Western Weekender December 12

PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP

weekender the western

Printed on 100% recycled paper

FRI 12 DEC 2014 • Issue 1183

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Business

Jewel in our crown

Advice, tips and profiles on the best local businesses p.32-33

Family’s nightmare

EXCLUSIVE: Kalynda’s dad speaks about his family’s harrowing month KATHERINE TWEED

Penrith Lakes takes next step p.8

DA still going ahead p.3

Adam Peacock Wanderers story takes another twist p.39

@ktweed_

A

fter a harrowing month locked away in a Chinese detention centre as the subject of drug trafficking suspicions, Penrith’s Kalynda Davis is back home in the arms of her parents, who maintained her innocence from day one.

Speaking exclusively to the Western Weekender, dad Larry Davis shared the story of the 22-yearold’s time as a detainee and the seemingly endless wait endured by all for her name to be cleared.

Ms Davis was never charged with a crime, but was simply the subject of a 30-day investigation

by Chinese officials that revealed her innocence; the result her family knew was the only possibility.

“Her and I are close, as close as any father and daughter could be. I never once thought that she had done anything wrong,” dad Larry told the Weekender on Wednesday.

“I knew she was so innocent. I prayed every night that the truth would come out, I prayed for the authorities, that it was dealt with in the way that it was dealt with, and our prayers were answered.

“We found out that she was being released on Friday (December 5) night. We cried and cried and cried and cried and I don’t think I had more than four hours sleep after that until last night, when she was home safely.”

Mr Davis flew out of Sydney on the morning of Saturday, December 6, for what he hoped was a short visit to the city of Guangzhou to bring home his youngest child.

Story continues on » p. 6

Kalynda Davis is now back home with her family

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

@atmospherefitness.com.au Memberships on sale now

JOIN BY 31/1/2015 TO RECEIVE

50

%

OFF

your joining fee

& the chance to WIN a GOLD COAST HOLIDAY LTPS/14/09288

For more details visit www.atmosphere.com.au or you’re welcome to come see us at 16-19 Lambridge Pl Penrith

NO FIXED CONTRACT

local news

2

Win a BBQ Spit Roast YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Simply sign up to the Steggles Shop Loyalty program or use your loyalty card for your chance to win.

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Conditions apply. Ask Steggles Shop Staff for details.

13-15 Amax Ave, Girraween Ph: 9842 1137

We’re Stegglers for quality.

WW14555

COUNCIL

3

Division continues in Penrith Move to reverse DA approval in Kemps Creek fails at Monday’s Council meeting DALE DRINKWATER

ensions were high both inside and outside Penrith City Council’s chambers on Monday night as a move to rescind the controversial Kemps Creek ‘place of public worship’ approval was defeated.

The decision came after intense debate, with 10 Councillors against the rescission, leaving Crs Marcus Cornish, Mark Davies, Kevin Crameri and Maurice Girotto for the revoke.

The room was heated with debate with one man removed from the room for refusing to apologise to Mayor Ross Fowler.

Several community members addressed the extraordinary meeting, with widespread fears of a changing Penrith and environmental effects on the surrounding homes.

Ian Sutton, who has lived in the area for 35 years, said Lidcombe and Auburn were once very similar to Penrith and was concerned for the suburb’s future.

Another affected resident, William Mamous, expressed concerns for the precedent set if the hall were to be approved again.

“If you give the mosque, then you have to give a Sunni, Sunni Lebanon, then a

Shiite, then a Shiite Lebanon, then a Shiite Pakistan, Shiite Iraq, Shiite Kuwait,” Mr Mamou said.

Mr Mamou, who also lives on the street, believed apart from dust, traffic on the dead end street could be hazardous if there were a bush fire in Kemps Creek.

“If 700 people come to the prayer hall, that’s 200 cars in a dead end street,” he said.

Planning consultant for the prayer hall, Ian Rufus, denied claims traffic on Clifton Avenue’s dead end would be an issue.

“There will be, on average, a six minute gap between cars and on weekends when the mosque is used, the waste plant is closed,” he said.

“Penrith is ideal as a central location for north-west and south-west Sydney.”

Dealing with cultural and religious fears, parish priest, Father David Smith, suggested there is tragic consequences from the reflex that Muslims are associated with terrorism.

“Our way forward is to work together to battle Muslim extremism,” he said.

Councillor Mark Davies said people were not worried about extremism, they were worried about their basic freedoms that could be compromised.

“Families’ concerns range from their freedoms and values, the DA and the

local news

T

@daledrinkwater

Intense protests continued outside Council on Monday. Photo: Dean Asher future character of the area, and it’s not the people who are waving a placard,” he said.

Outside, police wedged themselves

between angry protesters from both sides, with supporters coming from as far as Newcastle.

The rescission motion was defeated 10-4.

Exclusive Stockist in Penrith Shop 203 Westfield Penrith T. (02) 4732 3688 www.penrithjewelleryworkshop.com.au

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

WW11515

EDITOR'S DESK

4

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Why are video game players so regularly frowned upon?

FRIDAYS Youth

I have an admission to make: I’m a gamer.

Yes, I have regular rendezvous with the PlayStation 4, often well past an appropriate bed time and often for hours on end.

For some strange reason, admitting you play video games is almost like revealing a hidden shame, even though games are one of the biggest entertainment markets on the planet.

The video game industry in Australia is worth about $1.1 billion annually and the average age of a gamer is 31.

That’s right, the average person playing games isn’t the pimply teenager you imagine.

Most people playing games on consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox are adults, who can make adult decisions about the games they play.

That’s of course unless you shop at Target, who last week made the exceptionally weak and embarrassing decision to pull ‘Grand Theft Auto 5’ from its shelves. K-Mart quickly followed, joining Target on the list of shops I won’t be visiting in the near future.

At the core of this is a petition on the website Change.org that claimed that the “misogynistic GTA 5 literally makes a game of bashing, killing and horrific violence against women”.

The petition also claimed that the “game spreads the idea that certain women exist as scapegoats for male violence”.

And here’s the one to really pull in the faux outrage: “Games like this are grooming yet another generation of boys to tolerate violence against women”.

Another generation?

I find that offensive, inappropriate and uninformed.

What generation is it that the petition organisers claim is tolerant to violence against women?

Target and K-Mart listened to the feministinspired petition, pulling the game even though they’ve quite happily sold it, and enjoyed the

SUNDAYS 9.30am with kids programs 5.30pm Afternoon Service with kids programs

The Christmas Experience (See advertisement below)

WW14860

opinion

6pm Connect Groups 7pm Service

CNR NORTHERN RD & M4 ORCHARD HILLS PH: 4736 3000 INCHURCHPENRITH.COM

THIS Saturday 13th & |Sunday 14th December GATES open at 4.30PM for CAROLS at 5.30PM. A unique Walk-through and Carols Experience with a trip through time into the village of Bethlehem FREE but watch out for the Tax Collectors (Gold Coin donations) Reserve your free priority seating at www.inchurch.com.au OR just turn up for available seating on the night.

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith

profits from such sales, for some time. There was no announcement suggesting any profits already banked from sales of the game would go to an anti-violence campaign or organisation.

Let’s get this straight: ‘Grand Theft Auto 5’ is a violent game. That’s why it carries an R18+ rating and is not intended for children to play.

Let’s also make another thing clear: Violence against women is abhorrent and disgusting.

But to suggest that video games like ‘Grand Theft Auto’ are to blame is not only giving disgusting human beings who perpetrate violence against women a piss-weak excuse labelled as a contributing factor, it’s just plain uninformed.

The game does indeed allow for violence to occur outside of the main plotline – this violence can be perpetrated against men, women and property, and doesn’t play much of a role in the primary story of the game.

But what really gets me going about Target’s decision is this line from its press release: “Target will continue to sell other R-rated DVDs and games”.

That’s right, you can pick up a copy of ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ or ‘Saw’ at your local Target store, but not a game designed only for adults.

And I can assure you that Target currently sells video games that I would consider significantly more violent than ‘Grand Theft Auto 5’.

I don’t play FIFA because I think I’m going to become a pro-soccer player. I don’t play ‘Call of Duty’ and expect to front up as a soldier on the front line in Iraq tomorrow. And I certainly don’t play ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and walk away thinking I might hit a woman some time soon.

Big retailers really need to grow some balls – actually, I’m probably not allowed to say that these days – and stop falling for the social media driven faux outrage that is threatening the ability of adults to make decisions for themselves.

TROY DODDS @troydodds

Big retailers really need to grow some balls

Advertising: penrithsales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au Printed by: Spotpress Pty Ltd CIRCULATION: 59,400 [CAB Audit September 2014]

4736 3000 • Simeon Rd, Orchard Hills

Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Dale Drinkwater, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane Production Manager: Irene Adams • Production: Alana Christanga, Maddy Searle • Administration: Karlee Hansen Sales Manager: Simon Gould • Sales Executives: Paula Allsopp, Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Lewis, James Miller, Gina Perrin, Katie Grasso, Howard Cox

WW14889

LLANDILO QUALITY FRUIT MARKET

312 Third Ave, Llandilo 4777 4898

Specials valid Friday 12th Dec to Thursday 18th Dec or while stocks last

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Italian Christmas cakes in Designer Gift Tins and Panettones in Gift Tins

Peaches & Nectarines

14 99each

$

O Other cheaper Panettones also available

OPEN 7 DAYS 7am-7pm

Sweet Cherries

299

$

kg

$

10

in gift packed box

s e e r T s a m Christ

ped a h S t c e f r e P Fresh Cut

WW14069 WW14069 WW

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a

STATE POLITICS

Concerns over hospital Robertson blames health cuts for performance figures DALE DRINKWATER

5

@daledrinkwater

Phone: (02) 9833 2913 Address: Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys 2760 Email: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790 WW14828

Prue Car, John Robertson and Emma Husar at Nepean Hospital reduction in five years despite increased patient demand,” Mrs Skinner said.

Elective surgery and emergency admissions have increased across the board, but timeframes and performances have either been maintained or improved.

“We continue to meet our benchmarks and I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals,” Mrs Skinner said

WW10514

“You’ve got the hospital staff all doing the best they can do, but without that money there you can see those figures get worse.”

Health Minister Jillian Skinner admits there is always work to be done but significant improvements have been made across the system.

“The NSW Ambulance response times reduced to 10.8 minutes – the first

local news

N

epean Hospital is falling dramatically short of national targets that aim for at least 81 per cent of emergency patients to be processed within four hours, the State Opposition says.

Figures from the Bureau of Health Information show that almost half of emergency patients are waiting more than four hours to be seen, a backwards step from figures earlier in the year.

From January to March this year, 71 per cent of patients were being processed before four hours, dropping to a mere 52 per cent from July to September.

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson met with Labor Candidate for Penrith Emma Husar and Labor Candidate for Londonderry Prue Car outside the hospital on Tuesday, concerned that the current government’s billions of dollars in health cuts are putting too much pressure on the hospital.

“The $3 billion cut out of our health system means that we are seeing blockages in our emergency department, patients aren’t then able to be moved into wards once they are treated,” Mr Robertson said.

Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith 2750

Intensive Learn To Swim Program

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 3 X 5 DAY PROGRAMS per 5 day program 5th - 9th Jan, 12th - 16th Jan & 19th - 23rd Jan Benefits of an Intensive Learn to Swim program!

$50*

By practising swimming skills daily with repetition and correction, it enhances students learning process of retaining swimming skills and water safety.

27th January 2015 BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! *Conditions apply

ST MARYS & PENRITH LEISURE CENTRES

W W W. R I P P L E S N S W. C O M . A U

WW14384

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Learn to Swim New Summer Block Commences

6

KALYNDA DAVIS

“We knew she was innocent” Davis family thankful to those who supported them through “worst nightmare”

local news

Story continued from » p. 1 “When I saw her for the first time, I just collapsed. She didn’t know that I was coming either. She kept saying ‘I’m sorry dad, I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it, I didn’t do it’,” he recalled.

“When we hit the tarmac in Sydney, we both just cried.

“She said that she can’t understand how she can thank the people who saved her life but I said to her, ‘no-one saved your life, you saved your life because of your actions, people just helped to get you back home’.”

In early November, Mr Davis and his wife Jenny filed a missing person’s report for Ms Davis, who it appeared had disappeared completely during an overseas trip.

Mr Davis revealed that his daughter initially made plans to visit only New Zealand, but that a late inclusion to the plan would see her fly to China for a short getaway beforehand.

It was expected that she would fly with friend Peter Gardiner from Sydney to China before returning after a couple of days to Sydney.

She was then going to continue her holiday in New Zealand.

But on November 10, Ms Davis’ parents became concerned when they noticed

that she had not accessed her Facebook account and police said that she never boarded her flight from China to Sydney.

But just days after the missing persons report was filed, on Wednesday, November 12, Mr and Mrs Davis were contacted with the horrifying news that she had been detained in China and was being investigated in relation to drug trafficking.

The investigation was to continue for 30 days, then the result would be forwarded to the prosecutors, which is where charges would be laid if there were any.

“She only had carry-on luggage, that’s all she had and she was just approached by authorities and asked to come back to the office. Then she found out what was happening and was taken to the detention centre,” Mr Davis said.

Ms Davis was not allowed to have contact with the outside world, was shackled and had her long, blonde hair cut in a short bob.

“It is like any detention centre, you have a small area to sleep and that’s it. The way that the Chinese authorities treated and respected her was incredible. Although conditions were not the best, their treatment of her was very respectful,” Mr Davis said.

Throughout her time in detention, her parents were left mostly in the dark.

“I don’t know what I have been feeling

this past month, it is like I have been braindead. Think of a parent’s worst nightmare and multiply it by 10, that’s what we went through. I know my daughter, I know my daughter – it was just my worst nightmare,” Mr Davis said.

