024 NBL1 East competition tips off this weekend, with the Penrith Panthers hitting the court in both the men’s and women’s competitions. Following a solid off-season of recruitment, the Panthers will be hoping for a better season in 2024 after missing out on the playoffs last year. In the opening round, Penrith’s men will take on the Sutherland Sharks at 7pm this Saturday

at Sutherland Basketball Stadium, while the women will battle Sharks from 5pm.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have been smashed by the UTS Randwick Sparks 55-40 in Round 2 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers U23s team have secured back-to-back wins, too good for the Sparks 45-38. Both sides will take on the Central Coast Heart in Round 3.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 9 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend, with positive results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball Cup, Penrith hammered the Manly Sea Eagles 44-0. In the Harold Matthews Cup, the Panthers had the bye. Penrith finished the regular season of the SG Ball Cup in seventh place, with four wins, one draw and four losses to their name. Penrith finished the regular season of the Harold Matthews Cup in ninth place, with four wins, four losses and one bye. The NSWRL Junior Representative Finals kick off this weekend.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 9 of the NSWRL Junior Representative Women’s season took

place last weekend, with disappointing results for Penrith’s Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiaola Cup sides. In the Tarsha Gale Cup, Penrith were belted by the Parramatta Eels 32-0. In the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the Eels torched the Panthers 30-4. Penrith finished the Tarsha Gale Cup in 10th place, with two wins, six losses and one bye to their name. Penrith finished the Lisa Fiaola Cup in ninth position, with two wins, six losses and one bye after nine rounds

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 3 of the NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions will take place this weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys will play Brothers Penrith in a juicy local derby at Parker Street Reserve this Sunday at 3pm. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys will battle Brothers Penrith, also this Sunday at Parker Street Reserve, at 1pm.

ATHLETICS: Congratulations to local Penrith resident and St Dominic’s College student Brody Watson after he won a silver medal for high jump at the recent Little Athletics NSW Championships. As a result, the Colyton St Clair Little Athletics Club member will represent NSW at the upcoming Little

Athletics National Championships in Adelaide on April 27-28. Good luck, Brody

TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X (formerly Twitter)

The Wanderers celebrate victory over Macarthur. Photo: Getty.

High jumper Brody Watson.

Long-time Penrith OzTag managers Jamie and Melinda Howard will relocate to sunny Queensland after bringing down the curtain on a 15-year reign in charge of the sport in Penrith.

The Howards made the announcement that they would be moving on from running one of the biggest social sporting competitions in the area during the Easter long weekend.

“It’s something that my wife and I had been thinking about for a little while and we just thought the time was right,” Jamie told the Weekender “It was and it wasn’t a tough decision. I was sort of getting to the point where it became more of a job for me rather than a hobby.”

Jamie and Melinda have been running Penrith OzTag

years prior, so it’s been about 30-35 years all up,” Jamie said.

“Mum will still be working at OzTag when we are gone… she can’t get away from the place.”

Determined to keep Penrith OzTag in safe hands, the Howards managed to find the right people to take over the mammoth job of curating some 500 teams across the course of a year.

“Paul and Sarah Labua and Jarrod Mostowik and Winnie Henry are really good people, so that made it an easy decision knowing it was going to good people who are going to keep everything going that we put into it,” Jamie said.

“They’ve been around for the whole 15 years. They’ve represented Australia at the last World Cup, so they are all really invested in the sport and in the club, so that was the important thing.”

Penrith OzTag has grown

NATHAN TAYLOR