Weekender April 3

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weekender the western FRI 3 APR 2015 • Issue 1197

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LIFE AND STYLE Fitness, fashion, finance and plenty more! p.56-59

Prue’s Labor Day Londonderry falls to Labor, but Prue’s challenge is far from over DALE DRINKWATER

12 pages of NRL coverage inside Centre pages

Rebates could face the axe p.12 GIVEAWAY Your chance to win ‘Interstellar’ on DVD p.54

@daledrinkwater

W

ith her policies and beliefs almost opposite to those of the re-elected State Government, State Member Elect for Londonderry, Prue Car has barely had the chance to catch her breath before her biggest challenge yet – being a Labor MP against a Liberal Government.

Ms Car is the first Londonderry candidate since 1991 to be elected in State Parliament without being in the party that forms government.

“I know that it’s not going to be an easy job, it will be difficult, but I’m prepared to do everything I can to ensure that this Government is not only held accountable but that it delivers what the people in Londonderry voted for,” she said.

“We need to make sure that the government honours the commitments that I made during the election campaign, because I have been elected on those commitments.”

Ms Car secured 58 per cent of votes after preferences, earning an impressive 13.9 per cent swing to the ALP. She believes this gives her a mandate to deliver.

Since being pre-selected 499 days before Saturday’s election, Ms Car door knocked tens of thousands of people, and made several large promises based on their concerns.

“We need to make sure that there’s a school in Jordan Springs, we need to make sure that there’s air conditioning at Bennett Road Public School and that Nepean Hospital gets its upgrade and more nurses,” she said.

Story continues on » p. 8

Member Elect for Londonderry Prue Car celebrating her win with her ‘Prue Crew’ at her post election party in St Marys last Saturday night

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3

State Election 2015

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Ayres sends Jackie Kelly packing Liberals hold Penrith as Ayres sees off challenges from Labor and independent Jackie Kelly DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

tuart Ayres will hold the seat of Penrith in State Parliament for another four years, defeating an intense challenge from independents and a statewide swing toward the Labor Party.

Mr Ayres gained 46.1 per cent of first preference votes, with independent Jackie Kelly grabbing 8.8 per cent and Labor’s Emma Husar securing 33 per cent, a 7.1 per cent swing in her favour.

Mr Ayres said given there were significantly more candidates running for Penrith, he is very happy with his result that was close to the 8.6 per cent statewide swing to Labor.

“To have those additional contestants in the field and still maintain the state average, that shows that we’ve done better than other Liberal seats around the state,” he said.

“There’s no doubt having [Jackie Kelly] in the field reduced the Liberal Party’s primary vote... the votes had to come from somewhere.

“She’s picked up a very small amount of votes – but 92 per cent of people in our community rejected Jackie Kelly.”

Mr Ayres believes the public has seen

S

through the opposition’s negative scare campaigns on Badgerys Creek airport and electricity privatisation, voting for a strong economy.

“There was a lot of negativity around the proposals presented by the other candidates in this election, and the Liberal Party presented a positive plan,” he said.

“I think the public has recognised things don’t come for free and as a state we’ve shown financial discipline and we live within our means.”

After a Liberal Party meeting on Wednesday, Mr Ayres said he had been awarded the roles of Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, and will keep his role as Minister for Sport.

However, he is giving up his role as Minister for Police and Emergency services, but said he is grateful to have held the position in the past.

“I enjoyed all of my ministries,” Mr Ayres said.

“I think police and emergency services and the people involved in those two areas are incredibly dedicated and passionate people.

“They look after our community in the darkest hours and I’ve felt very, very privileged to be able to lead them in our ministry.”

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres with Premier Mike Baird, who appointed him to begin a role as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events

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Big election wins, big nights on the drink and a big problem for soccer Decisive victory for Baird Labor made some inroads at last weekend’s State Election, including locally in Londonderry, but it was well and truly Mike Baird’s night.

Seriously, this bloke would have to be found tossing kittens into a skip bin for the public to stop liking him.

Only time and history will ultimately decide Mike Baird’s legacy, but he has the real potential to be Premier for more than a decade.

If all goes to plan with electricity privatisation, the amount of progress on key infrastructure items NSW will see over the next four years will be quite phenomenal.

Both the Liberal and Labor parties have had their fair share of dramas that have shaken the public’s confidence in recent years, but Mr Baird’s campaign was almost flawless in restoring the public’s faith and trust in the government.

He’ll be hard to shake in 2019, but as always, there’s a lot of windy political roads to be driven between now and then.

Cricketers on the drink? Good on them!

I can’t believe that such an incredible achievement by the Australian cricket team has been overshadowed in some corners by questions about the drinking culture in sport and beyond.

It all started with Shane Warne asking players how thirsty they were in the moments after Australia’s victory, then there was the Triple M interview with Steve Smith, Brad Haddin and coach Darren Lehmann, followed by Michael Clarke admitting that he and a few players had a hangover at the victory celebration on Tuesday.

And you know what? I loved it all.

Believe it or not, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating a big achievement.

There’s nothing wrong with drinking too much on a rare occasion either, as long as you don’t hurt anybody or act like a complete idiot.

These are professional sports people who

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probably treat their bodies better than any of the keyboard warriors and journalists who’ve been critical in the last few days.

They let their hair down – and deservedly so.

The fact that we as fans got to see something real and raw in the hours and days following the World Cup victory should be commended, not condemned.

We really need to get over this belief that all of us in society should be robot-like simpletons living in Pleasantville who say and do all the right things all of the time.

For those who argue that kids are influenced by all of this, I’d say this: Maybe so, but hopefully they’re also influenced by the fact that members of the Australian cricket team are fit, healthy, successful and have a superb work ethic.

99 per cent of the time, the team sets a tremendous example for kids. Let’s focus on that.

A-League struggling for viewers There’s been a lot of talk lately about free-to-air networks being interested in the A-League soccer, but you’d have to ask one serious question: why?

Saturday’s Fox Sports ratings figures show the A-League was beaten by three NRL games, the F1, the V8 races, the Super Rugby and horse racing.

On Sunday, it was beaten by the cricket, the NRL, the F1 and the V8 races.

The A-League has a major problem: nobody is watching on television and that’s where the money is.

They let their hair down and deservedly so

The department of “because they can�

What about this one from Optus.

I pay my bill on time every month and have been a long term customer, but because I choose not to pay by direct debit, I get slugged a $2 monthly fee, called a “non direct debit fee�.

Optus don’t care. They do it because they can.

Charging you for the privilege of paying your own bill is the height of shamefulness.

Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Dale Drinkwater, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane

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State Election 2015

Mulgoa voters reject Labor as Tanya Davies easily retains her seat DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ulgoa voters have given Tanya Davies a ringing endorsement, emphatically re-electing her as their State Liberal MP. Despite a strong statewide swing to Labor, Ms Davies suffered only a 1.9 per cent swing against her – a remarkable result in the heart of western Sydney.

Other local electorates experienced swings to Labor higher than the state’s 8.6 per cent, with Penrith copping a 9.9 per cent swing and Londonderry a 13.9 per cent swing to Labor.

Mulgoa’s voters were much harsher to Labor Candidate Todd Carney who received just 39.6 per cent of the vote after preferences, a contrast to Ms Davies’ 60.4 per cent.

“Since being elected into the NSW State Parliament in 2011, it has been my absolute privilege and honour to represent and serve the people of Mulgoa,” Ms Davies said.

“They decided last weekend to offer me the opportunity to continue in my role as their elected representative in the NSW Parliament – re-electing me for a second consecutive term.”

Ms Davies said she is humbled to be

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“I look forward to continuing to build on what I have achieved for my community in the last four years for the next four years and developing even stronger links with my community to best represent their concerns in Government,” Ms Davies said.

It was a harder run for minor parties in the electorate who received no more than 1,900 votes each before preferences.

Before preferences were distributed, the Christian Democrats Candidate Jennifer Scholfield secured 4.3 per cent of votes, with a swing against the party of 0.4 per cent.

The Greens suffered a swing against them of 1.9 per cent.

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Convincing win for Davies in Mulgoa

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Council

Calls for car park ramps to be fixed Shop owners “devastated and depressed” following closure of key Penrith CBD car park DALE DRINKWATER

straight away it’s harder to get here now, it’s a longer distance and we have to walk.

“For me leaving in particular, I’ve got the takings for the day and have to walk through the car park.”

Ian Hewitt from Ian Hewitt & Associates Insurance Brokers questioned whether it was an option for Penrith Council to apply for a no interest NSW Government loan to complete repairs.

“I agree that funding should be allocated to an urgent necessary repair, such as the ramp, rather than to the not so urgent Pop Up Park,” Mr Hewitt said.

“The negative effect from the ramp closing is enormous.

“The Skiptons Arcade shop owners are devastated and depressed.”

Penrith Council acknowledged that the closure of the ramps had caused disruption, but insists that apart from temporary alternative parking at Woodriff Gardens, there is currently no alternative due to the safety concerns.

“The funding for any permanent park comes from a non-discretionary budget,” a Council spokesperson said.

“That funding came from our special rate variation from a few years ago after a comprehensive community consultation for this type of purpose.”

@daledrinkwater

ocal business owners are calling on Penrith City Council to prioritise the repair of the vehicle access ramps to Trade Secret via Allen Place ahead of funding a permanent CBD park.

Access to Allen Place’s upper level car park was cut off in early March when Council deemed its ramps unsafe and closed them until further notice.

Penrith School of Guitar is upstairs in Skiptons Arcade that is attached to the closed car park, and owner Brian Frith said the repairs to the car park should be a priority.

“I don’t understand why they’ve known for years that it was deteriorating, and didn’t set up a contingency fund so over time they can replace it,” he said.

Mr Frith said the car park was used for safe access to and from his business during night time guitar lessons.

“Parents would drop children at the top of the stairs, just a couple of metres from my business, and see the children go to our front door. We have elderly and the disabled who used that too,” he said.

“In the evening we do finish late, and instead of feeling safe and meeting our car

L

Brian Frith from Penrith School of Guitar. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Car celebrates her “greatest honour” Story continued from » p. 1 “We need to make sure that the plan to sell off the electricity network from under our feet is given a run for its money. The people of our community have voted for me to oppose this plan and to oppose what the Government is doing with TAFE, in slashing courses and upping course fees.”

After a busy year and a half, Ms Car is very proud of her feat and believes maintaining a close connection with the community will see her through.

“The whole campaign has been hectic, but the last few days [before the election] were very hectic, and I’ve not slept much, but I’m used to that being a mum so that’s fine,” she laughed.

“It is the greatest honour of my life to represent this community, the region in which I’ve grown up and I’m raising my family. I do look forward to spending a bit more time with them, but now I’ve got a very important job to do.”

Ms Car is expected to remain on Penrith Council until the next Council election.

Police arrest OMCG members Two senior members of two outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) have been charged with consorting with convicted offenders by officers from the Gangs Squad’s Strike Force Raptor.

Just after 11am on Monday, officers arrested a senior member of the Rebels OMCG’s Penrith chapter at his home in Ropes Crossing.

Police will allege the 29-year-old man had been in the company of a number of convicted offenders, also members of the Rebels, despite receiving warnings from police.

He was charged with habitually consort with convicted offenders and granted conditional bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court in May. About 1.30pm Monday, Strike Force Raptor officers arrested a senior national member of the Nomads at

Parramatta Police Station. Police will allege the 31-year-old man had been in the company of a number of convicted offenders, also members of the Nomads, despite receiving warnings from police.

He was also charged with habitually consort with convicted offenders and granted conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on April 13.

22 members and associates of the Nomads OMCG have now been arrested and charged with consorting since January this year.

Strike Force Raptor was established by the State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad in 2009. It is a proactive and high-impact operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and any associated criminal enterprises.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 1800 333 000.

Easter holiday warning Public urged to check product recall website

TROY DODDS

@troydodds

efore heading away for Easter holidays consumers are being encouraged to hop-to-it and return or discard any products that may have been recalled or deemed unsafe.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said safety warnings or recall notices had been issued for a number of popular products over the last few weeks.

“Faulty products can pose serious or even life-threatening injuries or harm to consumers,” Mr Stowe said.

“In early March, a safety warning was issued by NSW Fair Trading about portable ‘lunchbox’ type butane gas cookers.

Due to faulty safety shut-off valves the cookers are prone to overheat and could explode.

“While lunchbox type cookers have been withdrawn from sale nationwide, many people still do have them at home as they are a popular and low-cost product.

“Consumers should refrain from using these cookers and dispose of them in a safe manner.”

Other products that have recently been recalled include a novelty bunny ear headband sold by Target and Target

B

Country stores. Wires were found to protrude through the headband and could cause injury to young children.

“Another recalled item is the Ozito brand portable electric blower which was sold from February 2009 until March 26, 2015. An internal fault was found to potentially damage outer casing, leaving live parts exposed,” Mr Stowe said.

Mr Stowe said more than 40 items had been recalled from sale just in the last month.

“There’s a wide range of products ranging from cars, motorcycles, toys and cosmetics that have been recalled in the last month and I’d encourage people to visit the national recall website, www. recalls.gov.au,” he said.

“For public warnings and other recall information specific to NSW consumers should contact NSW Fair Trading by phoning 13 32 20 or logging on to www. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.”

Latest information about the public warning on lunchbox type butane cookers and affected model numbers are available on the Fair Trading website.

For more information, visit www. fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

If you have an issue with a product that you think needs to be reported, call 13 32 20 today.

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PENRITH

NEW DATE SATURDAY 11 APRIL

NEWS

TIME: 5PM UNTIL LATE

Movie commences at dusk

WHERE: REGATTA PARK River Road, Emu Plains

FEATURE FILM: MADAGASCAR 3 Kids activities & food for sale For more information Phone 1300 736 836

CONTACT US

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events

ADMINISTRATION Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: (02) 4732 7777 F: (02) 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

SERVICES Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735 Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Graffiti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES Council Meetings

COUNCIL BRIEFS s Relax to the sounds of live music and enjoy quality food while you browse the local market stalls at the popular Sunday Siestas. Our lovely Nepean River will be the backdrop for the perfect day out for the family.

Come down to Tench Reserve from 11am–4pm on Sunday, 19 April and enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon among the market stalls and great family entertainment. Musician David Agius will perform a variety of songs with raw acoustic sound and grass roots rock inspiration.

The stalls will feature everything from boutique products, handmade art and textiles, clothing, home decorator items, clothing, accessories, preserves and handmade gifts.

There’ll be plenty of fun family activities with something for everyone.

You will also be able to enjoy a feast of culinary delights including Texas BBQ style meals, sweet treats, burgers and Turkish gözleme.

For more information go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/sundaysiestas/ or phone 4732 7736. s National Youth Week, will this year take place between 10–19 April.

It is the largest celebration of young people in Australia.

The theme for 2015 is ‘It Starts With Us’. Numerous activities will be held in Penrith and young people can access all these activities for free. It’s a chance to celebrate young people in our community.

Activities and events focus on the positive contributions that young people make and can make to society.

20 April 2015 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

For more information about Youth Week and youth services check out Council’s website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Youth Development Officer on 4732 7777.

27 April 2015 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

Youth Week activities and events are jointly funded by the NSW Government and Council.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au

TENDER Provision of Ground and Lawn Maintenance Services RFT 14/15-22 Penrith City Council is seeking proposals for the reliable and cost effective performance of Ground and Lawn Maintenance Services on an as required basis. The contract will be for an initial period of three (3) years, with an option to extend for a further two (2) x one (1) year periods, by mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance.

Pre-Tender Briefing at 10am Tuesday, 14 April 2015.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Business/Tenders/ to register and download tender documents free of charge.

Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.

For queries please contact Laura Schuil on 4732 7663 or lschuil@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 29 April 2015 (‘the Closing Date’). Tenders received after will not be considered.

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free-of-charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Application s Property Innovations Group DA14/1443 Lot 78 DP 16330 (No. 56) Brisbane Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures, removal of vegetation and construction of 5 x attic style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council. s Matthew Freeburn Surveyor DA15/0259 Lot 155 DP 752021 (Nos. 192–222) Hinxman Road, Castlereagh Torrens title subdivision x 2 lots The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service – Rural Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 6 April 2015 to 20 April 2015.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA15/0259.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Gavin Cherry on 4732 7991.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Viewing of Development Applications The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

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Council

New parking restrictions likely for Emu Plains DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ew 30 minute parking zones are set to be implemented along Russell Street at Emu Plains, pending consent from police and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish sparked the discussion of half an hour parking on both the east and west sides of Russell Street, and also suggested leaving out a no stopping zone on the street.

“Once it went to unrestricted parking, there was an issue with one of the business owners using it as private all day parking,” he said.

“If you go 15 minutes then people will overstay. I want half an hour on both sides so business owners can’t park on the side of the road for free advertising.”

Cr Cornish said car users can access food at lunch time by parking in the fast food restaurant parking, but trucks don’t have the same luxury.

“A lot of trucks come along there because they’ve got the quarries down the end of the road, and a 30 minute limit stops someone parking there all day allowing different cars, large and small trucks or people with trailers,” he said.

N

“This is a matter for helping shopkeepers and ‘truckies’ that want to stop and get lunch and want to do it legally.”

Changes to the no stopping signs on the western side of the street would allow an extra seven metres of parking across a service station’s old driveway.

Executive Manager for Environment and City Development, Wayne Mitchell, said Council’s technical officers initially voted for unrestricted parking due to heavy vehicles creating visibility issues as people tried to get out of driveways.

“Longer term parking was a safer outcome in terms of less turnover of vehicles in those areas,” he said.

Along with Councillors Karen Mckeown, Michelle Tormey and John Thain, Councillor Greg Davies voted against the amendment to half an hour parking and said that experts originally recommended unrestricted parking.