“I was worried that the worst would happen but I knew that she hadn’t done anything wrong. You have to look and see what the worst case scenario is and for a drug offence you are looking at three things: 15 years [in prison], life or death.

You only have to Google it to see.

“You have to have that in mind but at the same time I kept thinking that she would be released, I knew it was going to happen.

It showed that what I knew of my daughter was true.”

It was particularly tough when Ms Davis’ birthday, which she shares with her parents’ anniversary, came around on November 22.

But while their experience was like living in hell, the support of the local community and specifically, Solicitor Paul Blunt and Penrith Anglican College – where Ms Davis went to school – chaplain, George Statheos, was invaluable. “[In the beginning] we never slept, we walked around aimlessly but with the support of others our outlook changed.

We were in the depths of despair but we

grew into a family of hope,” Mr Davis said.

“In the month that we spent at home, the support from this Penrith community was absolutely incredible. I can’t put into words how great this community is – the lengths they would go to for a friend, a community member, was incredible.”

Ms Davis’ travel partner, Mr Gardiner was also detained and remains in detention.

“To the family of Mr Peter Gardner, we will continue to pray for Peter and your family. You are always in our thoughts,” Ms Davis’ family said in a statement on Tuesday.

That statement announced Kalynda’s safe return to the nation, who had been waiting for news on her fate since learning of her story.

“We are happy to have Kalynda back home. We have always known Kalynda to be innocent of these allegations. Her return home today is a clear statement of her innocence,” the statement said.

“We have received so much support from family and friends. We thank everyone for the support we have received during the last month.

“These have been difficult times. We ask for all media outlets to accede to our wish to be able to return home peacefully and ask for our privacy to be respected.”

W

NE

EXCLUSIVE TO ABL TILE AND BATHROOM CENTRE

E

AS

LE

RE

VIVID SLIM MATTE BLACK BASIN MIXER

LUX BATH/SHOWER WALL MIXER

$

99

AR 15 YE

$

199

1299

$150 cash back

$

15% off

AR 12 YE

$

449

1430

NEW MODEL

55 PLUS FOOD DISPOSAL UNIT

INFINITY 26 TOUCH W/ WIRELESS REMOTE

$

AR 15 YE

1500 MARSHALL WALL HUNG WITH SLAB TOP

MONET DOUBLE BOWL SINK PACKAGE R 3 YEA

15% off

SEE INSTORE OR ONLINE FOR MORE GREAT DEALS

$

599 25% off

$

Modular Laundry System

2710

Timberline has now released a new laundry system. This modular system allow you to customise you laundry to suit your individual needs.

Whether you need a custom wall to wall or just a small laundry we have a solution for you.

NEW RELEASE

NEO TASTIC SINGLE 3 IN 1

$

529

R 5 YEA

SAVE $120

18 FORTHORN PLACE, ST MARYS PH: 9623 0499 WWW.ABLTILECENTRE.COM.AU

• Mix and Match from our huge range.

ANY Cabinet, ANY Colour, ANY Handle • Wall to Wall CUSTOM MADE • 100% Australian Made • Easy DIY Installation

OPENING HOURS MON TO FRI 7:30 - 5PM SAT 8:30AM - 4PM / SUN 9AM - 3PM

WW13064

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

70% off

900 GRANGE WALL HUNG

Police snapshot St Marys: Police look for teen after assault at train station

Local police officers conducted an operation last month with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour and alcohol and drug related crime. Officers from St Marys Local Area Command, with the assistance of police from Penrith, the Traffic and Highway Command, Transport Command, Police Dog Unit and Roads and Maritime Services, conducted the operation on the nights of Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29. Over 90 police officers were involved in the operation, including conducting random breath testing and targeting defective vehicles. 90 vehicles were found to have defects over the weekend, 20 people were arrested, over 40 charges were laid and a number of infringements were issued.

Police are currently investigating a robbery that occurred at St Marys Railway Station last month and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them. At about 7.30pm on Thursday, November 27, a 16-year-old male got off a train at St Marys Railway Station. Police say that when he alighted at the station, he was allegedly approached by a male and punched in the face. The offender took off with the victim’s shoulder bag and watch. Police attended shortly after and established a crime scene. Police say that the victim did not have any serious injuries. Police are trying to locate a male, described as being approximately 17 years of age, of Pacific Islander appearance, with a skinny build, black hair and wearing a blue shirt with white cap.

Cranebrook: Serious assault leaves teenager injured

Locals urged to be safe on our roads this holiday season

Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault in Rosanah Way, Cranebrook, where a teenager was seriously injured.

Police say that at around 8pm on Friday, November 28, a brawl erupted in the local street. Investigations suggest that it appears there were two squabbling groups. As a result of the fight, a 17-year-old male was allegedly stuck to head with an object. He was taken to Nepean Hospital in a serious condition. His condition has since stabilised.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact Penrith Local Area Command detectives directly or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are urging people to get ‘back to basics’ of road safety as many local residents finish up at work and school in the lead up to Christmas. They say that by following the five elements that lead to fatalities, deadly crashes can be avoided. The elements are: Sticking to the speed limit; not being fatigued; wearing seatbelts; not drink/ drug driving; and, avoiding distraction. “By making a concerted effort to run through the basics before heading out, you may save yourself and your family from a tragedy,” Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said this week.

local news

Police swoop on dangerous behaviour on our roads

7

WW13826

Come in store for all your Christmas needs

We have a range of fresh hams, turkey & Roasting Chickens This Weeks Specials for Friday 12th December to Wednesday 24th December or while stocks last Legs of Pork

5

Boned & rolled Pork Loins plain and seasoned

$ 99

kg

Smoked Salmon 500g

1499

$

kg

5

$ 99

kg

Frozen Prawns 5kg box

65 box

$

JORDAN SPRINGS SHOPPING CENTRE . 61-63 WATER GUM DRIVE . Ph 4729 1225 W WW14678 WW14437

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

WW14678

packet

8

$ 99

Leg Ham

(Whole or Half)

8

FUTURE OF PENRITH

West’s “jewel in the crown�

New chapter set to be written in Penrith’s longest running story

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

L

ocal residents have the opportunity to be part of the decision making process that will determine the future of Penrith Lakes.

The site, located on the western side of Castlereagh Road, has been a quarry for the past 35 years but, with the NSW Government releasing the Draft Vision Plan for public consultation, it is close to the next stage of development.

The NSW Government is proposing to turn the 1,935 hectare site into an area of urban development and recreational parklands. “With its rare and special location nestled on the banks of the Nepean River and in the shadows of the Blue Mountains, Penrith Lakes can evolve into the jewel in the crown for western Sydney,� said Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres. “With almost 960 hectares of lakes and ponds, it will be the largest body of water in Sydney outside Sydney Harbour.�

Mr Ayres described the site as a “blank canvas�. “This Draft Vision Plan is only a starting point and it will require input, ideas, imagination and feedback from the community to deliver a site that will become one of

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres is excited about the future of the Penrith Lakes site. Photo: Melinda Jane western Sydney’s most significant recreational assets,� he said.

The release of the Draft Vision Plan will allow community members to view some of the initial ideas about the possible future of the site, have access to the opportunities and challenges it presents and have their say on the site’s future.

“The NSW Government is undertaking a four month consultation process to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say,� Mr Ayres said. “This will include a number of open days to be held in Penrith in early 2015 where people can have their questions answered and provide input on the spot.�

It is expected that full development of the site may be staggered over 20 years or more, but it is a key component of Penrith’s future as a regional city.

For a copy of the Draft Vision Plan and information on how to make a submission, visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au or www.opl.nsw.gov.au.

You may be eligible for reduced Â?>˜`wÂ?Â? VÂ…>Ă€}iĂƒ >˜` > Ă€iL>ĂŒi Ă•Â˜`iĂ€ ĂŒÂ…i 7iĂƒĂŒiĂ€Â˜ -Ăž`˜iĂž ,iĂƒÂˆ`iÂ˜ĂŒÂˆ>Â? Ă¨ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒ ÂˆĂƒÂŤÂœĂƒ>Â? -VÂ…i“i° /Â…iĂ€i ÂˆĂƒ >Â?ĂƒÂœ Â?ÂˆÂ“ÂˆĂŒi` >Ă›>ˆÂ?>LˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂž vÂœĂ€ VÂœÂ?Â?iVĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ Âœv Â?i}>VĂž >ĂƒLiĂƒĂŒÂœĂƒÂ°

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

œ˜`ÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ >ÂŤÂŤÂ?Þ° *…œ˜i 4732 7615 vÂœĂ€ Â“ÂœĂ€i ˆ˜vÂœĂ€Â“>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Â°

WW14793

9 PENRITH

local news

NEWS CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

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

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

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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

GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES Council Meetings 15 December 2014 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) 9 February 2015 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

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

COUNCIL BRIEFS s Council is recognising the contribution that public art makes to place making, community identity and stewardship with a Public Art Opening at the Gateway Entrance Park (off Mulgoa Road) in Glenmore Park on Tuesday, 16 December from 4pm–4.45pm.

The Gateway Entrance Park incorporates public art into the park environment to welcome local residents and attract visitors to Glenmore Park.

The artwork was designed by artists Milnes and Stonehouse and children aged 5–12 years from the Glenmore Park Out of School Hours Care Centre.

The children can now view their contribution to this major piece of public art in the Gateway Entrance Park forever. s Is your home or business NBN ready? Don’t lose your phone and internet access! Parts of Penrith will be the ďŹ rst in Sydney to switch over completely on 20 February 2015.

When the switch happens homes and businesses will lose landline phone and internet access unless they tell their service provider before 20 February 2015.

Check your address here to ďŹ nd out if the area includes you.

The switch affects 3,600 premises. Current mobile connections will continue to work. This only affects landline connections.

You can ďŹ nd out more about the steps you need to take to make the switch by visiting nbnco.com.au/switch s Penrith City Council, the Environment Protection Authority and other western Sydney councils recently launched the Western Sydney Residential Asbestos Disposal Scheme (WSRADS), a pilot program enabling residents to dispose of legacy asbestos free of charge.

The Residential Asbestos Disposal Scheme encourages homeowners with legacy asbestos (bonded asbestos in solid sheet form) on their property that is less than 10sqm to apply through the scheme.

The WSRADS trial program is limited to households who register between 28 November and 19 December 2014. The collection of asbestos sheeting will occur in February 2015.

For more information about WSRADS contact Council on 4732 8084.

PUBLIC EXHIBITION Proposed Adoption of ‘Council’s Code of Meeting Practice’

The proposed Code of Meeting Practice is now on public exhibition and may be viewed at Council’s ofďŹ ces during normal business hours until Friday, 16 January 2015. Copies may also be obtained from

Submissions on the proposed Code are invited and will be received

by Council until 5pm on Friday, 16 January 2015. Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager and can be mailed to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or emailed to council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION The following Development Application has been received by Council: s Pretech Pty Ltd DA14/1527 13–15 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park Demolition of existing structures and construction of a senior’s living housing development comprising of 10 x 2-bedroom town houses and associated car parking Contact: Belinda Borg on 4732 7505 Closing Date: 15 January 2015

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

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

Approved Development Application s JR Bachour CD14/0024 Lot 22 DP 241601, (No. 176) Great Western Highway, Colyton Granny at s N F Billyard Pty Ltd DA14/0798 Lot 726 DP 250238 (No. 96) Henry Lawson Avenue, Werrington County Detached dual occupancy and strata subdivision x 2 lots amended plans received altering the ground and ďŹ rst oor layouts and window location Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre.

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

WW14797

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Under the Local Government Act 1993 Council is required to notify its Draft Code of Meeting Practice for public exhibition (Section 361 of the Act). The exhibition period must not be less than 28 days.

Council’s website or by contacting Adam Beggs on 4732 7597 or email abeggs@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

10

FEDERAL POLITICS

Abbott changes the game plan Co-payment gone, but Prime Minister reduces Medicare rebate to doctors

T

local news

he $7 GP co-payment has been axed in a major policy backdown

by Prime Minister Tony Abbott this week.

The Government will instead implement a package of measures that they say will strengthen Medicare and help make it sustainable, ensuring Australians will continue to have access to affordable, world-class health care.

“The Government has listened to the views of the community,” Mr Abbott said.

“This new package ensures the Government can make Medicare sustainable, improve the quality of care for patients and continue its repair of the Budget.”

The Medicare rebate paid to doctors for some consultations will be reduced by $5 and the troublesome issue of ‘six minute medicine’ will be addressed by encouraging doctors to spend more time with patients.

A new optional co-payment will be introduced for GP services with additional protections for patients.

“The Government will not impose a co-payment on GP services provided to pensioners, Commonwealth concession card holders, all children under the age of 16, veterans funded through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, attendances at residential aged care facilities and pathol-

Prime Minister Tony Abbott

ogy and diagnostic imaging services,” Mr Abbott said.

“Incentives paid to doctors to encourage them to bulk bill concession card holders and children under the age of 16 will also remain.”

Medicare rebates for common GP consultations will be reduced by $5 for non-concessional patients aged 16 and over from July 1, 2015.

Doctors may choose to recoup the $5 rebate reduction through an optional co-payment or continue to bulk bill nonconcessional patients over the age of 16.

“Doctors will be under no obligation to charge the co-payment and this decision will be entirely at their discretion,” Mr Abbott said.

“In a further move to streamline Medicare and improve quality outcomes, the Government will make changes to standard GP consultation items which currently provide the same Medicare rebate for a six minute consultation as for a 19 minute consultation.

“This change will ensure that Medicare expenditure more accurately reflects the time a GP spends with a patient.”

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten remains unhappy despite the changes.

“Labor does not believe you pay a tax to go to the doctor,” he said.

