Penrith’s leading coverage of the NRL! Page 33
AIRPORT MILESTONE
Terminal roof complete at Badgerys Creek SEE PAGE 3
PENRITH’S GOLDEN GIRL
EDUCATION WEEK
Special feature inside today’s paper! STARTS PAGE 22
MILES AHEAD
Rising rower set to wear green and gold SEE PAGE 80
Jess Fox is the toast of Paris – and Penrith – after an Olympic performance to savour. Nathan Taylor reports on page 77
Photo: AAP / Dan Himbrechts.
Friday, August 2, 2024
Construction of the terminal at Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) has reached a major milestone.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King was joined on Tuesday at the airport site at Badgerys Creek by Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher to announce the development.
Construction of the airport’s terminal roof has officially been completed and will allow for internal works to begin.
This milestone now marks construction of the new 24-hour international airport to be 80 per cent completed with services expected to begin in late 2026.
King said the latest construction work means the community is one step closer to using the airport.
“The countdown is well and truly on – it won’t be long until the people of western Sydney will be flying out of their brand-new 24-hour international airport,” King said.
“I’m excited to witness the latest
construction progress, especially the completion of the terminal roof, which is the culmination of about 18 months of hard work by more than 100 trades people, many of whom are western Sydney locals.
“The project has shown strong support for domestic manufacturers – with steel for the roof sourced here in Australia.
“The airport has also invested more than half a billion dollars with hundreds of western Sydney businesses since construction began in 2017.”
The roof’s completion represents important progress for the site as it weatherproofs the building, allowing for the completion of internal works including the feature ceiling, departure areas, lounges and retail spaces.
Over 100 workers, including many western Sydney locals, helped to build the roof over the previous 18 months and form part of the 3,500 strong workforce behind the construction of the airport.
Gallagher said the economic boost from the airport is already paying off.
“This transformational project is attracting billions of dollars’ worth of investment into western Sydney, which is our nation’s third largest economy and one of the fastest growing regions in the country,” Gallagher said.
“In addition to the existing construction workforce, future
airport operations are anticipated to create thousands of more jobs, which is fantastic news for the people of western Sydney who’ll benefit from these employment opportunities without having to face a lengthy commute.”
The construction of the airport has supported domestic manufacturing with the completed roof structure being bolstered by more than 40 kilometres of Australian-made steel purlins and more than 3,500 tonnes of steelwork.
Western Sydney International Airport CEO, Simon Hickey, with Catherine King on Tuesday.
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Jess delivers moment to remember
Some of my best sporting memories growing up happened bleary-eyed in the lounge room at some ungodly hour. Cup of tea or hot chocolate in hand, usually watching the green and gold of Australia on the world stage.
My Dad, only a casual sports follower, always talked about watching Australia’s famous 1983 America’s Cup victory with a two-month-old Troy on his lap.
There will always be sporting moments on home soil that will forever stick in your mind, but there is something about that middle of the night moment that hits different.
Jessica Fox’s stunning K1 Gold medal in Paris on Monday morning was one of those moments.
Up at 1.30am to hear of her shakes in the semis.
Game face on, she took to the whitewater of the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium like the pro she is. Didn’t miss a beat.
Her father Richard roared “Come on Jess, let’s go” as she sped down the final metres of the course, all of us at home collectively repeating him.
96.08 seconds popped up on the screen. It felt like an unbeatable time, but as Jess crossed her fingers, we all followed.
Kimberley Woods from Great Britain certainly put a scare through the early morning air back home in Australia.
It feels odd almost cheering for others to fail. Such is the brutal nature of individual sport, I guess.
But when the fastest qualifier, German Ricarda Funk, hit a gate during her run, you couldn’t help but cheer.
It was Gold for Jessica Fox.
Gold for Penrith.
The scenes of her family, coaches and supporters embracing alongside the course will forever be etched into one of Fox’s finest sporting achievements.
You’d be a cold person not to feel emotional when you saw Jess struggle to contain herself as she prepared to stand on the podium and claim the medal, before hearing ‘Advance Australia Fair’ blare out across the stadium.
Dreams do indeed come true.
“The Fox family has all but become royalty in this city”
For her to back it up and win Gold in the C1 on Thursday morning made the week even more special.
Moments like this are even better when you know that the individual is such a stellar person.
Jessica Fox has never let success go to her head.
She’s always had time for those back home, and it’s no surprise so many locals were able to post photos with themselves and Jess on Monday morning.
The Fox family has all but become royalty in this city.
Father Richard, once a champion paddler himself, is not only spearheading the future of the sport out of the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, but is also President of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Mother Myriam is a trailblazer for the sport of paddling, and has nurtured multiple generations of talent.
Her raw emotion in Paris on Monday morning was something special.
And then there’s of course sister Noemie, who’s gone from nabbing a job as a ground announcer in Tokyo just to be there to support her sister, to competing herself at the Olympics this week.
What a feel-good week this has been watching the Fox family on the other side of the world.
Penrith is lucky to have them, and I reckon there’s plenty more magic still to come.
And another thing...
Last week I attended the Penrith Local Celebration Awards for 2024 at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, where I was thrilled and honoured to formally accept this year’s Citizen of the Year award.
But forget about me.
What a night it was hearing about some terrific Penrith locals who, largely publicly unnoticed, go about their business making a huge difference in our city.
There’s the tenacity of Julie Parsons, refusing to accept limits on her capabilities despite the tough run life threw at her.
From being born without arms, to then being confined to a wheelchair after a workplace accident as an adult, Julie could have easily become angry at life; but instead displayed a tenacity and strength that is beyond belief.
First, she became a superstar competitive swimmer (and even still holds a host of records), then a legendary volunteer at various organisations.
And then there’s Jack Conroy, the Young Citizen of the Year. The former school captain has achieved accolades in athletics, swimming and cross country, has volunteered extensively, and even scaled Mt Kosciuszko for a good cause.
These would be remarkable accomplishments for anyone, but Jack has reached these milestones while living with intellectual disability, Autism and Cerebral Palsy. Best of all, he’s a great young man – and his parents should be very proud.
There’s dedicated volunteer Bailey Hand, Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk founder Angela Lambros, charity founder Lucinda Harvey and then Mike Hicks from Outback Steakhouse, who has given so much back to the community that has been so good to him. All of them were deservedly honoured last Thursday night.
In every community, there are people going above and beyond to make the place better for other people.
In Penrith, we have that in spades.
Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Local Celebration Awards.
‘Pen Man’ tribute gets green light
Penrith City Council last week unanimously voted to endorse the implementation of a commemorative plaque for John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso, who passed away recently.
Boccanfuso was known by many in the Penrith community as the ‘Pen Man’ after selling charity pens for 50 years in the local area, primarily at Westfield.
Independent Penrith City Councillor Marlene Shipley brought the motion forward during urgent business at the July Ordinary Meeting, asking for Council to fund a plaque for Boccanfuso to be placed in the gardens between Council and Westfield Penrith.
“I’m sure Penrith Plaza will be doing their own thing in recognition of John,” Shipley said.
“So I thought that a beautiful garden in between Penrith City Council chambers and the Plaza would be great recognition.”
Westfield has confirmed it will work to establish a permanent memorial to honour the work and dedication of Boccanfuso throughout his time at the shopping centre.
Shipley said that she felt the motion was important to raise at the meeting as so many people in the Penrith community had a connection with Boccanfuso.
“I thought it was imperative that we recognise somebody who gave so much of himself to Penrith,” she said.
“Everybody that shops here and lives here, whether it be from [Boccanfuso’s] days [selling pens] in High Street [before] moving over to the Plaza, everybody had their own story and some affiliation with him.
“A lot of people still actually have one of his pens in their drawer at home.
“So, I thought it was the least Penrith Council could do in recognising someone that was so committed to the community and did his best.”
Councillors all backed Shipley’s motion for the commemorative plaque.
“It was unanimous… there wasn’t a single person that didn’t think that it was a great idea,” Shipley said.
“So, I’m happy to have all of their support on this.”
The next steps for the placing of the plaque are already in motion.
“Council officers will now source the plaque and come up with some pricing options and then we will move another motion in Council to support the dollar figure,” Shipley said.
Council’s next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday, August 26.
A memorial service for Boccanfuso was held last month.
Stand for your community
all backgrounds to stand for election to their local council.
Your council does more than just look after roads, rates and rubbish. It plays a vital role in your community and councillors’ decisions affect your daily life. Counci ls need to be diverse to better represent your local community
You, or someone you know, could help make life better in your available for elected councillors.
Marlene Shipley is asking for John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso to be recognised. Photo: Melinda Jane.
LAW and ORDER
Police Snapshot Legal Matters
Penrith: Man arrested after attending police station and abusing officers
A man has been charged after attending Penrith Police Station and becoming aggressive.
At about 10.20am on Wednesday, July 24 a 22-year-old Penrith man entered Penrith Police Station. At 10.25am an officer was interacting with the man at the counter where he became aggressive and argumentative. The man has said numerous offensive worlds to the female police officer.
The officer attempted to calm the man down and he continued to yell over her. Also present in the station area were several members of the public. The 22-year-old was given a warning about his conduct as it was offensive to the members of the public who were waiting in the foyer.
The 22-year-old has then continued to yell louder and threatened to harm police. The 22-year-old was again warned by police about his behaviour and he has ignored requests to stop. The man has turned and started to walk out of the station where he continued his tirade of abuse and threats towards police.
The man was told to stop and has then run out onto High Street in front of oncoming traffic where he was narrowly missed by a passing car. Police have followed the man.
The 22-year-old has then got into the passenger seat of a motor vehicle, where he was then directed by police to exit the vehicle. The man refused and tensed his body and attempted to pull away from police. The 22-year-old continued to swear, threaten and abuse police.
The man was removed from the vehicle and informed he was under arrest and taken back into the police station where he continued to act inappropriately whilst in the cells.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 8.
North St Marys: Man imprisoned after police pursuit
A man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after leading police on a pursuit.
At about 8.25pm on Thursday, July 25 police were patrolling Debrincat Avenue, North St Marys. Police have sighted a silver Holden Barina and activated their lights and sirens to stop the vehicle for the purpose of a random breath test.
The vehicle stopped and a police officer approached the car on foot. As the officer approached the car the male driver looked
directly at the officer, who had started to speak, and accelerated harshly.
The officer re-entered their vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. Police pursued the Barina on Debrincat Avenue and onto Glossop Street where the driver disobeyed a red traffic control light. The Barina continued on Kurrajong Avenue and through a service station. The vehicle stopped at the intersection of Australia Street and Thompson Avenue, Oxley Park, where the driver has got out of the vehicle and ran up a nearby unit complex driveway.
The driver attempted to jump a fence but pursuing police pulled him off the fence and arrested him. The man, a 31-year-old Colebee man, was spoken to.
The man was taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged. The man was bail refused and appeared in Mt Druitt Local Court on Friday, July 26 where he plead guilty and received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment and a three-month driving disqualification.
Colyton: Man arrested after positive breath test
A man has lost his licence after returning a positive breath test result.
At about 11.40pm on Friday, July 26 police were called to Bennet Road, Colyton in relation to reports of a single vehicle crash. The vehicle had hit a power pole at the location.
On arrival, police had a conversation with the driver, a 25-year-old Bidwill man. The man was breath tested which returned a positive result.
The man was arrested and was taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.176. The man’s licence was suspended on the spot.
Penrith: Man arrested after returning positive breath test result
A man has had his licence suspended after returning positive breath test result.
At about 3.50am on Saturday, July 27 police were called to the intersection of Castlereagh Street and Coreen Avenue, Penrith after reports of a motor vehicle crash.
On attendance police noticed that a Hyundai had collided with the roundabout and suffered extensive damage.
Police had a conversation with the driver, a 23-year-old Werrington man. The man was breath tested, which returned a positive result. He was later charged.
EXPLAINER: FAMILY PROVISION CLAIMS with Daniel McKinnon
If you are one of our regular readers you will have seen that in the past couple of weeks we have been writing about a consistent theme, being Wills and matters relating to what legal steps need to be taken after a person dies.
When we write articles like these we often get questions from the community about things that may have piqued their interest from an article we have written.
We have had a few calls this week following on from our recent columns about contesting Wills.
We thought this would be a good opportunity to provide a bit of an explainer column about this topic.
The legal term for contesting a Will is known as a “family provision claim”.
The main piece of legislation in New South Wales that addresses matters relating to deceased estates is called the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).
The Succession Act has sections dedicated specifically to family provision claims.
A family provision claim is essentially a two-step process.
The first step is to have a look at section 57 of the Succession Act to determine whether or not the person making the claim is eligible.
Not any Tom, Dick, or Harry can make a family provision claim, you need to be an eligible person under the legislation. Eligible persons include:
(i) The deceased person’s husband or wife or de facto spouse;
(ii) A natural child of the deceased person;
(iii) A former spouse of the deceased person (although these cases are rare and usually limited to former spouses who have been dependent on a deceased person after the relationship has ended);
(iv) A person who was at any particular time in their lives wholly or partly dependent on the deceased person and was either a grandchild of the deceased person or lived with the deceased person at some point;
(v) A person with whom the deceased was living in a close personal relationship at the time of the deceased person’s death.
The second last category above is usually
the category that captures stepchildren. If you were a deceased person’s stepchild and were at any point wholly or partly dependent upon and them lived with them you may be eligible to make a claim however stepchildren are not automatically eligible.
If it can be established that a potential claimant is eligible, the next step is to consider the “section 60 factors”.
Section 60 of the Succession Act lists all of the things that a Court will consider in deciding whether an eligible person’s claim will be successful.
This includes things like:
• The nature of the relationship between the claimant and the deceased, for example, were they in a close relationship, was there any estrangement, what was the level of contact between the deceased person and the claimant and things of that nature.
• The nature of any obligations or responsibility that the deceased person owed to the claimant – for example, it is settled law that a spouse has a general obligation to provide for their surviving spouse in the event of their death. Similar expectations arise if a deceased person dies leaving infant children.
• The size of the deceased person’s estate. Whether or not the estate is large enough to provide for the person or persons the deceased person put in their Will and the claimant is relevant.
• The financial resources of the claimant – the claimant must be able to establish some financial need or their claim is doomed to fail. This does not mean a claimant needs to be financially destitute but if a claimant is financially welloff and cannot establish need a Court will rarely interfere with a deceased person’s Will to make provision for them.
There are a range of other factors that the Court ordinarily considers in assessing the strength of a claimant’s claim.
If you are an executor defending a claim or a person who thinks they may be eligible to make a claim, you are welcome to get in touch with us for an obligation-free consultation to discuss your options.
Gipps Street Recreation Precinct
Contact Us
Administration
Civic Centre, 601 High Street.
Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.
Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777
PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city
Services
Waste Services 4732 7777
Illegal Dumping
Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).
Freecall 1800 022 182
Meeting Dates
12 & 26 August 2024 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)
12 August 2024 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee Meeting)
Online via penrith.city
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Council Briefs
● The upgrades to Jamison Park Dog Park are complete and ready for some tail-wagging fun!
A key feature of the upgrade is the separation of a portion of the existing space for small dogs, aimed at improving the safety and usability of the park for all dogs.
A variety of amenities have been installed including a picnic shelter and additional seating, as well as new bins, waste bag dispensers, a dog-friendly drinking fountain and tap. To further add to the green space of Jamison Park, new trees have been planted as part of the upgrade.
This project was funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and delivered by Penrith City Council.
penrith.city/dogparks
● By now, the Winter Issue of Our Place Penrith should have reached your letterbox. In this issue, you can meet the exceptional local people being honoured in the 2024 Local Celebration Awards.
They are volunteers, founders of charities and social enterprises, people who inspire and uplift others; Penrith City is full of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and these Awards are an opportunity to shine a light on their
The Winter Issue of Our Place also includes information about creative events and family-friendly activities, essential services and plenty more exciting news about our community.
● The 2024 NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
If you are an owner, rate-paying lessee or occupier of rateable land which is not your primary residence, you or a nominee may be entitled to be enrolled on the roll of non-residential owners of rateable land or the roll of occupiers and rate-paying lessees for this election.
The claim must be completed and lodged with the General Manager of Penrith City Council by 6pm Monday, 5 August 2024.