“I understand where some people might have concerns, but we have experts such as the police and the Roads and Maritime Services who are qualified to give us an answer,” he said.

Councillors voted to refer the option of 30 minute parking to the RMS and police for their consent. A decision will be made in due course.

Councillor Marcus Cornish supports new 30 minute timed parking on Russell Street

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

Strong international ties

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Penrith City Council continues to build strong international relations in pursuit of mutual economic benefits and creating opportunities for business relations and collaboration. A recent visit by a delegation of officials from Xicheng District People’s Government, Beijing is creating new business relations with interest from investors in development proposals in Penrith.

Council is marketing our city nationally and internationally to countries and businesses that would benefit from investing in sectors that our city is focusing on into the future. These include – information technology, global education, health and medicine, advanced manufacturing and global logistics.

The relationship between Xicheng and Penrith was formalised in 1998 when we signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement. Our relationship has grown over the years to include cultural exchanges, two very successful corporate governance programs and a number of visits exploring the health, judicial and government systems in Australia.

Penrith’s strong international relationships are important with Council’s

collective vision for the future driving investment in the City. Penrith Progression’s, A Plan for Action document, is a collective vision of the future of Penrith. Its pages detail 100 actions that will be used to transform our City Centre and deliver jobs for the future.

Strengthening our position for collaboration is the Federal Government’s free trade agreement with China. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade and Investment Steve Ciobo addressed the Xicheng delegation while video messages from Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop endorsing the relationship between our cities were also viewed at the business luncheon for the delegation.

Council is excited to be leading the collaboration between the cities that will have positive benefits for industry in health and science, global education and developing the potential of our great city.

I’d also like to congratulate Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies on being reelected and to Prue Car on her election to represent Londonderry.

ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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12 Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

Health

Massage rebates facing the chop after review DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

ore muscle sufferers could be paying more for massages if the Federal Government scraps rebates to private health insurance providers for the natural therapy.

The Department of Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council have been conducting a review on the clinical effectiveness of 17 natural therapies including massage therapy.

Association of Massage Therapies (AMT) Secretary Rebecca Barnett is concerned that the labour intensive nature of massage doesn’t naturally coexist with large scale studies with thousands of patients.

“We need to keep a clear head about unproven therapy and ineffective therapy,” she said.

President of the AMT Annette Cassar runs her own massage therapy business in South Penrith, and said if rebates are scrapped, patients won’t be able to afford these services.

“We’ve got newer massage therapists coming through with clients who rely on health fund rebates,” she said.

Mrs Cassar predicts she will lose a third of her own sessions, but said the effects will

S

Annette Cassar from Soothing Care Massage, South Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane

reach far beyond the business community by hindering the Government’s efforts to keep people healthy and in the workforce.

“I get referrals from the MS Society, so people with Multiple Sclerosis can be subsidised so they can work longer and not go on a disability pension,” she said.

“If they take the subsidy out, people are not going to go back to the workforce, and may go on a disability pension. It’s a vicious circle, the Government is actually putting more pressure on themselves.”

In January, a leaked document surfaced that allegedly contained findings of the ongoing review, and showed none of the 17 therapies under review were proven to conclusively work on patients.

The therapies under review include but are not limited to: Aromatherapy, Bowen Therapy, Buteyko, Feldenkrais, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Pilates, Reflexology, Tai Chi, Yoga – and 10 variations of massage therapy.

The AMT has contacted the Department of Health twice, which responded with identical letters from both its Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary on separate occasions.

“The Government is currently considering the findings of the report of the review and will announce its decision in due course,” the two letters said.

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13 the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

PANTHERS vs COWBOYS M Monday 6th April 2015 PEPPER P EP STADIUM, PENRITH PRE PURCHASE ADULT P TTICKETS ICKETTS FOR $15 BEFORE GAME DAY KIDS UNDER 12 RECEIVE FREE ENTRY 4.30pm

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4.45pm

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Health

Why hearing loss could lead to a fall Older residents urged to get their hearing checked to ensure they’re not at risk of a dangerous fall DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

hat’s the most unknown risk factor for falls in the elderly?

Surprise, it’s hearing loss.

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District hosted an April Falls Day on Wednesday to highlight the increased risk to the elderly with hearing difficulties.

Together with Australian Hearing, the hospital’s Falls and Fractures Clinic teamed up to provide free hearing tests to encourage people to get checked to reduce their chance of falling.

Sharon Donnelly from Australian Hearing said in the first hour and a half of setting up the stalls, she had given 10 people a hearing test, and had to refer two who didn’t know they suffered from hearing loss.

“Today it has been mainly elderly people we have tested, and two ladies already need to come to our office and do further testing,” she said.

Australian Hearing’s statistics suggest that people with a mild hearing loss of 25 decibels were three times more likely to have a history of falling than those with no hearing loss.

Professor Gustavo Duque, Director of

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Annette Walsh getting a hearing test off Australian Hearing’s Sharon Donnelly

at Rick Rutherford’s Country, Lawson

Come and embrace the spirit of the season at the Blue Mountains’ premier visitor destination this long weekend!

A world of country styles – from Victorian to Retro, Folk and Cottage, Coastal and English, to Kids room and allyear-round Christmas – plus beautiful Nessie’s Daffodil Tearooms with its wartime-inspired cakes and slices.

You can even partake of your delicious fare in our new summerhouse outdoors.

Bursting at the seams with new homewares and collectables just landed, what could be more enjoyable this Easter long weekend than a visit to this wonderful Blue Mountains heritage location?

Open all long weekend, 10am to 5.30pm with the exception of Good Friday (closed)!

Kemps Creek: Crash leaves young boy seriously hurt

Penrith: Bizarre incident leads to multiple charges

Police have charged a man with drink driving after the van he was driving crashed and severely injured the young boy in the passenger seat. Just before 8pm on Thursday, March 26, the van was travelling along Mamre Road, near the intersection of Elizabeth Drive, when it left the roadway and hit a pole. The 39-year-old male driver from Erskine Park sustained minor injuries while the eight-year-old male passenger sustained serious head trauma and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The driver was breath tested, returning a positive result. He was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station for breath analysis, returning a Blood Alcohol Concentration reading of 0.087. He will appear in court to face multiple charges next month.

Police have charged a 41-year-old male with a number of offences after he allegedly followed another vehicle, repeatedly hitting it with his own car. Police allege that at about 11am on Saturday, March 28, a verbal exchange occurred between two men on Smith Street Penrith. One man was in his vehicle, a van, and the other was on the street. The man in the vehicle went to leave the area when the other man allegedly got into his own car, a Holden Rodeo, and followed him. It is alleged that the vehicles came to a stop at the intersection between Smith Street and The Northern Road, when the Holden Rodeo tried to push the other vehicle into the intersection. The cars turned left together onto the Northern Road, where it is alleged that a number of incidents continued to occur. The cars continued onto Henry Street, where one of the vehicles hit a passing car that was not involved. The first car attempted to turn down Doonmore Street to get away however the Rodeo collided with the passenger side of the car.

It is alleged that at this point the victim tried to get out of the car to seek assistance but the man in the Rodeo armed himself with a pair of scissors and threatened him. Police arrived and arrested the driver of the Rodeo, he was charged with ‘attempt recklessly inflict grievous bodily harm with intent’, ‘armed with intent to commit indictable offence’ and ‘predatory driving’. He is on conditional bail and will appear in court on April 17. Anyone with information should contact Penrith Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Werrington: Routine stop leads to shock discovery

OPEN EVERY DAY! from 10am to 4pm

RUTHERFORD’ S ICK

Country LAWSON

the Ageing Bone Research Program at the Nepean Sydney Medical School, insisted hearing loss is a major risk factor for falls in the elderly that nobody knows about.

“We know that people with hearing loss have problems with balance, and it’s even more important than vision loss,” he said.

“People assume that when they have vision loss, they have a high risk of falling, and it’s not – hearing loss is even worse.”

Prof Duque said the risk of falling is generally multifactoral, with previous falls being the most important reason for future falls, then muscle loss, low Vitamin D then hearing loss.

The Nepean Falls and Fractures Clinic alone sees around 250 patients a year who have suffered a fall and/or a fracture.

Prof Duque said most patients are referred to hearing tests.

“We do comprehensive assessments that include all the risk factors for falls, plus measuring bone strength, and combine all these factors and determine with really high assurance if a patient is going to suffer a fracture or a fall,” he said.

April Falls Day is an annual event at Nepean Hospital.

If you have had a fall, contact Nepean Hospital’s Falls and Fracture Clinic on 4734 1772 for a check up.

Police snapshot

An Easter Parade

R

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

14

‘‘Badger Badger House’ B House’, 3 Badgery Badg Crescent, Lawson (From Sydney, turn RIGHT off the Highway at a the San Jose Bridge lights - opposite the skate park BEFORE the Lawson township)

Open 10am to 5.30pm daily • Ph: 4759 3434 WW16763

A police operation has resulted in the charging of a man with weapon and drug related offences after a vehicle stop in Werrington last week. At about 6.30pm on Friday, March 27, officers attached to Operation Countdown, which targets property-related crime, stopped a vehicle on the Great Western Highway in relation to traffic matters. Police inspected the vehicle and allegedly found a mobile phone that contained cocaine and a cutting agent.

Police also found further drug paraphernalia, a firearm, ammunition and a flick knife; all of which were seized for forensic examination. The driver of the vehicle, a 38-year-old man, was charged.

15 the western weekender Âť Friday 3 April 2015

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Friday 3 April 2015 ÂŤ the western weekender

16

Your phone and net could be cut within weeks because of the NBN rollout.

Stay connected with iiNet NBN from

59

90

$

/month

Min. cost $139.85

Local and standard national calls included Incl $79.95 activation fee. Netphone included. $1.20/GB. NBN-enabled modem additional.

Acceptable Use Policy applies. Phone handset not included. Not available in all areas.

Call before your copper service is terminated.

iinet.net.au/nbn 13 19 17 WW16621

17

Education

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

UWS opens a new chapter with launch of exciting library

NEW DATE SATURDAY 11 APRIL Librarian Sue Craig and Governor David Hurley at UWS Penrith’s new state of the art library on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

enrith’s University of Western Sydney has officially opened its incredible library, and it’s one that will make other universities envious.

State Governor, His Excellency the Honourable David Hurley attended the momentous occasion on Wednesday to formally name the library in tribute to former Chancellor John Phillips.

“It has been a great welcome to officially declare the John Phillips Library open, and I feel greatly privileged to be here,” he said.

P

Before its official opening, the 24 hour library already catered for over 2000 students a day, and even in today’s technology-based learning environment, still holds over 390,000 books.

UWS’s Librarian Sue Craig said libraries help universities build their reputations to attract and retain students.

“The library itself has already become a major meeting place – there’s connections, there’s community and there’s academic endeavour and discovery,” she said.

Chancellor Professor Peter Shergold said Wednesday would have been John Phillips’ 85th birthday.

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Movie commences at dusk

WHERE: REGATTA PARK River Road, Emu Plains

FEATURE FILM: MADAGASCAR 3 KIDS ACTIVITIES FOOD FOR SALE For more information Phone 1300 736 836 WW16348

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events

Can you provide a safe, stable and supportive home to an adolescent?

Barnardos Australia needs carers for young people aged 12-18 years.

We provide you with training, 24 hour support and up to $850 p/week.

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Friday 3 April 2015 ÂŤ the western weekender

18

Register Now to make a difference

Penrith Relay For Life Here

2 & 3 May 2015 Howell Oval, Penrith

Join the thousands of Penrith community members who take part in Cancer Council’s Relay For Life each year.

9:30am Saturday to 10am Sunday

An overnight experience with fun activities and moving ceremonies to raise vital funds for research, prevention, and support services. Help us make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Call 02 9354 2004

Register Now at relayforlife.org.au

WW16524

Community

19

Knitters are helping the needy in our community Special bond formed as local ladies come together to help those in need

Rodney, Janis, Rebecca, Carolyn & James KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

group of local runners took part in the March Charge, a fundraising event for the Cancer Council, last month and despite the fact that they set a huge fundraising goal, the group raised so much more than expected.

13 members of the Blue Mountains Marathon Clinic set out to run hundreds of kilometres throughout the month to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Originally they set a collective goal of $2,500 and revised that goal to $6,000 not long into the month but together they smashed the new goal, raising $8,641 and running a total of 2,500km between them.

“We had three members raise over $1,000 each and of all the groups that were fundraising for the March Charge, ours came second,” said group member, James Hickey.

“My team mates are a great group of people, all of whom supported each other through the month. Some of us have such a deep connection with the cause, with either going through cancer themselves or losing loved ones.”

Mr Hickey set himself a 100km goal, when he usually only runs around 30km.

He beat that goal by 50km and raised $982.50.

“I lead a busy work life running the Maincom Group, a construction company that works across Australia and New Zealand and like most struggle to fit in enough time to exercise,” he said.

“But one third of cancers can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, so it is important that we are physically active every day, enjoy a healthy diet and maintain a healthy body weight. I wanted to participate for my own health but also to raise money for a good cause.”

To read the group’s stories, visit www. themarchcharge.com.au.

A

A local knitting group meets weekly to knit items for those in need across the local community. Photo: Melinda Jane KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

cross the local area new residents at nursing homes are greeted with a gift of their own knitted blanket, the homeless are given beanies and scarves and lives are brightened with knitted toys, thanks to a humble group of knitters.

A group of close to 20 women meet together on Tuesday mornings on the grounds of Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury, to knit goods for the needy in the community.

With the assistance of Guardian Funerals, the group knits blankets to go into ‘welcome packs’ that are donated to local nursing homes in Penrith, tiny clothes for stillborn and premature babies, hand warmers and bed socks for nursing home residents, beanies and scarves to be given

A

Licence No. 189585C

to the homeless at the St Nicholas of Myra soup kitchen and comforts to be donated to local palliative care units.

The group is the brainchild of Guardian Funerals funeral arranger, Kate Smith, who could see a need in the community and wanted to fill it.

“I just thought that if we started a knitting group we could give what we made to the nursing homes. It started with knee blankets and things like that but it just grew and grew and grew,” Mrs Smith said.

“It is a really good community thing.

I think it is important that we keep it local, to support the areas where we live and work, which is different to other knitting groups. That way our ladies just knit whatever they feel like, there are no specifics.”

The group has grown dramatically in numbers since it was first formed 18

ABN: 49559903646

months ago and now supports up to 15 nursing homes in the local area as well as a long list of local organisations.

Guardian Funerals Minchinbury manager, Fiona Boulous, said that in addition to the ladies that meet together on a Tuesday, there are more than 10 others who knit from home.

Ms Boulous picks up their work and distributes it to the local organisations and businesses in need.

“What’s also nice about it is that for some of these women, this is the only thing that they do each week and now they have formed friendships here, it is really nice,” she said.

The group is always looking for more donations of wool and personal care products for the welcome packs as well as knitters who are keen to join.

For information, contact Guardian Funerals Minchinbury on 9625 8500.

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the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Local group charges ahead

Friday 3 April 2015 ÂŤ the western weekender

20

OPENING AFTER EASTER

Your Moment Your

Diamond World are launching an exciting new concept‌ Under new management, we are focusing on a wider range of styles and trends while maintaining what you have come to expect from us: Superior quality and excellent service.

Visit us in-store Shop 255, Level 2, Westfield Shopping Plaza, Penrith Ph: 4722 6003 E: penrith@destinyjewellers.com.au

WW16628

Connect with @DestinyJewellers on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

21

Education

Special initiative gives Jamisontown Public School kids an insight into Australia’s gold rush days KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

alking onto the grounds at Jamisontown Public School last week was like stepping back in time to a period in the 1800’s when Australia had gold-fever.

As part of their studies of Australia’s gold rushes, students at the school spent the day in old-fashioned clothing, cooking their own food and digging up the school grounds in a very realistic recreation of the gold rush days.

“It is a reenactment of life in the gold rush days. We study gold, it is one of our HSIE units. We look at the type of clothing worn, the equipment used and how gold made a difference to Australia as a developing colony,” said Stage Three Teacher, Beth Gill.

“It connects all their learning to a real life experience.”

Fellow teacher Kylie Carlin agreed that it gives the students a better understanding of what life was like in a time gone by.

“It allows the students to be really immersed in it; they get to see and feel what it would have been like,” she said.

To kick off the day, the students had to walk around the school with their ‘family

W

Jamisontown Public School students taking part in ‘Gold Day’ last Wednesday

groups’, which were made up of fellow students and some parent supervisors, carting all their equipment.

They then set up camp, cooked their own food and played old-fashioned games like marbles, jacks and sticks.

Then, each ‘family’ gathered around their own ‘plot’, which was a small area marked out on the grounds, and dug for ‘gold nuggets’, which were actually rocks that had been painted by students at an earlier date and buried by their teachers, before taking their findings to be weighed.

The students said that in addition to looking like they were from the gold-rush era, they felt as though they were actually there.

“It’s like we are going back in time. Even though we didn’t walk as far as the miners did, it still felt like we were the miners,” said student, Liam Firth, after walking with his classmates around the school’s cross-country track to symbolise the journey miners would make to get to the gold fields.

Jamisontown Public School’s Gold Day is an annual event.

Is your school holding a special event in the near future? We’d love to hear about it. Get in touch by sending an email to news@westernweekender.com.au.

THE DEALS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

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the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Local students take a trip back in time

22 Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

Community

Penrith Rotary Club impressed by local politician of the future he Rotary Club of Penrith recently provided sponsorship to Penrith High School student Ben Medveczky who is attending the YMCA NSW Youth in Parliament Program.