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

TRADITIONAL CARE WITH DIGNITY & RESPECT Local family owned and operated by Jim and Janet Mueller Servicing the Nepean Valley and All Suburbs of Sydney at affordable prices Pre-paid funeral plans and pre-arranged funerals Catering for all religions, cultures and civil ceremonies Chapel Available Caring, personalised service available 24hrs / 7 days

Penrith Lakes

Tel 4722 8222

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

3(15,7+ :+,7(:$7(5 67$',80

678&. )25 $ &+5,670$6 35(6(17"

%RRNLQJV (VVHQWLDO 3K SHQULWKZKLWHZDWHU FRP DX

Whitewater Rafting Gift Vouchers

Christmas & End-of-year Parties – Book NOW! McCarthys Lane, Cranebrook, Ph: 4730 4333

WW14242

WW14638

www.nepeanvalleyfunerals.com.au Shop 4, 2 - 6 Castlereagh Street, Penrith NSW 2750

Penrith Council has welcomed the State Government’s launch of community consultation into the Draft Vision Plan for the Penrith Lakes Parkland.

Council has advocated to see the Penrith Lakes site transform into the Penrith Lakes Parkland.

For over four decades the city has accepted the inconvenience of the quarrying that has occurred. It is now incumbent on the NSW State Government to make amends for these inconveniences and the community rewarded.

After touring the site recently I am excited for its potential in providing Penrith with recreation, leisure and tourism opportunities.

The regeneration works that are being carried out as quarrying ceases are attracting wildlife to the lakes. A dedicated wildlife lake provides sanctuary to migratory birds along with planting of natural species providing a habitat for animals.

The Sydney International Regatta Centre and the Penrith Whitewater Stadium are already major drawcards to our region hosting national and international events and profiling Penrith on the world stage.

These centres are just the beginning and Council has long held a vision for Penrith Lakes to become a principal destination for employment, quality housing, community facilities and recreation.

This will be one of the most significant developments in Penrith. The Lakes are the jewel in our city’s crown.

Council expects the development of the Penrith Lakes Parkland to be the benchmark for similar developments in the future.

It’s not often we get the opportunity to help shape our city in such a significant way. We have one chance to get this right so that future generations benefit from our endeavours.

I urge all residents to start the new year by taking an interest in this project and being a part of this great development.

Consultation with the community is an important step and is open until April 2015.

For more information on the draft vision plan and to make a submission visit www.opl.nsw.gov.au

ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

11

local news

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

WW14822 WW14822

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

local news 12

WW14591

POLICE

13

Campaign aims to curb summer violence

local news

Mykaela Gibson was seriously injured in a silly-season assault @ktweed_

KATHERINE TWEED

T

he safety of local residents is on top of the agenda for NSW Police, which has launched a new summer safety and security awareness campaign for this year’s holiday season.

The campaign launch on Tuesday, encouraging people to celebrate safely and responsibly, has come just in time for the silly-season, which police acknowledge is a time when people may make more poor decisions and undertake risky behaviour that leads to injury and death.

Victim of a violent silly-season attack, Mykaela Gibson is living proof of the serious impacts of substance-related violence and is speaking in favour of the campaign, which will run throughout the summer.

“This incident has impacted every part of my life. I don’t feel like me anymore and I don’t want anyone to go through what I am going through,” Ms Gibson said.

Ms Gibson was attacked by a person who was under the influence of crystal methylamphetamine, or ice, and was struck in the head by a schooner glass at a licensed venue.

CELEBRATE THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS AT GLENMORE PARK TOWN CENTRE FROM MONDAY 8 DECEMBER THROUGH FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER On the first day of Christmas, Glenmore Park Town Centre gave to me....

We have 12 great specials available for the 12 days of Christmas only. Get in quick!

DEVELOPMENT

Premier’s praise as construction begins

Visit our website www.glenmoreparktowncentre.com.au for all the details. *All specials while stocks last. Specials only available from Monday 8 December through Friday 19 December.

Specials include: Diamond Dave’s Hairdressing Moroccanoil Gift Packs

$89.99

Stuart Ayres, Tanya Davies, Mike Baird and Greg Davies on Tuesday NATHAN TAYLOR

1-11 Town Terrace Glenmore Park NSW 2745 www.glenmoreparktowncentre.com.au

GLENMORE PARK TOWN CENTRE

Ched Towns Reserve

Proudly managed by

Retail Services

WW14539

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

he ceremonial sod has been turned and now Masters Penrith is ready for construction, creating hundreds of jobs for the people of Penrith.

Masters Managing Director Matt Tyson was joined by NSW Premier Mike Baird, Penrith MP Stuart Ayres, Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies and Penrith Deputy Mayor Greg Davies on Tuesday for the turning of the sod on the Mulgoa Road site and to announce the expansion of four new Masters stores in western Sydney.

Glenmore Park

TOWN TCE

T

@natetaylor87

“Masters is creating more than 2000 jobs in western Sydney through the construction of these four new stores,” Mr Tyson said.

“We are investing more than $100 million in the four new stores and will create approximately 400 ongoing retail job opportunities, plus additional support roles and jobs during the construction phase.”

Mr Baird called the project an “incredibly exciting” investment for western Sydney. “$100 million investment, thousands of jobs, that is what western Sydney is about at the moment,” he said.

MORE PKW Y GLEN

RRP $140 save $50

14

YOUTH CRIME

Putting kids on the right track Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre’s silent angels are helping to change lives

local news

KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

S

ave the Children social workers, or ‘The Red Shirts’, as they are known by the youth staying at Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre, have become a permanent and essential part of life at the local remand facility.

Each year hundreds of young men, between 15 and 18-years-old, who have been apprehended by the police and refused bail are detained at the centre as they wait for the outcome of their court proceedings.

Their stay can be as short as a day and as long as two years but no matter their circumstances, they are supported by the team of three from Save the Children.

The team offers support to the young detainees by way of providing a listening ear and a comforting word as well as offering life skill programs and mentoring to help rehabilitate and prepare the young men for what lies ahead.

The service they offer at the St Marys facility is unique to Juvenile Justice. “We run programs for them on everything from cooking and parenting to interview skills, writing a CV and budgeting, then we support young people on the outside as well as they transition back into

Save the Children workers with Brad Hazzard, Georgia Tacey and Tanya Davies either family life or independent living,� said Save the Children State Manager, Georgia Tacey. “We have a different purpose to the guards and we are able to offer them some pretty amazing opportunities.�

TAKE E AD DVANTAG GE OF THIS S SP PECIAL L SP PRIN NG CLE EANIN NG OFFER

In the last six months, the Save the Children team has been working intensively with 18 people, helping them to integrate back into life outside the remand centre.

Only one has re-offended since. “So many of them don’t have positive

News in Numbers State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has acknowledged and commended the work of Penrith Women’s Health Centre, which has assisted 1,036 women and children affected by domestic violence in the local area this year.

1036

assisted “In the last year, the Penrith Women’s Health Centre Inc. service received $347,152.23 from the Baird-Grant Government to assist in the work they do.

SPRING CLEAN FOR ONLY $150*

By More At HomeÂŽ

Our friendly, locally-based, fully trained and insured staff will leave your home with that spring-fresh clean feeling.

Other More at Home services include: ĖŤŤ .,#23(!Ť 22(23 -!#ŤŤĖŤŤ #12.- +Ť! 1#ŤŤĖŤŤ #2/(3#Ť2#15(!#2ŤŤ ĖŤŤ 412(-%Ť2#15(!#2ŤŤĖŤŤ 1 -2(3(.-Ť$1.,Ť'.2/(3 +

* This is based on a 4 hour clean of an average-sized four bedroom house.

If yours is a large house, we will provide you with a competitive quote. Offer ends 28 February 2015.

ÄƒÄ‡Ä…Ä„ÄŒÄŹÄƒÄƒÄ°ÄƒÄŒ

moreathome.com.au

WW14778

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

More at Home is HCF’s specialist provider of in-home care services. But you don’t need to be an HCF member to use them – they’re available to everyone.

For an obligation-free discussion with one of our experienced staff, call 1300 550 124 or email contact@moreathome.com.au

adult role models in their lives. We are here so that they can have someone who says ‘hey, how was school today?’ and show a genuine interest in them,� Ms Tacey said.

But the team, with no direct funding from the government, has an uncertain future. “Save the Children fund the program 100 per cent, so we don’t get any government funding, and with a new building being built here, there are going to be hundreds of more boys living here, so we are going to need to find funding to support our service,� Ms Tacey explained.

NSW Attorney General, Brad Hazzard, and Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, visited the Centre on Friday, December 5, to review the construction on the building and to see first hand what the Save the Children team at Cobham do. “At this point they are doing a lot of the work from their own resources, and sometimes organisations do the very best work without government resources, but if they have reason to talk to us about those funding issues then of course we will look at it,�

Mr Hazzard said.

The detainees at the centre have access to a range of other programs including TAFE and university studies, and are required to attend school at the facility until they are 17.

The State Government has announced $67,000 in funding to help Penrith City Council build resilience to climate change in its local community.

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said Penrith City Council is at the front-line in managing the risks of climate change locally. “This funding will build on a hot spot modelling pilot already carried out by the Council in St Marys earlier this year to map and compare hot spots in Penrith and Leichhardt,� he said.

The Penrith City Council grant was one of six awarded under the first round of Building Resilience to Climate Change funding, totalling $432,500. “By knowing where the hot spots are

Under the service, victims of domestic violence are given help to obtain Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders by non-government organisations, operating in 114 courts across NSW, including Penrith and Mount Druitt,�

Mr Ayres said. “The services, staffed by fully trained and dedicated staff, also refers victims to support services and help them with information about the legal process.�

The services are funded by Legal Aid NSW in 28 regions of the state.

The services funded under the program will also form a crucial role as Local Coordination Points under the government’s It Stops Here: Safer Pathway.

and who uses these areas the most, both councils can look at the best way of planning for more extreme

67,000 in funding

heat events projected locally – like green cover, shading or changes to the way buildings and infrastructure are planned. It can also prioritise funding for areas and groups most at risk,� Mr Ayres said.

15

local news Spend $150 or more on PANDORA and receive a Limited Edition sterling silver bangle with sparkling pavĂŠ star clasp*.

(Valued at $99)

*Gift available from 11th – 25th December 2014 or while stocks last. Bangle excludes charms and is not available for purchase during the promotional period. Offer not available with any other PANDORA promotional offer, including SALE items. CONDITIONS APPLY. Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

WW148 WW14821

INCIDENT

16

local news

Chopper called after wakeboarding crash

The CareFlight helicopter in Cables’ car park. Photo: CareFlight KATHERINE TWEED

T

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

WW14607

@ktweed_

he Cables car park was converted into a helipad last week when the CareFlight helicopter was forced to land at the location to assist in the treatment of an injured woman.

The CareFlight rapid response trauma team was called to Penrith’s Cables Wake Board Park, located at Penrith Panthers, last Thursday, December 4, with reports that a woman was injured.

They arrived not long after they were called to the scene at 4.25pm to find

that a woman had suffered a serious head injury while wakeboarding at the popular park.

“The 49-year-old woman was reported to have been unconscious for about three minutes before being revived by patrons and staff at the western Sydney theme park,” said CareFlight spokesperson, Mark Lever.

CareFlight’s doctor and paramedic joined NSW ambulance personnel at the scene to assist in giving the woman prehospital treatment.

She was transported to Westmead Hospital by road ambulance under continuous treatment by the doctor.

WW14593

moderntilesandbathroom.com.au

AGED CARE

New facility to bring 140 new jobs to Penrith DALE DRINKWATER

Ph: 8678 5743 • Mob: 0405133991 2/176 Forrester Rd, St Mary’s Open Mon & Sun 9.30am - 4.30pm

17

20 TO 50% OFF TILE SALE

@daledrinkwater

WAS $299

FR

sof

$

EE

tc los

es

ea

sof

FR

tc los

$

EE

es

ea

sof

FR

tc los

$

EE

es

t

An artist’s impression of the facility aged care is high.”

Previous reports by Penrith City Council projected that by next year nearly 20,000 people in the area will be over 65, over 10 per cent of the city’s total population.

“These new places add to Opal’s existing pipeline, the largest in the industry, and reflect a strategic intent to meet the needs of Australia’s ageing population by developing new beds,” Mr Barnier said.

The privately owned company operates 60 homes across four Australian states with a focus on providing specialist aged care across a range of needs including dementia and respite care.

As part of the announcement, new homes will be established and operated across western Sydney at Blacktown, Wentworthville, Toongabbie and Cabramatta.

NO OW

WAS $599

ea

NO OW

WAS $249 sof

FR

tc los

es

t

WAS $599

WAS $599

NO OW

NO OW

$

$

EE

ea

NO OW

t

$

NO OW

t

WAS $699 15y r

wa

rra

nty

$

NO OW

$

NO OW 3S

IZE

WAS $179

NOW W

$

S

$

NO OW

local news

P

enrith will boast around 140 more jobs after one of Australia’s largest aged care providers announced it will open a new residential aged care facility in the area.

Opal Aged Care will invest approximately $30 million in the project, which will see the furthering of opportunities for elderly residents to remain in the area and closer to their families.

Around 120 new aged care places will be provided in the new high quality home, making it the second biggest facility in the Penrith region.

The Federal Government awarded Opal Aged Care the new residential aged care places following a successful application in the 2014 Aged Care Approvals Round.

Opal Aged Care recently opened a Quakers Hill nursing home in March and, after astounding community support, applied for over 600 beds in western Sydney across five homes.

“We look forward to being able to provide more residential aged care services to the elderly in the region,” Managing Director, Gary Barnier said.