Details of the eligibility criteria and enrolment claim forms may be obtained via penrith.city/councilelection
Penrith’s new sport and recreation destination with skate park, pump track, children’s playspaces, water play,
Public Notice
Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993 - Proposed Licence on Community Land
Under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council intends to enter into a Licence as detailed below.
Bennett Cruising Pty Ltd
Mooring and Access including embarking and disembarking
Tench Reserve Wharf Precinct at Tench Avenue, Jamisontown Five years
All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 28 days of the date of this notice.
Please contact Property Department on 4732 7777 or property@penrith.city
Development Application
The following Development Application has been received by Council:
• Todd Anthony Beedle
17 Luttrell Street, Glenmore Park
DA24/0539
Change of use from dwelling to group home (permanent)
Contact: Wendy Connell on 4732 7908
Closing Date: Tuesday, 13 August 2024
Why Council must act now
“Lives are at stake”: This local Councillor is desperate to fix rural drainage
Penrith City Councillor Glenn Gardiner is dismayed at the state of Londonderry roads after his bid for more money to fix drainage issues failed at Council last month.
Gardiner, a North Ward Councillor, put forward a motion to Council last week to allocate $7.1 million towards fixing issues identified by a Rural Drainage Audit Report commissioned by Council. The motion was voted against by all Councillors except for Councillor Gardiner, and Independent Councillors Sue Day and Kevin Crameri.
The issue was tabled for after September’s local government election for the new Council to assess.
This week Gardiner took the Weekender around to see certain spots in Londonderry that he deems critical. The first one being on Purcell Road where excessive water
flow has made the road narrower than it should be.
“It’s so obvious that I struggle to understand the concept that we needed a report to say that we needed to clean the drains,” Gardiner said.
“Then to take two years to get that report and the report comes out and there is no funding and there’s no
Development Consent/s Determined
Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.
Approved Development Applications
• Stratasurv Pty Ltd
Mod24/0112 Lot 16 DP 1195110, 76–94 Lakeside Parade, Jordan Springs car parking allocation between stratum and Strata
• Lot 45 DP 16478, 34 Inkerman Road, Emu Heights
• Lot 143 DP 204998, 8 Nepean Street, Emu Plains Two-storey dwelling
• Lot 40 DP 261156, 3 Bottlebrush Drive, Cranebrook
• Lot 209 DP 31908, 37 Vallance Street, St Marys of a storage premises
• Lot 43 DP 28917, 60 Brown Street, Penrith Construction of attached dual occupancy
• Lot 12 DP 1292106, 120 Lockwood Road, Erskine Park
movement to try and gather some funding and then I put up a good opportunity for that funding and that fails, [it’s] disappointing.
“Now that is has been set aside for the new Council to deal with, which is even more frustrating, because it was at the beginning of the current Council term that the report
was commissioned.
“But, now it’s for the new Council to deal with, so that’s more time, we are probably talking October before we can have a resolution passed or a motion passed.
“It’s already years overdue. It’s embarrassing to the city, and we’ve got to wait for more time to get it fixed.”
• Lot 430 DP 706901, 5 Wiggan Place, Cranebrook
• Lot 349 DP 248378, 9 McAuley Crescent, Emu Plains
• Lot 112 DP 558357, 412 Nutt Road, Londonderry
• Lot 315 DP 716080, 2–10 Sheredan Road, Castlereagh Construction of a single storey dwelling to create a detached dual occupancy
Refused Development Application
• Lot 149 DP 16330, Lot 150 DP 16330, Lot 151 DP 16330 and Lot 152 DP 16330, 61 Adelaide Street, Oxley Park
construction of a multi-dwelling housing development consisting of 21 town houses, with associated landscaping and drainage works
Integrated Development
Penrith City Council.
• Unit Trust
Lot 8 DP 857982, 53–77 Kingswood Road, Orchard Hills
Gardiner also highlighted Jockbett Street which is a recommended SES flood evacuation route.
“So, when there is a major Hawkesbury River flood the advised line to evacuate Agnes Banks is to evacuate along this road – SES will direct people to this road to escape from Agnes during a major flood,” Gardiner said.
He said the road becomes unusable as a flood evacuation route when there is storm water already present.
“As soon as there is local storm water you can’t escape a major flood,” Gardiner said.
“That I can’t get my head around, how that is not considered the absolute highest priority that Council have right now.
“This is huge, lives are at stake essentially and it’s just ignored and put to the side, it really upsets me.”
The final location Gardiner highlighted was Nutt Road.
“There is water crossing the road and it’s an 80km/h road, it’s a high traffic road
issues
especially on school days,” Gardiner said.
“So, you are at risk of aquaplaning but also you’ve got the risk of cars swerving to avoid the puddle and then risk injury [like a] crash.” Gardiner challenges his fellow Councillor colleagues to visit the problem areas and see it for themselves.
“I don’t think they’ve been here; I don’t think they understand,” Gardiner said.
“I challenged them in Council [last] Monday and told them to drive down these roads... and tell me if they are happy to vote it down after doing that.”
Gardiner said the few spots he highlighted are just parts of a larger problem.
“As you see by driving around, we could have stopped at a hundred places... it’s everywhere, it’s not three or four locations,” Gardiner said.
“It’s not just Londonderry, it’s Llandilo and Berkshire Park as well with the same issues.”
removal, bulk earthworks, reconstruction of Castle Road and Kingswood Road North, new roads, stormwater works, retaining walls, landscaping and street trees
Fire Service and supporting documentation accompanying the
submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation
submission. The submission is to include Council’s
For any queries relating to the proposal:
Viewing of Development Applications
The above development application/s may be viewed on penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker
will be able to assist with your enquiries.
Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts
By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Glenn Gardiner looking at the water build up on Jockbett Street. Photo: Melinda Jane.
PAGE TEN
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Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
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LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The dual bird art installations are located along Bradley Street in Glenmore Park.
The Opening Ceremony in Paris had its highlights, but the lack of stadium meant the athlete introductions fell flat. It just didn’t work and became confusing and unexciting.
The incredible scenes of emotion in Paris when Jessica Fox won her K1 Gold medal on Monday will forever remain in our minds. What a beautiful moment at the Olympics.
Reducing waste
$400,000 grant to help cut food waste in the Penrith area
Penrith food rescue organisation
SecondBite has been gifted over $400,000 by the NSW Government to help reduce food waste.
SecondBite has been granted $410,570, part of a package of $4.6 million in grants to fight and reduce the 1.7 million tonnes of food that is wasted each year in NSW.
Under the first round of new grants delivered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SecondBite has been given funds to ensure that good food that is destined for waste reaches people facing hunger and food insecurity.
State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said the grant money will provide assistance to reducing the amount of food waste in Penrith.
“It’s great to see the enthusiasm we have here in Penrith to reduce our food waste,” McKeown said.
“Penrith was the first metropolitan council to introduce a food organics system.
“Almost 70 per cent of the 1.7 million tonnes of food waste that is sent to landfill every year in NSW is still edible, so it’s vital that we are looking at a range of ways to save more food.
“By reducing our food waste, we can support the most vulnerable people in our community through donated food, and we’re
also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.”
The funding is part of a broader package of grants which have been delivered to businesses, councils, hospitals, schools and charitable organisations across NSW.
The money donated to SeondBite will help the organisation to reduce and avoid mass food waste in Penrith, which can create harmful greenhouse gasses when it rots in landfill, and will ensure the edible food will be saved and delivered to people across the community who need it.
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said now is the time to reduce the amount of food waste in NSW.
“Across NSW, up to 70 per cent of wasted food is still edible, we have to turn this around,” Sharpe said.
“It’s not about just reducing waste but rethinking about how we value and use the food that we have.
“This funding will help food rescue charities by giving them better infrastructure to take more donated and rescued food.
“It will also make sure businesses, hospitals, councils, and other institutions are upskilling their networks to avoid food waste, and increase their donations and recycling – helping to save nearly 600,000 tonnes of food waste each year.”
Western Sydney University has revealed that some 580 terabytes of data was accessed in a breach of its IT network.
The University (WSU) revealed initial details of the cyber security incident back in May. It has now provided an update, confirming that personally identifiable information was accessed, including names, contact details, dates of birth, health information, sensitive information relating to workplace conduct and health and safety matters, government identification documents, tax file numbers, superannuation details and bank account information.
After the University notified approximately 7,500 impacted individuals and its community about a breach to its Microsoft Office 365 environment in May, the University confirmed personal information in Isilon was also subject to unauthorised access. Isilon holds My Documents information, departmental shared folders, and some backup and archived data.
WSU says some 580 terabytes of data across 83 of the 300 directories in Isilon was breached.
“On behalf of the University, I sincerely apologise for this incident and thank our community for its patience and support,” said Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor George Williams.
“Our priority remains supporting and assisting our students, staff and stakeholders. We have set up a number of support services for them.”
The University has not received any threats to disclose private information or demands in exchange for maintaining privacy.
SecondBite receiving their cheque from State Penrith MP Karen McKeown.
Anger over cancelled fitness program
CASSIDY PEARCE
Penrith City Council has come under fire from participants of their Active Ageing Group, after the fitness program was abruptly cancelled.
Resident Leanne Ulrich has been involved in the group for over a year, starting in Council’s Geri-Fit program, following an injury which left her needing some extra fitness.
“I started in May 2023 because I had an injury to my lower leg, and it was exercises that were chair exercises,” she said.
“It was so that we could do weights and exercises that would strengthen our bones and our muscles and keep us more mobile, and active in the community.”
The classes have been on every week on Tuesday mornings at Penrith City Library during the school term, with a variety of fitness options to keep things interesting.
“We’ve had a lady who used to be a circus act, we did chair dancing with her, or you could get up and dance, the yoga’s been really popular,” she said.
“We were told it stops that frozen
shoulder, and the muscles.”
Ulrich said that the classes have also been incredibly popular, bolstering the benefits for both their social and mental health as well.
“We have at least 20 people per class, and we were told that there was a list of 40 people who’d like to participate but they just don’t have the room,” she said.
However, the group received some bad news when they came back for the term.
“When we came back from our holiday, we were told on Tuesday that the library was going to use their resources in other ways, and that they were cancelling the Active Ageing program, which was a big disappointment to everybody, because we’ve all gotten so much out of it,” she said.
“We have ladies in their late 80s that do it, and it just keeps everybody mobile, keeps everybody active, and keeps us out of nursing homes.”
In a statement to the Weekender, Council said that there hasn’t been a waitlist for the group in some time.
“The Library Programs Team recently completed a review of the library outreach and programming services from the endorsed Penrith Library Services Strategy 2023-28.
The review highlighted the importance of the library providing a diverse range of adult programs that cater for a wide variety of community groups,” it said.
“The Active Ageing Program was identified as reaching a relatively small number of people. Attendees were notified in advance that the program would cease at the end of September (Term 3), in order to give them time to find an alternative if they wish to continue their fitness program. A range of alternatives have been given to attendees.”
Ulrich confirmed that Council did provide alternatives, however these would not be suitable for the elderly participants due to a lack of easy access via public transport, and more lengthy waitlists.
“They outlined some places we could go to, but transport is hard for some of the people who don’t drive,” she said.
“There was another one that was suggested to us, but one of the ladies said she goes there and there’s a long waiting list to get on.”
Ulrich emphasised the importance of providing resources and outlets for elderly people in the local community.
Back Pain? Struggling with
Mark and Leanne Ulrich. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Crushing Dry July target
Team from Nepean Cancer Care Centre raises important funds during
Nepean Cancer Care Centre’s Cancer Crushers team has raised almost $50,000 throughout Dry July, allowing them to fund equipment, programs and refurbishments.
Tania Ball has been participating in Dry July for nine years, spurred on by the patients she sees every day at work.
“I’ve been at the centre for 24 years, and just seeing how much it’s changed and how busy we’ve become, it’s just nice to be able to give back to the patients,” she said.
“You build relationships with the patients and their families, and for them to see that we, personally, are trying to make a difference as well, it really makes a difference.”
According to Ball, it means the world that her team at Nepean Hospital has continued to get involved in the effort year after year.
“Working together and doing this together builds morale,” she said.
Now at the end of July, Ball reported that the team had together raised almost $10,000, with Ball and team member Bridget Bennett both
raising over $1000 each.
“We’ve had a lawn bowls night, we did a cake stall, a barbeque and we do mufti Fridays,” she said.
“It is a lot of work to coordinate all of these things, but when it’s done and you can see all of the money that we’ve raised, it’s worth it.”
Ball added that Panthers legend Mark Geyer has been a huge support to the team, having attended their barbeque fundraiser.
However, the Cancer Care Centre is also a beneficiary, and has had over $34,000 donated to them directly.
“People who have had their parents or family members treated here, I’ve noticed that a lot of people have donated or signed up for Dry July to be sponsored,” Bennett said.
Ball expressed her gratitude to those who donated.
“It’s hard to expect people to put
campaign
their hands in their pockets. Life is hard at the moment, financially. But, we still have so many generous people who are willing to donate towards this,” she said.
Bennett added that it’s particularly important, because the funds go directly into the centre.
“Where I work down in radiation therapy, our treatment rooms look quite medical, and a lot of the patients on their first day, they get quite anxious and nervous, but Dry July has actually sponsored some of our imaging panels in our rooms, so we have this beautiful scenery pictures of the beach and of the Three Sisters that makes it feel a lot less medical,” she said.
Donations will be open until the end of August, with the two hoping to see more funds flow in the coming weeks.
“Everyone knows, cancer doesn’t discriminate. Everyone knows someone that has either been diagnosed or possibly passed from cancer, or has received some sort of cancer treatment, so I think Dry July is a big one that lots of people like to donate to,” Bennett said.
Visit www.dryjuly.com/teams/ nepean-cancer-crushers-2.
Nepean Cancer Care Centre’s Cancer Crushers.
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Register now to save a life
39 per cent of Penrith residents are registered as organ donors
Penrith residents are being urged to register as a tissue and organ donor, as part of Donate Life Week.
Donate Life Week runs until August 4 and encourages locals to sign up to potentially save a life.
39 per cent of Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) residents are registered on the Australian Organ Donation Register.
That’s above the national average of 36 per cent but more donors are needed.
There are currently around 1,800 Australians on the organ waitlist and 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure who need Australia’s help. Sadly, more than 50 Australians died last year while on the organ transplant waitlist.
The theme of DonateLife Week 2024 is ‘be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life’. The best way to do this is to register as a donor at www.donatelife.gov.au or with three taps in your Express Plus Medicare app. Then, tell your family you’ve registered.
Acting General Manager of the NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service Juliana Celcer said DonateLife Week is the perfect time
Mayor’s News
Recognising Penrith’s Olympians
Go Australia! The highly anticipated and exciting 2024 Paris Olympics have begun, featuring eleven of Penrith’s fittest and inspirational athletes. Either through birth, residency, school, training or club membership, they will represent Penrith proudly on the world stage. From Canoe Slalom to rowing, to basketball, our Olympians have trained hard, and I encourage everyone to cheer on our Aussies.
Competing in her fourth Olympic Games, Leonay’s Jessica Fox (who was also our Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer) has already won Gold in the Women’s K1 Slalom – an amazing achievement for our Penrith community! Jess will also be competing in Women’s C1 Slalom early morning on Thursday, August 1 (AEST) and the Slalom Women’s Kayak Cross where she will be competing against younger sister Noemie Fox who is making her Olympic debut. Good luck Fox sisters.
Platform diver Melissa Wu, born in Penrith, has created history by becoming Australia’s most capped diver, competing in her fifth Olympic games. Melissa has been on every Australian Olympic Team since Beijing in 2008.
to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.
“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate,” she said.
“We encourage NSW residents to go online and pledge to give the gift of life to those in need.”
DonateLife NSW Co-State Medical Director Elena Cavazzoni said it was important to get numbers up.
“Our dedicated organ donation teams across NSW work tirelessly to maximise every opportunity to save a life through transplant. But the reality is, there simply aren’t enough donors in NSW to match the waitlist,” she said.
“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone in NSW to please register as an organ and tissue donor.”
Visit www.donatelife.gov.au.
She will be competing in the 10m individual platform event.