The YMCA NSW Youth Parliament is a program that gives young people a voice in the running of NSW. It is a place where the opinions and concerns of young people in NSW are heard by those who have the power to make laws.

Run by young people, for young people, the program aims to promote youth-led advocacy, active community leadership and legal and parliamentary education.

Ben addressed Rotary Club members recently, impressing everyone present with a speech worthy of a future politician.

“If his future is in politics, the Penrith community will be well served,” a Rotary Club of Penrith spokesperson said.

The club congratulated Youth Director Wendy Jackson for introducing such a

T

DAYLIGHT saving time will end this weekend. At 3.00am on Sunday, clocks go back one hour. 3.00am becomes 2.00am. Local residents are

Wendy Jackson and Ben Medveczky wonderful and definitely worthy student to the club.

The sponsorship shows the wide variety of work the local Rotary Club does.

reminded to turn their clocks back one hour before they go to bed on Saturday night, though many phones will adjust themselves.

LOCAL RADIO

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23 the western weekender Âť Friday 3 April 2015

Register Now relayforlife.org.au

FREE

Entertainment Kids Activities Fireworks

Register a team today and join in the fun! To find out more go to www.relayforlife.org.au or call Cancer Council on 9354 2004

Register Now at relayforlife.org.au WW16525

Community

Brothers hit the road for their dad Can Adam and Grant’s 1998 Toyota Celica make it through the Birdsville Track and Simpson Desert?

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

fter seeing their father suffer with cancer, local brothers Grant and Adam Murrell, decided that they wanted to do something big to make a change.

So the pair signed up for the annual Shitbox Rally, where teams attempt to drive cars that are worth less than $1,000 across the country to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Grant and Adam are taking part for the first time this year in a 1998 model Toyota Celica as team ‘DeLorean Express’, and will kick off their journey on May 9 from Canberra, drive 3,600km along the Birdsville Track and through Simpson Desert, hopefully ending up in Townsville a week later.

The brothers are hoping that they will make it all the way to Townsville, but are expecting a number of bumps along the way – given that blown tyres and unfixable break-downs are common on the rally.

The looming challenges are all worth it though, according to Grant, knowing that they are raising funds for a good cause.

“About five years ago our old man came down with bladder cancer. That was a big

A

Brothers Adam and Grant Murrell are taking part in a rally to raise money for charity

shock and a blow. He was pretty lucky, saw some good doctors, but unfortunately he lost his bladder out of it. It was an eye opener, that’s for sure,” Grant said.

“We wanted to give back and this idea came along not long afterwards. There are two parts to it for us, firstly it is a statement, we want to be able to say ‘this is what we are doing and this is what we are doing it for’ but it is also a bit of a bonding experience for us.”

Adam said that cancer is something that so many people in the local area can identify with.

“Everyone sees it through their family so for us, we’ve had our cousin and our dad. It hits home and you don’t really want to see it happen to anyone else,” he said.

Between now and May 9, the brothers are hoping to raise over $4,000 and are looking for corporate sponsorship to help them reach that goal.

Businesses that sponsor the team will have a special space on the car for advertisements.

The brothers are keen to secure their list of sponsors before they head off next month.

To sponsor the team, call 0415 479 720 or visit www.shitboxrally.com.au and search for DeLorean Express.

on FLOOR STOCK AND DISCOUNTED ITEMS ONLY Sale ends 19th April

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WW16667

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25

Community

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Get fit, raise money, have lots of fun Fitness for Autism raises awareness and money for local charities – and it’s a great family day out DALE DRINKWATER

@daledrinkwater

amison Park will come alive for the 2015 Fitness for Autism event on Sunday, April 12, as friends and families come together for a fun day out.

The free event organised by local Penrith charities The Luke Priddis Foundation and Little by Little Inc., aims to raise money and awareness for those suffering Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Luke Priddis Foundation’s General Manager, Tamara Van Antwerpen, said the event is more than just a great opportunity to raise funds for places like Kurrambee School.

“It will also give our families who have children on the Autism spectrum an opportunity to come out in the community in a safe and non-judgmental space,” she said.

“We’ve organised the event at the same time as other Sunday events such as soccer to raise a higher awareness of the Autism spectrum.”

The fun day involves a 10 kilometre charity walk or run, and participants are required to check in from 9am at the corner of Racecourse Road and Batt Street.

To contribute to the cause, the run will

J

Last year’s Fitness for Autism event was a huge success cost an individual $20 to participate in, a family of four $50, a family of five $60 and a family of six $70.

“For the cost of joining the walk there is a free sausage sizzle and ride on the Cup and Saucer, or if you’re not participating in the walk you can purchase a wristband for $5 to get the same,” Mrs Van Antwerpen said.

Grab a sausage sizzle and a drink while you’re there, let the kids play on the jump-

ing castle and get their face painted before letting loose on the inflatable playground.

Don’t miss appearances from the Lollipops Playland and AMF Bowling mascots, the Penrith Panthers cheer girls and join in on free fitness activities from the local gyms.

Mr Van Antwerpen said sponsor Councillor Jim Aitken has been a valuable part of the event every year, and pulls the trig-

ger for everyone to start the charity walk.

Cr Aitken has a personal connection to the event, and has been sponsoring the cause since the birth of his 39-year-old daughter who is on the Autism spectrum.

Organisers are urging participants to register before the event via email to info@lukepriddisfoundation.com or ajcullen47@tpg.com.au to receive their own Luke Priddis bucket hat.

HIGH STREET FAMILY DOCTORS 243 High Street Penrith (near Doonmore St) Easter Opening Hours

Good Friday 3/4/15 Saturday 4/4/15 Sunday 5/4/15 Monday 6/4/15

8am – 7pm 8am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 8am – 7pm

OPEN 7 DAYS BULK BILLING Easter Opening Hours

Saturday 8am – 1pm Monday 9am – 12pm

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LEURA FIRST SUNDAY MARKETS Sunday 5th April 2015 • 9am-2pm In the grounds of Leura Public School

Easter Fun with Easter Egg Hunt & a visit from the Easter Bunny

* weather permitting Gr e ily! All at da m a Live f y out for all the er Mu Weath Gre

sic

at Food Stalls

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Community

Researchers seeking participants

Traditions return thanks to Rick Rutherford’s Country in Lawson

Researchers at the Musculoskeletal Ageing Research Program (Nepean Hospital) are looking for healthy participants for a blood study (The COPs Study) The study involves some simple questions about your health and, if suitable, we will then take a blood sample.

We aim to recruit participants (male and female) 20 years and older.

Participants need to be in good health.

Participation in this study will involve one visit (one hour).

If you are interested in taking part or would like further details, please contact:

Great food is on offer at Rick Rutherford’s Country

Mrs. Izabella Pokorski; Phone 4734 2599 or 4734 4278.

or over a decade the heritage building, which is now home to Rick Rutherford’s Country in Lawson, was the site of a much loved local café.

12 months ago, Rick Rutherford’s Country added the first stage of the business’ reinstatement of food serving with the establishment of Nessie’s Daffodil Tearoom.

Offering a delicious selection of wartime-inspired cakes and slices as well as Devonshire teas and a mini High Tea menu, Nessie’s Tearoom has proved to be a phenomenal success.

Now, one year on, Rick Rutherford’s Country has launched the next stage of

F

The research is being conducted by: Professor Gustavo Duque and Dr. Piumali Gunawardene at Nepean Hospital.

This research study has been approved by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee and is being conducted in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans (2007).

its ‘food dimension’ with the re-establishment of Badgery’s Heritage Café, which is located within the renowned heritage country store.

From Thursday, April 9, Rick Rutherford’s Country will offer delightful luncheon fare – simple and wholesome lunchtime food – at a price that will make everyone very happy.

So put it in the diary and prepare for a trip up the Blue Mountains after April 9.

Rick Rutherford’s Country is located at 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson.

Nessie’s Daffodil Tearoom and Badgery’s Heritage Café is open 10am to 4pm daily.

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27

Community

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Sky diving for a cause

Emma Hogan took part in a tandem sky dive to raise money for charity KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

lenmore Park’s Emma Hogan has been living with type 1 diabetes from the age of seven and despite the impact it has had on her life, she hasn’t let it stop her doing anything.

Last month, in her quest to show the world that her condition can’t stop her, Emma took part in a tandem sky dive to raise money for research into finding a cure for juvenile diabetes and to raise awareness as well.

“We went up to 12,000 feet and then I was the fourth to jump out of the plane, there were eight of us. Until they actually opened the door of the plane I was ready to go but after that I just said no, no, no!

Jumping out was the hard part but it was amazing – I actually went through a cloud,” Emma said.

“When I came back down, I was glad

G

that I did it. I thought, if they find a cure one day, I sky dived to help that.”

Her ‘Jump for Diabetes’ raised over $1,600 for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

“I just want to thank everyone who donated, because we had a couple of big fundraisers at school and a raffle as well,” Emma said.

Emma’s campaigning to raise awareness of the condition has been continuing since she was just 10-years-old. Now in high school and still a Youth Ambassador for the organisation, her passion for making a change has not waned.

In fact, Emma has been chosen to represent NSW and Australia at the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation’s Children’s Congress in the US next year.

“I am very excited and hoping that I will get a lot of awareness about type 1 diabetes to the community leading up to the children’s congress,” she said.

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

28

HISTORY

Turning back Time

Project 590’s long forgotten history Dale Drinkwater looks into western Sydney’s incredible part in Australia’s war history and the long-forgotten local Project 590

Abandoned Project 590 building at Ropes Crossing

T

he plight of World War 2 from 1939 instilled a fear into our country that sparked a dynamic and complex history of the 1,500 hectares northwest of St Marys.

In a climate of fear, the Australian Government sought higher production of ammunition to assist in the war effort in the Pacific, and turned to western Sydney to build a seventh munitions factory. The St Marys factory was the second of its kind in the country that took products from the other factories and combined them to make a final munition.

In 1941, 4,500 acres of family-owned land at Dunheved was compulsorily taken over by the Government, and its family homestead turned into an office to only be left dilapidated two years later.

From 1942, the munitions factory grew and its 850 buildings spanned an incredible 1,260 acres – a wide area to separate its nine dangerous sections that included pyrotechnics (north), high explosives (south), fuze and magazines (west).

During production, local pig and dairy

farmers were moved off their land to provide cottages for the almost 2,500 workers, who utilised the 27 kilometres of railway on the site. The rail stopped at two different stations on the site at both Dunheved, for the high explosives section and administration, and Ropes Creek for the pyrotechnics section.

Between the start of production in November 1942 to the end of the war in 1945, the munitions factory produced over 50,000 flame floats, almost 120,000 hand grenades and over 240,000 ‘twenty five pounder’ shells and 23 million rounds of ammunition – dispersed between the Royal Navy and forces fighting in New Guinea.

When the war died down, production did too, and the factory shut down. For the next 10 years, the factories were used by private companies such as technical colleges and for commercial use, which established the Dunheved Industrial Estate. By 1946, the Dunheved Estate hosted 34 factories, which rose to 95 by 1950.

In the northern section near Ropes Creek, the site was still being used to

break down, recondition and salvage ammunitions. During the Korean War of 1950 to 1953, the Australian Government felt the need to reignite their focus on defence, and instead of moving the private industries that were already established in the Dunheved Estate, decided to adapt the remaining northern pyrotechnics area of the original site for a new munitions factory. The new factory, known as (an eerie, alien-like) Project 590 did not start construction until 1955, and included 324 new buildings and over 500 refurbished buildings from the old munitions factory, totalling 858.

By 1957, the technologically advanced factory opened, and satisfied the increasingly sophisticated demands of modern warfare, and is believed to have produced ammunition at a value of $50 million annually.

At the time, Project 590 was known as the “most modern mechanised ammunition filling factory in the free world” and included new processes such as manufacturing detonators and caps, empty shell treatment and bomb fillings.

Ironically, the Korean War was over

by the time the plant opened which heightened tensions between Australia and South-East Asia, and eventuated in Australia’s mid-way entry into the Vietnam War in 1962.

From 1977, after the end of the Vietnam War, the factory filled mainly commercial orders and by 1989, the Office of Defence Production underwent a restructure, resulting in the creation of the Australian Defence Industries (ADI).

After this restructure, the ADI declared the consolidation of munitions factories around Australia, and concluded the St Marys site would close. From the beginning of the St Marys site in the 1940s, to its end in 1995, the site changed from a rural area isolated from homes, to an area almost surrounded by residential development.

The area is no longer Project 590, and its eastern precinct is now called Ropes Crossing, despite several of the old munitions factory buildings still standing today.

Abandoned and dilapidated, St Marys Munitions Filling Factory and Project 590’s ghostly buildings still stand today, surrounded by the homes of families.

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BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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asterChef 2011 contestant Jay Huxley is coming back to his home town to open his second restaurant, in a bid to bring toplevel dining to Penrith.

HUX Grill will be open at its Henry Street location from Saturday, April 11, and if it is going to be anything like Jay’s first restaurant, it will be incredible.

“I grew up here in Penrith, I went to school in Cranebrook. For a long time it has been a goal of mine to open a restaurant in my home town,” Jay said.

“My first HUX Grill, in Roseville, was rated as one of the top 10 steak houses in Sydney according to Sydney.com, which is a huge accolade. I have been wanting to bring that type of top quality food to Penrith and so I am making it happen.”

HUX Grill Roseville is extremely popular, especially with NRL stars who flock to the restaurant, in fact Panthers star James Segeyaro has been known to travel all the way there for a good steak.

The Penrith restaurant has been

fully renovated, offers an outdoor area and can cater for functions but while the restaurant itself is spectacular, it is the food that will keep Penrith locals coming back for more.

Signature dishes, like the 1.3kg Tomahawk Steak, the HUX Burger and Whole Suckling Pig, will have mouths watering across the local area.

“We’re really excited about it, it is something a bit different for Penrith and I think the community is really going to love it,” Jay said.

HUX Grill Penrith has a comprehensive beer and wine list, as well as a selection of delicious cocktails, and on Friday nights the charcoal spit roast will be fired up in the back courtyard.

While the restaurant has an up-market feel, with a $16 lunch special and mains under $20 as well as the option to try a $99 steak, there really is something for everyone at HUX Grill.

Hux Grill is located at 80 Henry Street, Penrith.

For bookings or details, call 4722 5141.

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Former MasterChef contestant Jay Huxley has brought his awardwinning Hux Grill restaurant back to where he grew up in Penrith!

Come and see what got his Roseville restaurant into the Top 10 Sydney Steakhouses on sydney.com.

WW16742

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

New level of quality is coming to Penrith

BUSINESS TIPS

Friday 3 April 2015 ÂŤ the western weekender

30

Turning complaints into positive experiences

Getting people to notice your newsletter or special e-offer

Michelle Grice // Founder of Shel Design

Michael Todd // Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

H

ow did you react the last time you received a complaint from a customer? Our first reaction to ‘bad news’ is generally not to leap for joy or respond positively! But what if I told you that in business, we should treat any complaint as ‘customer feedback’ and use it to our advantage?

The way you respond to complaints and feedback tells your customers a great deal about your business.

In the first instance, you should reply to the customer within 24 hours (or sooner!), even if that reply is just to say “thank you for contacting us. We are investigating your concern and will get back to you ASAP�.

Conversely, if you delay your response (or worse still, fail to respond at all), your customer is likely to get angry at your lack of response and start forming opinions about your company that may or may not be accurate.

You are also increasing the likelihood of your customer ranting to others (sometimes on social media) and negative ‘word of mouth’ advertising about your business will spread like wildfire.

So the trick is to genuinely respond

O E S N VIC CT A ER TR S N O C

to every complaint, and to do so in a timely manner.

Often in the first interaction, the customer will need to vent their frustration on you, and provided this doesn’t become abusive, you need to be prepared to listen and thank them for explaining the situation to you.

Wherever possible, I recommend that any subsequent communication is put in writing to ensure there is no confusion about what has been said or agreed to.

The other advantage of receiving complaints is that it helps you to improve your business.

The complaint may have stemmed from a misunderstanding on the part of the customer but this is still worth investigating to ensure that no one else has the same experience and that your business is operating in the best way it can.

How do you handle complaints in your business? Email news@westernweekender.com.au to share your experiences or write to us at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750. Tweet us @wwpenrith.

W

e all do it. We like a company or brand, then see a button to “Subscribe to our enewsletter� and we instantly put in our details so we can keep up with what the business is up to.

12 months of that behaviour and you’ve got an email inbox full of e-newsletters you don’t read, making you consider unsubscribing from a few of them. We get busy and at the same time aren’t being attracted by the ones we receive.

How you are acting is the same way your database is also reacting to your e-newsletter. How do you avoid this happening?

Figure out who it’s aimed at and what you want to deliver: There are many ways to use a newsletter depending what business you are in. It could be that you wish to notify people of a new service you’re offering, or an update to an existing one.

It could be that you want to shout about offers/exclusives/previews/discounts. So before you launch into newsletter design, it’s important to nail down exactly what it’s trying to achieve.

Get the design right and give it some personality: Traditional advice is to keep

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your newsletter simple. However, what’s more important is that your newsletter design reflects you, your company and your message straight away.

Make content interesting to read: Make sure the header is slick, it is sometimes the only thing receivers see. Same with your footer, include contact details and even make the unsubscribe option easy to find. Content wise, include section headings to make it clearer and don’t overdo it because subtle, key messages will work over a large amount of text.

Proofread and test it first: Spelling or grammar errors are an instant turn off for people. Make sure your checks are thorough and test it before sending.

Measure its performance: These days, using platforms like Mail Chimp or Campaign Monitor, you can find out how many people received your email, how many “bounced� because of a bad email address, how many people opened the newsletter, how many forwarded it to friends, and more. These services also handle your unsubscribe requests, ensuring you are following the law when people request to opt out of your newsletter.