“We take seriously our commitment to deliver high quality residential aged care in communities such as Penrith where the demand for specialist residential

WAS $169

$

NO OW

NO N OW

$

WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON QUALITY & PRICE

WW14801

Cambridge Park High School Friday 12th December 2014 • 3pm-8pm Harror Road, Cambridge Park Jumping Castles, Santa Photo’s, Raffles, Stalls, Show bags, Food, Entertainment and so much more....

WW14837

Proudly supported by Century 21 Cambridge Park

WW14837

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

y l i m a F e l o h w e Fun for th

local news

18

Teacher removed from local school After an investigation into an alleged affair between a teacher and student, Police arrested and charged a woman in St Marys last week.

The female teacher, a 44-year-old, was arrested in St Marys at about 8.30am, taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with having sexual intercourse with a child under her care, who was between 16 and 18 years old.

She was granted conditional bail and will appear in court next month over the allegations.

Police from Parramatta Local Area Command, who were looking into claims that a teacher had been having sexual intercourse with one of her students, made the arrest and are continuing their inquiries.

The Department of Education and Communities was unable to make comment about the allegations, due to the fact that the matter is before the courts, but has taken actions involving the persons involved.

“The Department has removed the teacher from the school. She will be placed on alternative duties away from all students,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education and Communities said.

“Counselling has been offered to the student involved.”

EDUCATION

Hall on the agenda

Opposition supports Kingswood High’s call for new hall

Opal Kiosk back Following the incredible support shown by seniors and pensioners who visited the Opal Kiosk in Penrith Westfield last month to order their Gold Senior/Pensioner card, the kiosk will return next week.

The Opal information kiosk will be located at Penrith Westfield from December 16-19 to assist those wanting a card.

The kiosk will operate Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm and Thursday from 9.00am to 8.00pm “It’s terrific to see that seniors and pensioners in the Penrith community have embraced Opal,” said Penrith State MP, Stuart Ayres.

The Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card is available for NSW Seniors, Pensioner Concession card holders and NSW War Widows.

Ryan Park, Prue Car, Stephen Neal and Emma Husar at Kingswood High School on Tuesday DALE DRINKWATER

S

@daledrinkwater

hadow Education Minister, Ryan Park says the hall at Kingswood High School is unsuitable and doesn’t cater for the school’s

needs.

Mr Park visited the local school on Tuesday morning with Labor Candidate for Londonderry, Prue Car and Labor Candidate for Penrith, Emma Husar, who contacted Mr Park after a push from the school’s P&C. Mr Park said that for the roughly 750 students enrolled, the hall is simply not sufficient.

“It’s quite obvious it has been neglected for too long and is not suitable for students in this type of school with this number of people,” he said.

With growth in the area, Mr Park said the school was likely to see an increase in enrolments over the coming years.

“What they have at the moment simply doesn’t cater for the school’s needs.

They’re not asking for something that’s unrealistic, all they’re asking for is a fair go,” he said.

“I’m certainly going to make this a priority in my discussions with the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Treasurer over the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Park said the project was driven by parents and not just teachers saying they’ve got concerns.

“This is parents saying they want their children to have better quality educational facilities,” he said.

P&C Representative, Stephen Neal, has two children already studying at King-

swood High School as well as another coming in the New Year. Mr Neal said he fears his kids are missing out.

“What we are looking for is to get a facility that the whole school can use, we want our kids to have the best learning environment and, at the moment, they don’t,” he said.

The P&C’s Treasurer, Ben Fox, said parents and teachers want to work together to improve the overall aesthetics of the school.

In Parliament recently, Penrith State MP Stuart Ayres appeared to back the call for a new hall, saying: “Recently I wrote to the Minister for Education requesting that a new hall be placed on the priority list for funding. The Minister indicated that the project will be put up for assessment against other competing projects.”

A quick fix on a bad hair day

DRY SHAMPOO Beautiful Hair... Instantly

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE

www.ambianceaustralia.com.au

WW14312

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Before B Be efo forre e

Ambiance provides coloured root coverage , gives volume and absorbs oil on the go

19

local news

Make a resolyouutiondeservto gete. the comfort

JANUARY

SALE

* OFF STOREWIDE

*Discount off RRP. Terms and conditions apply.

Artarmon Store Home HQ Artarmon 1 Frederick Street Artarmon NSW 2064 Phone 02 8072 4101 Email artarmon@reclinefurniture.com.au WW13450

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Penrith Store Penrith Homemaker Centre Shop 290 (opp JB Hi-Fi) Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750 Phone 02 8039 1795 Email penrith@reclinefurniture.com.au

UP TO 50%

20

dear weekender...

local news

Witnesses to accident need to come forward

forgiveness for standing on ants then knowing there is a another confession due next week and goes out and throws rocks at cars.

PHIL STOREY, PENRITH

I am writing this as I was involved in a hit and run motorcycle accident at the roundabout at Glenmore Parkway and Northen Road on Monday 1/12/14 at 3-3.30pm. Police were called and I ended up in Nepean Hospital. No witness was able to get the number plate of the car, but I am asking for help to track this person down. Please phone Cherie on 0403 794 885 if you can help me out.

CHERIE GARBUTT, VIA WEBSITE

Special time of year Christmas and the holiday season should be a time of love and joy, and for many people it is. That is not the case for all Australians. Poverty and financial hardship can be isolating experiences. This can hit home even more at Christmas for people who are struggling. Whilst people are gathering to enjoy time with family and friends for the celebrations, some Australians cannot afford to even buy a gift, get together with friends or go on any kind of holiday. We are encouraging everyone in this area to specifically look out for others in the community. Try to help those who may be lonely or having any kind of up-hill battle.

Please share some hope and joy with others in your area. Anyone needing support or assistance can call our free 24/7 telephone counselling service, Salvo Care Line, on 1300 36 36 22. The Salvation Army will serve around

Abbott not back in the game, despite marathon press conference I can’t agree with editor Troy Dodds’ view that by Tony Abbott facing up to over 20 questions from reporters proves the PM is “now back in the game” (Editor’s Desk, Western Weekender December 5). The very next day his Government announced that the release of over 1000 children from Christmas Island was subject to the senate passing a contentious piece refugee legislation. He was like a small child who wants

10,000 meals in the lead up to Christmas and on the day itself. It is estimated nearly half a million toys and gifts will be distributed to people in need, through the generosity of the K-mart Wishing Tree Appeal. At least 100,000 food vouchers and hampers will be given to people in need.

The Salvos will help 300,000 Australians in need this Christmas.

We are asking people in the local community to help in any way they can. Our national fundraising target is $15 million. To donate to The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal, just call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or go to salvos.org.au/Christmas. Funds are badly needed to help people in crisis. There is a network of Salvation Army churches around the nation, with many offering a range of activities leading up to Christmas including carol singing and Christmas Day church services. Some also offer community Christmas lunches.

Your local details are listed at salvos.org.au/Christmas. We wish all readers a happy and safe time over Christmas and the New Year, and all the very best for 2015.

MAJOR BRUCE HARMER, SALVATION ARMY

email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

Thanks to Councillors Thank you to the four Councillors who stood against the proposed mosque. Yes, it will be a mosque. Where are the Councillors to listen to the locals who clearly expressed their very significant concerns to have such in their dead end street, surrounded by bush and the well established locals. I thought that Councillors worked for the rate payers? Not in this case!

JUDITH BOND, VIA WEBSITE

do not integrate even among themselves. These Mosques will change Penrith’s character and culture. This issue will be escalated over the coming months as Councillor Cornish considers a Land and Environment Court appeal, while I and other Penrith residents are considering running at the next State Election in the Seat of Penrith and surrounding electorates.

RICK PUTRA, GLENMORE PARK

Not news to us

Debate isn’t over Monday’s Council meeting to rescind the approval for the second Mosque was a watershed moment for all residents of Penrith, and I suspect the beginning of the end for many Councillors who ignored the hundreds of residents who attended, and the hundreds who signed petitions presented by Councillor Mark Davies, and supported by Councillors Crameri and Girotto.

These two Shia Mosques are only the start and will likely be followed by applications from the Sunni sects and many others, because Muslims from different countries

This week’s Australian Public Service Commission Capability Review into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs confirms what we, and our clients, have long known – it is shambolic. The Review found DVA’s processes are disjointed and slow, and Veterans’ health and welfare is being put at risk by a department struggling under a disorganised bureaucracy. Our clients are regularly frustrated by slow, duplicated or inadequate responses and ad-hoc decisions made in the absence of information and poor processes.

BRIAN BRIGGS, SLATER AND GORDON LAWYERS

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

PENRITH NOW OPEN

Thousands of products and accessories in store with friendly and technical advice.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT

Professional Fishfinders BIG • 5.7” or 8.4” (640 x 480) colour display SAVIN • Ultra bright sunlight readable LCD GS • Dual frequency 50/200kHz • 600W TM transducer included • Display underwater conditions up to 64 colours • Fast transmission rate and ACCU-FISH fish size analyser • Configurable alarm function (depth, fish, echoes etc.)

1198

$

SAVE OVER $ 200

MDM402 - RRP $1399 (Shown) MDM406 – RRP $2099 NOW $1799 Save $300

3.5” Reversing Cameras

Axis Offshore Inflatable PFDs

1 COLOUR CAMERA RVC120 RRP $149 NOW $99 Save $50 2 COLOUR CAMERAS RVC125 RRP $199 NOW $149 Save $50

FROM

99

$

$ SAVE 50

Heavy Duty Jumper Leads with LEDs 400A, 3m long TEA842 $29.95 700A, 4.5m long TEA844 $69.95

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

NEW

SUMMER CATALOGUE FLYER OUT NOW

FROM

29

$

95

GREY MSE115 RED MSE120 RRP $79.95 Also available: Inflatable PFD Recharge Kit MSE135 $26.95

$

95 54 EACH

$ SAVE 25

30L Portable Fridge Keep your food and drinks fresh and cold with superb energy efficiency and reliability. Great value!

• 12/24VDC or 240VAC • Temp range: -18ºC to +10ºC $

495

TOG130 - RRP $695

$ SAVE 200

COMPRESSOR INSIDE

Flexible LED Strip Light • Over 1000 lumens of brilliant white light • Hook and loop backing for quick hanging • IP67 waterproof • 12VDC, 1.0A TLA426 $ 95

89

81-83 Batt St, Penrith NSW 2750 PH: (02) 4722 4555 www.roadtechmarine.com.au

Open 7 Days Mon - Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

8:30am - 5:30pm 8:30am - 6:30pm 8:30am - 5:30pm 8:30am - 5:00pm 10:00am - 4:00pm

Prices valid till 07/12/2014 WW14243

Council has decided to shed some light on the remainder of South Penrith’s Jamison Park from fields five to 11. After installing floodlighting to fields one to four earlier in the year, the decision has been made to proceed with the completion of the lighting and to improve the public space’s safety. All fields will soon have an improved lighting capacity, meeting current and future training and competition requirements.

The chosen company, Hix Group Pty Ltd, will supply and install 100 lux floodlighting for the sum of $518,940, adding to the current operational energy efficient floodlight system.

Just in time for all the rain, Penrith Council has adopted the 2014 South Creek Flood Study that stretched 240 square km. The updated results will now be made available to the public through the Council website. In conjunction with the transparency of the study, Council has agreed to write to all 13 of those who made a submission when the flood study was open for public comment in July and August.

Council will now seek funding to undertake the next stage, a floodplain risk management study to develop a plan for floodplain risk management in South Creek.

Two applications for April 2015’s National Youth Week have been approved for funding. Both The Valley Youth

Festival and Cranebrook Youth Week will now take the next steps in planning, with events being held between Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 19. The week, which is themed ‘It Starts With Us’ totals at a budget of $6,150.

Then to celebrate our seniors, Seniors Week 2015 has had eight grants approved to local community organisations to the value of $6,500. The week supports the involvement of older people in the community and their continued participation in local events and activities. The week will be held from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 22, with a total of nine events tailored to seniors.

Deputy Mayor Greg Davies brought a successful motion in General Business on Monday that Councillor Marcus Cornish apologise for comments he made about the Liverpool Local Government Area in the media. Liverpool City Council had written to Mayor Ross Fowler on behalf of the residents of Liverpool seeking clarification of the attitude of Penrith Council regarding their neighbour Councils and asking for an apology and retraction from Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish for his comments about their city. Councillor Cornish refused to apologise for his inappropriate comments.

The next council meeting will be held on Monday, December 15 from 7.30pm.

21

local news

FREE Santa Photo’s (Bring your camera) Saturday 13th - 24th December 10am till 2pm (excludes Sundays) COACHMAN’S PARK Cnr Charles Hackett Drive & Queen Street St Marys

Christmas in St Marys FREE family event Saturday 20th December 10am till 2pm COACHMAN’S PARK Cnr Charles Hackett Drive & Queen Street St Marys

LIVE PERFORMANCES SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE

by Jai Waetford

Proudly brought to you by WW14028

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

a Very Frozen Christmas Show, Superheros Christmas Show, jumping castle, Meet n greet with Olaf, Anna, Elsa & Kristoff

local news

22

Bad toys turfed A crackdown on discount stores, pop-up shops, markets and online websites has seen 95 non-compliant toy products pulled from shelves across Sydney in the lead up to Christmas, NSW Fair Trading Minister, Matthew Mason-Cox said.

A talking Thomas the Tank Engine toy and a Gangnam style dream bus were among the many dangerous toys seized and destroyed as part of this year’s annual toy compliance checks “This particular Peppa Pig and family squeaky toy set appeared cute and harmless but when put through testing were found to present multiple hazards to small children, including choking or a child ingesting or inhaling them,’’ Mr MasonCox said.

Boost for Opal Card Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian has announced Opal top-up machines will be progressively rolled out to train stations, ferry wharves and light rail stops from early 2015, as the number of Opal cards issued reaches 1.5 million.

Testing will begin this week before the first machines start appearing on stations in western Sydney and the CBD early next year. Close to 350 machines will be rolled out over the next 12 months, providing coverage for around 99 per cent of customers.