Josh Green is a local Penrith basketball junior who soared through the ranks in America, making his NBA debut in 2020, the same year he competed in the Tokyo Olympic Games. Good luck Josh and our Aussie Boomers.
Making their Olympic Games debut, Tristan Carter (who made it to the C1 final) and Tim Anderson (competing in the K1 event), both train at Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium, and we look forward to watching them compete in the Kayak Cross event. Even though they are born in Victoria, Penrith’s Whitewater community will be cheering them on.
Five of our local female rowers will be going for gold, training out of the Hancock Prospecting National Training Centre situated on the banks of the Nepean River. Sarah Howe, Annabelle McIntyre, Lucy Stephan, Katrina Werry and Olympia Aldersey will have represented Australia and Penrith proudly in their rowing events.
Congratulations to our Penrith Olympians, you are all champions in our eyes.
CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith
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Sweet way to give back: Charity fundraiser calls for your support
Ben & Jerry’s at Hoyts Penrith is adding to their list of social missions, and they need your help to save trees.
Ben & Jerry’s at Hoyts Penrith has always had social missions, doing their best to get involved in a new initiative every quarter. Most recently they did a blood drive, participated in Melanoma March, Clean Up Australia Day, and made donations to a local food pantry.
However, HalfCut – an organisation dedicated to protecting crucial forests, preserving Traditional Owners’ land titles and initiating mass tree planting projects – is one of their longest standing partnerships.
“Ben & Jerry’s has had a partnership with HalfCut since 2021, and we try and do that annually to help bring back land for HalfCut,” Manager Kurt White said.
“Since 2021, we have already been able to save nine lots as a company in the Daintree Rainforest, and they rewild it and give it back to the Indigenous community.”
On a personal level, White and fellow manager Erin Carley agreed this is one of the most important initiatives to get the word out about.
“The fact is, half of our rainforest is gone, which is quite devastating for us in terms of life, our ecosystem, and how we usually operate,” Carley said.
“We’re trying to spread the
message that this is important, and it’s better to act now rather than later when we don’t have anything to work for.”
Ben & Jerry’s at Hoyts Penrith has just started a new fundraiser with a $1500 goal to reach by the end of August. Their primary strategy at the moment is through their green dip cones.
“Right now, we have the dip cones, which have green sprinkles on them,” White said.
“Every $2.50 raised saves a square metre, so we put $2 of those cones towards the fundraiser.”
But, there are plenty more ways for people to get involved, in hopes of helping them reach their target.
“We’ve got rounded donations, we
have the QR codes with guests that we’re able to scan, and so far I think we’re just close to $200,” White said this week.
“We’ve still got a lot to go, but we’re pretty keen on the fact that we can make that!”
At the end of the month, the team is planning to hold a raffle to seal the deal.
“We are going to hold a raffle where guests can buy tickets and we’ll do a prize draw when we host our Daintree Evening, which is coming up at the end of August,” she said.
“That’s really exciting for us!”
But, they’re hoping to have the support of the local Penrith community to make it happen.
“We would love some other businesses that are willing to donate prizes to try and get more people wanting to donate to win the prizes,” she said.
“Every dollar counts, and even time reading what it’s about counts, because then someone is more aware than they were before.”
For more information or to donate, head instore or email penrith@ hoyts.com.au.
Erin Carley and Kurt White at Ben & Jerry’s. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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Celebrate Young Heroes: Penrith Young Champions Awards
Nominate a remarkable young person you know for the inaugural Penrith Young Champions Awards.
is prestigious event will honor all nalists with a medal and award on stage at a Gala Awards Evening on Friday, August 23rd, at St Mar ys League Club e evening promises to be a hear twarming celebration of our future leaders, recognizing outstanding young individuals.
Here is an example of three inspiring nominees already selected as Finalists for their achievements and community contributions:
• Jaxon Dunn, a 16-year-old volunteer at the Penrith Community Kitchen and SES, has been nominated in the Community Ser vice Seniors categor y for his dedication and willingness to support the community
• ammu Nidhivanan, just 10 years old, has excelled in the ancient Indian martial art of Kalari, earning a nomination in the Sports Junior category
• Naiarlah Farrel l-Slade-L ornie, the Aboriginal Leader at Kingswood Park Public School for 2024, has shown a deep passion for learning and sharing her culture, leading to her nomination in the Leadership Juniors categor y.
e Young Champions Awards, initiated by entrepreneur Brian Laul, Chairperson of R ainb ow Crossing Inc. and Campbelltown’s Citizen of the Year, aim to acknowledge young people under 19 and celebrate their
contributions to the community
“It is my hope that these awards will inspire young people of all backgrounds to rise above their di culties and pursue a journey of excellence,” Mr. Laul said. “A little appreciation can make a real di erence and motivate them to achieve even greater heights.”
Organized by R ainb ow Crossing Inc. across ve LGAs, with a target of expanding to eight by next year, the
Penrith Young Champions Awards are open to young people under 19 living, studying, or working in the Penrith LGA.
e awards span 20 categories, including individual, group, and special awards. Nominations close on Tuesday, August 6th. For more details, visit https://youngchampionsawards.com/ penrith-nominations
Local dogs have tails wagging after upgrades to popular park
EMILY CHATE
Upgrades to the Jamison Park Dog Park in South Penrith have officially been completed.
The project was fully funded by the Australian Government, delivering $165,000 to refurbish the park for dogs of all sizes and their owners to enjoy, 24 hours a day.
The upgrades come as part of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which has delivered over $13.5 million to Penrith City Council.
One of the key changes is the small dog area has been separated with the aim of improving safety and usability of the park.
New amenities have also been installed including a picnic shelter, additional seating, new bins, waste bag dispensers, dog-friendly drinking fountains and a tap, now available for use.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the upgrades will increase
the safety and enjoyment for the dogs.
“The upgrades are a welcome addition to an already muchloved dog park,” he said.
“The dog park at Jamison Park continues to be a favourite for Penrith locals to let their dogs have a good run around and for both dogs and their owners to socialise.
“These upgrades will greatly improve the safety and comfort of the space for all dogs.
“Dogs are an important part of any family.
“With nine dog parks in the Penrith LGA, Council is committed to making these spaces inclusive and encourage a sense of community for local dog owners.”
Carney was joined by Senator for NSW Tony Sheldon who said that the need for more dog parks is higher than ever.
“We’ve seen a real uptick in the number of people wanting to utilise the Jamison Dog Park, which is why we’ve worked with the community and Penrith City Council to deliver
these fantastic improvements,” he said.
“When we work together and invest in local-led projects, we deliver the infrastructure that Sydney’s outer west deserves, which is why I’ll continue to advocate for projects that will have lasting benefits.”
Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain said that working with Penrith City Council to deliver the dog park was essential so dogs of all sizes could use it.
“The Jamison Park Dog Park in South Penrith has a proud history of bringing dogs of all sizes and the community together – but its increased demand has highlighted the need for separate enclosure,” she said.
“That’s why we invested $165,000 to fully fund these upgrades – delivered in partnership with Penrith City Council – which will ensure that this space is fit-for-purpose and that it continues to offer a safe play space for our best friends.”
New Bathrooms for 2024 2024
Senator Tony Sheldon and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney with Oscar the cavoodle at the new small dog area at Jamison Park Dog Park.
Veterans Shed a place of respite
is all that again. It’s not until normally people have been out for a while that they want to come down for something to do,” he said.
Penrith RSL sub-Branch Vice President Anthony Eddie has started western Sydney’s first Veterans Shed, enabling veterans of all ages to come together in an environment free of pressure and expectations.
Eddie served in the Army for 30 years, primarily as an Air Dispatcher.
After retiring in February this year, he joined the Penrith RSL sub-Branch with the intention of giving back to other local veterans, particularly those of his generation and younger.
“I hope that I’m in a position where I can connect the younger people with the older people,” he said.
“I consider myself an older guy, I’ve just left the Army as the old guy, but then I come into [the sub-Branch] and I’m the new guy.”
Though for Eddie the transition from exiting the Army to joining the sub-Branch was seamless because he went straight from one to the other, his joining has helped him to see the generational disconnect in a new way, noting that many who work and, like himself, have young families, just want to meet with those like them outside of the work, medical or advocacy domain.
“The sub-Branch is almost like work, because people are thinking, I want to have a day off Army or a day off Air Force, and this
Though he still encourages everyone to get involved in the sub-Branch, he felt this missing piece could be filled with the Yarramundi Veterans Shed.
“It’s one of the big things that everyone’s noticed we don’t have in western Sydney, is a Veterans Shed which is not an RSL Club, RSL sub-Branch, DVA, or ADF – just a place where they can hang out, talk to other people, and just be in a safe place doing whatever they want to do,” he said.
Similar to a Men’s Shed, the group comes together every Thursday from 10am to 2pm to participate in whatever activity takes their fancy, from fishing to bushwalking or just relaxing and watching TV, and acts as a commonplace for veterans to meet or catch up.
The shed was co-founded by Rick Porter, and is situated on land provided by Sanctuary Care and Support Services in Yarramundi, just a short drive north of Penrith.
Whilst it’s called the Yarramundi Veterans Shed, Eddie said it also includes all emergency services personnel, citing a need for each branch to have a dependable space to socialise and interact away from the workplace.
“I’m hoping that we’ll turn it into military and emergency services veterans, because in the end, we’re all buggered up for the same
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reasons, we all get along very well because a lot of those guys are veterans anyway, and it’s the sort of thing they don’t have in this area either,” he said.
Though the shed is still in early stages of establishment, Eddie has high hopes for its future, and is encouraging all to come down,
free of charge, to experience what it is like on a Thursday.
“I hope that will encourage the old and the new, and it has so far, to come together,” he said.
For more information about the Yarramundi Veterans Shed, visit their Facebook page.
Karen’s Comment
The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith
Renters can breathe easy as the NSW Government introduces Portable Bonds Scheme
Penrith renters will soon be able to move homes and transfer their bond with them with the NSW Government investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme.
Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, and one of the most expensive. As residents juggle high rents, low vacancy rates and cost-of-living pressures, they’re also faced with an average moving cost of $4,000 and the prospect of having to pay a new bond before their old one is returned.
The scheme will reduce the stress and cost of moving for renters making it easier when moving by allowing eligible tenants to digitally transfer their existing bond to their new rental home.
This new scheme maintains the integrity of our bond system ensuring homeowners have security while improving cashflow and reducing financial stress for renters. The NSW Government is also delivering on its election commitment to end no-grounds evictions, with renters set to be protected under improved rental laws and fairer renting. More people are renting than ever before, with around 33 per cent of the NSW population renting, an increase of 17.6 per cent since 2016. We will begin stakeholder engagement on these reforms and will aim to introduce new legislation in the September sittings of Parliament to end no grounds and provide more security and stability for renters.
Shooting for (Green and) Gold
Penrith has turned green and gold in support of the Australian Olympic Team and Australian Paralympic Team as they compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A huge congratulations to our local Penrith Olympian Jess Fox who’s had a sweet start to her fourth Olympic games. From flying the Australian flag high in the Opening Ceremony to securing gold in the women’s K1 slalom final, Fox has certainly represented her hometown proudly.
This ‘Green & Gold Day (Friday, 2 August) wear our nation’s green and gold colours in support of our sporting stars and their inspirational efforts in Paris.
The Yarramundi Veterans Shed founding Members and major sponsor from Sanctuary Care and Support Services. Ryno Botha, Megan Vicary, Rick Porter and Anthony Eddie.
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Δ Pringles spice things up: Get ready to feed your spicy side as Pringles introduces its new Spicy range (pictured above) featuring a brand-new flavour, Zesty Chilli & Lime alongside the fan favourite, Sizzlin’ Chipotle Sour Cream. Hitting the shelves this week, the new Zesty Chilli & Lime flavour boasts a vibrant fusion of citrus and a kick of subtle
heat in every crunch. For those who prefer a milder experience without compromising on taste, the Sizzlin’ Chipotle Sour Cream flavour continues on with a vibrant new pack. Each bite is bursting with bold flavours and is complemented by smooth sour cream notes. The new Pringles Spicy range is now available.
Δ Ribs & Roast to open new outlet: Ribs & Roast is opening a new store at the Manufactor Hub on Castlereagh Road in Penrith. Ribs & Roast supply meat to restaurants nationwide, and now they’re opening a shop that will cater to the general public. They’re promising restaurant quality meat sold at wholesale prices. Staples such as mince, chicken breast, ribs and brisket will all be on offer. The outlet is expected to open in September.
Δ MISC. celebrates dads: Tomatin Whisky has teamed up with MISC. Parramatta to offer Sydneysiders the perfect package to celebrate dad this year, with an exclusive Steak and Scotch package available every Thursday in August and on Sunday September 1 for Father’s Day (pictured top right). Enjoy a glass of Tomatin 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch or have it in a delicious cocktail, with a 1kg Rib Eye MB5+ to share with a Tomatin whisky infused sauce, and sides including beef intercostal skewers, focaccia, hommus, delicious crack salt chips, charred broccolini and a mouthwatering Tomatin Bombe Alaska for dessert. This premium family set menu is available for $115 per person. This exclusive offer is designed to share with the family.
Δ Cheese Toast returns: Remember the delicious Cheese Toast from Sizzler Australia? Well now you can enjoy the iconic menu item again thanks to a new partnership between The Coffee Club and Sizzler Australia! Available at all stores now for a limited time only.
Δ Game on: Game nights just got sweeter, with iconic lolly brand Allen’s teaming up with Monopoly (pictured below) to launch new lollies inspired by everyone’s favourite Monopoly tokens! Enjoy the jelly deliciousness of Allen’s fruity flavours including the classic Strawberry Hotel, the Pink Raspberry Dog, the Green Apple Car, the zesty Orange Top Hat and the Pineapple Duck. The new limited-edition range is available now from all major retailers.
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These photos from September 5, 2000 show the opening of the Roads and Traffic Authority telecentre in Penrith.
State Member for Penrith, Faye Lo Po, officially opened the facility.
Mike Hannon, RTA Director, Road Network Infrastructure, is on the right of the top left photo.
The telecentre was established to enable staff who usually work at Sydney metropolitan locations to access RTA office and computer systems closer to home.
“The telecentres have a range of benefits, including reducing travel times and associated motor vehicle emissions,” an RTA Annual Report from 2002 said.
As technology changed, the need for the specific telecentre concept started to fade.
(Photograph thanks to Paramount Studios and Transport For NSW)
Students, teachers ‘proud to belong’
Schools across western Sydney and New South Wales are getting ready to celebrate Public Education Week.
The week of fun and celebrations will take place across August 5-9 in Week 3 of Term 3.
This year’s theme is ‘proud to belong’ and encourages all students, teachers, parents, carers and more to acknowledge and celebrate all the people who ensure public education is a place to thrive.
Public Education Week is a time for everyone to feel ‘proud to belong’, sharing in the pride of being part of NSW public education and the achievements of all students and staff.
Public Education Week is a chance to celebrate and acknowledge all those who contribute to our children and young people’s educational journey. School staff, parents and carers, community leaders and P&C associations all play an important role in all students’ education.
Public Education Week is a state-wide annual event championed by the NSW Department of Education from August 5-9 to celebrate NSW public education.
It celebrates and showcases the achievements of local schools, their students, teachers and the value of public education to communities across NSW.
All schools across the state are encouraged to organise their own events and celebrations, inviting parents, carers and the community to participate in the fun.
Make sure to use the hashtags #PublicEdWeek24 and #ProudToBelong on social media to share all the celebrations your school is
having and see how others are celebrating Public Education Week.
Minister for Education and Early Learning and Western Sydney Pure Car said the week is an opportunity to showcase all that public education has to offer.
“Public Education Week marks a time for our school communities to come together and celebrate the very best that public education has to offer,” Car said.
“This week is a reminder of the importance of investing in public education, and to value and acknowledge the truly life changing work that takes place every day in our schools.
“I would like to personally thank all the teachers and support staff in our public school – it is their expertise and efforts that combine to create the extraordinary public education system we have in NSW.”
enquiries@penrith.nsw.edu.au www.penrith.nsw.edu.au/enrol/visit
EDUCATION WEEK
PAC ready to grow
Penrith Anglican College provides high quality, affordable, Christian education from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Located in the semi-rural suburb of Orchard Hills, overlooking Penrith Valley, the College is in an exciting time of growth.