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

32

MATCH PREVIEW Brought to you by…

PANTHERS 1

Matthew Moylan

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Josh Mansour Dean Whare Jamal Idris Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Isaac John Peter Wallace (c) Sam McKendry James Segeyaro Jeremy Latimore Sika Manu Issah Yeo Elijah Taylor Tyrone Peachey Nigel Plum Reagan Campbell-Gillard Bryce Cartwright

COWBOYS

FACT CHECK Ê Nigel Plum plays his first game for season 2015 on Monday night Ê Lachlan Coote returns to Penrith Stadium for the first time since leaving the Panthers in 2013 Ê Penrith and North Qld have never played out a draw, despite several golden point battles Dallin Watene-Zelezniak playing against the Cowboys last year

1

Lachlan Coote

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Matthew Wright Tautau Moga Kane Linnett Antonio Winterstein Michael Morgan Johnathan Thurston (c) Matt Scott (c) Jake Glanville James Tamou Gavin Cooper Ethan Lowe Jason Taumalolo Rory Kostjasyn Kelepi Tanginoa Scott Bolton Ben Hannant

Faith rattled by two losses TROY DODDS @troydodds

A

re you nervous, Penrith fans?

After two straight losses, you probably have a right to be.

But as they say, competitions aren’t won in March and there is a long, long way to go as far as season 2015 is concerned.

Take away the first 20 minutes against Newcastle last weekend, and the Penrith performance wasn’t all that bad. In fact, had controversial no-try rulings against Peter Wallace and Jamal Idris gone the other way, who knows what the final result might have been, The Panthers are struggling significantly without playmaking five-eighth Jamie Soward. The slick backline movements that were part of Penrith’s campaign last year and the opening two games of 2015 aren’t anywhere near as effective without Soward.

Soward has an incredible ability to sniff out the scent of even the smallest opportunity; without him, the Panthers look like they’re waiting for an opportunity that sometimes never comes.

The Panthers were also rattled last weekend by the withdrawals of James Segeyaro and Isaac John – the fact that Penrith used their third choice five-eighth in the match has been overlooked by some of the critics, including those from within the fan base.

Monday night’s game against North Queensland is an important one. Three straight losses would be far from ideal, not in the context of competition points (there’s enough of those up for grabs over the next five months) but rather ensuring confidence remains high within the squad.

The Cowboys found themselves in a similar position last weekend after losing their opening three matches, and there is no doubt that their golden point victory over Melbourne on Monday night was worth a whole lot more than two competition points.

Johnathan Thurston proved just what a

PENRITH PANTHERS V NORTH QLD COWBOYS MONDAY, APRIL 6 • 7PM PEPPER STADIUM REFEREES: MATT CECCHIN AND GRANT ATKINS TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 7PM sensational playmaker he is – calmly slotting a sideline conversion and then two field goals to give the Cowboys a muchneeded and unlikely win.

It’s obvious that Thurston is public enemy number one on Monday night.

The Cowboys are far less imposing when Thurston is shut down, as Newcastle showed a few weeks ago. The Knights implemented a similar game plan against Penrith on Saturday and essentially put Peter Wallace out of the game.

Shutting Thurston down, however, is not as easy as it sounds. He is a commanding figure on the field, and he’ll be keen to see if Penrith have fixed some of their flaws from recent matches. If anything, Penrith appeared lazy in defence in the opening 20 minutes last weekend. If anyone can sense laziness in a defensive line, it’s Thurston.

For Penrith to win on Monday night, they need to announce their intentions in the opening minutes. Big, tough tackles.

Powerful hit-ups. They need to let North Queensland know that they’re here to play.

To that end, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has moved to strengthen his starting side.

The hard working Jeremy Latimore starts the game in the front row while Issah Yeo is in the second row.

Isaac John and James Segeyaro both return from injury, but the Panthers will be without Brent Kite and Lewis Brown.

The Cowboys named the same side that beat Melbourne on Monday, adding Kelepi Tanginoa to an extended bench.

TIP: PANTHERS BY 10

33 the western weekender • extra time » Friday 3 April 2015

FEATURE STORY

Meet Penrith’s Mr Reliable A star in the making, Apisai Koroisau says he’s happy biding his time, filling in when needed, as he finds his feet at the Panthers

NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87

A

pisai Koroisau has made a name for himself in recent times as being the ultimate fill-in.

Last October he famously filled in for suspended South Sydney hooker Issac Luke in the 2014 Grand Final, while last weekend Koroisau made his Panthers debut filling in for injured dummy half James Segeyaro.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday morning, the 22-year-old admitted that he doesn’t mind being called upon at the last minute and always keeps his phone off ‘silent’ awaiting that next call.

“I just shape my mentality to do what I need to do for the team. The team comes first and I really don’t mind filling in, to be honest,” Koroisau said.

“When Ivan called me up last week saying I needed to play because James hurt his lip, my emotions started running pretty high. I was really excited and ready to get out there.

“I’m really enjoying myself at Penrith at the moment which helps with not playing first grade each week. I’m happy.”

After 14 first grade games with South

Sydney, including one Grand Final, Koroisau left the Rabbitohs a premiership winner and joined the Panthers on a twoyear deal this season.

Koroisau said he often reflects on his time at the famous Redfern club but will never regret leaving for an opportunity out west.

“To an extent I do miss the place, there’s only so many times you’re going to win a Grand Final with your team and I was fortunate enough to do that,” he said.

“I really do miss the boys and what we went through that year but, at the same time, I’m moving on and really enjoying myself.”

Koroisau said both clubs have their similarities and differences but one thing he loves most about his time at Penrith is, oddly, the training.

“It’s fun,” he admitted.

“They throw in a lot of games, you get a lot of days off to rest and they look after me well here, I really appreciate that.

“I’ve only been here five or six months but it’s been amazing. I’ve already had one opportunity so far and I’m still looking to learn and progress my skills. Hopefully I can do that here.”

Barring injury or poor form to James Segeyaro, Koroisau will most likely play

Apisai Koroisau Photo: Melinda Jane most of his first season at Penrith biding his time in the NSW Cup, but one thing’s certain, when his number is called, he’ll be ready.

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS

SEND YOUR PANTHERS GOSSIP AT NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

with the

Masked Panther

PANTHERS HAVE BAD MONDAY BLUES Penrith fullback Matt Moylan with a copy of the Weekender at Southlands

» A worrying statistic has emerged about Penrith’s ability to back up from Monday night games. The last 10 times the Panthers have played on a Monday, they haven’t backed up and won the following weekend. It continued last weekend with the side unable to produce a victory against the Knights after playing the Roosters the Monday prior. “The game we had on Monday night was easily the toughest game we’ve had. Today was a 3pm game so it’s almost a four and a half day turnaround with travel as well so it’s a fairly big ask,” Coach Ivan Cleary said after the loss last Saturday. Penrith play the Cowboys on Monday, which makes for a worrying match against Manly the following weekend.

» Penrith fullback Matt Moylan is a

fantastic player, and he’s also got great taste in newspapers. We spotted the NSW Blues prospect at Southlands Shopping

Centre last Thursday, where he was catching up on some light reading. Moylan was at Southlands to meet with fans and sign autographs.

» Trent Merrin has ruled out a mid-

season switch to the Panthers, despite rumours suggesting it was being considered. Rumours about Merrin coming to the Panthers earlier than expected were swirling around rugby league circles after the Dragons lost their opening two matches of the season. Since then things have settled down and Merrin has categorically ruled out a mid-season switch.

» Panthers playmaker Jamie Soward has

joined the wacky world of Twitter. He started his tweeting career with extensive praise of Australia’s World Cup victory in the cricket last Sunday. You can follow him by searching for @sowwowofficial on Twitter.

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» Happy Birthday to big Nigel Plum, who turned 32 on Tuesday. As a birthday present, Ivan Cleary named him to make his return to first grade this Monday.

» Yesterday (April 2) marked a very

special day in Panthers history. It was on April 2, 1967 when Penrith played their first ever premiership match. The game was against the Canterbury Bulldogs and Penrith lost 15-12 at Belmore Sports Ground.

» Monday will mark the first time

Lachlan Coote has returned to Penrith Stadium since leaving the club at the end of the 2013 season. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from Penrith fans on Monday night.

» I can assure you that Adam Docker

will not be at the Panthers next season.

Expect an announcement soon.

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Future looks bright, says Kite Penrith’s front row will look very different next season but the retiring Brent Kite believes the future is in good hands

number of key positions but Kite strongly believes that the 25-year-old was poached by the Panthers to fill one of the two vacant prop spots.

“Oh for sure [he’ll play prop] especially after losing a couple of older props like Plummy and I,” he said.

“It’s probably a position that they’re looking to bolster and they’ll do that with Trent and some of the kids coming through.”

The former Manly forward joined the Panthers on a two-year deal last season after winning a number of premierships on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Kite always envisioned that these two years in Penrith would be the last of his long and illustrious playing career.

“I’d like to get into coaching next, I sort of want to start that part of my career off as soon as I can,” he revealed.

“The old body and joints are starting to feel it now. Recovery takes longer and I don’t feel 100 per cent ready to go until about half an hour before kick off.”

Penrith will most likely go into 2016 with Merrin and Sam McKendry as the starting props, with a new deal likely for off-contract workhorse Jeremy Latimore.

Sam Anderson will also be pushing for a place in the squad.

NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87

P

enrith Panthers prop Brent Kite believes the club will be in good hands heading into the future despite he and fellow prop Nigel Plum calling it quits at the end of the 2015 season.

The Panthers will not only lose plenty of size and power with the loss of Kite and Plum next season but they’ll also lose nearly 500 games of experience in their front line.

Kite is an NRL veteran who played his 300th first grade game last year.

Speaking with Extra Time, Kite said he was confident that the Panthers would be just fine leading into the 2016 season and beyond.

“They’ve got a big buy in Trent Merrin coming with rep experience, which is what we need here,” he said.

“As well as that, the mixture of youth and home grown talent coming through will develop which is part of the plan.”

Merrin, who is currently serving his final year at the St George Illawarra Dragons, signed with the Panthers early last month.

A versatile forward, Merrin can play a

Brent Kite takes the ball up

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 3 April 2015

FEATURE STORY

PANTHERS POSTER

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

36

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 3 April 2015

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

38

KEV’S KORNER

WITH KEVIN KINGSTON

T TAYLOR IS PENRITH’S X-FACTOR

here are two kinds of rugby league players out there.

There’s the guys you see on the back page of the paper and all over the TV, and they’re usually the guys scoring spectacular tries or slotting last minute field goals to win games.

And then there are the understated heroes who run out onto that footy field week in, week out, giving everything they have to an 80 minute game, without the glamorous write-ups the next day.

I am a massive fan of the latter.

They may not get the headlines or the media deals or the big dollars, but you can’t win a football match without them.

For every Cameron Smith, there’s a Ryan Hinchcliffe toiling away in the background, waiting in the wings to make sure his playmaker has whatever he needs to get the job done.

Cronulla’s Jeff Robson is the steadying influence in his team, and he rarely lets anyone down.

While Matt Ballin is a coach’s dream at Manly – you know exactly what you’re going to get with him.

At the Panthers, it’s Elijah Taylor, and he is one of the best I’ve seen.

He is at the top of the list when it comes to behind-the-scenes statistics that the average punter doesn’t get to see.

He is a vital cog in the Penrith wheel, but because he isn’t scoring acrobatic tries or kicking sideline conversions, a lot of the work he does goes unnoticed.

You only have to look at his tackling rate to see how hard he works.

Elijah Taylor is an understated hero for the Panthers These understated players line up alongside some of the most talked about rugby league stars going around and they are the counter-balance that makes a team work on, and off the field.

You can’t have 17 superstars in a side – it just won’t work.

You always need someone to steady the ship and players like these are what drive a team to success.

Every successful team of course has a star player there somewhere, but the real key to success is having balance and understated heroes.

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CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

4

4

0

0

0

86

60

+26

8

2 Roosters

4

3

0

1

0

108

56

+52

6

3 Rabbitohs

4

3

0

1

0

106

67

+39

6

4 Bulldogs

4

3

0

1

0

91

72

+19

6

5 Broncos

4

3

0

1

0

84

76

+8

6

6 Panthers

4

2

0

2

0

90

64

+26

4

7 Storm

4

2

0

2

0

87

64

+23

4

8 Eels

4

2

0

2

0

99

89

+10

4

9 Warriors

4

2

0

2

0

77

70

+7

4

10 W. Tigers

4

2

0

2

0

71

67

+4

4

11 Dragons

4

2

0

2

0

42

58

-16

4

12 Raiders

4

1

0

3

0

56

94

-38

2

13 Sea Eagles

4

1

0

3

0

52

92

-40

2

14 Titans

4

1

0

3

0

60

101

-41

2

15 Cowboys

4

1

0

3

0

58

105

-47

2

16 Sharks

4

0

0

4

0

62

94

-32

0

1

Knights

Extra Time Issue Number 005 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

ROUND 5 Bulldogs v Rabbitohs Friday, April 3, 4pm ANZ Stadium Titans v Broncos Friday, April 3, 8.30pm Cbus Super Stadium Sea Eagles v Raiders Saturday, April 4, 5.30pm Albury Knights v Dragons Saturday, April 4, 7.30pm Hunter Stadium Roosters v Sharks Sunday, April 5, 4pm Allianz Stadium Eels v Tigers Monday, April 6, 3pm ANZ Stadium Storm v Warriors Monday, April 6, 5pm AAMI Park Panthers v Cowboys Monday, April 6, 7pm Pepper Stadium

COVER SHOT: Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston. Photo: NRL Photos.

‘

FAN OF THE WEEK Years supporting the Panthers: 25 years Favourite current Panther and exPanther? Nigel Plum and Tony Puletua Maitland Why do you support the Panthers?

I support the Panthers because when I began to get re-interested in league in the early 90’s it was an area that I had lived in for some time. I like that it is a community based team, with strong links to the Blue Mountains, Penrith and the greater west of Sydney.

What’s your best Panthers memory?

The 2003 Grand Final and last year’s semi final win over the Sydney Roosters.

Brought to you by…

If the Panthers won the 2015 Grand Final, how would you react? I’d be very happy for the boys, in fact I’d be ecstatic!

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 3 April 2015

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

40

HOLDEN CUP

BY NATHAN TAYLOR

NSW CUP

@natetaylor87

BY STEW MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

NEWCASTLE TOO GOOD AS PANTHERS LOOK TO RETURN TO THE WINNERS LIST AGAINST COWBOYS

AGONISING LOSS AFTER THE SIREN LEAVES PENRITH SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS

It was an unhappy road trip to Newcastle for Penrith’s Holden Cup side after they were blown off the park by the Knights 34-8.

The Panthers were never in the match from the get-go with the Knights blowing out to an 18-0 lead early in the first half.

With just over 11 minutes to go before the break, Penrith finally got on the board through winger Joshua Jay, who received a great cut out pass to score in the corner.

Penrith missed the conversion and went into half-time down by 14.

When both sides entered the field for the second half, there was a hope among Penrith fans around the ground that they could perhaps claw themselves back into the match. Unfortunately that wasn’t to be with the Knights adding to their try tally seven minutes in.

Down 22-4 and seemingly done and dusted for the game, the Panthers showed they had some fight still left in them.

After getting the ball up to the 10m line, Panthers centre Christian Crichton drove hard towards the in-goal before being met by several Newcastle defenders. Crichton managed to offload the ball to Jay on the wing to score his second of the game.

But the morning belonged to the home side who ran in two more tries before the

Newcastle avenged their grand final loss to Penrith in perhaps the most unusual of circumstances after a Chad Redman penalty goal after the siren gifted the Knights an 18-16 win. Newcastle no doubt breathed a sigh of relief given they were nearly made to pay for their failure to put Penrith to the sword in the opening half such was the ineptness of the Panthers’ performance.

While Penrith made several changes to the side named mid-week, most noticeably the late inclusion of George Jennings and David Simmons, their inclusion failed to spark the Panthers and they trailed 16-0 at half-time. Penrith’s statistics in the first half told the story; errors 9-5, line breaks conceded 3-1 and penalties conceded 5-1, meaning the Panthers only completed 8 of 16 sets.

Whatever Garth Brennan said to his team at half-time seemed to work as Penrith held the Knights scoreless for all but the full-time siren and showed much better respect for possession.

By the 76th minute, scores were level thanks to tries to Nu’u Akeripa and Rodney Coates, who did fantastically well to finish off a well worked try from halfway, and Sam Scarlett.

However a play the ball error shortly

The Panthers in action last week full-time siren to well and truly seal the deal.

Tryscorers for Newcastle included Brock Lamb, Dylan Phythian, Jack Cogger, Josh Birch and Daniel Levi.

This Easter Monday afternoon the eighth-placed Panthers will return to Pepper Stadium to take on the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 5 of the Holden Cup. Last week the Cowboys thrashed the Melbourne Storm 50-6 and currently sit in second position on the Holden Cup premiership ladder.

If Penrith are going to beat North Queensland at home this Monday, then coach Cameron Ciraldo and his assistant Kevin Kingston better get their side’s defence in order, otherwise they could be punished for the second straight week.

after the kick-off gave the Knights vital possession inside Penrith’s half with just a minute remaining. Having seen off one field-goal attempt, the Panthers then defused Carlos Tuimavave’s effort on the siren only for referee Daniel Olford to rule the Panthers were accidentally offside in retrieving the ball and gifted Redman the winning penalty goal from 15 metres out.