Ms Berejiklian said with 1.5 million Opal cards now issued and the system live on all trains, buses, light rail and Sydney Ferries, the NSW Government could focus on making Opal even more convenient.

CHRISTMAS

Students lend a hand Food and toys packed into hampers to help those in need KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

M

any families struggling to make ends meet this Christmas will have food on the table and toys under the tree thanks to the selfless work of Penrith Anglican College students.

Every student in the school is encouraged to take part in Anglicare Sydney’s Toys ‘n’ Tucker campaign, spending November collecting Christmas food and toys to be packed into hampers for families.

Each class and pastoral care group, from Kindergarten to Year 12 is given a basket to collect food and gifts.

“We liaise with the Anglicare Depot at Mt Druitt to find out what is needed and focus on those items. Usually the prep and junior school students are encouraged to bring food and toys related to their age group. In the senior school, we encourage students to bring in food and gift cards as teenagers love to receive those in the hampers,” said event organiser, Alison Menzies.

“We also run a program in Year 11 and 12 where students can choose electives which they participate in for the term.

One of these electives is Toys ‘n’ Tucker.

Students from Penrith Anglican College with one of the hampers. Photo: Melinda Jane The students help with advertising around the school, announcements on assemblies and organising baskets and leaflets for each class. They also go each fortnight to the Mt Druitt Depot to help pack the hampers. This is great as they get to see where all our contributions go and how much food and gifts are needed to support this venture.”

Anglicare Sydney CEO, Grant Millard,

said that despite the fact that Sydney is a wealthy city, there are still many people and families in desperate need.

“With a lack of affordable housing and high cost of living, many are finding it tough to keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table,” he said.

“We are most encouraged by the care and generosity of people, like students from Penrith Anglican College.”

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

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

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

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

Call us today

1800 663 441 barnardos.org.au

ABN 18 068 557 906 | A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity | Models used to protect privacy | SYS_00620 WW13155

BUSINESS

23

Passion still alive after fire Iconic Aquarium shop in Emu Plains reopens 12 months after devastating blaze KATE REID

@kate_reid6

local news

A

fter a devastating fire ripped through Salt Aquariums in December last year, the Emu Plains store is refurbished and ready for business.

In the early hours of December 6, 2013, a fire started in the store’s air-conditioning system and while the building itself survived, the roof panels, shop fit and all the stock was destroyed, mostly from soot and smoke damage.

“I was down in Melbourne when the fire happened so I came back up the following day and when I got in it was quite horrific.

All you could see was soot everywhere and dead coral,” Salt Aquariums owner, Craig Salt said.

Striking just before the Christmas season, it wasn’t until February that the building was assessed by the insurance company. The store was then gutted and what followed was many months of hard work to get Salt Aquariums back to new again. It was a process that was definitely worth the wait for Mr Salt.

“It’s great coming back into it and seeing all the coral again and the fish, it’s good to be back” he said.

The store is owned by husband and wife

Craig Salt is thrilled that Salt Aquariums has reopened after last year’s devastating fire. Photo: Melinda Jane team Craig and Sharon Salt. The couple opened the store in 2008 after Mr Salt’s hobby started to get a bit too big for their home.

“I remember wanting to get a bigger tank

and my wife said to me ‘no, you can’t get a bigger tank, you can’t fit it in here’ and she said ‘why don’t you just buy a shop?’ and I said ‘OK’, so we started the shop,” he said.

The couple are hoping customers will

return and check out the newly refurbished store, which is situated on Old Bathurst Road, Emu Plains. The new fit out includes bigger tanks, more live coral and a newly painted mural.

TELEVISION

New show discusses emergence of the west NATHAN TAYLOR

A

@natetaylor87

thought-provoking and insightful television program, which gives local community and business people within western Sydney the opportunity to hear inspirational Australian executives share their experience and knowledge, will begin on TVS this Sunday, December 14.

Titled ‘Future Forum’ the program is hosted by media buyer and philanthropist, Harold Mitchell, and 2012 Prime Minister’s Australian University Teacher of the Year, Professor James Arvanitakis.

‘Future Forum’ looks in depth into growth and development of the western

Sydney region and provides commentary on the importance of digital infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest growing regional populations.

“It is very important that we have opportunities to showcase issues that are occurring in the greater western Sydney region,” TVS CEO, Rachel Bentley said.

“Community television programs encourage debate and discussion about important issues.”

The first episode of ‘Future Forum’, which airs this Sunday, discusses how the digital landscape is changing the face of Australian media, media usage and ownership in Australia.

Episode two, which will air on TVS on December 21, will examine the growth

www.classroomsaroundtheworld.com.au

of Sydney’s west, discussing the value of traditional and digital infrastructure in the development of the western Sydney region.

‘Future Forum’ screens on TVS, free to air

channel 44. The program can be streamed online at www.tvs.org.au/watch.

If you watch the show, let us know what you think LIVE by Tweeting us @wwpenrith.

E RATUR H LITE S I L G EN ORY T HIST N E I C DS AN LEFIEL T T A B ARTS A N Z AC RMING O F R E &P DA N C E AG E S LANGU IPS SKI TR & S T R LO GY SPO CHNO E T & E SCIENC ES SCIENC EARTH IPS ORT TR S TO R Y I H H S S & T AR TIONS R VAC A E M M SU

BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW celebrating

25 years

WW13065

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

FULLY ESCORTED INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL, PERFORMING ARTS & SPORTS TOURS

The new TV show ‘Future Forum’ is set to premiere on TVS

COMMUNITY

local news

24

Sad loss as Lions’ dog loses cancer battle

WW14873

Is your business keeping you awake at night?

David Henby and Trixie KATHERINE TWEED

T

his week the Lions Club of Cambridge Park are mourning the loss of one of their most faithful members, Trixie the golden retriever.

Trixie passed away last weekend after a battle with cancer but the footprint that she left with the Lions and the local community will not be forgotten.

Speaking on behalf of the Cambridge Park Lions Club, a member said that Trixie will be sorely missed.

“We are going to miss her so much and

Come in for an appointment at no cost to you with a business advisor to help solve your business problems.

WW7469

02 4721 5011 This service is proudly funded by the State Government Small Biz Connect Program

@ktweed_

www.penrithsmallbiz.com.au

make it a

so will the children at Nepean Hospital and the children who see her each week at the local shopping centre. She was an important member of our club,” he said.

Trixie was the companion to handler, David Henby, and together they raised tens of thousands of dollars to be donated through the Lions Club to various children’s support organisations, including the Nepean Hospital Children’s Ward, Tresillion, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis and more.

The lovable dog was a member of the club for five years and was also a regular at Westfield Penrith for the Lions’ weekly chocolate wheel.

Stockist o fa HUGE R ANGE O F

CHRISTMAS to remember

Ca Catalogue at Out Now Ou O Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia ‘Infinity’ Bracelet (valued at $79)

Spend $1 50 or mo re on PA and rece NDOR ive a Lim sterling si ited Editio A lver bang n le w pavé star clasp*. (V ith sparkling alued at $99) *Gift avai lable from

FREE

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

with every purchase of $99 or more from the current catalogue

AVAILAB LE STORE O VILLAGE SHOPP ING CEN NLY TR

11 th while stoc th ks last. Ba – 25 December 2014 or ngle exclud not availa ble for pu rchase du es charms and is period. O ring the pr ffer not av omotiona PANDORA ailable w l ith any ot promotio her items. CO nal offer, includin g SALE NDITION S APPLY.

E

Village Shopping Centre, Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys Ph: 9623 1655 104 Queen St, St Marys ph: 9623 1141 WW13241

25

Everything for your Home & more...

local news

...for this Christmas Christmas Trading Hours

Christmas tree dressed

by Rudolphs Christmas

The Giving Tree Bring a gift forr a child less ffortunate ortunate this Christmas and place it at the Giving Tree, The Spirit of Christmas.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

8th December 2014 9th December 2014 10th December 2014 11th December 2014 12th December 2014 13th December 2014 14th December 2014 15th December 2014 16th December 2014 17th December 2014 18th December 2014 19th December 2014 20th December 2014 21st December 2014 22nd December 2014 23rd December 2014 24th December 2014 25th December 2014 26th December 2014 27th December 2014 28th December 2014 29th December 2014 30th December 2014 31st December 2014 1st January 2015

9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 9pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 5pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 10pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 9pm 9am – 9pm 9am – 5.30pm Closed Closed 9am – 9pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 6pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm Closed

Face Painter available on the 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st December 2014 11am - 2pm

Penrith Harmony Will be performing your favourite Christmas Carols & Songs at these time Every Thursday Night in December 6.30pm - 7.30pm Every Saturday in December 10.30am - 11.30am

Over 30 stores to choose with all the leading brands in ONE location Just off the M4 on Mulgoa Rd • OPEN 7 DAYS www.penrithhomemakercentre.com.au

M

4

BL

AI

KI

E

RD

W

ES

TE

RN

HW

Y

A

GO

L MU

RD

WOLSELEY ST

WW14059

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

PATTY’S PL

local news

26

Peak for accidents With Christmas cheer almost here, NRMA Insurance is calling for NSW drivers to take extra care when hitting the shops as car park collisions spike in December.

NRMA Insurance claims data for NSW last year has revealed that car park collisions in December increased by 15 per cent above the annual average, with Thursday being the most common day for a car park collision, closely followed by Friday.

NRMA Insurance spokesperson Mariana Cidade said the lead-up to Christmas sees more traffic on the road and in shopping centre car parks.

“Typical parking collisions involved reversing into other cars, runaway shopping trolleys and scrapes with pylons and poles,” she said.

Careful with pets As the festive season commences and we begin to indulge in the abundance of sweet, rich and tasty treats on offer at the Christmas table, Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue is reminding pet owners to be extra mindful of their furry friend’s diet.

While the holiday period should be fun for all your family members, including pets, Petbarn Penrith Coreen Avenue Store Manager Patrick Bartush said pet owners must resist the temptation to slip their pets Christmas food scraps under the table.

“Feeding your four-legged friend Christmas leftovers including cooked bones, ham offcuts, trimmed steak and sausages can cause problems such as obstruction and pancreatitis,” he said.

CHRISTMAS

Santa’s waiting for mail Kids urged to post their letters to Santa in time for Christmas KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

T

here might be just under two weeks until Santa’s busiest night of the year but as far as Australia Post is concerned, it is not too late for Penrith’s kids to get their wish lists and Christmas letters to the North Pole.

Lists and letters to Santa can be dropped into any Australia Post red post box or in-store at selected post offices before Christmas and kids will receive a personalised response direct from the North Pole.

To ensure that St Nick replies, simply address the letter to Santa, North Pole, 9999 and be sure to include your full name, address and stamped envelope.

Last year more than 150,000 letters were sent to Santa via Australia Post.

“Santa has heard that there have been many well-behaved children in Australia this year, so I’m encouraging them all to make sure they write their letters and wish lists as soon as possible so that he has plenty of time before Christmas to read and respond to them,” said Christine Corbett, Executive General Manager, Postal Services at Australia Post.

“Australia is one of the first countries

Kids are urged to send their letters to Santa Claus to get a personalised reply in the world to experience Christmas and Australia Post is working with Santa and his little helpers to ensure Santa Mail from Down Under is given top priority.”

Australia Post post offices nationally will have extended trading hours during the week and at weekends right up until Christmas Eve.

COMMUNITY

Giants recognised for multicultural efforts

Nepean River Green Bridge Geotechnical investigations at Nepean River, Penrith from Monday 1 December Roads and Maritime Services will carry out geotechnical investigations to further inform the design for the Nepean River Green Bridge project.

This work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm from Monday 1 December to Friday 19 December, weather permitting.

Roads and Maritime contractors will use a truck-mounted drill rig to drill three boreholes on the western side and three boreholes on the eastern side of the river. In addition to this work, one test pit will also be excavated on the western side of the river. Additional boreholes will be drilled in the river bed using a truck-mounted drill rig on a barge.

GWS celebrating Multicultural Round against Geelong earlier this year

Pedestrian access will be maintained while drilling work is carried out along The Great River Walk on the eastern side of the river.

NATHAN TAYLOR

T

There may be some noise associated with this work but every effort will be made to minimise the impact on residents and businesses.

We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause and appreciate the patience of residents and water users.

Z00665R

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

A half day closure of the Tench Reserve boat ramp in Tench Avenue, Jamiesontown will be required to place the barge on the river. This closure will occur on Monday 1 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

For further enquiries call Anthony Dillon on (02) 8849 2421 during business hours or email Anthony.Dillon@rms.nsw.gov.au WW14031

@natetaylor87

he GWS Giants have been recognised for their dedication to multiculturalism at the recent 2014 Australian Multicultural Marketing Awards.

The Giants’ promotion of AFL Multicultural Round was highlighted at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House last week.

Using the theme of ‘Many Cultures, One Game’, the Giants celebrated cultural diversity at their July 19 home match against Geelong at Spotless Stadium.

The Giants took part in a number of cultural activities leading up to the clash

including hosting an Iftar dinner at the club’s headquarters with key community leaders and members of the Islamic and broader multicultural community.

The Giants also held a pre-match citizenship ceremony for over 50 new Australian citizens. There were also pre-game and halftime performances by Irish, South Pacific, African and Chinese dancers, while the stadium concourse featured drumming workshops, prayer tents, henna tattoos as well as goal signs translated in many different languages.

“It’s well deserved recognition of the many programs and initiatives the Giants are undertaking to embrace new communities in western Sydney,” AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan said.

27

OUR SUMMER

*24 6,) 322/ ;1) -* -6 -5 126 *)1')( ;1) -* -6 -5 126 4)+-56)4)( ;1) -* 6,)4) -5 12 ()8)/230)16 '215)16

SPLASH

" "

" " % " # !" !

local news

$ #

!" % #

! "% !" "! % # % !