Set on 48 acres, there is plenty of space to play, and room for expansion of the College’s facilities. The College has recently begun Master Planning for the development of new facilities and landscaping at the College, which will create innovative spaces to allow the College to build on its continued commitment to quality teaching and learning and its strong community.
The College starts with Pre-Kindergarten and goes through to the HSC. A broad range of academic, co-curricular and service opportunities are on offer.
“Through the breadth of curriculum options and a diverse range of co-curricular opportunities, together with our experienced and nurturing staff, we teach our students to learn how to learn, preparing them to excel in their chosen fields and to make a difference for Christ in their communities,” Principal Felicity Grima said.
The motto, To Serve Christ, is
our motivation and we place high importance on our College values: Compassion, Integrity, Courage, Humility and Perseverance. Our Mission Statement, ‘To nurture and develop empowered learners with strength of character who know and follow Christ and serve others’ highlights the College’s endeavour to help students to ‘learn how to learn’ and emphasise the building of character.
The Pre-Kindergarten Program is based on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and is also in line with the Early Years Learning Framework. The Program has been designed to thoroughly prepare children for Kindergarten the following year. The College’s Pre-Kindergarten provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow by exploring the world around them with a variety of educational activities. Children need to turn four by March 31 in the year they begin Pre-Kindergarten.
The Primary school has a strong focus on Literacy, Numeracy and critical thinking skills which form the building blocks for students to succeed in the later years. The College also recognises the importance of creativity, and teachers
collaboratively plan learning opportunities that meet the individual needs of the students.
The Secondary School provides a program which prepares students to go into the world with confidence and experience, able to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“We believe that humans are made in the image of God, and so all
human life is valuable, deserving of care and respect. We intentionally invest in our students’ wellbeing, creating a nurturing campus where students can grow emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically while striving for their academic goals,” Grima said.
Families are encouraged to start the enrolment process two years in
advance, especially for in demand entry years such as Kindergarten and Year 7. The College is taking enrolments for 2026 with limited places available for 2025. To learn more about how a Penrith Anglican College education could benefit your child, book in for a discovery tour at www.penrith.nsw.edu.au/ enrol/visit.
Who you entrust with your child’s early development is one of the most important decisions you will make.
We are proud of our strong reputation as the most nurturing and vibrant childcare centre in the Emu Plains community, locally owned for over 25 years!
Book in a tour to see our purpose built outdoor environments that span over vast areas, creating limitless opportunities for exploration and play.
Contact the team at Mud Puddles Cottage or visit our website (02) 4735 7733 | mudpuddlescottage.com.au | 53-59 Great Western Hwy Emu Plains
Ever y Week is Education Week at AUBURN NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL
ALL members of the Aubur n North FAMILY (ie. students, parents, and staff) believe ‘Every Week is Education Week at Aubur n North Public School’. This is because every school day of every week it celebrates student effort and achievement.
Aubur n North is a multi-award-winning school and all members of Aubur n North’s lear ning community are very proud of their school.
The school’s students, parents, and staff believe they have developed a school lear ning community that is something special, something wonderful, and something exceptional.
They believe their school community serves as a model for what education can become when students, staff, and parents lear n, teach, and parent together in perfect harmony to achieve THEIR shared Vision.
UNIFORM LOGO LICENCE
Tenders are called for Windsor Park Public School for the licence of the Unifor m Logo, commencing mid-2024 and for a ter m of FIVE (5) years.
Annual school enrolments are approximately 220.
General enquiries and requests for a Tender Infor mation
Package should be referred to:
Simone Hyam
School Administrative Manager
Simone.hyam@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone (02) 4574 3070
Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Con dential - School Uniform Tender” and sent to:
School Administration Manager
Simone.hyam@det.nsw.edu.au
Tenders close at 4pm on 12/8/2024
Mandator y Cr iter ia: All employees must hold a current working with children check.
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY KINDER – YEAR 6 PRIMARY SCHOOL
Our Lady of the Rosary has a rich history with St Marys, the school was started in 1880 by St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. We are a proud multi-cultural community
or
Begin Your Child’s Journey Along the Emmaus Road
Emmaus Catholic College, KempsCreek isacoeducational secondary school that has high standards, positiverelationships and aimsfor academic, spiritual and social growthin each of ourstudents.Westriveto do this through:
abroad curriculum to meet the needs of eachstudent an environment of challenge, discovery and innovation facilitiesincludingacommercial kitchen,music rooms, industrialtechnology workshop areas and a multipurpose centre witha performance space arelevant,modern andpractical education, utilising thelatesttechnologies meaningful connections with peers, school and our parish community our peaceful bushland setting that is easily accessible byareliable bus network
Emmaus provides high-quality and low-fee education for all. Our staffstriveto provideacademic and wellbeing supportto our students as they prepare to enter an everchanging world
Please scan theQRcode or contact the College on 9670 8300 to discuss enrollingyour child for 2025
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Visit our website to see a variety of great content. westernweekender. com.au
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WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK
WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011
Staying positive: Why it’s important to ensure happiness in your business
It’s undeniable that Australian businesses have faced a challenging landscape in recent times. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, and mainstream media outlets that are fixated on the negative can create a sense of gloom. However, it’s crucial to remember that adversity often breeds innovation and resilience. There are, in fact, numerous positive trends and shifts in business practices emerging in our local marketplace.
One of the most encouraging developments is the increasing focus on sustainability. Western Sydney businesses are leading the charge in adopting eco-friendly practices, from reducing waste and energy consumption to sourcing sustainable materials. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand reputation and can lead to cost savings.
Another positive trend is the rise of digital transformation. The pandemic
accelerated the adoption of online platforms and digital tools, and many businesses in our region have embraced this change wholeheartedly. From e-commerce to cloud computing, digital technologies and AI are streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, and creating new opportunities for growth.
Furthermore, there’s a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Recognising the importance of a happy and healthy workforce, many local businesses are implementing initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, mental health support programs, and professional development opportunities. This not only boosts employee morale but also attracts and retains top talent.
Moreover, the local business community is demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite challenges, many entrepreneurs and busi-
ness owners have shown incredible determination to overcome obstacles and find new ways to thrive. This spirit of innovation and perseverance is a testament to the strength of our local economy.
We also need to acknowledge that western Sydney is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, transforming the region into a thriving economic powerhouse. This surge in population, economic activity and infrastructure projects, presents a wealth of opportunities for local businesses.
While it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges, it’s equally important to celebrate the successes and positive changes happening in our business community. By focusing on the opportunities and embracing new trends, western Sydney businesses can not only survive but also flourish. Let’s support and encourage each other as we build a brighter future together.
RIGHT ON TIME
PANTHERS CLICKING AS FINALS LOOM: KNIGHTS NEXT IN FIRING LINE MATCH PREVIEW: PAGES 34-35
Jarome Luai.
Photo: NRL Photos.
the finalword
For the second week in a row the Panthers play a team coming off the bye, but Newcastle will be hoping for a much better result than St George-Illawarra got last Sunday.
You simply can't beat Penrith when they are in that kind of attacking and defensive mindset. From the early minutes, it was obvious the Panthers had turned up to play and the result never really looked in doubt, even with the losses of James Fisher-Harris and Daine Laurie along the way.
Plenty of Penrith fans were concerned about the side's Premiership defence this year, putting too much focus on early results and periods of the season without inspirational co-captain Nathan Cleary.
But the Panthers were always going to turn up for this part of the season. They're simply too experienced to not be there when the whips are
cracking and it feels now that the side has really flicked the switch and is ready to power home.
The mission now is to stay clear of the Roosters and the Sharks and finish second on the ladder to secure a home game in week one of the Finals.
The Minor Premiership probably appears a stretch too far, but the upcoming showdown with the Storm in Penrith will decide the chances of that.
Like the Dragons last week, Newcastle come into this game with so much to play for. They currently sit in 11th spot, just two points outside of the top eight. And their run home is not terrible, with games against the Tigers, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Titans and Dolphins to finish off the regular season. Their last two matches are at home too.
They could still play Finals without picking up this game against Penrith but there's no doubt
they'd love such a huge scalp to put them on the right track for the run home.
However, it just doesn't feel within the realms of possibility. The Panthers are firing and Nathan Cleary appears in the kind of form that sees him determine the flow and momentum of matches from the outset.
The Knights have been too disrupted and inconsistent all season, right back to the beginning of the year when despite a full off-season they still hadn't worked out their halves combination. And that issue is still dogging them, with Jackson Hastings dropped again and Phoenix Crossland to wear the number seven jumper on Sunday.
Penrith have named Isaiah Iongi to debut at fullback following Daine Laurie's failed Head Injury Assessment last Sunday, and will start with Lindsay Smith in the front row after James Fisher-Harris picked up an injury.
The losses of Laurie and Fisher-Harris certainly aren't ideal but Penrith have more than enough adequate cover to ensure it shouldn't be too much of a problem on Sunday.
The Knights don't lead the competition in too many categories this year but there is one where they are streaks ahead: short dropouts.
That suggests they find themselves under pressure a fair bit, and I have no doubt the Panthers will capitalise on that on Sunday with Cleary's short kicking game and Jarome Luai chipping in too.
It's hard to imagine Penrith dropping this one based on their recent form, Newcastle's overall season and the home ground factor that has worked so strongly in the Panthers' favour over the last few years.
Cricket season is still a little while away, but we may well get a cricket score on Sunday.
Tip: Panthers by 30.
STADIUM | REFEREE: ADAM GEE | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER
Tries: N Cleary 3, C McLean, L Martin, S Sorensen, L Smith, T Toelau Goals: N Cleary 7/8
Tries: C Tuipulotu, J Su’A Goals: Z Lomax 1/2
447
• brooke@yourbroker.au www.brookeyourbroker.au
Tries: A Kepaoa 3, D Fale, J Cole, H Hassett Goals: J Cole 3/6
Tries: M Ravalawa, D Egan, L King-Togia, T Sloan Goals: J Glover 4/4
NEW PODCAST OUT FRIDAY
he latest edition of the ‘Tension’s Running High’ podcast will be released on Friday, August 2. Troy Dodds and Nathan
Taylor will preview Sunday’s clash between the Panthers and Knights, plus they’ll discuss the unfolding Brian To’o contract situation. To listen to the podcast,
sponsored by Penrith Toyota, search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to www. westernweekender.com.au/ podcast.
panther rumblings
PENRITH ROCKED BY TO’O NEWS
! Weidler backs himself over To’o yarn: The Panthers were as bewildered as anyone about the story doing the rounds in regards to Brian To’o and his apparent issues with his pay packet. Panthers CEO Matt Cameron picked up the phone to Nine’s Danny Weidler after the journalist first broke the story on Tuesday. Weidler is confident his story is correct and that To’o has come back from Origin camp questioning a few things. Rest assured, the Panthers have zero appetite to release To’o or allow him to test the market. Cameron is working to get to the bottom of what’s going on with To’o and his manager. The story will bubble away for a little while but it won’t result in To’o leaving.
! Talagi set to join Penrith: Blaize Talagi has informed Parramatta he won’t be at the club next season. He’s very close to inking a deal with the Panthers.
! World Cup in Penrith: Moves are already being made to ensure the new-look Penrith Stadium hosts at least one key game as part of the Rugby League World Cup in 2026. The stadium will have been completed in the months prior to the event in October and November 2026. 26 teams including 10 men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight wheelchair teams will compete in the tournament, which will be played across Australia and Papua New Guinea. Venues NSW and the State Government will be keen to show off their latest asset on the biggest representative stage. It’d also be an opportunity to prove the new stadium is not just for the Panthers.
! Cleary mobbed by fans: Nathan Cleary’s popularity is out of the stratosphere at the moment. He was mobbed like he was a member
make a fifth Grand Final that management has already placed its commemorative special edition on sale to advertisers. The Grand Final edition has become something of a tradition since 2020, and has grown in size each year. It will be out on October 4 this year as part of unprecedented Grand Final coverage, should the Panthers make the big one.
! Nod to old scoreboard: Make sure you take a look at the southern end of the ground when you’re at BlueBet Stadium for Sunday’s clash against Newcastle. Uphire has recently put up a new billboard – and it’s a special farewell to Penrith Park, with a little tribute to the old, famous scoreboard.
! Unlucky Luai: Poor old Jarome Luai. He copped a hit to the face and eye during a try-scoring celebration last Sunday, and was visibly stung by it.
in Wollongong on Sunday. And he could literally spend hours signing autographs for the fans after games, such is the demand.
At WIN Stadium last Sunday, he generously handed his boots to a family in the crowd.
! Ticketing grief likely again: I’m told there’s unlikely to be a change in the ticketing system for a potential home Final at Penrith Stadium, with members unable to purchase their regular seats for the game. The Panthers want it to happen, but the decision rests with the NRL and Ticketek.
! Panthers continue NRLW steps: Penrith’s entrance into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership from next year is a logical step closer to the club having an NRLW franchise. But it won’t be in 2026 as many are saying. The good money is on Penrith entering the competition in 2027, or even possibly 2028.
! Fish grounded: James Fisher-Harris (pic-
tured below) will be out for at least two weeks after picking up an injury against the Dragons last Sunday. It’s a huge blow to the side’s forward pack but at least he’ll be back well before the Finals and ready to storm home in his farewell stint with the Panthers.
! Confidence reigns supreme: The Weekender is so confident that the Panthers will
! Annesley’s verdict on Laurie hit: NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley is comfortable with the decision not to sin bin or charge St George-Illawarra’s Max Feagai for his hit on Daine Laurie last Sunday. Laurie later failed his Head Injury Assessment and will miss this weekend’s clash with Newcastle. “They formed a few that the tackler exercises care and control,” Annesley said of the Match Review Committee’s decision not to charge Feagai. “They believe it’s a head clash based on the available footage.”
! Cleary’s early mornings: Nathan Cleary’s alarm has been going off much earlier than usual over the last week or so. He’s been getting up bright and early to watch partner Mary Fowler go around for the Matildas at the Olympics. It’s been a shaky campaign for the Australian girls.
of The Beatles when trying to get to the team bus
Brian To’o.
FAMILY DRIVES MAV’S DEBUT SEASON
Panthers Rookie of the Year contender
Mavrik Geyer says his famous father Mark never misses his footy games and, like most dads, is always there to offer some friendly advice.
The 23-year-old backrower made his NRL debut to much fanfare back in Round 4 and has since gone on to play seven games in the top grade for Penrith.
While he’s remained relatively injury-free this season, the Brothers Penrith junior has been in and out of first grade as he slowly adjusts to the rigours of weekly NRL football.
But whether Geyer is playing in the NRL at a packed out BlueBet Stadium or in front of friends and family over in NSW Cup, his legendary dad isn’t far away.
“He goes to all of my games, including my Cup games,” Geyer told Extra Time
“Dad, Mum and usually my brother and sisters as well. They are always there supporting me, which is always good to know.”
With big MG playing 180 first grade games between 1986 and 2000, it comes as no surprise to anyone that Geyer Junior gets plenty of advice from his old man.
While most of it he appreciates and takes on board, dads will be dads and they’ll sometimes offer unsolicited advice as well.
“I think he’s a normal dad. Of course, some
“He never tries to step on any of the coaches’ toes because he knows the game is completely different to when he played back in the day. He just gives fatherly advice.
“He obviously knows the game better than most dads would, which is a good aspect of it, but he knows the game has changed a lot too. Instead, he just gives me advice about myself, trusting myself, and that I belong here – pretty good advice, I think.”
While the Triple M radio star was a fearsome backrower in his day, the position of centre
himself in Penrith’s backline due to injury.
In Round 20, he filled in the centres for Paul Alamoti after he broke his arm in the first half.
And last week down in Wollongong, Geyer was back in the centres again after fullback Daine Laurie was ruled out after 20 minutes due to concussion.
Geyer said the centre role isn’t that unfamiliar to him despite what many may think.
“I’ve trained there before. They wouldn’t just throw me in without any practice at all. The coaches trust me, and I trust myself to be able to do the job whenever I have to,” he said.