With that loss, Penrith go into this Saturday’s game against the Wests Tigers looking to avoid three losses in a row for the first time since playing in the NSW Cup under the Panthers brand. The Tigers themselves will be smarting from their first loss of the season against the undefeated Mounties and will be tough opponents for Penrith especially out in the backs with the likes of David Nofoaluma, Delouise Hoeter, Keith Lulia, Tim Moltzen and Josh Drinkwater.

In team news, Penrith welcomes back from injury James Fisher-Harris, while Brendan Attwood starts the game at lock. Chris Smith and Andy Saunders both revert back to the bench.

Provided the Panthers can replicate their second half form against Newcastle for the entire game they will be confident of getting the job done.

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o I said to big Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway the other day, “Hey Keefy, mate, what do you think of this idea of reducing the interchange and maybe going back to playing 80 minutes?” and he says with a dead pan face, “I’ve never played 80 minutes, mate, I don’t know what that’d be like”.

Can you believe it? Big Keefy has never played a full 80 minutes of footy!

I guess when you think about it it’s not that hard to believe in the modern era.

It did make me think though that so many players today have never experienced that ‘out on your feet’ feeling when you’ve literally got nothing more to give at full-time.

I admit I’m a bit of a dinosaur from the 80’s but, boy, do I miss that gladiatorial aspect of the game.

It brings back images of the great Ray Price looking like he’d been to war by the end of a contest.

Hero is a word often over used in sport but, boy, old Pricey sure was one to me for his courage and effort.

When was the last time we saw that?

S

State of Origin, sometimes, comes close.

These days players look as fresh in the last five minutes as they did in the first.

So hip hip hooray to the NRL for proposing a reduction of the interchange from 10 to eight or even six. Yes, go all the way to six and even further I say!

Why is it a good idea? We will get defences breaking down with fatigue and with that we will get more broken play footy which is the best footy.

Smaller skilful players will show more of their flair. It’s when the great tries are scored and when heroics both in defence and attack occur.

You’ll get more amazing moments like Scott Sattler’s tackle in the 2003 Grand Final. He just wasn’t supposed to be there and pulled off a classic Grand Final moment.

So, yes, get the interchange down for next season and with it we will get the game as it’s meant to be – exciting, unpredictable and in an arena where dare I say it, heroes and legends can again be born.

41

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Taylor rises above the pack KATE REID @kate_reid6

S

i n g e r/s o n g w r i t e r Taylor Henderson is no stranger to TV talent shows.

Audiences first got a chance to hear the 22-year-old perform when he appeared on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ in 2010 where he auditioned with his father. The pair were split up and sent through as solo artists and though audiences may have felt bad for the father and son having to compete against each other, Taylor admits there was absolutely no animosity between the two.

“It wasn’t like we were a set duo so when they split us up we were like ‘ok’, we just rolled with it,” he said.

“It’s pretty unreal going through something like that, especially with your old man who taught me everything I know.”

During his appearance on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ the then 17-year-old Taylor was splitting his time between Year 11 exams and his commitments on the show, but after his time in the spotlight came to an end he found that his career didn’t take off the way he hoped it would.

“I was a young dude who thought ‘wow this is great look at this, people know who I am’ and then before I knew it six months goes past and then a year goes past and the next show comes on,” he said about his experience on the show.

Three years later Taylor decided to try his luck on ‘The X Factor’ and this time around he took the opportunity and ran with it.

“When I came off ‘The X Factor’ I knew

exactly what I had to do because I know what it’s like to go on a show and get nothing out of it so after ‘The X Factor’ I worked my butt to the bone,” he laughed.

“I went to Sony with my vision and said this is where I see myself being and this is who I am and they really believed in it and they gave me the opportunity to write all these songs and to put them out there.”

The decision to get back in the ring definitely paid off with Taylor making it to number one on the ARIA charts several times in the last couple of years. Firstly in 2013 for his platinum-selling self-titled debut album and then again for his two time platinum selling single ‘Borrow My Heart’. The following year Taylor added another number one to the list after the release of his second studio album ‘Burnt Letters’.

Taylor will be setting off on an Australian tour in April which includes a show at Penrith’s Evan Theatre on Wednesday, April 8. After the tour he will be off to the US and the UK. From his busy schedule it’s clear that Taylor is determined not to get lost in the sea of TV talent show alumni.

“It’s scary because there are a lot of shows,” he said.

“You tend to get worried because the public start to see this little pool of people who are ‘The X Factor’ people or ‘The Voice’ people and then all of a sudden if the shows keep going on, this little pool of people starts to get a bit bigger and it’s a little bit blurry to the public.”

Along with his hard work and passion for music, Taylor has the advantage of not only being a talented singer but also an accomplished songwriter.

The songwriting aspect of his personality has grown from his need to say what’s on his mind and his fearlessness when it

comes to being emotional.

“I love telling a story,” he said.

“I like to take a risk in something and say something that the listener might not be expecting.

“I guess I’ve always been thoughtful and curious when it comes to situations.

I really take detail from something and I really think about it a lot.

“I’m an emotional dude. I guess I always have been.”

When asked who inspires him Taylor rattles off a list of people that includes big names like James Taylor and more contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran, but

he admits that his biggest inspiration is a little closer to home.

“I actually really look up to my dad. My dad’s a brilliant songwriter,” he said.

“I remember when I first wrote a song and my dad was like ‘you didn’t write that’, and that’s when I knew I felt like I’d written something really really good.

“If my own dad can’t believe I’ve written something I feel like I’ve done well.”

Taylor Henderson will be performing at the Evan Theatre on Wednesday, April 8.

Tickets are $42.05. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.penrith. panthers.com.au or call 4720 5555.

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

43

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

44

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2015 KYLC ARE NOW OPEN! Penrith RSL Club is proud to announce the sponsorship of four (4) places on the 2015 Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge.

Applications are now open for youth aged between 17 and 25 years who want to experience this life changing opportunity.

What is the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge?

The Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is a peer group leadership program sponsored by the RSL Services Clubs Association. The program was developed by former Army Major, Charlie Lynn of Adventure Kokoda.

The objective of the Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge is to influence and develop our young people to become positive leaders within our community, as a result of their experience.

Kokoda is a living leasdership laboratory for young Australians.

There is no other program that combines such a realistic physical and emotional challenge with a blend of historical, cultural and environmental learning experiences.

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MUSIC

T

he 80’s flick ‘The Blues Brothers’ has become a cult classic and now audiences will have a chance to see Jake and Elwood brought to life on stage in ‘The Official Blues Brothers Revue’ when it comes to Rooty Hill RSL this May. The show has been officially sanctioned by both Dan Aykyord – aka Elwood Blues – and Judith Belushi Pisano, the wife of the late John Belushi.

The Official Blues Brothers Revue stars Wayne Catania as Jake and Kieron Lafferty as Elwood who were chosen by Dan and Judith from over 200 Blues Brothers teams. This stage production brings the much loved

story to life, jam-packed with all the comedy, music and mayhem that made the film a worldwide hit.

The show earned rave reviews when it ran for five months at Chicago’s Centre for the Performing Arts in 2004 and has been wowing audiences ever since.

If you’re a fan of the film you won’t want to miss this opportunity to join Jake and Elwood on their ‘mission from God’.

‘The Official Blues Brothers Revue’ will be on at Rooty Hill RSL on Saturday, May 9 at 8pm. Tickets are $39.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au or call 9625 5500.

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Classic story on stage

Representing Penrith KATE REID

L

ocal a capella singing group Penrith Harmony will be proudly representing the district at the 13th National Barbershop Harmony Australia Convention in Melbourne.

The competition will run from Wednesday, September 16 to Sunday, September 20 and will feature the best of the best from around Australia.

Penrith Harmony has been a fixture in the local area for over 25 years.

The all male group attracts singers from all walks of life and age groups across the Nepean and lower Blue Mountains areas.

Local audiences may have come across the talented group, who sing in Barbershop style four part harmony, during

performances at local shopping centres, Carols by Candlelight events along with charity, community and corporate events across western Sydney.

Penrith Harmony President Richard Wadick feels there’s plenty to love about being involved with such a fun singing group and says he’s looking forward to the Convention. “[It’s] a great hobby that keeps you mentally fresh, introduces you to new friends, and provides entertainment for yourself and for others,” he said.

Penrith Harmony is always on the lookout for new members so if you’d like to get involved, or would just like more information, visit www.penrithharmony. com or call 4735 2637. Rehearsals are held every Monday night at the John Lees Centre in Penrith.

KEMPS CREEK SPORTING & BOWLING CLUB LIMITED 1490 Elizabeth Drive | Kemps Creek | NSW 2178 | Australia Telephone: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au

WW11020

46 Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

EASTER

Panthers is the home of Easter long weekend fun KATE REID

I

Power of the voice

T

o celebrate World Voice Day the Q Theatre at The Joan will play host to the ‘Voices in the Valley’ concert.

This is the second year for the event which showcases a line-up of talented professional, semi-professional and community vocal performers.

Audiences will be entertained by a mix of talent including opera and musical theatre performers, massed choirs and classical and contemporary solo artists.

World Voice Day is celebrated globally on Thursday, April 16 and recognises the significance of the human voice and its role in communication and entertainment.

This will be a fantastic show.

‘Voices in the Valley’ will be on at The Joan on Friday, April 17 at 7pm.

No booking required. Entry is by gold coin donation at the door. For more information on the event visit www. thejoan.com.au or for more information on World Voice Day visit www. worldvoicedayaustralia.com.

f you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the Easter Long Weekend look no further than Panthers. The club has a range of activities and events running across the holiday period.

On Good Friday there’s the Mega Easter Raffle where guests have the chance to win $2000 worth of seafood and Easter eggs. There’s also plenty of free entertainment across the club and, for those looking for somewhere to dine, Kelly’s Brasserie is offering a special seafood menu.

Saturday will get the party started with free entertainment at Dom’s Cocktail Lounge, Squires Terrace Bar and TC’s After Dark.

Easter Sunday is Family Fun Day with TC’s Backyard offering free face painting, pony rides, a jumping castle, an Easter egg hunt and plenty more from 2pm to 6pm. There’s also the $3000 Mega Easter Raffle and $5000 Members Badge Draw.

If you’re looking to start the day in style Kelly’s Cafe is also offering champagne breakfast.

To round out the long weekend there’s free bingo on Monday and the Panthers will take on the Cowboys at Pepper

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Stadium, with kickoff at 7pm.

For more information on Easter Long Weekend events at Panthers, call 1800 061 991.

Ê Channel Ten has finally revealed what they have planned for the second half of the year. The network will launch a new format based on a classic school competition called ‘The Great Australian Spelling Bee’, which will feature kids from across the country spelling, of course. No word yet on how many episodes per week will air or who will host but Chrissie Swan, Grant Denyer and Carrie Bickmore are all under consideration. Casting for the show has already begun. If your child is between eight and 13-years-old and can spell like a demon, visit wordplay.castasugar.com. Ê There’s strong word that ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is set to return to Channel Seven this July. It’s hard to believe this show is still around after 15 seasons but it seems to still do reasonably well despite the celebrities becoming more obscure.

WW10576

Ê Still on the rumour mill, and it looks like ‘Home and Away’ could be inducted into the Hall of Fame at next month’s Logie Awards. If the popular Channel Seven soap does go in, it will be the fourth time a TV show has been inducted along with ‘Neighbours’, ‘Play School’ and ‘Four Corners’. After 27 years and still going strong to

this day, it surely has to be a good chance.

Ê I mentioned in this column a few months ago that Fox was considering reviving a number of shows including ‘The X-Files’, well, they’ve done just that and greenlit the classic 90’s sci-fi series for six episodes. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, who play Mulder and Scully, have also both signed on to return. Production will start mid-year. Ê Seven have announced that they will air the Paralympics in Rio next year.

Seven will screen 14 hours a day of live coverage on its digital broadcast platforms.

The Paralympics previously aired on the ABC. Ê Still on sport, and rugby union lovers can now watch the entire Shute Shield season on 7TWO. After airing on the ABC for what seems like forever, Seven have taken over the rights of the Sydney-based competition and will broadcast one game a week live at 3pm on Saturdays. Let’s hope they show a Penrith Emus game or two this season. Ê Channel Nine have axed ‘Financial Review Sunday’ effective immediately. It was hosted by Deborah Knight.

47 the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

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Departing 24 May 2015 Cooma Cottage, Mansfield, Highton Manor, Kerrisdale Mountain Railway Museum, King Parrott Valley, Lilydale, Healesville Sanctuary, Big Bouquet, Lake Eildon, Marysville, Bruno’s Art Sculpture, Alexandra Timber Tramway, Toolangi Forest, Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk, Warrantina Lavender Farm, DE Bortoli Benalla, The Stockyard.

CALL FOR FULL DETAILS (02) 9838 1733

$1,285.00ppts $302.00 Single Supplement Call our office for full details and brochure (02) 9838 1733 info@pegasuscoachtours.com.au

WW16830

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

48

ANZAC DAY

25th APRIL

ENTERTAINMENT Steppin Out at 7pm

Two Up in the JA Room from 1pm-5pm

BRIAN KENNEDY 31ST MAY 2.15pm

Belfast native who has toured the world, released a string of best selling albums, and worked with music legends Van Morrison and Bob Dylan $35 members | $40 non-members

FREE ENTERTAINMENT Friday 3rd April

- 8pm

Us-tou Saturday 4th April

- 7.30pm

SUNDAY MONSTER RAFFLE

Starts at 6.30pm Tickets on Sale from 5pm A variety of prizes

Schmidy's catering - the Best Food in Penrith Schmidy’s have introduced a stylish, contemporary menu, delivering a high standard using fresh produce.

VENUS 2 Friday 10th April

- 8pm

BACKLASH Saturday 11th April

MUDDY FEET

- 7.30pm

FULL $10 LUNCH MENU Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only).

7 to choose from.

Monday-Friday Only

Taste the difference, open daily for Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm

Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd Kingswood phone 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au WW16675

49

EVENT

the western weekender Âť Friday 3 April 2015

Nothing but fun!

KATE REID @kate_reid6

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of the year again, when crowds gather at Sydney Olympic Park to check out the agriculture displays, animals, entertainment, rides and pick up a heap of showbags at the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show.

As always thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone, with entertainment including the action-packed Xtreme Korruption for the rev heads and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and My Little Pony live on stage for the kids.

For the animal lovers thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the seriously cute farmyard nursery and for the committed foodie thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Australian Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Weekly Theatre Kitchen along with plenty of delicious food to keep your energy levels up for a big day.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an important part of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, bringing together the country and the city to celebrate at this annual Easter event.

Show traditions include the Australian District Exhibit displays, which showcase the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best produce, the Country Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Tearoom, the Grand Parade, the Sydney Royal Arts & Crafts Show and everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite, the woodchopping events.

So why not grab the family and friends and celebrate Easter at one of Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest annual events.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget, your ticket includes public transport.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show will be running until Wednesday, April 8.

For more information on the show or to purchase tickets visit www.eastershow. com.au.

Exotic Animal Circuses PANTHERS SPORTS PACKAGE (4 x Wheels & Tyres to suit Commodores)

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole idea that we should enjoy the humiliating spectacle of an elephant or lion made to perform circus tricks shows a lack of respect for the animals as individuals.â&#x20AC;? -

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WW10396

(G Iossa, CD Soulsbury and S Harris, Are wild animals suited to a travelling circus life?, University of Bristol, UK, 2009)

Specialising cialising in Cakes for all occasions

A Circus can be on the road for 11 months of the year, with animals repeatedly travelling in small barren cages under extreme weather conditions.

Animals in circuses are denied the ability to express strongly motivated natural behaviours. This often leads to stereotypic behaviour such as pacing or swaying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an indication of frustration and boredom.

Keeping animals in circuses serves no educational or conservational purpose.

The lifelong suffering therefore continues only for the sake of a few minutes of human entertainment.

Governments in over 30 countries have already banned the use of exotic or all animals in circuses based on evidence of animal suffering.

WW16513

Be a friend to animals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t support exotic animal circuses!

Discover the many animal-free circuses instead.

Please visit AnimalsAustralia.org to find out more.

Front image courtesy of www.lpda.pt

WW16820

Come in today and try our famous Cannolis Shop 14/541 High Street Penrith 47 22 88 22

The first ever scientific review on the welfare of exotic animals in circuses confirms that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the species of non-domesticated animals commonly kept in circuses appear the least suited to a circus life.â&#x20AC;?

03-12.04.2015 EDITED BY Kate Reid

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Acoustic Soloist Venue: Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Social Darts Venue: St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Seattle Sound Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $10-$15, 8pm 9625 5500 Midnight Drifters Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 8pm 4728 5200 Us-Too Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 The Frocks Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Ebony & Ivory Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 1800 061 991

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Battle of the Bands Venue: Lucky Australian Tavern Free entry, 6pm 0410 688 643 So What – The Pink Show Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5-$12, 8pm 9625 5500 Jeff Duff Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Frocks Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Venus 2 Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm

SPECIALISING IN

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

50

4722 8180 Blow Band Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Soul Tattoo Venue: The Henry Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 2119 David Aguis Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 5pm 1800 061 991 Mark Travers Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 9pm 1800 061 991 Gary Johns Venue: Dom’s at Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 1800 061 991

SUNDAY, APRIL 5 Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Battle of the Bands Venue: Lucky Australian Tavern Free entry, 6pm 0410 688 643 The Endless Summer Beach Party Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 One Hit Wonders Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Melody Rhymes Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Tony Williams Venue: The Henry Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 9623 2119 Blake Tailor Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 3.30pm 1800 061 991

BEER BREWING  ...................................................................

DISTILLING  ...................................................................

CIDER AND SOFT DRINKS  ...................................................................

CHEESE MAKING  ...................................................................

YOGHURT AND KEFIR  ...................................................................

TOFU  ...................................................................

SAUSAGES SMOKING CURING  ...................................................................

COFFEE ROASTING  ...................................................................