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

WW14795

3)14-6,'-6: 159 +28 &7 &'.:&4( 22/ !&*)6:

;OL ,U]PYVUTLU[HSS` MYPLUKS` ^H` [V WYVJLZZ ZL^HNL ^HZ[L ^H[LY HUK VYNHUPJ ^HZ[L

%TTVSZIH 8 7% :MG 27; %' 8 50( 2

-VYNL[ ZTLSS` ZLW[PJZ VY JOLTPJHS [YLH[TLU[Z ,_WLYPLUJL [OL ILULMP[Z VM H UH[\YHS Z`Z[LT \ZPUN L_JP[PUN [LJOUVSVN`

Competition open Mon 8 Dec until Fri 19 Dec

‹ (WWYV_ WLY HUU\T LULYN` JVZ[Z ;`WPJHS )9 K^LSSPUN PUKLWLUKLU[S` HZZLZZLK OPSS` ZP[LZ UPS LULYN`

*See StMarysVillage.com.au for full terms & conditions.

NSW Permit number LTPS/14/09741

National Head OfďŹ ce: Unit 5/2135 Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings 03 5979 1887 Email: enquiries@wormfarm.com.au Web: www.wormfarm.com.au

WW12774

/StMarysVillage | StMarysVillage.com.au WW14769

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

‹ 5V NYLLU OV\ZL NHZLZ WYVK\JLK ‹ 3V^ THPU[LUHUJL ‹ ,_JLSSLU[ U\[YPLU[ MVY [OL NHYKLU ‹ (]LYHNL SLZZ NHYIHNL [V SHUKMPSS ‹ :LY]PJPUN TPUPUN HUK YLTV[L ZP[LZ ‹ *HU IL MP[[LK PU[V L_PZ[PUN ZLW[PJ [HURZ VY [YLH[TLU[ WSHU[Z

A&A WORM FARM WASTE SYSTEMS PTY LTD

Simply spend $30 in one day at St Marys Village and you could WIN 1 of 4 family passes to Sydney’s Wet’N’Wild valued at over $500.*

local news

28

!

A landmark bridge over our beautiful Nepean River, and making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

An area ten times the size of Centennial Park it will become a destination for recreation, leisure, employment and urban living. The Lakes are the jewel in our City’s crown. ! !

One of the most exciting developments slated for Penrith in recent years, the Science Park at Luddenham will create thousands of jobs and a new town centre dominated by research and learning. It will be a catalyst for the Broader Western Sydney Employment Area which will bring further job opportunities and diversity.

2

Thornton is a vital part of revitalising, re-energising and re-imagining our City Centre. It’s a shining example of CBD living with high quality, transit-oriented development. ! ! !

Recent State and Federal transport infrastructure announcements that Council has lobbied for will help unlock this massive employment area to help secure our future. More than 50,000 local jobs over the next 30 years and more than 200,000 local jobs overall will be delivered.

WW14798

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

A future connection of the Great Western Highway and M4 improving access to local jobs, regional employment hubs and new residential areas, reducing pressure on Mamre and Northern Roads.

*$(+'-&#'-1 (,0 %)/ ".

Abbey’s hard work in Little Athletics pays off with Most Improved award

29 EXTENDED HOURS, MORE JOY

Domenic Meduri from McDonald’s and Abbey Watson Cambridge Park resident Abbey Watson plans to buy some new spikes and running shoes after she won a $250 merchandise voucher for being named the McDonald’s Little Athletics Most Improved athlete for November.

The 10-year-old, who is a member of Penrith Valley Little Athletics, won the Athlete’s Foot voucher and $500 worth of sporting equipment for her club after being last month’s most improved athlete in the prestigious state-wide competition.

Abbey said she was thrilled with the win after putting in plenty of effort for a number of years.

“I have been doing Little A’s for six years… I am so excited to win such a great prize and for my club Penrith Valley Little Athletics to be able to buy new equipment,” Abbey said.

“I was so surprised and I couldn’t believe it when mum told me I’d won the prize.”

The Cambridge Park Primary School student won the award for practicing hard each week and for always trying to beat her personal bests. She hopes to one day be like her idol, Olympic gold medallist, Sally Pearson.

“My favourite events are high jump, hurdles and long jump. I hope to continue to get better each year,” she said.

Abbey was presented the award at McDonald’s Cambridge Gardens last week.

“It’s fantastic to see local Little Athlete Abbey Watson of Penrith Valley Little Athletics recognised for her efforts and be awarded the November winner of the state-wide McDonald’s Little Athletics Most Improved Award,” McDonald’s Licensee, Frank Meduri said.

“McDonald’s has been a proud partner of Little Athletics for 11 years and I am thrilled that we can play a part in helping kids achieve their sporting goals.”

- Nathan Taylor

Dose of Dorin

FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU

12 DEC 13 DEC 14 DEC 15 DEC 16 DEC 17 DEC 18 DEC 19 DEC 20 DEC 21 DEC 22 DEC 23 DEC 24 DEC 25 DEC 26 DEC 27 DEC 28 DEC 29 DEC 30 DEC 31 DEC 1 JAN

local news

OPEN LONGER 9:00AM - 7:00PM 9:00AM - 5:00PM 10:00AM - 5:00PM 9:00AM - 5:30PM 9:00AM - 9:00PM 9:00AM - 9:00PM 9:00AM - MIDNIGHT 9:00AM - 9:00PM 8:00AM - 6:00PM* 9:00AM - 6:00PM* 9:00AM - 9:00PM 8:00AM - 9:00PM* 8:00AM - 5:30PM* CLOSED CLOSED 8:00AM - 6:00PM 10:00AM - 5:00PM 9:00AM - 5:30PM 9:00AM - 5:30PM 9:00AM - 5:30PM CLOSED

*Fresh Food opens at 7am.

Major retailers, services and restaurant trading times may vary.

WW10330

WW14606

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

PENRITH

local news

30

Pet warning With temperatures set to soar across Australia this summer, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is reminding pet owners, that like elderly humans, many older pets need extra help to cool down.

AVA spokesperson, Dr Jacqui Ley said that older pets tend to find hot weather difficult to cope with. “While younger animals can manage the heat by panting, drinking more and moving into the shade, older animals may have health conditions that make it harder for them to cope,� she said. “Pets with heart or breathing problems should not be exercised on hot days and should be kept in air conditioning or with a fan.�

Follow us online Your Western Weekender is delivered every Friday, but you can stay up to date with local news and information by following us online.

For news as it breaks plus local traffic information, sports updates and more, check out our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/westernweekender.

With more than 12,500 ‘likes’, the community of Penrith most definitely turns to our Facebook page to find out what’s happening in the local area.

You can also follow us on Twitter at www. twitter.com/wwpenrith.

And for full stories plus our digital replica editions of the print version of the paper, jump onto our website at www.westernweekender.com.au.

BUSINESS

Half century of loyalty Robert Ward calls it a day after 50 years at same company DALE DRINKWATER

@dale drinkwater

A

fter 50 years dedicating himself to the same profession, the same company and never taking more than two weeks’ sick leave, Robert ‘Bob’ Ward is leaving Freeburn Surveying.

On January 4, 1965, Bob raised his hand to join Peter Freeburn’s business, regardless of his plans to be a policeman. “In the last week of school the headmaster came in and asked if anybody were interested in survey drafting. I thought, yeah I could do that, so I came in and got the job,� Mr Ward said.

Since Bob started, he has seen a great deal of change in both the city, and the profession. “Penrith ended at Jamison Road, Northern Road, Mulgoa Road and High St,� Mr Ward said. “We’ve moved Panthers to where it is now, we’ve changed some of the legal processes in strata plans, we do an enormous amount of work on landfill sites, we designed roads and subdivisions. “The variety and the change is what makes the job worthwhile. We used to have wires, and you’d have to allow for temperature, sag, slope, everything. Now

Robert ‘Bob’ Ward at Freeburn Surveying you just press a button on an electronic GPS instrument.�

Matthew Freeburn, who took over the company when Peter passed away in 2004, said Bob has been the backbone of the company and is sad to see him retire. “His hard work ethic and loyalty to his employer is something that is very rarely found these days,� Mr Freeburn said.

The job didn’t come without its share of accidents though, as Bob dismissed a chainsaw injury while on a site. “Oh it wasn’t much. It was funny really, because when the skin stretched you could see everything. It was good as gold, there was no pain whatsoever, hospital stitched it up and we went back on the job,� Mr Ward said.

! " # !$ To help you with additional waste and recycling at Christmas time, we’re providing extra bin collections for two weeks.

The night before your normal collection day, please place all your bins at the kerbside during the two weeks highlighted in blue.

Collections will run late into the night, so please do not bring your bins in until they have been emptied.

S

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

7 14 21 28

M 1 8 15 22 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

W T F S 3 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25 26 27 31

S M 4 11 18 25

T

W

5 6 7 12 13 14 1 9 20 21 26 27 2 8

T 1 8 15 22 29

F 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24 31

Don’t forget to register for a FREE SMS Reminder so you won’t miss out!

Email your name, home address and mobile phone number to rrr@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or phone 4732 7615 for reminders about Resource Recovery initiatives.

WW14794

31

13 Decemb e

1 DAY ONLY

5 p c e “ B R U S H L E S S ” K IT DGA504Z

$1149

BML 802

DHR242Z

HUGE 5.0AH BATTERI ES

DLX2055T 831278-2

M18PP2A-402C

$ 6 59

M12IR-0

x 18v Fuel Hammer Drill x 18v Fuel Impact Driver x 12v Ratchet x + BONUS 12v BaƩery

M12B

$ 6 59

x 18v Fuel Hammer Drill x 18v Fuel Impact Driver x 12v MulƟ Tool x + BONUS 12v BaƩery

M12B

r

Saturday 2014 8am - 3pm

x 18v

Brushless Hammer Drill x 18v Brushless Impact Driver x 18v Brushless Rotary Hammer x 18v Brushless Angle Grinder x 18v Torch x Charger x 5.0AH BaƩeries x 2 x Also includes a Site Bag

M18PP2A-402C

M18PP2A-402C

C12MT-0

local news

SALE

G HIN E T Y ER SAL V E ON

C12RAD-0

x 18v Fuel Hammer Drill x 18v Fuel Impact Driver x 12v Right Angle Drill x + BONUS 12v BaƩery

$ 6 59 M12B

125mm Angle Grinder 2 Piece Combo

GLB30

x BONUS Pair of Laser Glasses

$ 5 89

x 1700 WaƩs WEA 17-125Q x “SOFT START” x Marathon METABO Motor

x Compact Size x Up to 60m x Bluetooth Smart x Holster, Pocket Clip & BaƩeries Included

EMAIL: sales@gasweldpenrith.com.au

PENRITH

2/99 BATT STREET

Ph: (02) 4721 5838 Fax: (02) 4722 2116

* CONDITIONS APPLY * E&OE * EXCLUDES ALL ON-LINE PURCHASES * ILLUSTRATIONS FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY * ALL PRICES ONLY VALID ON 13/12/2014 AT THE ADDRESS SHOWN* * ALL OTHER OFFERS CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED * NO RAIN CHECKS ON ADVERTISED PRODUCTS *

$ 1 99 DISTO D110

WW14791

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

x 18v XR Li-Ion Brushless Hammer Drill DCK250P2-XE x 18v XR Li-Ion Brushless Impact Driver x 2x 5.0AH BaƩeries, Charger & Carry Case.

$319

Laser Distance Measurer

32 Supersave Warehouse

business

47-51 Chapel Street, St Marys

N

o longer do you have to buy in bulk to save, thanks to the newly opened Supersave Warehouse in St Marys.

Located at 47-51 Chapel Street, Supersave Warehouse is a 2000m2 store which changes everything you knew previously about typical warehouse stores.

Supersave Warehouse, which opened last week, is home to over 8000 different products and is your one stop shop for just about everything.

“This is a unique concept in Australia and it’s happening right here in western Sydney,” Supersave Warehouse manager, Kevin Vo said.

“With Westfield located in both Penrith and Mt Druitt, we thought we’d give the St Marys community some variety as well.”

Supersave Warehouse stocks just about everything from high end market items to cheap everyday products including groceries, personal health care items, cleaning products, hardware, kitchenware, dinnerware, partyware, furniture, lighting, toys, stationary, Christmas decorations and a whole lot more.

The best thing about Supersave Warehouse is that you don’t have to be a member like other warehouse-style stores – you can just pop in and walk straight out with a trolley load of savings.

“We don’t have a membership because we treat every customer like family. They don’t need to pay for that privilege,” Mr Vo said.

“We have a huge car park and the store is very well organised for customers to browse around.”

BUSINE S S OF TH E W E E K

Super savings in St Marys Supersave Warehouse changes everything you knew previously about typical warehouse stores – and it’s all right here in the local area

sponsored content

Supersave Warehouse • GROCERY• BODYCARE • COSMETIC • DINNERWARE • KITCHENWARE • CLEANING PRODUCTS • FURNITURE • BEDDING • MANCHESTER • PARTYWARE • TOYS • HARDWARE • STATIONARY • BABYCARE Dove bar soaps

Plastic plate

100g

Colgate mouth wash 250ml

RRP $2.34

RRP $4.40

RRP $6.99

OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

$ 20

$ 49

$ 29

1

Colgate totall tooth paste

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

pack 50

2

3

Outdoor dining table ab e able

Oral B mouth wash

Corelle plates square

Corelle plates round

RRP $9.99

RRP $8.99

RRP $6.50 OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

$ 49

$ 99

6

$ 49

1

Orange lounge Or unge

Corelle dinner Co ner ware

BARGAIN

with 8 chairs

RRP $3.00

RRP $1600

RRP $3520

OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

OUR PRICE

$ 49

$

$

1

5

799

2899

30% OFF RRP

Trading Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri 9am Tradin 9am-5.30pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Sat & Sun 9 9am-4pm

47-51 Chapel Street, St Marys

(Old Sam’s Warehouse site)

WW14645

BUSINESS TIPS

33 MICHAEL TODD Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

Going with your gut instinct

Things to think about before 2015 arrives

Although not exclusively a ‘female trait’, many women use gut instinct or intuition (or other ‘unmeasurable’ methods) in their personal decision making. But do you use it in your business decision making? And should you?