“Ivan had a chat to me before the [Dolphins]
game to let me know I might play there if certain things happen, so I was aware of that, and that calmed my nerves when he said that.”
While Geyer has described his rugby league experiences this year as both “surreal” and a “rollercoaster”, he’s looking forward to finishing the year on a high – no matter what grade he plays in.
“Whether I play Cup or NRL, I just want to play my best footy,” he said.
“If I’m playing Cup, I want to win a comp there. If I’m playing NRL, I want to win a comp there. But first, I need to come to training every day, stay present and just enjoy it.”
Mavrik Geyer playing in the centres against the Dragons on Sunday. Photo: NRL Photos.
TAYLOR
WOMEN TO BE CELEBRATED BY NRL
Penrith will celebrate Women in League Round in a big way on Sunday afternoon, highlighted by a guard of honour with Panthers staff as well as both teams walk ing out with female junior rugby league players.
One Panther who is a massive supporter of the NRL’s Women in League Round is threetime premiership-winning backrower Scott Sorensen.
The 31-year-old said women have had an “unbelievable impact” on his career and they deserve to be celebrated.
“Firstly, my wife has been there since the very start, since my debut,” Sorensen told Extra Time on Wednesday.
“She’s my absolute rock and my biggest supporter. I don’t have enough words to praise her – what she goes through and obviously looking after my two beautiful children as well.”
Another important woman in Sorensen’s life is his sister Marissa, who is the wife of Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend.
“My sister is a big supporter of mine and always grew up around rugby league,” Sorensen said.
“This is such a special week and it’s really nice that we acknowledge all the women, not just in the NRL but grassroots as well.
“I see when I go to my son’s football games that they’re in the kiosk, they’re running around, they’re helping. They are everywhere and anywhere.
hooker Mitch Kenny. Years ago Sorensen and Kenny used to car pool to Panthers training together when they both resided in the Shire. Sorensen said Kenny is a “team-first” type of player whose leadership has grown in spades.
“He’s just that character where it’s not all about him, he’s always team-first,” Sorensen
“He took his time and was very patient behind Api (Koroisau).
“He’s grown and grown and everyone sees that in his footy with the way he’s maturing away from the field as well.
“His leadership has gone to another level and that was evident during the recent Origin period. You need a few boys to lean on and he did an outstanding job.
“He’s growing in spades and I’m very happy for him. Hopefully we can get a 100-game win for him.”
While Penrith is sitting comfortably in the top two, the same can’t be said for the Knights who are currently placed in 11th after a rollercoaster
Sorensen said a win on Sunday at BlueBet Stadium is vital for both teams.
“You see how close the ladder is? You’re either fighting to get into the eight or fighting to stay in the eight,” he said.
“I’m sure the Knights will be coming down to put on a strong performance. We know what they can do, we had them earlier this year and you can’t take them lightly.
“Their number one (Kalyn Ponga) is back and you have to respect them.”
Panthers forward Scott Sorensen is looking forward to Women in League Round. Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
STEP CLOSER TO NRLW TEAM
The Panthers will compete in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership from the 2025 season.
The Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is the NSWRL’s premier women’s open-age competition, developing female players for the national stage.
Ahead of a likely bid for an NRLW team in 2026 or 2027, the club will next year boast a
team in the Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under-17s), Tarsha Gale Cup (Under-19s) and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership (Open Age).
18 women’s players have signed contracts with the Panthers to play in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup next season.
The club will hold open trials for the Lisa Fiaola (4.30pm) and Tarsha Gale (6.45pm) programs for
season 2025 on Wednesday, September 11 at Doug Rennie Oval.
Women’s rugby league is the fastest-growing segment of the game with female participation across Panthers Juniors up 34 per cent this year.
“Entry into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership is another exciting step for the women’s pathways program at the club,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
“Women’s rugby league is thriving in the Panthers district, and as a club, we want to ensure that junior players have a pathway to the highest level.”
Panthers General Manager of Rugby League Shane Elford added: “Panthers is dedicated on building the women’s game from the bottom up. We are ensuring the right pathway across the women’s game in our district and investing in developing local talent.”
The club has announced the experienced Karen Stuart as the inaugural Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership head coach for next season.
Karen Stuart will coach the Women’s Premiership side.
RISING STARS: FANTASTIC FOUR
It’s around this time of the year where the NRL Premiership race really starts to heat up.
It’s also around this time that I look at four unlikely players who I believe will play a key role in a Panthers four-peat premiership charge.
This year, after careful consideration, I’ve picked Trent Toelau, Casey McLean, Liam Henry and Daine Laurie, who barring injury, will all play their part in helping the Panthers bring home yet another premiership in October.
Toelau at 26 years-old, has worked extremely hard over the last couple of years to carve out a career in the NRL.
The talented half has been used as a hooker in first grade to great effect over the last couple of weeks. His footwork and sharp darts from dummy half have allowed coach Ivan Cleary to move regular number nine Mitch Kenny to lock whenever he comes on. Toelau has speed, especially over the first 10-20 metres.
Toelau can also play five-eighth or half in case there is an injury during the game to either Jarome Laui or Nathan Cleary. The fact that he can now play hooker, is just another string to his already impressive bow.
18-year-old Casey McLean is still basically a teenager playing in the
toughest rugby league competition in the world.
McLean has had a meteoric rise in 2024. He was playing SG Ball (U/19) last year before quickly moving up the ranks, a couple of weeks in both Jersey Flegg (U/21) and NSW Cup and he now has a permanent spot in the centres.
With Taylan May gone and Paul Alamoti injured, it’s basically his to lose.
Tall, strong and a powerful runner with a good step, McLean can also play wing at a pinch and just wait until he fills out that 187cm (6ft ’2) frame.
Meanwhile Liam Henry, the hulking 23-year-old prop from Blayney is not disappointing anyone with this strong charges and brutal defence. He is an important interchange weapon whenever he comes on and he’s deceptively fit
for a big 105 kg front rower. Henry has already played a full 80 minute game against the Dragons earlier in the season and his ability to bend the defensive line when he comes on is effective.
Finally, the returning Daine Laurie is proving to be a most handy acquisition. Laurie who was filling in for injured fullback Dyan Edwards until last weekend, is playing the best football of his career and putting up numbers second only to ‘Pickles’ himself.
Re-signed until the end of 2025, Laurie is playing so well because he’s back where he belongs after an ill-fated three-year stint with the Wests Tigers.
The fact he can also play fiveeighth at a pinch as well as wing and fullback, make him a most valuable cog in the Panthers machine. The kid is happy back at Penrith and that happiness is being reflected in his sizzling on-field performances.
So, there you have it, this year’s ‘Fantastic Four’.
A late bloomer, a teenager, a tough kid from a country town and a returning player. One way or another, these players could hold the key to another Panthers premiership.
Now how good a story would that make if…sorry…when it happens!
The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.
Casey McLean is a star in the making. Photo: NRL Photos.
panther memories
There is a sadness attached to the bizarre sacking of a Penrith coach at the end of 1989.
Having enjoyed a long coaching career in the top grade with Manly, Balmain, Norths and Souths, Ron Willey arrived at Penrith in 1988 with the club on the cusp of major success.
In 1989, he guided Penrith to second place on the ladder, albeit followed by a quick Finals exit. He was re-signed by the club, but just weeks later his contract would be terminated.
Rumours swirled at the time, but what the Panthers kept a closely guarded secret was that Willey was suffering from the early stages of dementia. It was impacting his team decisions and the way he approached players.
Willey battled his illness for many years, and became largely forgotten in the rugby league world. He died in 2004 aged 75.
Willey retains the highest winning percentage of any Panthers coach at 64 per cent. Ivan Cleary is next best at 62.9 per cent.
Pictured is Willey with Chris Mortimer.
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS
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BULLDOGS
COWBOYS EELS ROOSTERS BRONOCS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
TIGERS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
TIGERS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
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STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
TIGERS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS EELS ROOSTERS BRONCOS DRAGONS RABBITOHS PANTHERS RAIDERS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM RABBITOHS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS EELS ROOSTERS BRONCOS DRAGONS RABBITOHS PANTHERS RAIDERS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM RABBITOHS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS EELS ROOSTERS BRONCOS DRAGONS RABBITOHS PANTHERS RAIDERS
COWBOYS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TITANS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
COWBOYS WARRIORS ROOSTERS BRONCOS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
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ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
ICEHOUSE IS BACK!
Icehouse’s Iva Davies is no stranger to performing shows in western Sydney. But, this year, he’s heading to a brandnew venue to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the band’s third album, ‘Sidewalk’.
For Davies, ‘Sidewalk’ was a landmark album, but not for the reason you might think, having been the first where he used the Fairlight.
“Apart from the technology of recording itself, the Fairlight was probably the most important piece of music technology ever invented, and oddly enough it was invented in Australia and named after the Fairlight Ferry,” he said.
“It was an incredible set of coincidences that I even came across it, because our management moved offices to a two-storey building, and they called me in to this new place for a meeting, and I didn’t get past the front door, because on the ground floor they were actually making these machines which were basically music computers, and this has never happened before. This was an extraordinary leap of technology, especially with the invention of the sampler.”
Davies invested in the machine at the cost of half a house at the time, though he said it was worth every penny, being used not just for ‘Sidewalk’, but much of his work following it.
Despite having been over 40 years since the purchase, Davies said it feels like just yesterday, partially because after being parked at a university for the past 25 years, his Fairlight has just been returned.
“There’s been an incredible resurgence in interest about this sort of old technology, and in fact one of the original engineers has been restoring it for me,” he said.
“It arrived in my refurbished studio last week. I haven’t assembled it yet, the stu dio’s not finished though I’ve renovated it after 33 years, so it’s all coming together.”
Many of the songs on ‘Sidewalk’ which came about as a result of this ‘super toy’ are set to be performed for the first time in decades, when Icehouse makes its Sydney Coliseum debut as part of the album’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Whilst it’s far from the band’s most successful project commercially, it is nothing if not honest, with Davies reminiscing on the time.
“In terms of the period, it was a big period of flux for me. I was coming out of a long-term, not particularly successful relationship, and a lot of those songs came out of that period,” he said.
But, this honesty is what people have grown to love about it.
“I think people have gone back and revisited it in a completely different light since then, so the perspective is changing all the time. That’s what’s interesting for me,” he said.
“We have been playing a particular song called ‘Don’t Believe Anymore’, which I think is probably the song about which I’ve had the most correspondence of any of the songs that I’ve ever written. It’s struck a particular chord with a lot of people.”
Though this tour will primarily revolve around ‘Sidewalk’, Davies assured audienc es will be getting all the hits along with it.
“There are quite a few songs that we know that we can’t not play,” he said.
Icehouse will be on at Sydney Colise um Theatre on Saturday, September 7 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $115. For more information or to book, visit www.sydn eycoliseum.com.au.
CASSIDY PEARCE
WesternSydney GigGuid e
IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
Woggy Men In Black
Doors open 8pm
Tickets $45
Smithfield RSL
Albion Fridays
Free entry before 9pm
Albion Hotel, Parramatta
Sun Rising; The Birth of Rock & Roll
2pm & 7:30pm Tickets from $26
JOan Sutherland Centre
Tania Kernaghan & Jason Owen
Show starts 8:30pm
Tickets from $55
Richmond Club
Brown Sugar
RumFire
Live Band from 8:30pm
Toongabbie Sports Club
Redbull After Dark Party Saturdays
Happy hour from 9pm - 10pm
Live DJ from 10pm Log Cabin
Diesel
Show starts 7:30pm
Tickets from $78
Blue Mountains Theatre
Bad ‘80s Band
8pm - 11pm
Penrith Gaels
Free Entry before 9pm
Anthony GrzelkaAustralia’s Ghost Whisperer From 7:30om
Tickets from $65
Bella Vista Hotel
Penrith RSL
THINGS TO DO
On Friday, August 2, embark on a musical journey through the timeless brilliance of Neil Diamond’s legendary albums – ‘Hot August Night’, ‘The Jazz Singer’, and ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ – brought to life by a sensational world-class 30-piece symphony orchestra and international artist Peter Byrne at Panthers. Visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au. Bringing back those Neil Diamond memories
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
CLASSES AND FUN
Free weekly Tai Chi classes
Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Jordan Springs Probus Club
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.
Nepean Riverlands Probus Club
Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club
Anh Do returns to Penrith
By popular demand, Anh Do will be returning to The Joan with his smash hit show, ‘The Happiest Refugee Live’. Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry. The stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story. Visit www.thejoan.com.au.
from 10am. New members are always welcome.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu
Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.
Blaxland Glenbrook Probus Club
Meets at 10am on the fourth Friday of each month at Emu Sports Club in Leonay. Email probusblaxlandglenbrook@gmail.com.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Nepean Valley RSL Day Club
Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.
Red Cross Penrith
Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and
Don’t miss hit local theatre production
Don’t miss the final shows of Henry Lawson Theatre’s ‘Where Words Once Were’, on this Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3. Set in a dystopian time where language is rationed, a sentence can get you sentenced and the silent are rising, Orhan discovers that a word can change the world. Visit www. hltheatre.com.au for more information or to book.
volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
St Clair Toastmasters Meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at St Marys Band Club. 7.30pm start.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.
Nepean Naval Museum
Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700 for more details.
Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group
First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.
UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
A Boy Called Sailboat: lm screening with soundtrack performed live by the Grigor yan Brothers + Q&A with Director Saturday 10 August, 4pm
Petula Clark & the Best of British Tribute ft. Lisa Cook & Band Wednesday 14 August, Morning Tea 10am; Performance 11am
The Mersey Beatles Greatest Hits Australian Tour Thursday 22 August, 7:30pm
Arj Barker - The Mind Field Friday 23 August, 8pm
MZAZA: The Bir th & Death of Stars Saturday 31 August, 8pm
FREE World Music workshops with MZAZA ticket purchase!
BOX OFFICE 4780 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au
106 Macquarie Road, Springwood
ROSSINI’S MUSIC LIVES ON THROUGH PENRITH CITY CHOIR
On Sunday, August 11, see Penrith City Choir’s return to the resonant acoustics of St Finbar’s Church in Glenbrook with a performance of music by Italian opera composer, Rossini.
Though the Stabat Mater for chorus and soloists was composed late in Rossini’s career, following his retirement from the composition of opera, it still contains all the hallmarks of his flamboyant style.
From 3pm, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Cooper (pictured), who performed for the choir last year, will be returning to bring the piece to life, joined by soprano Julie Jong Eun Barber, tenor Warren Fisher and bass-baritone Timothy Nunn.
The performance will also be accompanied by Heather Moen-Boyd on St Finbar’s organ, which was built in Plymouth in the 1880s then moved to Glenbrook in 1995 where it has been lovingly restored and redecorated.
According to conductor Rowen Fox, this work has something for everyone.
“I’m very enthusiastic about this piece because Rossini doesn’t let the seriousness
of the subject matter – a liturgical text detailing Mary’s grief at the suffering of Jesus on the cross – stand in the way of a good tune,” Fox said.
“While the choral writing is dramatic and very suited to the text, Rossini can’t quite forget his operatic roots. As a result the music for the soloists is very virtuosic and exhilarating!”
Penrith City Choir will present Rossini’s Stabat Mater at St Finbar’s Church on Sunday, August 11 at 3pm. Tickets start at $10. For more information or to book, visit www.trybooking.com.
CASSIDY PEARCE
Photo by Pedro Grieg
BUZZ SURROUNDS POPULAR SHOW
Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare for an unforgettable night of entertainment!
If you’re craving an immersive adventure brimming with breathtaking performances, look no further than ‘Infamous The Show’, now showing under the grand Spiegel Big Top at Penrith Paceway. This internationally acclaimed spectacle, which has captivated audiences worldwide, is making its way around the country after a successful stint at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
‘Infamous’ is a captivating blend of cabaret, burlesque, high-flying stunts, and uproarious comedy, all designed exclusively for an adult audience.
Imagine an evening where elegance intertwines with audacious aerial feats, and charm meets spine-tingling acrobatics. This is not just another show; it’s an experience that will leave you spellbound and exhilarated.