FOOD PRESERVING  ...................................................................

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FOODS  ...................................................................

CHOCOLATE MAKING  ...................................................................

WINE AND MEAD MAKING  ...................................................................

SO WHAT – THE PINK SHOW ROOTY HILL RSL SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 8PM , $5-$12

Panthers Kids Have Got Talent Venue: Evan Theatre $8-$15, 12.30pm 4720 5555 Back to Bacharach Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $35, 8pm 9625 5500 Big Night Out Band Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 8pm 4728 5200 Backlash Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Lisa Crouch & Dig This Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Bowles Bros Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 1800 061 991 3 Way Split Venue: Colonial Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1384 Drew Venue: Emu Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4735 5300 Tempest Rising Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373 Blake Tailor Venue: Oriental Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488 Jack Horner Venue: Emu Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4735 5300

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Evelyn Duprai Venue: Dom’s at Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 1800 061 991

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 Acoustic Soloist

Venue: Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Social Darts Venue: St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211

Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Tina, Simply The Best Venue: Evan Theatre $26.55, 8pm 4720 5555 Australian Comedy Festival

Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $25, 8pm 9625 5500 High Rollers Big Band Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Noxs Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 M7 Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Evie Dean Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 5pm 1800 061 991 Zoltan Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 9pm 1800 061 991 Red Alert Venue: The Henry Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 2119 Gay Paris Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 The Shuffle Boys Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Kayla Rae Venue: Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 3.30pm 1800 061 991 Blake Tailor Venue: The Henry Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 9623 2119 Penny Lane Band Venue: Rooty Hill RSL – Fred Chubb Lounge Free entry, 2.30pm 9625 5500

more than just homebrew • Cheese Kits • Beer Making Kits • Jerky Making Kits • Smoker Boxes

• Bacon Kits • Spirit and Liqueur Essences • Chocolate Making Kits WW16812

PH: 02 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

www.countrybrewer.com.au

CINEMA

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

REVIEW W EI V E R

51

DVD Night at th Museum 3: Secret of The Tomb Rated PG // KATE REID

In ‘Night at the Museum 3: Secret of The Tomb’ we once again join Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), who is now the director of nighttime operations, as he attempts to find the reason behind the strange behaviour of the exhibits at New York’s Natural History Museum.

Larry discovers that the tablet that brings the museum characters to life is decaying and so he sets out on a journey to London to save the tablet and restore its magical properties before time runs out.

‘Night at the Museum 3: Secret of The Tomb’ is one of those films that sits firmly in the ‘fun family flick’ category. It’s playful and though it’s not outrageously funny it does have its moments.

The performances are spot on across the board. The late great Robin Williams once again brings Teddy Roosevelt to life and Ben Kinsley does a great job as Merenkahre. There’s also a fun little cameo appearance from Hugh Jackman and Rebel Wilson joins the cast as Tilly, the night security guard at the British Museum.

Whether you’ve seen the first two films or not it doesn’t really matter, ‘Night at the Museum 3: Secret of The Tomb’ is a fun family movie that will delight the imagination and entertain audiences of all ages.

A great option for the school holidays.

3.5 STARS

THEATRE Les Miserables // TROY DODDS

Get Hard

Rated MA // STEPHEN BISSET It’s rude, crude, predictable, and in parts downright silly, but there are a few chuckles in this latest Will Ferrell vehicle – if you know what you’re getting yourself in for. This time around, Ferrell is playing self-centred millionaire finance industry hot-shot James King who finds himself nabbed for fraud and facing a stretch in the big house. King enlists the services of Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) to give him the lowdown on how to survive his 10-year stretch in a maximum security prison.

While there are some genuinely funny moments here, many of the jokes are way too telegraphed and at times bordering on the downright racist and homophobic.

2.5 STARS

Since opening in London in 1985, ‘Les Miserables’ has been defying expectations. Initially panned by the critics, word of mouth ensured it would become a musical phenomenon around the world; particularly in Australia where it has captured the hearts of the theatre-going public time and time again.

This latest production at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney is truly epic – headed by a first class cast that includes Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean, Hayden Tee as Javert and Patrice Tipoki as Fantine.

Tee has come a long way since his hit cabaret concept ‘The Muf-Tee Show’ became a Sydney institution more than a decade ago. He has gone from a young star on the rise with great comedic timing to a seriously talented musical theatre star that deserves to be a household name.

He owns the stage, particularly during his performance of ‘Stars’ in the first act and his dramatic suicide scene in the second act is as touching as it is tough to watch.

‘Les Miserables’ may not be the jukebox style musical that has dominated the theatre scene for the last decade or so, but it is a show that evokes emotion, laughter and a mighty fine spirit.

4.5 STARS

WW16836

WINE LIST

Having a roast?

I

f you’ve got a special occasion dinner coming up and roast lamb with rosemary, baked vegies and a mint-infused gravy is on the menu, for a wine to go with it don’t look past Forester Estate’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from WA’s Margaret River.

From a great growing season the company says was “extremely kind” with good winter rain leading to a slightly warmer than normal summer, this is an interesting drop blending 91 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, four per cent Cabernet Franc, three per cent Merlot and two per cent Petit Verdot.

And it’s all resulted in rewarding cedary oak, cassis, tobacco and currants on the palate, combined with red berry, violets and delicate floral characters, and with a firm and long finish.

While certainly a great companion now with that roast lamb and trimmings, give it another year in-bottle and it’ll only get better year-on-year through to around 2024. It’s a recommended $38.

One to note: For those who like to watch their alcohol intake, and the calories, New Zealand’s Matua has released a lighter than normal Sauvignon Blanc from the famed Marlborough region that makes for a great match with all kinds of seafoods.

With nine per cent alcohol that makes it 25 per cent less below the usual, this one still retains lovely crisp tropical passionfruit and gooseberry flavours, and interestingly is from the company that planted New Zealand’s first Sauvignon Blanc back in 1969. In fact today more Sauvignon Blanc is now sold in Australia than any other white variety.

TALENT

bank Air Force Kid

GENRE: Rock HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND: Er... rocky?

INFLUENCES: Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin FIRST ALBUM YOU EVER OWNED: Powderfinger – ‘Internationalist’. I think it’s still in the car, actually...

WHERE CAN PEOPLE HEAR YOUR MUSIC: We just released our first EP over on iTunes and Bandcamp, so you can search for us there. Or just rock up to one of our gigs for a CD! WHERE CAN PEOPLE SEE YOU PERFORM: We’ll be announcing some more Sydney shows real soon, but we also love to play around our local Penrith area.

Penrith

Auto Masters

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Relax in our Bar & Cocktail lounge WW16791

Children’s meals $10 Bookings essential Taking bookings for Lunch or Dinner 20-22 Woodriff Street, PENRITH OPEN 7 DAYS

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WW15766

53 the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Social Scene

St Marys Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28

Easter spirit celebrated in St Marys On Saturday, March 28 families headed out to the St Marys Easter Egg Hunt at Coachman’s Park.

The kids had a ball participating in the Easter egg hunt but it wasn’t just about the chocolate eggs, there was also the Easter hat parade for kids aged 0-3 and 4-7 years with prizes awarded for Best Hat. This free annual event once again offered plenty of entertainment including a performance by local pop/R&B/hip hop group NeWest.

The kids also had the chance to meet the Super Wrestling Heroes along with some cute little animals from mobile animal farm, Kindifarm. The fun didn’t stop there with Kozi and Pinky facepainting and balloonists and Michelle’s Plaster Painting on hand to make sure the day was one to remember.

Photos: Hilary Nathan Photography

waffle co.

Gaymark Lane, Penrith (off Henry Street)

0410 628 426 WW16837

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

54

GIVEAWAY

Interstellar on DVD

‘

Interstellar’ wowed audiences in the cinemas and now fans of this blockbuster space exploration film can grab a copy when it’s released on Blu-Ray and DVD on Wednesday, April 8.

The film from ‘Inception’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy director Christopher Nolan follows a team of pioneers who must take on a mission that’s integral to the survival of the human race.

Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey stars as Cooper, an ex-pilot-turned-farmer who leaves his family and Earth to explore a distant galaxy in the hope of finding a suitable place to resettle mankind.

‘Interstellar’ also stars Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway as biologist Dr Amelia Brand and Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain as Cooper’s daughter Murph.

The film has been named as one of the Top Ten movies of the year by the New York Post, Rolling Stone and Esquire.

If you saw the movie at the cinema, you’ll know just how great it is and want to add it to your DVD collection.

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, grab the DVD or Blu-Ray along with some drinks and a few snacks and get ready to be blown away.

If you love blockbuster action flicks they don’t come much bigger than ‘Interstellar’!

The Weekender has five ‘Interstellar’ DVDs to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘INTERSTELLAR’ to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details.

Entries close Wednesday, April 8. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/15/00066. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Gallery keeps your kids entertained

T

o keep the kids occupied this school holidays the Penrith Regional Gallery has a range of workshops to help them explore their creative side.

On Thursday, April 9, eight to 12-year-olds will have the chance to paint and decorate their very own wooden fan which will then be mounted so that it can hang on the wall at home.

For the animal lovers there’s the clay animal workshop on Friday, April 10 where kids aged six to 10-years-old will hear stories about a range of animals before making their own clay models.

Head to www.penrithregionalgallery.org for the full program.

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Below are a few of the many services our business offers • Alternators & Starter Motors • Generators • Batteries (including dual systems) • Immobilisers • Air Conditioning Specialist • Lights • Regulators • Reverse sensors • Engine Conversion Wiring • Radio Installations • Motor Sport Wiring • Wiring Repairs

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Ph: 4736 4752

Unit 4/18 Morley Ave, Kingswood Ph: 4736 4752 | Fax 4736 4239 Email service@ivanbrown.com.au www.ivanbrown.com.au WW16838

TEST YOUR

1

3

11

15

ACROSS 1. At once, straight ...

4. Berates 8. Social blunder, ... pas 11. Shoestrings 13. Mayhem 15. Amusement (park) 17. Whistle ball 18. Scent 20. Paddle 21. Momentary misjudgment 24. Encumbered 27. Glimmer (of hope) 28. Not fresh 30. Just right 31. Denim trousers 33. Planets 34. Most level-headed 35. Garden seat timber 36. Lion’s neck hair 39. Introduced to solid food 42. Actor, Will ...

44. Be unsuccessful 45. Auctions 46. Protected 48. Detected sound 49. Noughts 50. Concept 52. Royal 54. Baby-bottle top 55. Annoyed 56. Books 57. Negative votes 60. Frog-like amphibian 62. Smashed into 65. Criticise brutally 67. Composure 69. Examine (accounts) 70. Push 72. Swiss mountain 73. Makes with wool 75. Pauses 77. Liquid fuel (1,1,1) 79. Desist 81. Neckwear 82. Molars 84. Narrow shelf 85. Noodles

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Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

27

35

39

10

19

26

30

33

9

14

17

20

55

sudoku

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

brain

crossword

58

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62

67

54

60

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88

Last week’s solutions 86. Medicine amount 87. Cruel people 88. English princess DOWN 1. Female voice 2. Warn 3. Tropical root vegetable 4. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1) 5. Two-footed creatures 6. Gumtree marsupials 7. Fitted with horseshoes 8. In favour of 9. Squirrel nut

10. Bone photo (1-3) 12. Large violin 14. Windmill arms 16. Swiftness 19. Stone builder 22. TV reception pole 23. Moves furtively 25. Panics 26. Evicts 29. Lacking dexterity 32. Bank cash dispenser (1,1,1) 35. Screw (lid) securely 37. Prevent 38. Survived

40. Black-and-white sea duck 41. Befuddled 42. Family vehicle 43. Yellowish-brown 44. Tinkerbell is one 47. Banqueted 51. Flyers 52. Cook twice 53. Track down 54. Leaseholder 58. Popular dessert pie 59. Island nation, ... Lanka 61. Skilled 63. Inquired

64. Brushed (off) 65. Dangerous enchantresses 66. Squalls 68. Iridescent gems 71. Gather laboriously 72. Corrosive substance 74. Decorates (cake) 76. Drains 78. Indian butter 80. Visualise 83. Approximate hour of arrival (1,1,1

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ARIES

56

LEO

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The pace picks up as the Sun, Mercury and Uranus all connect in Aries and turbo-charge your fiery energy. Activities with a fast tempo suit – from travel and sport to social media and entrepreneurial projects. So the week looks wonderfully positive … with one big proviso. Be careful what you blurt out.

TAURUS

Moore

HOROSCOPES

With this week’s spontaneous stars (ditto Mars in your sign and Venus zooming into gung-ho Gemini) if you don’t pick up the pace then you’ll just be left behind in the dust. Use it as an opportunity to initiate ideas, create new streams of income or power through personal projects you’ve had sitting on the backburner.

GEMINI

Don’t think small! This week’s marvellous mercurial aspects are all about expanding your mental horizons, exploring innovative ideas and attracting fabulous mentors into your world. But avoid the temptation to get stuck on one topic – keep your mind constantly moving in exciting new directions.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Your talent for observation, research, puzzles and ferreting out secrets is highlighted this week, as the stars super-charge your mercurial mind. But be careful how you communicate with others. Strive to criticise less and encourage more as you support a child, teenager or friend.

An unexpected opportunity could open up involving education, business, paid employment or volunteer work. Be proactive about following your dreams.

No more side-stepping – it’s time to be a confident Crab! But avoid using emotional blackmail to coerce a loved one into doing what you think they should be doing.

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

A loved one, friend, business partner or rival could stun you by making a surprise move. So make sure you’re ready with a few fast moves of your own! And is your love life stuck on auto-pilot? Uranus encourages you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle.

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Feeling bored? It’s time to ricochet out of your usual routine and do something completely different. Variety is the spice of life, as you experiment with exciting new activities – especially involving sport, publishing, politics, travel or education.

But the more you try to control others, the more they are likely to resist.

Anthony

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DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Capricorns are conscientious and ambitious – but you can also be a carping critic (of yourself and others). And, as Pluto transits slowly through your sign, it intensifies your tendency to be obsessive and focus on perceived failures … before you finally get to the stage where you can transform your life.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Avoid being a lone wolf. This week’s electric planetary aspects help you communicate your innovative ideas with extra pizazz, as smart Aquarians connect with like-minded souls via joint ventures with influential people. And make sure you leverage the power of social media to get your message out loud and clear.

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PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

When it comes to a work project, it will take time and effort to expand your knowledge base. And do you have a financial issue that’s worrying you?

Look at the situation with a completely fresh set of eyes. You may need someone else to help you do this, as you can’t fix entrenched problems with old solutions.

If you’ve been going great guns with your savings plan this year and are dreading the holidays putting a big dent in it, now’s the time to think of cheap ways to entertain the kids or yourself; your best defence this Easter is preparation.

Knowing in advance what your holiday budget is, how you plan to spend your days and having some wet weather back up plans will put you in a good position to ensure that your savings stay intact or you spend your hard-earned cash on the activities that you intend to.

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CAPRICORN

SCORPIO

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

VIBROSAUN

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week’s fiery stars are fabulous for romance, children, friends, hobbies, sport, entertainment and creative projects. And situations involving education, publishing, legal matters, travel or international connections that have been in a holding pattern since December should start to improve.

LIBRA

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

CANCER

Weekly posts at www.BohoAstro.tumblr.com www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2014

With six planets in fire signs, you’re amped up and ready to perform as you let your hair down and overdo just about everything! Your head’s full of ambitious dreams and spectacular schemes, but they’ll only work if you can persuade other people to contribute to Team Leo. Creative collaboration is a key.

SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Joanne Madeline

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

owner and manager Bank of Queensland anthony.walker@ boq.com.au

Depending on how old your kids are too, you can involve them in the budgeting process and teach them some valuable lessons about saving, budgeting and prioritising. And, if you don’t have the cash to do any big ticket items this holiday you can work with your children to create a wish list and put any pocket money they earn

throughout the next term to their holiday treat.

And, remember being frugal doesn’t mean having no fun! Sometimes the best times come from the most simple of experiences. Here are a few tips to help you with your planning: Visiting your local public library and choosing a selection of books. See if you can get your hands on some books that are action-based such as gardening, cooking or craft books.

Free public activities – there’s always something happening locally during the school holidays that’s free. Do you research and see what events appeal to you and your children.

Pull out your old board games and puzzles. This is a great one for adults too and a night at home with a cook up, a few friends and board games can make for some great laughs.

Get sporty – from soccer games to bocce and bike riding to fishing, there are heaps of ways to get some fresh air and have some good fun while you’re at it.

And, don’t forget, if you have a credit card and are part of a card loyalty scheme, check out how many points you’ve accumulated – you might just be able to treat yourself to something extra for free!

Katherine

Tweed FASHION

Catching up with Julie Bell from Benefit katherine.tweed@westernweekender.com.au @ktweed_

STRUTH

How did you first find yourself with Benefit Cosmetics?

I was introduced to Jean and Jane Ford by a mutual business acquaintance. Jean and I had breakfast one day, and four and a half hours and 10 pots of coffee later, it was the greatest first date ever. My love affair with Benefit started almost 15 years ago, and has just grown more and more over the years. I like to say, “you can grow up with Benefit and stay young with Benefit”.

What is your biggest achievement with the brand?

‘They’re real! push-up liner’ is my biggest achievement.

My biggest dilemma of struggling to line my eyes turned into creating my dream product, which is ‘they’re real! push-up liner’. One year later, to see gals all over the world

DAVID ELLIS

57

finally being able to line their eyes gives me great joy and happiness.

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

I

f you haven’t heard of Benefit Cosmetics, you must have been living under a rock because the brand has simply exploded in Australia.

With hilarious, clever product names – you can’t go past their cult mascara called ‘they’re real!’ – it comes as no surprise that the brand is growing quickly over here.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Julie Bell, the woman behind the brand’s most well known products.