My answer is: yes you should. Early on in my business, I learnt the hard way that I needed to listen to those niggly feelings. Too many times I listened to what seemed like the logical factors in a situation (all very valid factors), but failed to take notice of the unsettled feeling I had which I couldn’t necessarily explain.

Most of the truly innovative and great inventions were born from someone trusting their gut instinct, because if they had listened to logic or the knowledge available at the time, it would not have looked possible.

Henry Ford is a really great example of this. Not only was he a great innovator in the car industry, he realised he needed to do something to change the extraordinary 370 per cent employee turnover rate in his factories. So despite people thinking he was crazy, he shortened the work day from nine to eight hours and paid his

employees a higher wage. By following his gut instinct, he reduced his employee turnover to 16 per cent within one year, and began the successful empire we know of today.

Deepak Chopra says that, “There are receptors to these molecules in your immune system, in your gut and in your heart. So when you say, ‘I have a gut feeling’... you’re not speaking metaphorically. You’re speaking literally.”

So don’t be afraid to take heed when you get that ‘gut feeling’. Learn to be attuned to it and use it to question whether your ‘logical decision’ is really the right one to make.

As the year’s end comes closer, we are all focused on finishing the year strongly.

But it is important to keep some efforts focused on next year. Before you can make plans for your business next year, you need to have a sense of what’s going on in your business now. Here are tips to gather the information you need to start planning for next year.

Who Likes You? The first rule of marketing is to know your market. Knowing your market is so important as it helps you develop your products or service to better meet their needs and create marketing strategies that speak to them.

There are several ways you can learn about your market in the real world.

One is through analytics, such as Google Analytics, which not only gives demographics, such as gender and age, but also information about their interests. Other ways to learn about your market include social media, blog comments and email, which help you understand who is sharing information and asking questions.

What do they like?

This information is crucial and some-

thing you should stay on top of all the time. By fulfilling desires or fixing problems, you’re going to increase traffic and sales. With a fast changing world these wants and desires can change, so staying up to date with market needs will ensure they keep coming back to you.

Methods for identifying your market’s desires include tracking your best selling products and services, researching your blog and social media posts that got the most engagement, and find out which email marketing campaigns led to the most clicks and sales.

Once again, analytics is a good source for information about what your market wants.

How Are They Finding You? Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive anymore, but it’s still time consuming. You will get better returns on your marketing dollar if you track how each method is working for you.

Once you have a picture of who your market is, what it wants and the best ways for reaching it, you can use the information to plan your products, services and marketing for maximum results in 2015.

business

MICHELLE GRICE Founder of Shel Design

Christmas Markets FO O MU D & SIC

KIDS TIES I V I T C A

28th Nov, 5th, 12th, 19th Dec | 5pm - 10pm | Pop Up Park

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

Phone: 4722 5556 www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au

WW14302

our Bring y to camera take a photo nta! a S h t i w

34

AUTO

automotive

NATHAN TAYLOR

Toyota’s Corolla has become the first vehicle in Australia to pass 40,000 sales this year, according to the latest official figures.

Corolla was the best-selling vehicle in Australia last year and has a small lead in 2014 with 40,189 local buyers after 11 months of sales.

Success for Corolla – and other prominent Toyota vehicle brands including HiLux and Camry – has enabled the company’s dealers to deliver more than 184,400 vehicles so far this year.

As a result, Toyota is set to be confirmed as the country’s best-selling automotive brand for 2014, making it Toyota’s 12th year in a row as the outright market leader.

Toyota’s 11 month tally represents an average of 550 vehicles delivered each day of the year so far. No other brand has reached 100,000 sales for the same period.

Sales figures to the end of November also reveal Camry is on track to be Australia’s top-selling mid-size car for the 21st straight year, while HiLux has a commanding lead as the country’s best-selling ute and the most popular four-wheel drive vehicle.

Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said Toyota and the wider automotive industry continued to generate healthy demand for new vehicles from private and business buyers.

“This will be the 10th year that Toyota customers have bought at least 200,000 vehicles, a record that is unprecedented in the local automotive sector,” he said.

Make that 12 After another successful year, TOYOTA is on the verge of being Australia’s market leader again

PH: 02 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

Mazda 2, 2002-2014

www.countrybrewer.com.au

Mazda 3, 2003-2013

Mazda 6 , 2002-2012

9 reasons to choose Penrith Mazda Centre Servicing Department next time you service your Mazda d nefor w o ed s ily at ear m r Fa pe 0 y o 3 & er ov

Free 72 point safety check and report • Free car wash (wash and vacuum) • Free coffee while you wait • Free WI-FI • Vehicle servicing from $149* (genuine parts and inc labour) • 10% off all new customers including pensioners* • We now do tyres and wheel alignments while you wait – tyres from $99 • Free shuttle bus • Qualified Mazda technicians.

WW12906

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

All early M{zd{s wanted for servicing

Country Brewer Epicurean Roberts Confectionery Wyeast Fowlers Vacola A Taste of the Bush Andale Coopers Weyermann Joe White

WW14814

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

POPULAR BRANDS

more than just homebrew

• Cheese Kits • Beer Making Kits • Jerky Making Kits • Smoker Boxes

@natetaylor87

Call now on 4732 2777 to book in or book online at penrithmazda.com.au Please quote the promo code ‘service’ when booking online.

We will exceed your expectations

Penrith

Centre

BOWLS // Mick Gilfoyle Pearse (Glenbrook Panthers) who recently tied the knot.

As this will be my last column for 2014, I would like to thank all that have submitted club news to me, lately being the Glenbrook and Penrith ladies and also Frank Higgins, for his unbiased monthly newsletter.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will commence this column once again in 2015, that being my 20th year at this gig. Don’t forget to keep your head down and take the grass, especially you Dizzy at Penrith.

rick having her second run from a spell did plenty of work in race three but managed to get home by a half a head from Zany Dune.

Jinaya Niass drove Our Samson with plenty of confidence to win the fourth at $3.20.

She was last early and timed her run nicely to defeat Thortiheardulaughn.

Mahogany Stride ($2.40) gave Jim Douglass the first of a driving double when he was able to lead from the outset in the sixth race.

The seventh was conducted in driving rain.

Crowbar led the field with the eventual winner James Desire ($5.10) driven by Jim Douglass in behind him. Jim was able to get out turning for home and go on to win from Crowbar and Wing Command, who had been racing outside the leader.

The last race was a Trotters event and the favourite Chalcis ($1.50), driven by John Ogden, won it easily.

BLOCKED DRAINS

WITH THIS ADVERT

CALL OUT FEE

Excavation and Removal of Old Driveway

Specialists in all Aspect of Concrete work • Driveway • House Slabs • Patios • Paths • Residential • Commercial • Industrial

WW14841

LET US TRANSFORM THE LOOK OF YOUR PRIDE & JOY & BE THE ENVY OF YOUR STREET Sydney’s Best Prices - 7 Days a Week - No Obligation FREE Quotes

20% OFF

ALL WATER SERVICES

NOW OPEN

7 DAYS a week

10am-7pm Daily Thurs till 9pm

20%Discount on all 9FT XMAS TREES

30% Discount on ALL CHINA

Additional discounts on selected items in all shops

PENRITH STORE 4737 8624 MOSMAN STORE 9969 5905 NORTHMEAD STORE 9890 7910

792 696

www. buzzplumbing .com.au

WW14850

6 Pattys Place, Penrith (Next to Penrith Ice Palace) 4737 8624

www.rudolphschristmas.com.au NOW OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-7pm

WW14857 WW14856

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

PHONE 1300

$0

FREE

REGULAR ICICLE LIGHTS

S P E C IA LS

$59 $50

“Where quality, service & great prices come together”

20% Discount on

SUMMER HOLIDAY SAVE

Call Shane 0411 704 302

PENRITH’S BIGGEST RANGE FOR CHRISTMAS

BUZZ PLUMBING

FROM

Licence No. 189585C ABN: 49559903646

With Every New Driveway

HARNESS RACING // Lorraine Pozza SINCLAIR FORD and their guests enjoyed a night of Harness racing from our upper level Sky Lounge last Thursday night.

Sinclair Ford have made this an annual event and have done so for over 40 years.

A parade of the latest in Ford cars was an added attraction for our patrons to enjoy.

The Sinclair Ford Cup was the main race and this went to ex-Queensland pacer Downtools ($12.50) driven by Michael Muscat.

Ideal Chance ($3.40) driven by Nathan Xuereb returned to his best form taking out race one from Novappeal who got out late from an inside run and Clockon Doc Lombo who led for the greater part of the journey.

Race two brought Im Tondelayo ($4.50), driven by Jarod Alchin, back to the winner’s list.

Artistic Gal ($2.40) driven by Gavin Fitzpat-

35

sport

I was sorry to hear of the death of my old mate Jim Dempsey, who was a board member of Penrith for many years.

With his hands he could make anything excluding mankind and refurbished old vehicles exceedingly well.

He was a good bowler in his time and when I was involved in the Western Sydney Bowls Association, we used him as a coach for the Interservice side which went on to win the State and Australian events that year.

May you rest in peace James.

Congratulations to John Burke and Helen

36

PHYSICAL CULTURE

sport

Double success for Nepean Physie Club NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

N

epean Physical Culture Club have enjoyed some of their best results in their 22 year history with two young members becoming national champions for the very first time.

18-year-old Lauren Perry and 16-year-old Brittney Webster competed against some of the best in the country late last month at the Sydney Opera House Senior National Finals, with both girls coming out on top in their respective categories.

Werrington Downs resident, Perry, took out the Second Year Seniors category while Penrith local, Webster, won in the First Year Seniors category.

“It was Brittney’s first time performing at the Opera House, so she was just happy for the honour. Lauren’s been there three times, finishing third and fourth over the last couple of years,” Head Teacher, Kim Annesley said.

“Both Lauren and Brittney have been performing since they were five-years-old and have worked for years to make it to this level.”

Along with the champion pair, Nepean

Physie Club had five girls competing in the senior event with four juniors also making the National Finals.

Ms Annesley said it was an exciting period for the club.

“For one person in our club to win is pretty exciting but to have two on the same night was our best result ever at the club,” she said.

“The girls had a rehearsal the night before and we were reminiscing about their very first lessons. They mentioned they did physie for fun back then and after all these years, they still do.”

The pair now enjoy giving back to the club by helping teach the junior students coming through.

Lauren Perry and Brittney Webster celebrate

AROUND THE GROUNDS CRICKET: Penrith could be headed for a draw when the second day of their match against Bankstown gets underway at Howell Oval on Saturday. Bankstown batted first last weekend scoring 3/214 before rain stopped play. Penrith’s Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with 2/64. The match will resume this Saturday at 10.30am with Bankstown still at the crease.

WW14874

PANTHERS SPORTS PACKAGE Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

(4 x Wheels & Tyres to suit Commodores)

20” 1,199 $

fr

+ LOWERING fr $400 + WINDOW TINTING fr $250 Other Packages Available to suit any Vehicle

FULL MECHANICAL REPAIRS & SERVICE also Pink Slips available OPEN 6 DAYS

UNIT 7, 37 YORK RD, PENRITH

175/70-13 175/70 13

$

55

205/65-15 205/65 15

$

79

215/60-16

235/45-17

$

$

90

99

FREE Fitting, Balance & New Valves on Every Tyre STRICTLY WHILE STOCKS LAST.

WHEEL ALIGNMENTS (Bookings essential)

Phone:4731 3922

WW10396

BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers haven’t played much baseball over the past week with their last two games in the NSW State Baseball League season deemed a washout.

Their midweek Round 11 clash against Ryde was washed away as was their Round 12 blockbuster against competition leaders Baulkham Hills. Penrith remain second on the ladder and will play third-placed Macarthur in Round 13 this weekend.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have rounded out the W-League season with a 3-1 loss to Brisbane. Played in terrible conditions at Sportingbet Stadium in Penrith, the Wander Women and Brisbane Roar were forced to sit in the sheds at half-time for more than an hour due to lightning delays. Helen Petinos scored the only goal for the Wanderers in the 66th minute. Western Sydney finished the season in last place with two wins, two draws and eight losses to their name. Meanwhile, the Wanderers Y-League side are continuing their good form after they defeated Melbourne City 2-0.

ROLLER DERBY: Two of the district’s top roller derby players, Western Sydney Rollers’ Sneaky Stackhouse and Power Pout, are saying goodbye to the west to try their luck in the bright lights of the Sydney Roller Derby League. Power Pout, who has been WSR’s top jammer for three years, found the decision to leave WSR a difficult one: “I just want to see how far I can take my derby career… I want to test my skills against interstate and international skaters, and Sydney will give me that opportunity.”

Sneaky Stackhouse had similar reasons for her move: “I just want to try my luck at Sydney and see how far I can go. I would love to play for Australia one day and Sydney will give me opportunities to have a shot at that.” While disappointed to lose two world-class skaters, the Western Sydney Rollers is supporting the pair’s ambitions to play roller derby against the world’s best.

NETBALL: Penrith District Netball Association, in conjunction with Blue Mountains Netball Association and Hawkesbury City Netball Association have applied jointly for a Netball NSW Premier League licence for 2016. If successful, they will be the Panthers Premier League Netball Association.