From the moment the lights dim and the
first act takes the stage, you’ll be immersed in a world where every performance is a work of art. Among the many highlights is the renowned Wheel of Death, a thrilling act that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Described as the sexiest show this side of Las Vegas, ‘Infamous’ is a showcase of elegance and audacity that will resonate deeply with its audience. The show’s rich history and cast of six generations of performers from the famous Ashton family ensures that it’s an event unlike any other, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Given its reputation and the buzz surrounding it, tickets for ‘Infamous’ are expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness this extraordinary performance. Secure your seats now by visiting www.infamous.net.au or Ticketek, and be part of the event everyone will be talking about!
COUNTRY CORNER
Wolfe Brothers back with ABC
Powerhouse Australian country duo, The Wolfe Brothers, are back in 2024 with a bounty of new music, more tour dates and a fresh signing to ABC Music. The first single to drop is the track, ‘Little By Little’.
The Wolfe Brothers, comprised of Nick and Tom Wolfe, return after the success of their #1 album, ‘Livin’ The Dream’, in 2023. The duo have released six studio albums to date, been awarded nine Golden Guitars and amassed streams in excess of 20 million. The new single penned by Nick Wolfe; was co-produced with Rod McCormack.
“‘Little By Little’ for us feels like the perfect way to kick off the next chapter for the band,” Nick said.
“We want to come out
with a big bang, doing what we love to do best – making rockin’ country music that our fans can crank up, crack a beer and let their hair down to.”
Tom added: “Musically this track is right in the zone of what we love and what we do best as a band. We’re not chasing a trend or a current sound, we’re just making the music we want to make.
We were absolutely wrapped to have one of our musical heroes Stevie Williams from the John Farnham band join us on the song with some absolutely blistering harmonica.”
‘Little By Little’ is out now.
Chambers to release book ARIA Hall of Famer and revered multi-platinum singer songwriter Kasey Chambers has unveiled an exciting suite of forthcoming new material – kicking
off with the announcement of her book Just Don’t Be A Dickhead , the material informing and inspiring her new album ‘Backbone’.
“I’ve just finished writing a book! I am beyond excited to be releasing it along with a brand-new album,” Chambers said.
“The book is a collection of stories and experiences from my life that I’ve learnt from over the years. Some from humorous, embarrassing moments, some from deep, heartfelt memories that taught me unlikely things to consistently draw on along the way.”
The book will be out on October 1.
Ê The new season of ‘Hunted’ will premiere on 10 on Monday, August 12 at 7.30pm. Season three teases “a new look, a new Chief and a mind-blowing twist”. This season we meet nine pairs of ordinary Australians who, right before our eyes, transform into real life fugitives and undertake the unthinkable – a bank robbery. It’s a modern-day bank heist as the Fugitives break into a bank and steal the money, before making their getaway to disappear without a trace. Their goal is to make it to the extraction point in 20 days and if they evade capture, the money is theirs to keep. This show needed a refresh and I reckon they’ve nailed the new concept. Hopefully they can execute it!
Ê One of the funniest shows of 2023 is returning this month. Jack, Falcon, Dom and Liam aka The Inspired Unemployed are back for a second season of hidden camera pranking on 10. Setting themselves loose in everyday situations, these Internet sensations will make the ordinary awkward when
‘The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers’ premieres on Wednesday, 14 August at 8.30pm. And it’s even better news for Paramount+ subscribers, with the entire season available in one hit.
Ê Channel Seven has announced the cast for its upcoming local reality series ‘Made in Bondi’. From the producers of the UK’s ‘Made in Chelsea’, the series follows the real lives and loves of young Sydney socialites as they navigate love, ambition, and friendship. ‘Made in Bondi’ will premiere later this month.
Ê The new season of ‘The Voice Australia’ is due soon, but producers have already opened casting for next year’s series. To apply to be on season 14 of ‘The Voice’, visit www.thevoicecasting.com.au.
Ê The second season of ‘Great Australian Walks’ will premiere on SBS on Thursday, August 22 at 7.30pm. SBS. Julia Zemiro is back as host; however she will share the hosting and trekking duties with two additional presenters, comedian Susie Youssef and ‘Alone Aus-
tralia’ winner Gina Chick. Walks this season include: Cape to Cape Track (WA), Snowies Alpine Walk (NSW), Beechworth (VIC), Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT), Bruny Island (TAS), The Bay Trail (VIC), Wadjemup / Rottnest Island to Fremantle (WA), Wilpena Pound (SA), Bathers Way (NSW) and The Riesling Trail (SA).
Ê National Geographic series ‘OceanXplorers by James Cameron’ will premiere on Disney+ on Monday, August 19. From the award-winning director, the series takes audiences aboard the OceanXplorer, the most advanced research vessel ever built, to investigate the farthest frontiers of the world’s oceans. Armed with advanced technology, a handpicked team of intrepid explorers and scientists embark on a global odyssey to solve some of the ocean’s greatest mysteries through the lives of its animals and their ecosystems.
Ê Unsurprisingly Disney+ series ‘The Kardashians’ has been renewed for a sixth season. The new 20-episode season is expected to screen later this year.
Nathan Taylor
2024 MADE IN BONDI, CHANNEL 7
TV Guide: August 2-8 Your guide
Pawn
3:30 Modern Family (PG) 4:00 Dads Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 5:00 Baking It (PG) 6:00 Dodger (PG) 7:00 Movie: “Stuart Little 2” (G) (’02) Stars: Michael J Fox 8:30 Movie: “As Good As It Gets” (M) (’97) Stars: Jack Nicholson
3 August
Saturday
3:00 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railways (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Bargain Hunt 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 The Highland Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)
4:00 Barrett Jackson: Revved Up (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit” (G) (’93) Stars: Whoopi Goldberg 9:50 Movie: “Sisters” (M) (’15)
5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 6:25 Pfffirates 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Hard Quiz Kids (PG) 7:55 The Crystal Maze (PG) 8:45 AllRound Champion (PG) 9:35 Movie: “Nancy Drew” (PG) (’07) Stars: Emma Roberts 3:00 ABC News 3:30
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Love Your Garden 2:20 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 3:05 Dream Gardens 3:40 Extraordinary Escapes (PG) 4:30 Julia Zemiro’s
4:00 Garma Festival Opening Ceremony *Live* From Gulkula 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:35 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms: Kogelberg 7:30 Movie: “Tarzan” (PG) (’13) Stars: Kellan Lutz 9:10 Garma Bunngul *Live*
8:00 What’s Up Down Under 8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Bull (M v) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:25 FBI: Most Wanted (M) 2:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 Friends (PG) 5:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half
3:15 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 5:15 Movie: “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” (PG) (’19) Stars: Tom Hanks 7:30 Movie: “Hitch” (PG) (’05) Stars: Will Smith 10:00 Movie: “Old” (M l,v) (’21) Stars: Gael García Bernal
5:20 Unsettled 5:50 Kairakau 6:20 NITV News: Nula 6:30 Chuck And The First People’s Kitchen (PG) 6:55 The Other Side 7:30 Resistance In A Hostile Environment (M) 8:40 Movie: “The Fifth Element” (PG) (’97) Stars: Bruce Willis
4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 Mythbusters (PG) 5:25 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M l) 9:20 Absolutely Fabulous (PG) 11:15 ER (PG) 5:30 Luca’s Key Ingredient 6:00 Food Affair With Mark Wiens 6:30 Escape To River Cottage 7:30 Hairy Bikers Go North 8:30 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 10:30 Gourmet Farmer Afloat
11:30 Taste Of Australia: BBQ Special 12:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 1:00 JAG (PG) 3:00 Tough Tested 4:00 All 4 Adventures (PG) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 9:25 Bull (M v) 12:15 Blue Bloods (M) 2:30 Becker (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:30 Just For Laughs Montreal (MA15+) 2:30 South Park (M) 4:30 Home Shopping 2:30 Holmes Family Rescue 3:30 Building Off The Grid 4:30 Scott’s Vacation House Rules
4:00 PBS Newshour 5:00 Extreme Food Phobics (PG) 5:55 The Food That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering 8:30 Icons Unearthed: Batman (M I) 10:20 Leonardo DiCaprio: Most Wanted (MA15+)
12:30 NRL: Women’s Premiership: Titans v Wests Tigers *Live* 2:30 Surf Boat Tsunami 3:00 Rugby Union: Shute
Tsunami
Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:30 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law & Order (M) 4:35 DanceRites (PG) 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Yellowstone (PG) 7:30 How Hip Hop Changed The World (M) 8:30 Johnny Cash: Redemption Of An Idol (M) 10:10 Garma Bunngul *Live* From Gumatj Country
1:30 Dr Phil (PG) 2:30 Buy To Build 3:00 Tough Tested 4:00 Pooches At Play 4:30 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn 5:00 I Fish 5:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 8:00 NCIS (M) 9:55 Bull (M v) 7:30 Neighbours (PG) 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 11:00 Becker (PG) 11:30 Frasier (PG) 12:30 The Middle (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The
Get Macca’s® delivered.
Arabian Inferno (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 11:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 12:30 Bull (M v) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 4:30 Friends (PG) 5:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)
6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 8:05 Fresh
FBI: Most Wanted (M)
4:30 Friends (PG) 5:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)
7:30
Storage Wars (PG) 5:00
(PG)
6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 8:05 Fresh Off The Boat (PG) 8:25
JAG (PG) 12:30 Bull (M v) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)
(’95) Stars: Keanu Reeves
Friends (PG) 5:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)
(PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)
12:00 ABC News 1:00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey 1:55 Anh s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:25 Back Roads 2:55 Restoration Australia 3:50 Griff’s Great Kiwi Road Trip 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Foreign Correspondent 8:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 9:20 Troppo (M) 12:00 Movie: “Secret Diary Of A Cheerleader” (M d,v) (’23) Stars: Laurie Fortier 2:15 Catch Phrase (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Animals Aboard With Dr. Harry (PG) 8:30 Homicide - With Ron Iddles (M v) 12:00 Olympic Games Paris: Paris Encore 3:00 Olympic Games Paris: Day 13: Afternoon *Live* 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Olympic Games Paris: Day 13: Night *Live* 7:50 NRL: Rabbitohs v Storm *Live* 9:45 Olympic Games Paris: Day 13: Night *Live* 10:30 Olympic Games Paris: Day 13: Late Night *Live*
2:00 Dr Phil (M) 3:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 9:00 Law & Order: SVU (MA15+)
At the movies...
REVIEW
Deadpool & Wolverine
2 hours, 7 minutes
The newest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a fun and action-packed adventure.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ built up expectations across trailers and social media, and delivered perfectly in its full form.
The story follows Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), who is brought in by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) because his universe is destined to die after the death of its anchor being, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who died in 2017’s ‘Logan’. Deadpool looks through the multiverse until he finds another Wolverine to help save his timeline.
What ensues is the perfect com-
bination of Deadpool’s sarcasm and Wolverine’s broody nature, which culminates in a fun buddy comedy film that has a satisfying ending.
I would say that you need to be across most of the MCU movies and all the ‘X-Men’ movies to make sure you are getting the most out of the story, especially the cameos.
The cameos have been a big talking point for fans, and I think this movie delivers on them well. There are enough to satisfy the expected fan service but not so many that it becomes stale.
One of the best things about the character of Deadpool is that the character really breaks the stere-
otypes of all superheroes before him. He is crass, violent and morally ambiguous but I think this movie makes him feel more lova-
ble as it shows looking to achieve something outside of his own personal interests. I really recommend seeing
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ at the cinemas – you won’t regret it! One of the flicks of the year. – Emily Chate
GIVING YOUR HOME A MODERN MAKEOVER
Over recent years, our perspectives on how we live in our homes and use our living spaces have changed, driving a surge in home renovations. There’s a desire for more functional, agile and purposeful living spaces, that can accommodate the requirements of family time, private time, working from home, and entertainment. More recently, the rising costs of living are seeing homeowners investing in the expansion and improvement of their existing homes.
“When it comes to renovating our homes, many homeowners are primarily concerned with the look of the property, however we need to expect more from what is one of our biggest investments,” said Ben Tass, Director of TASS Construction Group.
Here Tass gives his advice on designing for contemporary life and style.
Have a clear vision Before starting the renovation process, figure out the inspiration for the form and function of your home. What problems are you trying to solve with the renovation – is it more space, better joinery or connection to the outdoors? Think about how you want the space to feel. Remember you are building a space of connection, a living space to share with family and friends. The way you want it to feel will influence the form of your home.
Know your budget
A common mistake that people make when renovating is not having a clear budget and real-
istic expectations of what this can achieve. Start off with a solid foundation, as it will be difficult to rectify mistakes along the way. It is essential to understand and balance the cost of labour and materials, as it will make budgeting easier.
Define the look
“A COMMON MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE IS NOT HAVING A CLEAR BUDGET”
Modern minimalist design embraces open plan living that facilitates better family connections. This design philosophy is centred around clean lines, muted colour palettes, and a decluttered space that prioritises functionality. To achieve the modern look, focus on elements that give you visual enjoyment – it could be big windows, timber floors, embedded textures or simple materials. A soothing monochrome palette also adds to this sense of calm. Accent your interiors with modest, quality furnishings that are simple and aren’t distracting, and restrict artificial colours and complex patterns to areas where you want to make a strong and specific design statement.
Create a consistent interior and exterior
Exterior building materials play many roles. They need to be beautiful, long-lasting, keep out the elements, fit within budgets, work with our thermal requirements, as well as define our personal design style. Less is more when it comes to creating a modern exterior. Focus on clean lines, minimal ornamentation and pare back with only a few finishes that contrast well with one another. Consider symmetry and whether you want a completely symmetrical design or one that plays with proportions and cantilevers for visual interest.
Modernising an older home
Adding a modern extension to a traditional home has become increasingly popular. An important consideration is to marry the old and new well. Focus on creating a clear delineation between the existing building and the new addition. Often, this means a level change internally and a material change externally to help experience the transition between spaces.
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The Experts
One Point Health 4732 5188
CHRONIC PAIN AND THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
Chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for more than three months, affects millions of people worldwide and significantly impacts their quality of life.
Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate injury, chronic pain can linger long after the initial cause has healed, making it a complex and often debilitating condition.
Chronic pain can stem from many sources, including musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, or previous injuries. It often leads to reduced physical activity, muscle stiffness, and emotional distress, creating a cycle that exacerbates the pain. Ongoing and chronic pain is multifaceted and complex, making it difficult to decipher the specific causes for ongoing pain.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain by addressing its physical and psychological aspects.
Here’s how physiotherapy can help:
Personalised exercise programs
Physiotherapists design tailored exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
These exercises target specific areas of pain and help reduce stiffness, increase mobility, and enhance overall function.
Manual therapy
Techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue work can help relieve pain in the short-term, allowing the potential
CHALLENGE
With the stock markets all over the world falling this year it is starting to catch the attention of a lot of people that their investments, most notably their Superannuation has gone backwards. I’ve started to receive phone calls from worried clients so I suspect that many people are worried about what will happen to their investment. When it comes to investing human instincts make us make bad investment decisions, as an advisor our role is often encouraging our clients to ignore some of these instincts.
I had a classic example of this during a recent client review, after discussing the client’s circumstances and goals we had a look at the progress of their superannuation, with the markets performing poorly over the past 12 months the value of the portfolio had fallen by about four per cent.
The client was quite concerned about this loss and was immediately think-
ing about safer options. Under closer inspection, the client over the previous three years had made over $40,000 and averaged around 10 per cent return. This is above the long term expectations for the investment.
Once viewing the longer time frame, the client was comfortable with the investment and was happy to continue with the long term investment strategy.
But what makes us forget the three good years of return and focus on the negative year, that the client was more than aware was going to happen at some point?
There are two human instincts that have been drilled into us through years of evolution that have helped the human race survive and thrive, but hurt us when making investment decisions.
The first is “recent event bias”, this is essentially giving the most recent event greater importance than all previous events. This normally helps us,
as it allows us to adapt to changing environments. For example if over time a road gets busier and busier we take caution close to the last time we crossed the road, not the long term average. This of course makes sense with most things. The other human instinct is that fear of loss is far greater than the hope of gain. There have been numerous studies which indicate that most humans are far more motivated by fear of loss, than they are by the opportunity to make a gain.