She’s been with Benefit for 13 years but it took a lot of work to get there. She actually got her start working behind the makeup counter and now works side-by-side with co-founders of the brand Jean and Jane Ford. Julie was in Australia recently to introduce the brand’s newest product Roller Lash.

13 years is a long time to stick with the one brand. Why is Benefit a good fit for you?

Just like our DNA, I can be very bold and girly. One of my key mantras is that you can grow up with Benefit and stay young with Benefit. 13-plus years later and I still have my girl game on!

Benefit has a massive following in Australia, one that has grown in leaps and bounds recently. What do you attribute to its success here and around the globe?

It’s no surprise Benefit is so popular in Australia because Benefit and Aussie gals have the same DNA, we are like sisters from the same mother. Also, I think our success around the globe comes from introducing innovative products that truly perform.

How would you describe Benefit girls – the brand’s following?

Benefit gals in Australia, and all over the world, are super fun, bold and girly. They are all looking for the same thing – easy instant beauty solutions.

We’re heading into the cooler months, do you have any autumn/winter beauty tips for Aussie women?

Aussie gals listen up! Make sure your total moisture facial cream is ready to roll.

And of course, put on extra POREfessional because in the winter you want smoother than smooth skin to keep your glowing game on!

What’s your go-to beauty product?

I never leave the house without putting on my ‘they’re real! push-up liner’.

Julie Bell Working for a cosmetics brand, you must be around makeup all the time. Do you ever feel the need to forgo the foundation and mascara for a while?

I line my eyes with ‘they’re real! push-up liner’ six out of seven days, so I try to take Sundays off from everything, so it’s truly a day for rest.

Roller Lash sounds like everything a woman could want in a mascara?

Roller lash has massive potential. Every girl needs to get their curl power on!

‘They’re real!’ mascara gives beyond belief sexy lashes, while roller lash is an innovative and high performing curling mascara.

Tarot Wonder’s

Proprietor Deirdre O’Brien

Meditation Classes | Spriritual Needs | Email Readings

TAROT PSYCHIC READINGS Available Monday to Saturdays 10am-4pm

0406 17 18 79

283 Great Western Highway Emu Plains in the grounds of Caltex Service Station, we are the heritage building

Facebook Tarot Wonder’s

Tarot Wonder’s

www.tarotwonders.com.au The Malmaison Oxford Hotel

Coreen Avenue

guest cells, sorry, rooms.

The other 57 rooms are in newer buildings within the old gaol grounds and are lighter and airier.

And you won’t have to worry about getting to sleep where nearly 400 male and female prisoners took their last steps to the gallows: there’re no guest rooms where the hangings were held until 1952.

Old lags could only dream, too, of what their cells now offer 21st century guests: power showers, mood lighting, satellite TV, internet, mini-bars, cooked or Continental breakfasts daily, two bars (one rooftop,) a brasserie amid the steel staircases and overhead interior walkways, and an outdoor dining area in the one-time prison exercise yards.

Veterinary Clinic

Quality Loving Care

Western Sydney

Cat Hospital

WW15521

In his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis says you’ll be able to boast of “doing time” and plenty else on your return home after a night or three at England’s Malmaison Oxford Hotel.

This unusual place started life in 1071 as a Norman castle, became an austere prison from the late 18th century until 1996, and re-opened as the upscale Malmaison Oxford in 2006.

Some 38 of its 95 rooms have been created by knocking out walls between two or three original gaol cells, with these rooms still having low ceilings, high and once-barred windows, and are accessed via their original solid steel cell doors... and with their thick stone walls there’s no noise from adjoining

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

58

FITEC fitness champion

Fitec is the Fitness Industry Training & Education Centre.

It’s where the trainers get their training!

As part of raising awareness and promoting it in our community, we present the Fitec Fitness Champion!

Each week we will interview someone who has successfully made health and fitness an integral part of their life...

Matt Reilly

Turning your life around

What is your fitness story?

I used to be a smoker and also a keen party-goer on weekends. I ate a lot of rubbish and didn’t have much will power to quit what I was doing.

Eventually, I became sick and tired of feeling like rubbish but a real eye-opener for me was when I joined my dad in a swim session when he was training for a triathlon. I used to do a lot of competitive swimming growing up but I found myself seriously struggling, stopping numerous times and never finishing the 1000 metre distance.

One thing led to another and I started researching different training methods and diets and I stumbled across a YouTube video of CrossFit. I began doing my own CrossFit workouts at the gym, but after a while I joined a CrossFit gym

Purchase your supporter wristband for $2

and things began falling into place. With heavy working hours and overtime as a sheet metal tradesman, I juggled my time to complete a Certificate III and IV in Fitness, and a Certificate IV Sports Massage, and established a small bootcamp business.

After more than 6 months of backyard bootcamps (and destroying my parents lawn), I opened CrossFit Urge with my business partner Paul and for the past two years we have grown enough to open a second affiliate.

Sport has always been a big part of my life. I grew up swimming and playing basketball and competed in both at various representative levels. Unfortunately, my journey through high school and early work life led me to make some poor decisions where health and fitness were not a priority.

However, once I found CrossFit a new found passion for training and competing was ignited. This has led me to participating in a countless amount of competitions, including two Australia/ NZ Regionals appearances (with a third upcoming), which is one stage away from the CrossFit Games; the highest level of CrossFit competition worldwide.

Top 3 tips for good health?

1. Don’t eat sugar. It’s addictive and your body doesn’t need it.

2. Be active; either join a sporting team, gym or find a social activity to do with friends.

3. Drink plenty of water. It is definitely the most underrated drink on the planet!

David

Stein HEALTH

A daily ‘must do’?

My daily must-do is train. It used to be my go-to if work or life was stressful but it is never a chore. You have to love what you do.

Biggest health/fitness misconception?

That CrossFit is dangerous or isn’t the sport for you!

I’m a professional CrossFit coach and it’s my job to make my classes run smoothly and safely. The age of our members range from 10 to 61, male and female and all kinds of fitness abilities and skill levels.

We want all of our members moving to their full potential; the better they move, the better their experience and the better their results!

What do you consider the biggest benefit of being fit and healthy?

My quality of life has sky rocketed since turning it around! I have a much more positive outlook on life and my relationship with my family is stronger than it has ever been. For this, I am forever grateful.

What type of activity/exercise do you enjoy the most?

CrossFit hands down!

Getting in the gym with mates and completing a physically and mentally challenging workout is addictive. Swimming is enjoyable for me as a form of recovery or a different type of group training. I am also a big believer in ‘active-rest days’ and love going on bush walks and fire trail rides with my girlfriend and dog; the good company and down-time create the perfect balance in my busy life.

Yummy, good for us. We all love apples! Until they turn brown, that is. Arctic apples are everything you love about apples, without the “yuck” factor that you don’t.

(Now if we could just get rid of the seeds!)

This is from a company website that is now allowed to pump out genetically modified apples.

Does the Arctic apple pose risks to our health and the environment? As of right now, the government doesn’t know. That’s because the Arctic apple is the product of complex new genetic

An apple a day? Well, maybe not

WW16823

owner and manager of Fitec david@fitec.com.au

engineering techniques we’re just learning how to evaluate. The stunning inadequacy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety assessment, even offers voluntary food safety reviews!

The agency just accepted what the apple company gave it and did not require specific information on the risks of the gene silencing method used.

Is there any reason to worry about turning genes

off? Absolutely! RNA manipulations may end up turning down, or off, genes other than those that were targeted.

So why are we taking this huge step and risk playing with our food supply? To make an apple that doesn’t go brown when we cut it!

So a company can cut, pre package and process even more food and remove any way of you telling how old that food is.

Why does genetic modification matter? Gene families perform multiple functions in plants. Little is known about the different gene family in apples, for instance in other plants, these removed genes are known to bolster pest and stress resistance. This raises the question of whether GM apple trees might be more vulnerable to disease and require more pesticides than normal apples and whether they might transfer those vulnerabilities to other apple trees. And we’re not even sure if these genetic modifications can’t be passed to us!

But they have been given the OK to start pumping these apples out to the public and there’s even a law saying they don’t have to label them as GM. This is one apple I won’t be biting into, and it’s a lot worse than just a worm that might be inside.

McMillan PET HEALTH

Time to send your dog to school!

Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

manners and socialise with other dogs while you are at work. Our day school provides a positive and balanced environment where your puppy will learn good manners through POSITIVE reinforcement.

All of our furry students will get one on one time with Kylie, our fully qualified and accredited delta dog trainer.

We only use positive reinforcement training techniques

to reinforce good manners and basic skills. This means that we will reward your dog with food treats and attention when it behaves well. We will never smack or make loud noises to frighten your dog – these training techniques can lead to fear and anxiety.

Your dog will also learn to play with other dogs and toys and be trained to be relaxed and calm on their bed. Dogs are also taught how to listen and focus even in the presence of external distractions.

We also provide transition lessons so we teach you how to best transfer the training into your home. As with any school, you will even get notes on your dog’s progress and homework to ensure training techniques are reinforced at home.

At the end of the day you will pick up a happy, TIRED dog that has received the best of experienced care, training, and a lot of fun.

For more information and to book please call Coreen Ave Veterinary Clinic on 4731 3055.

Rev John

Lavender RELIGION

At Easter, we talk about Good Friday – the day, 2,000 years ago, when someone called Jesus Christ died on a cross. But why do we call the day when we remember someone who died “Good”?

What is “Good” about someone dying?

The Bible is clear about why Jesus had to die. It tells us “Christ died for our sin”.

We don’t like to talk about sin. So often, people think of sin as something other people do; kind of like Bart Simpson’s readymade excuses to get himself out of trouble; “I didn’t do it, no-

What is so good about Good Friday?

www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

actually makes us enemies with God. This is why Jesus’ death is so important. In Jesus’ death on the cross he took the punishment that should have been yours and mine, offering us forgiveness and friendship with God – something we couldn’t have done when we were weighed down by our sin.

Yet, Jesus did not stay dead! On Easter Sunday we remember how Jesus was raised to life, triumphing over death and offering new life, a fresh start, to anyone who would put their trust in him.

This is why we call it “Good Friday”! Will it be “Good Friday” for you?

body saw me do it, you can’t prove anything, I wasn’t there, it was like that when I got there!” But, the Bible’s verdict and our experience, tells us we are not the people we want to be. We are painfully aware of our short comings. The Bible says “we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.

Sin breaks relationships.

Our sin cuts us off from God. In fact, the Bible says our sin

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59 the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Nicole

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic is now launching a Canine Learning Centre. With everyone’s busy schedules, it can be very difficult to find the time to teach your dog good manners and basic training. Our canine learning centre can help give your puppy that jump start into becoming a well mannered pet. This is especially great for people who are time poor as our trainers will guide you through the process.

Our canine learning centre will run as a day school program and this is a great way for your dog to learn good

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roof plumber, backflow & rpz testing

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Jason - 0417 221 822 • Mark - 0417 223 288 A/H - 4733 2525

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WW16611

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BATHROOM FALLING APART? CALL 4731 8200 • FULL OR PART BATHROOM RENOVATIONS • WATERPROOFING • LARGE & SMALL Lic 162246C

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• SHOWER LEAKS REPAIRED • REPLACE CRACKED AND FALLEN TILES • GENERAL REPAIRS

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Joiner/Cabinet Maker Against the Grain Windows & Doors is expanding and are currently looking to employ a qualified joiner to join our team in Katoomba.

Experience in timber window and door manufacturing is a distinct advantage, tasks will include assembly and glazing of timber windows and doors. Own hand tools and enthusiasm for the job are a must.

If you would like to apply to become part of our team, please forward your resume to cass@againstthegrain.net.au or fax to 02 4782 3690

Tree Felling & Stump Removal ELEVATED ARBOR CARE All aspects of tree work. Free Quotes. Fully insured. Taking arbor care to the next level. Call Steve on 0438 247 740.

WW16827

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Call: 1300 133 362 www.pennymiller.com.au

DO YOU WANT TO REACH OVER 229,000 HOMES EVERY WEEK? ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR GROUP OF NEWSPAPERS

Is meticulous with their work & has a range of experience across maintenance and projects Is neat and tidy Is genuinely concerned about customer needs & wants to perform all work to create a successful outcome Is keen to be part of a team but can also work effectively alone Works safely at all times and is committed to Work Health and Safety ALWAYS leaves the site clean, tidy & safe and promptly completes all paperwork required Is keen to learn more and to train apprentices Has a range of experience in domestic and commercial plumbing which may include Hot Water, Pipe relining, backflow prevention etc

ARE YOU THIS PLUMBER ? Then Supakwik is your new home in your local area!

We provide van, uniforms, Smartphone (as a part of our electronic job management system) a safe work environment and flexible start and finish times.

POSITIONS VACANT

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If you would like to join our team at Hix Group Pty Ltd please send your resume to: hr@hix.com.au or contact Jason Brown on 0247217500 for more information

WW16817

PROPERTY MANAGER – REAL ESTATE

Our outstanding client is seeking an experienced Property Manager to be based in their Penrith office.

PROPERTY OFFICER – REAL ESTATE

Our outstanding client is seeking an experienced Property Officer to be based in their Penrith office.

Recr

uitm

FIRE SERVICES TECHNICIAN We are seeking an EXPERIENCED Fire Services Technician to join our PENRITH BASED team to carry out all aspects of Essential Fire Services testing, inspection, maintenance and repairs AND fault finding in relation to Fire Detection system Installations & EWIS systems for a range of clients including Local Council, Strata Clients, commercial and industrial The successful applicant will be an energetic “people person” who is well organised and can communicate effectively with clients and staff alike & is comfortable recording all job information using Smartphone/Electronic Tablet, via our Job Management system

ent

MUST have a sound knowledge of and experience in the above areas and a clear understanding & willingness to follow the relevant Australian Standards & Building Codes relating to the Industry and all aspects of Work Health and Safety.

If you wish to apply please send your resume to kwall@kapowrecruit.com.au TODAY or please contact Kylie on 0407 154 182 for a confidential discussion!

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We pride ourselves on excellent workmanship and professionalism and the successful applicant will see these values as an essential part of their role.

Attractive wages and allowances, vehicle, uniforms, mobile and electronic tablet provided. Immediate start.

Send your resume to: hr@hix.com.au Enquiries to: Shane Watts, Manager 0415 478 902

A part of WW16818

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olden fan, Eu Wyn Wong has triumphed in the ‘Name That Commodore’ competition launched exclusively on the Holden Facebook page in January.

Eu Wyn’s winning entry, ‘Lightning’, was a popular suggestion with a number of people entering the name, however crucially for Mr Wong, he was the first.

The Commodore SV6 Lightning Special Edition is available on SV6 sedan and ute variants, and includes a number of additional features. Both variants receive bold, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and gloss black features to provide the car with a more aggressive, sporty appearance.

Inspired by motorsport, automatic variants also come with alloy foot pedals, whilst the ute shows off a new, slimline hard tonneau to round off an appealing set of new features.

Holden’s Executive Director of Marketing, Bill Mott, said the name ‘Lightning’, perfectly represented the exciting content this special edition offered as well as its sports styling stand-out looks.

“We are really pleased with the outcome of this competition. The Commodore SV6 Lightning – as it is now known – is the result of an innovative activity that allowed us to engage proactively with our fans,” he said.

The VF Commodore SV6 Lightning Special Edition is on sale now.

HOLDEN

Lightning strikes for lucky winner

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Your Local Penrith Mechanics - All makes and models

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www.alpalmer.com WW16338

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

AUTO

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Doyles In Car has been servicing the Penrith area for more than 15 years and is the only place in town where you can turn your base model vehicle into something more luxurious. The team also look after DVD players for in-car entertainment, rear seat entertainment for the kids as well as Seat Massages, Seat Heaters and Ventilated Seats.

Call in to see how easy and professional the service will be. Doyles wishes everyone a happy and safe Easter. Exclusive Easter Offer: Call Doyles In Car to secure your 9” LCD drop down DVD player installed for $595, only five available at that price!

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oyles In Car, located in Batt Street, supports the local community and is a great supporter of the Western Weekender.

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

64

* Conditions apply. Up to 5 lts engine oil - petrol and diesel, No Full Syn of 4x4’s. Offer valid till 30/4/2015

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weekender

ADAM PEACOCK ADA

Ex Exclusive col column every sin single week p.70

IRONMAN is back

Oscar’s Too good for his opponents

Anja Beranek won last year’s event AFTER the success of the inaugural IRONNMAN 70.3 Western Sydney event last November, organisers have confirmed the event will return to Penrith in 2015.

The main race will be held in and directly around the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) on Sunday, November 29. The course, which includes the iconic Penrith Lakes and boasts spectacular views of the mountains, was praised by participants last year.

Marketing Manager for IRONMAN Courtney Akrigg said the unique location was a key factor in their decision to return to Penrith.

“Many athletes spoke of the electric atmosphere at the SIRC and how it buoyed their spirits throughout the race,” Ms Akrigg said.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said he’s thrilled that the event is returning to the area.

Oscar Too at Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre. Photo: Melinda Jane NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

is coaches may call him “soft hands” because of his unbelievable volleying ability at the net, but there’s nothing soft about this 10-year-old local tennis sensation who plays hard every single time he steps out onto the court.

Currently in Year 5 at St Mary Mackillop Primary School in South Penrith, Oscar Too is enjoying a great start to his relatively short tennis career.

Late last month the Penrith resident was crowned back-to-back champion in the U10 Nepean District Tennis Association

H

Tournament at Woodriff Gardens, and just last weekend he finished runner-up in the Tennis Australia Hot Shots Carnival Sydney Metropolitan Playoffs held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Making Oscar’s achievements on the tennis court even more remarkable is the fact that he suffers from the neurological disorder, Tourette syndrome.