NRL: The Penrith Panthers have confirmed that the Battle of the West trial match is back in 2015. The Panthers will host the Eels at Sportingbet Stadium on Saturday, February 21 with kickoff at 5.10pm. It’ll be Penrith’s final trial before the season begins.

RUGBY LEAGUE

37

Panthers play Santa NRL stars spread some festive cheer in special initiative at Westfield Penrith @natetaylor87

I

n one of the best community initiatives of the year, players from the Penrith Panthers put smiles on the faces of dozens of local shoppers last Thursday, handing out $50 Westfield gift cards and paying for people’s shopping.

Taking place during the lunchtime rush at Westfield Penrith, Panthers stars James Segeyaro, Elijah Taylor, Adam Docker and Sam Anderson popped on their Santa hats and got to work – surprising a tonne of shoppers with the offer of paying for their groceries and other items.

“We’ve come to Westfield Penrith to spread some holiday cheer,” Segeyaro said.

“If you’re like me and have a lot of relatives, Christmas is going to be heavy on the pocket. This will make it easier.”

Santa’s new helpers criss-crossed their way through the local shopping centre for more than an hour buying people’s groceries, butcher meat, deli goods, fruit and veg and clothes. They also surprised random shoppers with $50 Westfield gift cards to brighten up their Christmas

Elijah Taylor spreading some Christmas cheer at Westfield Penrith last week

Have a fresh NU LOOK this

shopping experience. Panthers lock Elijah Taylor said the whole experience was very emotional.

“It was quite emotional… a lady started crying at Aldi’s when I paid for her groceries,” he revealed.

“It’s a great initiative from the club and the NRL to get out and help the community. There’s nothing better than buying Christmas shopping for people that support our great club.”

When it came to the players’ own Christmas shopping and plans for the big day, Segeyaro said he was looking forward to heading back home to north Queensland to spend time with family.

“Christmas for me is up north where it’s pretty hot, so it’s pretty much boardies, a lot of pork, a lot of lamb and relaxing beside the pool,” he said.

Taylor added that a trip back home to New Zealand was on the cards.

“I might go back to Rarotonga or Auckland, just tossing it up at the moment,” he said.

“As for what I want for Christmas, I’m always asking for stuff but never getting it. I enjoy giving presents to my family and people that mean a lot to me.”

sport

NATHAN TAYLOR

Give a Gift

TO OUR CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE Simply place your Christmas Gift Under our Christmas Tree For children in Foster Care

Every Gift makes a difference Amanda Little Principal Solicitor

www.nulookroofing.com.au WW12902

3/36 Woodriff Street Penrith NSW 2750 PO Box 662 Penrith NSW 2751 T: (02) 47 616 935 F: (02) 47 616 939 WW14508

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

 Call us now to find out how 02 8999 5597 or 0419 283 113

sport

38

FOOTBALL

Excitement builds ahead of World Cup FIVE SHOTS WITH ANTE COVIC ANTE COVIC

Ante Covic is the goal keeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers and answers five big questions every Friday in the Western Weekender

You’ve just arrived in Morocco for the FIFA Club World Cup, what was your knowledge of Morocco before you left?

I didn’t know too much about Morocco, to be honest. I’ve been looking forward to it for a while and was told by people before I left how beautiful it was, and how there was so much to see cultural-wise. On top of a very exciting football schedule we have, it’s just another experience that we’re very fortunate enough to have.

Will you get some free time to do some sightseeing or is it purely just business?

I think it will be 99 per cent business but we’re actually going to be over there for a long time. I think you need to have a chance to unwind, which is dependent on our training schedule, of course. It’s also not healthy to just sit in your room for days and not do anything. Whether there’s something scheduled with the club where we are doing something together or we’re able to leave and have a wander around alone, I’m sure we’ll get to see a little bit of the country. Most importantly, though, we’re going there to play some very big

You must be looking forward to being a part of such a prestigious tournament, is it playing against some of the world’s best teams that excites you the most?

There’s a lot of things that excite me about this competition, it’s the pinnacle of club football. There’s only a handful of clubs who can make it each year and you have to go through a very tough stage to get there. Cruz Azul, our opening opponents, are a very good side who played against some very good teams to qualify. The icing on the cake, however, is the chance to play one of the most recognised brands in the world in Real Madrid. You don’t have to look far in their team roster to know you’re going to come up against some unbelievable players. This is stuff you dream about as a kid, to come up against those types of players. As a football player, you always want to be up against the best to see where you stand out.

Do you think some of these well-known

teams might underestimate the Wanderers because they don’t know too much about you?

I don’t think Cruz Azul will take us lightly because I think they’ll know, like us, what winning that first game means, it means playing Real Madrid in the semifinal. I think Cruz Azul will be doing their homework on us just like we’re going to be doing on them. Real Madrid on the other hand, who knows? They have so much at their disposal that coming up against an Australian side isn’t high on their list.

No doubt you hope there are a few Wanderers fans in Morocco making some noise at your game this weekend?

For sure! For the fans this is a once in a lifetime opportunity as well. They have the opportunity to see their club play against the biggest sides in the world.

They also have the chance to go to a country where they may have not considered going before. It will be an expensive trip for a lot of them but I’m sure there’ll be some fans there. Whoever turns up, credit to them. It’ll be appreciated by the players.

Karaoke from 9pm

Pasta Night $10

WINSESSION

Chicken Schnitzel & Chips $10 A RECORDING at Suite Spot Studios Penrith

Trivia | Local Pool Comp Kids eat free*

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

games and if we have some free time on our hands then that’s fantastic.

www.suitespotstudios.com

Valu e at $1 d 00

Chicken Schnitzel & Chips $10

Poker $1000 Prize Guarantee

Poker $1000 Prize Guarantee

Burger or Steak Sandwich $7

Punters Plate $10

Meat Raffle & Happy Hour 4-6pm

Soloist Guitar Arvo

Steak Chips & Gravy $10

Bacon & Egg Roll $3.50

www.wagonwheelstmarys.com.au 465 Great Western Hwy St Marys 2760

Ph: 02 9330 3939

facebook.com/wagonwheelstmarys WW14824

FOOTBALL

39

Like an oasis in the desert that exists around where they are now, the Wanderers are on the verge of creating something magical from nothing.

Nothing being where they were at the start of 2012.

Then to the Premiers of Australia (many might argue, the true champions, first past the post and all that).

Then to the Kings of Asia.

And now, gulp, the world.

Cruz Azul is first, a famous Mexican club with current talent to match their rich history of eight domestic titles and six CONCACAF (the North American confederation) titles.

The club is owned by concreters. They play out of a stadium that is next to the world’s largest bullring, in the heaving, unforgiving metropolis of Mexico City. It is fair to assume you don’t get away with anything less than total commitment if you play for Cruz Azul.

The prize is unthinkable. A semi-final with Real Madrid, this week, winners of their 19th match in a row. They play again on Saturday morning in La Liga before

PEACOCK’S POINT ADAM PEACOCK

Join the Wanderers at 6.30am on Sunday, December 14 on FOX SPORTS 502 when they meet Cruz Azul FC in the Quarter Final of the FIFA World Club Cup

jetting to Morocco to look to make it a happy 21st against the Wanderers or Cruz Azul.

Of course, this story of fantasy has been overshadowed this week by an unfortunate and unusual dose of reality.

The players want more money, the club doesn’t want to hand it over. You can argue both sides of this all day long, come up with valid and irrelevant points and still be no closer to a resolution.

Hopefully sanity prevails and middle ground can be met to get them to the middle of the ground in Rabat.

For the neutral, like myself, it’s hard to take either side – like when a couple you know well are quarrelling about their business, it’s hard to get involved without knowing the whole picture, which in this case is clouded by legal jargon, sympathy for the players, a need for the club to look after its future and judging what is morally wrong or right – which of course sometimes doesn’t line up with what is legally correct.

Former professionals like Craig Foster and Mark Bosnich have argued both cases.

The only clear point I can offer is why this wasn’t locked in stone in the last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), ratified in 2013, is beyond me.

It’s not as if an Australian side making it to the Club World Cup through the Asian Champions League is a shock – it happened to Adelaide United in 2008.

An assumption, to assume it would be part of the part where the CBA mentioned the Asian Champions League, has again produced trouble.

It’s an unfortunate episode in an otherwise glorious tale. Hopefully it doesn’t ruin the memory forever, because what the Wanderers have achieved to even get to Morocco deserves to be celebrated for a lifetime.

It will be an incredible game watched by the entire Wanderers supporter base back here in Sydney.

Catch the Club World Cup live and exclusive on FOX Sports 2 (Channel 502) from 6am Sunday morning.

I’ll be joined by Mark Bosnich, John Aloisi and former Wanderer Dean Heffernan for the clash.

sport

Pay dispute dogs wonderful occasion

Beginner Tennis Program

• Tennis Australia Red Ball Hot Shots Program • 1/2 Hour per Week

• Multiple Sports • 1 Hour per Week

Classes Available:

Classes Available:

Monday 5pm & 5.30pm • Tuesday 4pm Wednesday 3.30pm • Thursdays 4pm Saturdays 8.30am, 9am, 9.30am @ 10am

Monday 9.30am • Wednesday 9.30am Thursdays 9.30am • Fridays 9.30am Saturdays 10.00am Sporty Kids is an activity based program, giving your child the opportunity to participate in team play, and learn skills for various sports in a fun action packed environment.

Nippers children learn through a combination of technical instruction and by Hot Shots “learn through play “philosophy.

Nepean Tennis has several advanced Red Ball programs for 5-7 year old children who show advanced skills

Future Stars Beginner Tennis Program

• Tennis Australia Orange Ball Hot Shots Program • 1 Hour per Week Classes Available: Monday 4pm & 5pm • Tuesday 4pm Wednesday 4pm & 5pm • Thursdays 5pm Friday 5pm • Saturdays 8.30am, 9.30am & 10.30am

Future Stars children learn through a combination of technical instruction and

by Hot Shots “learn through play “philosophy. Nepean Tennis has advanced Orange Ball programs for 7-10 year old children who show advanced skills

10-12 year olds

Fundamental Motor Skills Program

Nippers

7-10 year olds

Sporty Kids

5-7 year olds

3-5 year olds

Discover the perfect tennis program for your child Graduates Beginner Tennis Program

• Tennis Australia Green Ball Hot Shots Program • 1 Hour per Week Classes Available: Monday 4pm • Tuesday 5pm Wednesday 6pm • Thursdays 5pm Saturdays 9.30am

Graduates children learn through a combination of technical instruction and

by Hot Shots “learn through play “philosophy. Nepean Tennis has advanced Green Ball programs for 10-12 year old children who show advanced skills

WOODRIFF GARDENS TENNIS CENTRE WW6459

cnr Castlereagh Rd and High St Penrith.

Further enquiries & Bookings - 47212880 or email coaching@ndta.com.au

WW6459

Friday 12 December 2014 the western weekender

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL

SPORT

Friday 12 December 2014

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

4722 6693 24 HOURS

FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

WW10397

• 24 Hour • Accident • Trade • General • All Vehicles • Bobcats • Forklifts • Machinery

Now for the world

A-League campaign on hold as Wanderers focus on Mexican champs NATHAN TAYLOR

THE NEW WEBER Q2200

B

Weber Q with Trolley

WW10689

Portable

@natetaylor87

Come into the Weber Specialist Dealer

Package Deals available on all Webers

YOUR ONE STOP GAS SHOP 1/88 Batt Street, Penrith • Ph: 4731 1208 www.gasshop.com.au Monday-Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 8am-4pm • Sunday 10am-2pm

y the time the Western Sydney Wanderers play again in the A-League on December 28, it’ll be 245 days since they last won a game in the domestic competition.

But until then, the Wanderers will face some of the best football talent in the world when the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) gets underway in Morocco this Sunday morning.

The Wanderers, Champions of Asia, will take on the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Champions, Cruz Azul from Mexico, for the right to play the world’s most talented team, Real Madrid, in the semi-final stage of the tournament.

However Cruz Azul, one of Mexico’s most successful clubs with 19 major trophies, won’t be easy beats.

Also known as the Blue Cross, Cruz Azul is filled with some of Mexico’s best players with a smattering of quality imports including Argentine pair Mauro Formica and Mariano Pavone as well as Ecuadorian striker Joao Robin Rojas Mendoza.

The Wanderers in action in the A-League Wanderers centre back Daniel Mullen, who played in the CWC with Adelaide United back in 2009, said he was looking forward to the challenge of facing the Mexican giants.

“It was great to be there with Adelaide. We qualified as runners-up, this time we are the

Champions of Asia and I think the competition as a whole will look at us differently,” he said.

“We’ve been placed up against Cruz Azul, who are going to be very tough. I think there’s going to be a bit of expectation on us because we deserve that.”

However the Wanderers’ CWC campaign was embroiled in controversy earlier this week with reports suggesting the team were considering boycotting the prestigious tournament due to a dispute over prize money.

It’s understood Western Sydney’s management offered players a 10 per cent share in the US$1 million it will make for qualifying in the tournament with that figure and the players’ proportion of it rising if the Wanderers advance past the first game in the tournament.

However, it was reported that players angrily rejected the offer, believing they should be rewarded for their performances in getting the club to Morocco.

On Tuesday, Wanderers management released a statement clarifying recent reports, stating players’ bonus at the CWC will not be limited to 10 per cent. It is unlikely any boycott will go ahead.

Need new appliances?

WHY NOT RENT?

• Fridges • Washing Machines • Lounges • Plasma/LCD TV’s • Freezers • Computers • Beds

A

FFORDABLE ENTALS ALL BRANDS AVAILABLE

R

WW11746

PENSIONS WELCOME!

Call now on...

9625 6000