This is why it’s important to have a financial advisor, who can look at things without emotion attached and provide the best advice.
for increased function and participation in everyday life.
Education and self-management
Physiotherapists educate patients about their condition, helping them understand the pain and its triggers.
They provide strategies for pain management, pacing programs, and exercise therapy to empower and promote self-management.
Psychosocial support and education
Physiotherapists offer support, encouragement and reassurance throughout the rehab process through education. Often chronic pain can accompany mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, physiotherapy can help you get in touch with other services that may help.
Chronic pain is a complex condition requiring a multifaceted approach. Physiotherapy aims to provide a holistic treatment plan that not only addresses the physical symptoms but also empowers patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their pain effectively. By improving physical function and promoting self-management, physiotherapy aims to equip individuals with the tools to engage in more life activities.
NATHAN CAVANAGH
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
Road testing Vivaia – the footwear brand with an eco difference
Finding cute but comfortable footwear has always been one of my biggest challenges when it comes to fashion. Most shoes only offer one or the other. Enter, Vivaia – an eco-friendly footwear brand known for its comfort. But, do they really hold a candle to other brands, and are they worth the price tag?
So... what’s Vivaia?
Though I hadn’t heard of it until recently (apparently, I’ve been living under some kind of rock), Vivaia shoes have been worn by just about everyone from Katie Holmes to Julia Roberts and Selena Gomez. The brand launched in the US back in 2020 and quickly
became known for its key philosophy – why can’t heels have a sneaker-like comfort? Now, they’re being sold in over 61 regions, including here in Australia.
What makes the shoes different?
Vivaia makes all kinds of shoes, from sneakers to boots and ballet flats. Though they all look different, they all represent the brand’s signature means of production and comfort.
The shoes are eco-friendly, made with recycled plastic bottles. These bottles are chipped into thread and knitted into the top of the shoe. They also have a unique padded sole in each and every shoe
which is reminiscent of yoga mat material, ensuring support in both the heel and the arch of the foot.
What are they like to wear?
I’ve been testing out Vivaia’s Margot Mary-Janes in the shade Ruby Red.
The shoes are square toe Mary-Janes, complete with an adjustable instep strap with a silver buckle.
One of the first things I noticed about the shoes was
the sizing. I have narrow feet, which means I constantly have trouble finding ballet flats that fit without major gaping on the sides, and my heel coming out with every step.
For those with wider feet, however, they recommend going a size up, or purchasing one of the specific wide sizes, which are sold for some of the more neutral, popular shades. As far as comfort goes, I would say that these shoes are winners. They’re incredibly flexible and though, like any ballet flat or Mary-Jane, they require some wearing in on the heel, they’re a lot easier to wear immediately than a lot of other shoes.
Vivaia’s sizing on the Margot Mary-Janes is fairly narrow, meaning that my normal shoe size fit me perfectly. I would even feel comfortable wearing them without the strap.
The Experts
Should you buy them?
At $171, Vivaia’s Margot Mary-Janes are not cheap shoes. However, if you’ve been on the look out for a more comfortable shoe for work, or for every day, I’d definitely give these a go.
TALKING TECH
GOOGLE MAPS TIMELINE CHANGES EXPLAINED
Last year, I wrote about Google Maps Timelines. This feature lets users track their movements and location history over time and store it in their Google account. It is an opt-in feature that can be turned on or off anytime. Once enabled, Timeline will keep track of all the places you visit, the routes you take, and the times you arrive and leave each location. This information is then compiled into a timeline you can access through the Google Maps app or website.
With your privacy and security in mind, Google is implementing changes to this feature. Previously, your Timeline data was stored on Google’s servers. Now, it will be directly saved on your device. This shift in storage location
gives you enhanced data control, making it more device-centric. Your location history will be securely stored directly on your device, no longer in the cloud. This change puts you in the driver’s seat, ensuring that you have full control over your data. If you don’t act before the deadline or if your device is lost or
damaged, you risk losing your past Timeline data. As part of this transition, Google will be phasing out Your Timeline online. After the update, you won’t be able to access your Timeline data through the web interface. This change is designed to streamline data access and enhance user experience. However, the Your
Timeline feature will continue working within the Google Maps app on Android and iOS devices.
Action Required to keep your Maps Timeline working is
• Update Google Maps: Make sure you have the latest version of the Google Maps app installed on your device.
• Notifications: You’ll receive a push notification, email, or in-app alert about the Timeline migration.
• Specify preferences: Follow the instructions provided to specify your data management preferences on your chosen device.
• Deadline: You have until December 1, 2024, to complete this process. Backup Option: It’s crucial to remember that you can manually or automatically back up your Timeline data to Google servers. This ensures you can restore it if you switch to a new phone or tablet without losing your history. This is a data backup only; other than restoring it to your phone, it does nothing else. I strongly recommend you switch this to automatic, as it’s a responsible and proactive measure to protect your data. When you update to a new phone, you now have two options: you can restore your Timeline from Google Backup OR use the software that allows you to migrate between phones to migrate the timeline data as well.
Google Maps Timeline works on both Apple iOS and Android phones. Enjoy your week.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DESEXING FEMALE DOGS
Desexing a female dog, also known as spaying, is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. It not only helps control the pet population but also significantly reduces the risk of various health issues, including a severe condition called pyometra.
Understanding pyometra
Pyometra is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus that can occur in any unspayed female dogs. This condition involves the accumulation of pus within the uterus, leading to severe complications if not treated promptly. The dogs most at risk of developing pyometra are those that have not been desexed and have gone through several heat cycles.
The danger of pyometra lies in the possibility of the uterus rupturing inside the body, which can lead to the spread of infection and toxins throughout the bloodstream. Untreated pyometra can result in dehydration, kidney
failure, and even death due to the accumulation of these toxins.
Causes and symptoms of pyometra
Pyometra is typically caused by hormonal changes that occur during a dog’s heat cycles, which generally happen twice a year. These hormonal fluctuations affect the uterus and cervix, making the dog more susceptible to infections. A common bacterium, E. Coli, is often the culprit behind the infection. Symptoms of pyometra may appear weeks or even months after a heat cycle. Early signs of pyometra can be subtle, including increased licking around the genital area, lethargy, and a reduced appetite. As the condition progresses, more noticeable symptoms may emerge, such as excessive drinking, a distended abdomen, and a reddish-brown vaginal discharge.
In advanced stages, affected dogs may become severely depressed and lethargic.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing pyometra typically involves a thorough history and clinical examination, followed by diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound, and blood tests to assess the dog’s overall health. Once confirmed, the most effective treatment is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (spaying) as soon as possible. However, some dogs may require stabilisation before undergoing anaesthesia and surgery.
Preventing pyometra through desexing
The most reliable way to prevent pyometra is to desex your female dog. Spaying not only eliminates the risk of pyometra but also prevents cancers of the reproductive tract. Additionally, if a female dog is spayed before her first heat cycle, the risk of developing breast cancer later in life is reduced by up to 90 per cent. Desexing is recommended for female dogs from the age of six months, especially if you do
not intend to breed them. Beyond the health benefits, spaying also contributes to reducing the number of unwanted pets and helps ensure a better quality of life for your dog.
If you have any questions or concerns about desexing your pet, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 4736 2027. Our experienced staff is here to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health.
Relax & Unwind
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19 JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
Mercury is in retrograde mode from Monday until August 29, so make sure you communicate clearly and sort out any misunderstandings early, at home and at work. Clear thinking and creative strategies will help you solve problems and alleviate stress. Your motto for the week is from actress and activist Gillian Anderson (who turns 56 on Friday), “Just remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.”
TAURUS
21 TO MAY 21
Mercury turns retrograde, and Venus (your power planet) hooks up with retro Mercury. So you’re extra susceptible to confusing misunderstandings, dubious suggestions and false flattery. Be discerning about who’s advice you take and make sure your plans are grounded in reality. Don’t let fair-weather friends lead you up the primrose path to trouble! If you’re a smart Bull, you’ll plan your week carefully and choose your close confidantes wisely.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The Sun and Venus are both visiting Leo, so you’re feeling feisty and ready for adventure. But with Mercury turning retrograde (until August 29) you could also feel like a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! Remember that hubris often comes before a fall so the buzz word for this week is humility. Clever Lions will be kinder towards other people, and more tolerant of their individual idiosyncrasies and circumstances. When it comes to finances, be patient.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Have you been selling yourself short? Stop being a critical fusspot who engages in negative self-talk and sabotages success. The Sun and Jupiter are activating your career/public/reputation zone, so it’s time to be the self-confident Scorpio you were born to be. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, actress and producer Lucille Ball, “I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.”
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
With Venus and Mercury visiting your relationship zone, it’s important to nurture and cherish your nearest and dearest. You could also lend a hand to a friend or relative who is sick, experiencing financial trouble or recovering from a broken heart. The best day of the week is Thursday, when the Mercury/ Venus link highlights romance, compassion and creativity. So do your best to surround yourself with love, beauty and good vibes!
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
This week impulsive Mars and spontaneous Jupiter are both transiting through Gemini, which boosts your energy and enthusiasm – but also your blunt and tactless side. And on Monday, your ruling planet Mercury turns retrograde (until August 29). So close relationships will be complicated, and communication will be increasingly tricky – especially with your housemates and extended family. Smart Twins will slow down, shut up, listen and learn!
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
On Monday, Mercury (your patron planet) turns retrograde in your sign. Which could mean frustrations, delays and power plays, especially at work or while travelling. Perhaps a project is stalled, a person is plotting, or a domestic appliance (or your car) breaks down. Avoid stressing and vexing Virgo! Aim to be proactive rather than reactive, and supple rather than stubborn. Thursday is a good day to review your timetable or catch up with an old friend.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Many busy Sagittarians will burn the midnight oil, as creativity bites and inspiration strikes, especially at work. International connections could be particularly beneficial, and others are looking to you for innovative ideas. But – with Mercury reversing through your career zone – resist the temptation to sidestep, confuse or snooze on the job! Use your well-developed networking skills to drum up support, and don’t be afraid to ask experts for help.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
On Monday, Mercury starts reversing through your work and wellbeing zone. So it’s a suitable week to revise your daily diet and fitness routine, as you choose healthier food options and a form of exercise that you enjoy. Plus – when it comes to your job – it’s time to catch up on the backlog of unfinished projects and overflowing paperwork. With the Sun shining in your friendship zone, you’re keen to have a catch-up lunch or movie night with your besties.
Mercury turns retrograde on Monday, so it’s time to do anything with an ‘re’ in front of it – revise, rehearse, review, remember, return, recover and/or reconnect. Especially in areas involving travel, education, communication and local community projects. Expect some hiccups – not everything will run smoothly. But don’t worry – press on and be patient. As actress Lucille Ball said, “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things that I haven’t.”
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Your perfectionist streak is about to go through the roof! Venus (your boss planet) transits into fussy Virgo on Monday, and then links up with retrograde Mercury on Thursday. So this week is all about paying close attention to details, as you dot your i’s and cross your t’s. If you don’t check and double-check as you go, then mistakes and misunderstandings are likely. Clever Librans will take the time to slow down, meditate, contemplate and discombobulate.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Some Goats are feeling grumpy and restless, but holidays and adventures could be thin on the ground as Mercury reverses through your travel zone, frustrates plans and slows things down. Don’t despair! Have fun closer to home and plan to explore further afield after Mercury turns direct on August 29. Be patient and keep your options open. Draw inspiration from actor Chris Hemsworth (who turns 41 on Sunday) “Life is all about growth and change.”
Relax & Unwind
GOLD COAST BECOMES
10 years ago was the last time I went to the Gold Coast. I was 13, and went with my family to visit the theme parks. Although I’ll admit I had little desire to return since then, thinking I’d seen it all, I now can’t wait to head back.
A few weeks ago, I headed on a quick mid-week trip to the Gold Coast with the aim of opening the curtain to a whole new world, beyond the theme parks.
Little did I know there were elements of quiet luxury all around, with food and activities you wouldn’t believe are just an hour-and-a-half flight away.
On my trip, I was based in Broadbeach at Dorsett Gold Coast – a four-star hotel connected to The Star, meaning you’re able to access some of the area’s best bars, restaurants and entertainment right on your doorstep.
To say this hotel is beautiful is an understatement. In addition to the stunning rooms and reception area, the Isoletto Pool Club was on another level, complete with sweeping views of the Gold Coast skyline, a huge pool with cabanas and wet lounges, and a restaurant and bar for all your needs – if those needs are cocktails.
Staying in an Executive Suite meant that I also had access to the Executive Lounge. Located on Level 19 of the hotel, it offers an exclusive space for guests to relax throughout the day, as well as providing both a buffet breakfast in the morning, and drinks and canapes between
5pm and 6.30pm each night. But, as far as food goes, this was just the beginning, with a host of fabulous restaurants nearby.
Within walking distance of Dorsett Gold Coast, you’ll find Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar – a brand-new restaurant known for its seafood dishes and worldclass wines. Whilst I will say the food here was delicious, what stood out most for me was the hospitality of the staff, who were absolutely lovely.
If seafood is what you’re looking for, I would also highly recommend La Luna Dining. Located at the Marina Mirage, this restaurant offers delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also right next to La Luna Beach Club, which I would highly recommend
Heading a little bit closer to the airport, we have The Tropic Restaurant in Burleigh Heads, situated inside The Burleigh Pavilion alongside the iconic Beach Bar. This place is the best of the best when it comes to views, whether you’re seated inside or outside, and the food is unmatched – the puffed spiced bread in particular is truly to die for.
But, my favourite meal of the trip came from Siblings Kirra. Despite being housed right on the beach for uninterrupted ocean views, this restaurant is slightly more reasonably priced than the rest, but really packs a punch when it comes to flavour. The small plates here are definitely
The incredible Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach.
Blowfish Ocean Grill + Bar has delicious seafood dishes and world-class wines.
The stunning view from The Tropic.
HOTA, Surfers Paradise’s Home of the Arts.
AN ADULT’S PLAYGROUND
a win, with my favourites being the Baja fish tacos and the fried chicken. However, if you’re looking for more of an experience with your meal, you can’t beat Palette. Located inside HOTA, Surfers Paradise’s Home of the Arts, the two Chef-hatted restaurant serves up unique fine dining experiences inspired by the exhibition at the gallery.
When I went, this was the Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition – a stunning digital multisensory gallery featuring masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli to the tune of an operatic score. Therefore, Palette’s eightcourse menu featured recipes dating back hundreds of years, ranging from unique seafood creations to delicious pastas. You can purchase a package which allows you to experience both the exhibition and the dinner, as well
as a cocktail hour at The Exhibitionist Bar upstairs.
Of course, there is much more to experience on the Gold Coast than food if you’re after a luxurious getaway.
On my trip, I went on a scenic helicopter flight with Gold Coast Helitours. Having never been on a helicopter before, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous going into it. However, the staff were extremely helpful and reassuring, and provided a premium experience, pointing out everything
from theme parks and landmarks to the endless number of golf courses.
Plus, you can’t travel to the Gold Coast without stopping in at Pacific Fair, Queensland’s second-largest shopping centre and the fifth-largest nationally. If luxury is what you’re looking for, they have an entire wing dedicated to it, with every high-end brand you can think of. If you’re looking for a domestic getaway, the Gold Coast is the perfect place to go.
The writer travelled as a guest of Experience Gold Coast.
The memorable Dorsett Isoletto Pool Bar.
The meals at Siblings Kirra were unmatched.
10. Hyperactivity disorder (1,1,1,1)
12. Evil spirit
14. Moan & ...
16. Greased
19. Throws (fishing line)
22. Tempt
23. Fixed (in one’s mind)
25. Value highly
26. Heavy horned animals
29. Lingers
32. Non-governmental organisation (1,1,1)
35. Skating entertainment (3,4)
37. Deplete (3,2)
38. Thumped
40. Adroit
41. Female peers
42. Radio station selector
43. Irritating complainers
44. Tendency
47. Palmed off
51. Union Army combatant
52. Wax taper
53. Formal argument
54. Word comparison
58. Futilely, to no ...
59. ... de toilette
61. Operative
63. Arab religion
64. Offshore drilling platform (3,3)
65. Potent
66. Lettuce meal
68. Old wives’ tales
71. Blood-sucking insect
72. Garbage disposal area
74. Flue
76. Thin cushions
78. Norway’s capital
80. Bloodshot (eyes)
83. ... voyage!
every number uniquely.