Oscar’s condition affects his vision on court through eye twitches but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the best young tennis players in his age group.

Oscar’s game also comes complete with a mean serve, which has been clocked as fast as 116km per hour.

He believes his forehand, volley and

serve are his signature moves on the tennis court.

“I’ve been playing tennis since Year 2 and I love it because you get to do really big hitting,” Oscar said proudly.

While tennis is his main focus, Oscar doesn’t mind dabbling in other sports as well.

“I play tennis twice a week but when I’m not playing I’m usually at the park with a friend kicking the soccer ball around or playing cricket,” he said.

With champions like Swiss master Roger Federer and Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios as his idols, there’s a good chance we could be hearing the name Oscar Too for many, many more years to come.

West City Tyres offers a 24 hour a day, 7 Day a week, Australia wide road side assistance service

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Mobile Truck Tyre Service & Commercial Vehicles

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WW16224

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Sport

65

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

66

Rugby Union

Struggling Emus need help from above Coach says big losses will continue unless more funding is provided to rugby in western Sydney NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

enrith Emus coach Sateki Tu’ipulotu says more funding in local rugby is needed if his side is to avoid scorelines like the one they endured last Saturday afternoon against Manly.

In just their second game of the Shute Shield season, the Emus were walloped by the powerhouse Northern Beaches club 78-0 at Wakehurst Rugby Park.

Speaking with the Weekender, Tu’ipulotu said he and Emus management have been working very hard for a number of years for more funding but to no avail.

“I’m trying to get money pumped in but it takes a lot of hard work,” he said.

“It’s very frustrating but, at the end of the day, it’s up to NSW Rugby and the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) to help look after the west and put a funding system in place so we don’t continue to lose players.”

During the recent off-season, the Emus lost 16 top quality players and had to start the 2015 season virtually from scratch with an entirely new squad.

Tu’ipulotu suggested that struggling Sydney clubs like the Emus should be granted a marquee player allowance to

P

PENRITH EMUS Training on Tues & Thurs Any interested players please contact Head Coach

your

Teki Tuipolotu 0404 133 993

The Penrith Emus in action against Sydney University earlier this season

help assist in gaining some positive press and better results.

“We need the ARU and NSW Rugby to help get a marquee player out west,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play much; it’s all about getting the media attention and interest around town.”

The Emus could’ve used a marquee player and then some last Saturday against Manly after they were punished beyond belief.

Tu’ipulotu blamed the loss on his new side not following orders.

“The boys didn’t implement my game plan until the 60th minute,” he said.

“Coaches work hard to plan and do homework on the opposition and it’s disappointing they didn’t follow it until right at the end.”

This Saturday the Emus will look to put in a better performance when they take on the undefeated Southern Districts at Nepean Rugby Park.

“Southern Districts are a much improved side but don’t travel well to Penrith,” Tu’ipulotu said.

“We just have to knuckle down on what we do best and anything is possible – that’s my philosophy.”

Kickoff is at 3pm.

P THWAY to SUCCESS

It’s never too late to become a professional SUPER 15 RUGBY PLAYER ER R Recruiting all ages now including U20s

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Sponsor of the day: Triple O Security Support the Emus @ their home... Nepean Rugby Park! Plus visit us on our website: penrithrugby.com

PENRITH WW16789

SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE

67

Wanderers keen to cause finals havoc Western Sydney face Melbourne City in Good Friday clash at Pirtek Stadium NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

estern Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic believes his side can cause a few upsets against teams challenging for positions in the all-important ALeague top six.

Currently just two competition points separate the top of the table Wellington Phoenix (42) and the fifth-placed Adelaide United (40) with the make-up of the finals bound teams nowhere near settled despite four regular season games remaining.

“I think we showed that tonight and on Wednesday [against Brisbane] that we’ll be dangerous against anyone as long as we keep fit and healthy,” Popovic said after his side’s 3-2 loss in the dying stages to Perth Glory last Saturday.

The Wanderers matched it with the fourth-placed West Australians right up until the 88th minute before Perth rightback Josh Risdon kicked an amazing long range goal which flew past Wanderers keeper Ante Covic for the all-important win.

With a victory against Brisbane last Wednesday plus a strong performance against Perth last weekend, Popovic said

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The Wanderers beat the now first-placed Wellington Phoenix earlier this season in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane

he was very pleased with how his side has responded through adversity in recent weeks.

“We want to finish this season strong, keep playing the way we are and try and get some more reward for the way we play,” he said.

“We really came here with a purpose to win and I think we really showed that with the way we played and the manner of our performance, but unfortunately we go home with nothing.”

The Wanderers will look to snag three more points before the season’s out when they play Melbourne City tonight, Good Friday, at Pirtek Stadium.

The Wanderers have an excellent record against the sixth-placed City, having lost to them just once in their previous eight A-League matches.

Melbourne have also never won at Parramatta in their four previous trips there and just last month lost to the Wanderers at Pirtek 3-2.

“I always look forward to playing Melbourne City, they are a good team and playing at home is always fun,” Iacopo La Rocca said.

“We want to forget about the last game.”

Kick off between the Wanderers and Melbourne City is at 7.40pm tonight.

the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Football

WW16509

Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

68

ADVERTORIAL

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The frequency of these ads shown was intense and a lot of people, who were looking for a way to unburden their loved ones from having to pay for their funeral, signed up to funeral insurance policies that for some, proved costly in the long term.

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When you prepay a funeral you are locking in today’s price, which means you are protected from inflation. Along with this protection, you will also have the added benefit of knowing the price up front and, when paid in full, there is no more to pay. Compare this with, say, a funeral insurance policy where you may face ongoing premiums that will add up over time – this means you can end up paying more for the funeral insurance policy than the value of the actual funeral.

That is why Simplicity Funerals has been so active in informing the community about the real differences between a prepaid funeral and a funeral insurance policy.

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WW16832

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Ante Covic Melbourne Victory look the goods Romeo Castelen and Kerem Bulut are showing great form of late, scoring on a consistent basis, what have you made of their recent performances?

They’ve both been fantastic. Romeo, from the day he came, he’s been a class player and has played at the highest level with the Dutch national team. He had a period when he was out injured and now he’s back and absolutely flying. He’s probably our most dangerous player going forward. He’s very confident on the ball and I’m glad he’s got a couple of goals now. Kerem, as well, is a real goal poacher.

He’s so hungry to get that ball in the back of the net that he’ll do anything to get it there. He’s got five goals in five games and it’s pleasing to see that those kinds of things are starting to gel a little bit. If we can keep this balance in the squad, we’ll just keep on improving. It’s such a shame it’s taken so long to have a balanced squad but the signs are positive going forward.

The top five teams on the A-League ladder are separated by just two points with Wellington first on 42 points and Adelaide fifth on 40 points. In your mind,

is their a clear competition favourite or is it still anyone’s comp?

I think it’s anyone comp still but, having said that, I’ve been most impressed by Melbourne Victory. They’ve got players that are very dangerous, they are a very balanced squad, they’ve got depth and are a team that can score goals and cause trouble. For me, Melbourne Victory are the best team of the bunch but sometimes the best team doesn’t always win it in the end. They’ve got the fire power, the form and the players in the squad to win it this year.

Perth’s Josh Risdon kicked an amazing long range goal in the 88th minute to snatch the win over the weekend. As a goal keeper what goals are harder to stop – ones from long range or up close?

They are just as hard as each other, it just depends on how they hit. Josh hit it sweetly up into the top corner and it didn’t give me much chance to save it. We probably allowed him to run to the edge of the box a little bit too close but they’re those sort of strikes where you say ‘as frustrating as it was, it was a cracker of a strike’.

Bowls Mick Gilfoyle Congratulations to Kevin Merriman, Peter Crowley, Phil Lauer and Matt Searle who defeated Steve Horne, Bruce Chamberlin, Matt Lovett, Jeans and Jeff Smith to win the Wallacia Men’s Fours.

After Round 5 of the NDBA Pennants, we have four undefeated teams, Glenbrook Grade 1, Windsor Grade 3, Glenbrook Grade 7.1 and Hazelbrook Grade 7.2. There will be a break next week then let the battle begin.

Two weeks of women’s social games, have had a strong following at Glenbrook following this year’s pennants season.

Results, March 26, Social Fours: A Jeans, A Merrick, L Holowaty, T Allcock def B Coleman, M Woodhouse, L

Andrews, M Russell; J Reeves, H Bourke, M Wiseman, P Tolhurst def D Carnevale, M Jacka, M Auld, S Partridge; J Howe, N Norton, M Peasnell, J Holdsworth def A Leadbitter, H Hale, P McCormack, B Graham; P Coop, D Weatherhead, L O’Donaghoe, B McNulty def Y Skinner, C Dark, H Tracey, H Larsen; J Lewis, C Thornton, M Hobson, S O’Connell drew E Gaynor, J Annabelle, A Ritter, H Wallace; R Crimston, J Sell, J Hunt, B Layton def F Judge, S Armour, M Halford, V Rumpf.

Terrific Treble Triples concluded on March 28 with great excitement. The winning team was from Springwood and runners up were from Glenbrook. Great fun on the greens was had by all.

Harness Racing Lorraine Pozza Cambridge Park and Cranebrook Junior Rugby League Clubs and their guests really enjoyed themselves last Thursday night at our Top of The Track Sky Lounge.

Some very good racing was witnessed and the horses fancied by most of the punters were able to win for them.

Pure Theatre ($2.20) driven by Jarrod Alchin was able to lead from barrier five in the first race and even though challenged early by Midnight Lights was able to hold the lead throughout.

Ireby Betty ($1.30) driven by Chris Geary justified her short price by leading from just after the start and winning with a 12m advantage in the second.

Favourite Naevia led early but was soon under pressure from the eventual winner Got the Scoop ($3.10) in race three.

Fellas Are Trouble ($2.90) driven by Ellen Rixon had a good run in the one out one back spot in the fourth.

Bristow ($3.40) driven by Nathan Xeureb won by an impressive 20m in the fifth.

The unfancied Wunder Ranger ($7.80) driven by Nathan Muscat was successful in the sixth. Major Lexus ($3.80) driven

by Gavin Fitzpatrick did well winning the seventh and Uncle Bart at the long price of $19.60 was able to make it a very successful night for Anthony Winnell.

FOOTBALL

These things happen once in a while and it’s a shame because I think when it was 1-1 we had two glorious chances to take the lead and we should’ve, realistically.

It was a game that, again, you leave the field wondering how the hell we lost that because we played some great football.

Melbourne City are in town on Good Friday, you beat them 3-2 just a matter of weeks ago, you must be confident heading into this one?

We are confident. The last two weeks we’ve had pretty much the same squad and we’ve looked very dangerous and scored a lot of goals. We’ve had almost a week between games, which feels like a lifetime to us. We’re going into this game with a lot of confidence. We know we’re starting to play well, we know we’re creating chances all the time, we’ve just got to tighten up a few errors that we’re making that are costing us at the moment.

Ante Covic. Photo: Melinda Jane

Lastly, it’s Easter on Sunday, do you get up to much on Easter with the family?

I’m not sure if we have Sunday off at this stage because we play FC Seoul in the AFC

Champions League on Tuesday night.

I’ll take Sunday as it comes but Easter is about family and the kids, so hopefully I’ll be able to make their day special.

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the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

Five Shots With

Peacock’s Point

Adam Peacock

FOOTBALL

FOX SPORTS is the only place to watch every game of the AFC Asian Cup LIVE with comprehensive pre and post-match coverage

Things looking good for Socceroos he first two matches after that magical night of the Asian Cup Final, and what did we learn?

Overall, simple. The Socceroos are going in the right direction, and thank goodness for that.

Far from the finished product, but the results against Germany and FYR Macedonia were more than acceptable, as were the performances.

The order to determine the formula that finds answers in football, particularly international friendlies, is a shade muddled – is it performances over results or results over performances?

Happily, it doesn’t really matter for the Socceroos on this sojourn to Europe.

There was a bit of both.

The performance AND result against Germany was outstanding. To take on the World Champions in front of a packed house in Kaiserslautern and provide such a big scare should have a few in football’s epicentre taking note. Not least the countless scouts in the crowd who surely noticed the talents of Mat Ryan, Matt Leckie, Nathan Burns, James Troisi and Jason Davidson to name a few.

T

Everyone in the German side plays in the big four leagues – England, Spain, Italy or Germany.

Ours are scattered across smaller clubs across the whole continent, and on this one back here.

They are led by a man who cares not for reputation, just what is possible on any given night.

Ange Postecoglou demanded no letdown from the Asian Cup and that’s exactly what his players provided.

The match against the Macedonians four days later was a different test.

One of expectation, their opponents ranked outside the top 100 and winners of just two matches in 13 since September 2013.

Australia played like the home side, but couldn’t quite find the composure required to cut through their hosts, who feared defeat and the consequences in front of a frustrated crowd.

0-0 in the end, a shade disappointing but not a disaster.

The Socceroos had two thirds of possession, and looked the more likely to break the deadlock throughout.

UNI-GIRLS

ARCHERY: Penrith City Archers will host the 37th Youth National Archery Championships at the Troy Adams Archery Field in Werrington from April 7 until April 11.

The event has attracted an unprecedented number of competitors, both locally and from overseas.

Penrith City Archers have registered a record 22 young archers, all taking home town advantage, while Archery NSW is providing its largest ever team with 91 young archers from clubs across the state.

The event regularly attracts a few international archers, however this year due to the central location and quality of the venue there are archers from New Zealand and Singapore registered. The Selangor School in Malaysia is also sending a record 17 young Archers.

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You know exactly what the objective is and how Postecoglou aims to achieve it, a comfortable scenario compared to previous years of uncertainty about playing style and indeed what personnel will be given a go.

Under Ange, it’s quite clear. Be in form, and you’ll force your way in. Bring the right attitude, and you’ll get to come back.

Nothing has changed from the day he took over. Ivan Franjic and Jason Davidson hadn’t played a minute of senior football since the Asian Cup Final, but barely missed a beat against Germany. Sure fire sign the camp is a happy place and the coaching staff have brains wired correctly.

The Macedonia clash might just be looked upon as more vital going forward, with the second Round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers set to start in June.

Those eight matches in the first step toward Russia will be against relative minnows. They’ll get behind the ball to contain first, before any thought to entertain.

That will be up to us. A theory that sits fine with the Socceroos after a productive week in Europe.

Around the grounds

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Friday 3 April 2015 « the western weekender

70

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers men’s Waratah Championship League side were hammered by the Sydney Comets last weekend 93-70.

Noah Cleur and Svetomir Gavrilovic were best for the Panthers scoring 16 points each.

Penrith, who remain in fourth, will enjoy this weekend off before playing the Hornsby Spiders on April 11.

Meanwhile, it was much better news for Penrith’s women’s team who defeated the Comets in a close one 75-71.

Alicia Poto was on fire for Penrith scoring 26 points whilst recording

eight rebounds and seven assists.

Penrith’s women currently sit in fourth and will also enjoy this Easter long weekend off.

CRICKET: The Penrith Cricket Club has won through to the fourth grade Grand Final after defeating Northern District in last weekend’s semi final.

Penrith will now play Sydney for premiership honours this weekend at Drummoyne Oval.

Meanwhile, Penrith also competed in the third and fifth grade semi finals last weekend but went down to their opponents Eastern Suburbs and Manly-Warringah in both games.

ICE HOCKEY: The Penrith Phantoms have won their first game of the season, defeating the Liverpool Saints 3-1 in the NSW Ice Hockey Division 1 competition.

The Phantoms, who now sit in third position, will take on the Canterbury Kings next Saturday, April 11.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 7 of the junior rugby league representative season saw some mixed results for both the Penrith Panthers and Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) sides.

In the Harold Matthews competition, Penrith and Newcastle fought out a 26-all draw while WSAS did the same against Central Coast 16-16.

In the SG Ball competition, Penrith defeated the Knights 36-18 while WSAS lost to Central Coast 36-18.

71 the western weekender » Friday 3 April 2015

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Friday 3 April 2015

20 year wait worth the prize Penrith Golf Club wins Division 4 Major Pennant over local rivals NATHAN TAYLOR

THE NEW WEBER

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

@nate_taylor87

eople say good things come to those who wait, and the Penrith Golf Club have waited a very long time – 20 years in fact – to win their second Major Pennant.

Last weekend Penrith’s men’s team won the Golf NSW Division 4 Major Pennant at Terrey Hills Golf Club. It was the first time since way back in 1995 that the club has won a Major Pennant.

Making last weekend’s victory even sweeter for the Penrith club was the fact they competed for the title against local rivals Glenmore Heritage Golf Club.

The final was closely contested in good spirits with the boys from Penrith coming out on top five games to two.

Penrith were represented by team captain Jeff Gadd, vice captain Rodney Sutherland, team manager Ian Gallagher and team members Dale Hughes, Glen Douglass, James Cayley, Chris Lawler, Gordon McCall, Wil Arnold, Darren Dewberry, Peter Morris and Josh Gadd.

Interestingly vice captain Rodney Sutherland, who was a non-playing reserve in the final, was the only member of the Pennant

P

Penrith Golf Club’s victorious Major Pennant team team to feature in both the 1995 and 2015 sides.

Because of their appearance in the final, both Penrith Golf Club and Glenmore Heritage will move up the Golf NSW ranks next year to Division 3.

Meanwhile, Penrith Golf Club’s women’s

WW16515

team also competed in their respective final but narrowly went down to Cabramatta Golf Club.

The women’s team were playing in their first Division 2 Major Pennant final but heartbreakingly lost to Cabramatta by the smallest of margins.