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Word Search
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
your knowledge about Jessica Fox in our special trivia quiz this week...
In what country was Fox born in 1994?
In what year did Fox make her Olympic Games debut?
How many Gold Medals did Fox win at the Youth Olympic Games?
In 2011, Fox finished her HSC and was first in the state in which subject? 5. In which year did Fox win the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation’s Junior Sports Star of the Year award? 6. Fox’s father Richard is President of which local business organisation? 7. In 2017, Fox appeared on which Channel Seven reality TV program?
But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in
You
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Smash Repairs
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo
IGA
Londonderr y
Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
The Bunker
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
MFC Food Stores
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
C altex Coreen Avenue
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Tattersalls Hotel
The Chicken Run
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Mobil Ser vice Station
The Chemist Shop
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St Mar ys Fish Market
St Mar ys Le agues Club
St Mar ys Librar
McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store
The 96 seconds that made Jess Fox a K1 Olympic champion
Penrith Olympic champion
Jessica Fox has spoken about the strong family bond that inspired her to Olympic Gold earlier this week in Paris.
The 30-year-old wrote herself into the history books in the early hours of Monday morning, winning a Gold medal in the Canoe Slalom Women’s K1 event.
After a Silver and two Bronze medals in the Women’s K1 over the past three Olympic Games, Fox finally secured the colour she so dearly desired in front of a packed house at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
It was an incredible performance from the Leonay paddler, who was the eighth fastest qualifier for the Final. But just when it appeared her dream may have been shattered, Fox produced a stunning run of 96.08 seconds.
She then had to wait nervously as her fiercest competitors took to the water, all trying to catch the impressive time.
German Ricarda Funk – the defending Olympic champion – was the final competitor and made a strong start before copping a crucial penalty that robbed her of a medal.
Klaudia Zwolinska from Poland finished with the Silver medal, while Kimberley Woods from Great Britain took home the Bronze.
A visibly emotional Fox raised her hands to her face as the shock of winning Gold in her pet event settled in.
“I knew when I crossed the line it was a good time based on the semi final times, but you just never know.
It’s the Final and everyone can lift their game in the Final,” Fox told Channel Nine after the race.
“I was just happy I put down a good run and then it was the longest wait of my life. Kim Woods, who was the Bronze medallist, it looked like she might get me but I held it out and Ricarda [Funk] was the last to go, the reigning Olympic champion.
“When she made the mistake on Gate 19, I knew, and all the emotion came out.”
It was emotional for Fox’s mother and coach, Myriam Fox, too who, like everyone in the stands and back home watching on TV in Australia, had to anxiously wait for seven more paddlers to go down the tricky course.
“There was some good girls at the end, so we just had to wait. This wait was bloody long,” she told Channel Nine.
“This is a Gold that we’ve been waiting for and been working on since her second Olympic Games [in Rio].
“I tried to get the Gold [in the same event] in 1996, so it was a very, very long wait and I am so happy and proud that finally Jess got this medal.
“She’s been winning so many World Championships, so many World Cups and that one was missing. So, already it’s a successful Olympic Games in Paris for Jess.”
Fox said waiting to find out if she was an Olympic cham pion for the second time in her career was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least.
“I was crying of stress and nerves sitting there and then I was crying with pure joy and emotion,” she said.
“It was so moving seeing so many Aussies here in the stands – some of them I knew, some of them I didn’t. I feel like I really needed their energy today and they pulled me through and it was just incredible to share that moment with them and with my team and family, it was just amazing.”
Fox’s family was right by her side the entire way, with her mum Myriam coaching her on the banks of the course, her sister Noemie
cheering her on close by, and her father Richard commentating for Channel Nine at the very venue.
“The family connection is so powerful and so special,” Fox said.
“Having Dad, Mum and Noemie here and other members of the family and friends, it’s just been the most special moment so far.”
Fox quickly refocused ahead of the C1 event on Thursday morning, where she made it a second Gold medal.
Germany’s Elena Lilik produced the time to beat in the Final of
103.54, a stunning run. But Fox, the defending champion, stunned in her run – producing an incredible 99.06 to put her in first place with one paddler to come.
There was a nervous moment when the run was put under review by the judges, which wasn’t complete by the time Satková took to the water.
Mid-way through the run, a two second penalty was applied to Fox’s time, still putting her in front at 101.06. Satková’s run the Final was troubled, finishing in 114.22.
Schools display Olympic spirit
With the Olympics now well underway, Penrith students are pulling out all the stops to celebrate our Aussie athletes who are kicking goals in Paris.
Last Friday, July 26, Blaxland High School held ‘Fox Day’, celebrating former students Jess and Noemie Fox in the lead up to what would be Jess’ first K1 Gold medal, and second Gold overall.
The party was complete with Fox-themed costumes, cheerleading, and a few too many replays of the 2013 earworm, ‘The Fox’.
“When you’re a teacher or principal, or anyone who works in a school, you are in awe of how incredible young people are,” Principal Emma La Marquand said.
“The reason we wanted to have Fox Day is, of course, to cheer on our amazing past students Jess and Noemie,
but it’s also an opportunity to display how incredible our young people are, their incredible commitment and their ability to manage heavy workloads, all with a smile.”
Over at Holy Spirit Primary St Clair, they combined their Green and Gold Day with Grandparents Day, seeing generations of sport lovers come
NATHAN TAYLOR
Jessica Fox with her mum Myriam Fox following her Gold medal win. Photo: AAP.
CASSIDY PEARCE
Blaxland High School.
Blaxland High School.
Blaxland High School.
Holy Spirit Primary St Clair. Holy Spirit Primary St Clair.
Holy Spirit Primary St Clair. Holy Spirit Primary St Clair.
ROWER’S GREEN & GOLD DREAMS
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Harrold will represent his country for the first time in mid-August when he takes on the best rowers in the world at picturesque St Catharines near Toronto.
“Representing Australia is something I’ve been working towards and I’m excited to finally wear the green and gold and have the Coat of Arms on my chest,” Harrold said.
“I’ve been probably dreaming for the last five years to row for Australia. Finally making it is a sense of relief after a lot of hard work I’ve put in, and people have put in, to get me into this position.”
Before he competes for Australia in the U23 Men’s Coxed Four event, Harrold will get acclimatised at Princeton University in New Jersey for two weeks before competition gets underway on August 19. Harrold said it’s a great time to be a rower.
“Having the Olympics so close to the World Championships brings an extra level of excitement around it,” he said.
Celebrated local athlete to represent Australia in curling Pentecost is back
If Disney’s ‘Cool Runnings’ ever had a sequel, this could be it!
Penrith sporting hero Nathan Pentecost is back and this time, he’s swapping a football for a broom and stone.
The 40-year-old will represent Australia later this year at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Finland.
It will be the first time Australia has ever fielded its own wheelchair curling team, and Pentecost is thrilled to be a part of it.
“This will be the fourth sport I’ll represent Australia in after wheelchair rugby league, wheelchair racing and powerlifting,” he told the Weekender
“I’ve had a few health issues in recent years, so I had to medically retire from wheelchair rugby league, so I’m taking this up as my new sport.
“My mind still wants to compete and I needed to find something less taxing on my body, so I thought I’d give this a go.”
With less and less ice rinks around the country these days, curling is a niche sport in Australia to say the least.
Pentecost said he started to get interested in the sport after watching the 2022 Paralympics on television.
“I rang up the Australian Paralympic Committee after seeing it on TV and asked them if we had a team,” he recalled.
“They said they were planning to have a wheelchair curling team, but there’s lots of steps before the Paralympics but we’ll see how we go in November first.”
Pentecost flew to Western Australia in early July where he participated in a selection trial to make Australia’s first-ever wheelchair curling team.
After studying the game heav-
ily via YouTube videos, Pentecost did just enough to make the four-person team.
“This was the first time that I had a go, and I was obviously good enough to get in,” Pentecost said.
“There’s four of us in the team, some have experience and some of us don’t.
“It’s a bit like a ‘Cool Runnings’ situation.”
Before he jets off to freezing Helsinki in northern Europe later this year, Pentecost will be doing everything in his power to get up to speed, to give he and Team Australia the best chance at succeeding.
“Hopefully I’ll have some training sessions in the lead up to the World Championships,” he said.
“There’s a lot to learn between now and then, so we’re going to have team meetings on Zoom and share some videos with each other.”
Pentecost is currently on the hunt for sponsors ahead of his upcoming overseas adventure. If you think you can help, email him at nathan_pentecost@ yahoo.com.au.
Nathan Pentecost on Monday afternoon. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Miles Harrold with Nathan Taylor.
NATHAN TAYLOR
SPORTS SHORTS
Saints juniors score NRLW debuts
RUGBY LEAGUE: Congratulations to two former St Marys Saints players, who made their NRLW debuts last week. Penrith resident and St Marys junior Aliyah Nasio debuted for the Sydney Roosters against the Newcastle Knights, while Harmony Crichton – sister of former Panthers star Stephen Crichton – debuted for the Wests Tigers against the Canberra Raiders. Unfortunately, both players suffered defeat on debut, but will no doubt be eager to bounce back for their respective sides this weekend.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 17 of the NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend, with strong results for St Marys and Brothers Penrith. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys beat Mounties 30-22, while Brothers Penrith enjoyed a win over the Wenty Magpies 27-22. This weekend, St Marys and Brothers Penrith will do battle. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys went down to Mounties 18-12, while Brothers Penrith smashed the Wentworthville Magpies 32-14. This weekend, St Marys will take on the Moorebank Rams, while Brothers Penrith play Manly Leagues.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the re-signing of Amy Harrison for the next two A-League Women’s seasons. Embarking on her fourth season for the club, Harrison has embodied what it means to be a winner throughout her career, having been an instrumental part of the Wanderers most successful season in A-League Women’s history in 2019 as well as winning several trophies both internationally and domestically in her career. Last season, Harrison donned the captain’s armband and led the team to some of their most successful on-pitch performances to-date, the team scoring the most goals, and holding the second-best goal difference in Wanderers Women’s Club history. A leader on and off the pitch, Harrison is confident the group is building towards finals and success in the upcoming season. “I don’t think we are done yet, I think we are just beginning. For the first time since I have been here, we have real stability with staff and with the majority of the playing group, and I think that is exciting,” she said. “I think there’s really good young talent coming through and I think we have a lot of experience with the other end of the scale so it’s aligning well and I want to be a part of that and keep moving it forward.” Coach Robbie Hooker commended Harrison’s leadership within the group, citing her as a role model for many of the junior players. “Amy is the kind of player that sets the standard for the younger members of the group. Both on and
off the pitch she is always pushing for them to be better and, more importantly, leading by example,” he said.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the departure of forward Lachlan Brook for Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake. Brook started his Wanderers tenure with five goals on club debut for the Red & Black in Australia Cup, however he also was a prolific goal scorer throughout the regular A-League season, winning the golden boot for the club alongside teammate Nicolas Milanovic. In addition to his club performances, Brook also represented his country on an international stage, appearing nine times for the Australian U23 Olyroos while contracted with the club.
GOLF: Richmond Golf Club veteran members dominated the Western Sydney Region VGAs interclub at Penrith Golf Club last week, taking out three of the four 2BBB stableford prizes as well securing the much-treasured club teams’ prize. In the men’s 2BBB competition Colin Cheyne and Gary Willett of Richmond amassed a very creditable 47 points to defeat their clubmates James Bullock and Chris Sharpe (45 points). The Richmond duo of Jane Mackie and Lynette Luttringer (43 points) took out the 2BBB ladies competition, narrowly ahead of Carol Field and Debra Moussa from Penrith (42 points). While Richmond dominated the teams events, Glenmore Heritage Valley dominated the prize winners in the individual competitions. Men’s A Grade saw Gavin Johnson (Glenmore) overcome Danilo Martinez (Stonecutters Ridge) on a countback after both finished with 32 points. The men’s C Grade prize was taken by Greg Garland (Glenmore) also on a countback after he finished equal with Christopher Thorley (Dunheved) on 38 points.
In the ladies competition, Dorothy Wilmington (Glenmore, 34 points) finished narrowly ahead of Tatana Khanna (Springwood, 33 points) Warren Beard (Dunheved) prevented Glenmore from a clean sweep of the major individual prizes, scoring 38 points in the Men’s B Grade section, to edge out Glenmore’s Lal Jayawardene (36 points). In the club team event each club’s score is made up of the total of the four best individual scores made by members off their club. As usual this competition proved very tight with only two points separating the top three teams. Richmond came out on top, their team of Gary Willett, Chris Sharpe, James Bullock and Lynette Luttringer combining to get 144 points, just ahead of both Dunheved and Glenmore, each with 142 points. The next interclub event will be held at Glenmore Heritage Valley on Wednesday, August 14.
AFL: The Penrith Rams have continued their winning ways, overcoming the North Shore Bombers 67-62 in Round 14 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. The players deemed best for the Rams were Luke Cooke, Zachary Pianta, Mitchell Andrews, Tom Noble, Matthew Field and Martin Pope. The Rams will aim to keep their winning streak alive when they take on the East Coast Eagles at Greygums Oval this Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have gone down in a tight one to the UNSW-ES Bulldogs 24-19 in Round 14 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. Penrith will look to bounce back when they battle Macquarie University this Saturday morning at Greygums
AFL: The GWS Giants have now racked up four wins in a row, claiming a tight one over the Melbourne Demons 85-83 in Round 20 of the AFL. The Demons stormed out of the box
to lead by 27 points at quarter time before the Giants booted 12 of the next 15 goals to set up the two behind win in front of the lowest crowd at the MCG all season at just 16,246. The fifth-placed Giants will hit the road this Sunday afternoon when they face-off against Hawthorn at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
SUPERCARS: Late last month, I was lucky enough to attend the opening day of Sydney SuperNight at Sydney Motorsport Park. It was my first Supercars experience in around a decade, and the first time I’ve visited the Eastern Creek facility since I was a child. It certainly brought back memories from when my dad took me there as a youngster back in the mid-1990s. My behind-the-scenes Supercars experience on July 19 was all thanks to Adrenaline – Australia’s longest-running and most recognised adventure experiences site. In the coming weeks, Adrenaline will launch Australia’s first European Supercars experience, which will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park. With Aussies rediscovering their need for speed in recent years, this new and exciting European Supercars experience will no doubt have everyone talking. To see what’s on offer, visit www. adrenaline.com.au.
Harmony Crichton on Sunday afternoon. Photo: NRL Photos.
Lifting the trophy.
WITH NATHAN TAYLOR
Aliyah Nasio made her NRLW last week. Photo: NRL Photos.
SPORT
Penrith’s #1 NRL Coverage – Extra Time – see centre pull-out
WORLD AT HIS FEET
With the Olympics well and truly underway in Paris, one local athlete who is hoping to be there himself in four years’ time is 22-year-old Miles Harrold.
The Mulgoa resident has been rowing for nearly a decade, following in the footsteps of his older brother.
“My brother did rowing for school sport… and he ended up joining the Nepean Rowing Club in 2014 when he was in Year 8 at Penrith Anglican College,” Harrold told the Weekender
“A year later, I said I’d have a go as well. I came down to the river one weekend when Nepean Rowing Club had a Learn to Row program on.
“Ever since then, I’ve enjoyed it. I love the process of getting better and I like the social aspect
as well. I’ve met some of my closest friends over the past nine years doing rowing.”
Recently, Harrold left Nepean and joined the Sydney Rowing Club to further advance his skills and prospects in sweep rowing.
“The seven years I was at Nepean, I learned all the fundamentals of rowing and they did a lot of work getting me competitive in my age group at the State and National level,” he said.
“There was an opportunity to row for Sydney Rowing Club at the Henley Royal Regatta, which takes place in the UK.
“In order to do that, I had to change clubs. Unfortunately, we missed out on competing in the Final, but we made the semis.”
Off the back of his first trip overseas, Harrold packed his bags and set off again in recent days, jetting off to the United States ahead of the upcoming U23 World Rowing Championships in Canada.
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NATHAN TAYLOR