Western Weekender December 23 2022

Emily Feszczuk reports on pages 2-3

They had been dating for only a few weeks after meeting online, but the lives of Dannielle Finlay-Jones and Ashley Gaddie were on a collision course to tragedy.

31-year-old Ms Finlay-Jones was found dead inside a home at Cranebrook on Sunday morning.

Mr Gaddie, 33, was on the run until a dramatic 12-hour stand-off with police on Tuesday, which resulted in his arrest. He has since been charged with ‘murder’.

Mr Gaddie, a tradie, fronted Penrith Local Court on Wednesday afternoon. He has been refused bail.

The death of Ms Finlay-Jones, a teacher, inside the Borrowdale Way home has rocked local residents

in Cranebrook just days out from Christmas.

Friends say Ms Finlay-Jones will be “dearly missed” and was an “incredible person... cherished by everyone who knew her”.

NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns offered his sympathies to the family of Ms Finlay-Jones, who have requested privacy.

“It’s just such a shocking turn of events and I can only imagine what

that family is going through,” Mr Minns said.

“It’s horrifying news and it’s terrible for the state.”

Mr Minns said it was important that political leaders did everything possible, including law changes and more assistance, to tackle what has become an all-too-familiar story of violence against women.

EMILY FESZCZUK

» p. 6-7 Dannielle Finlay-Jones.

Ayres readies for battle of

EMILY FESZCZUK

After one of the rockiest years of his career, Stuart Ayres is focused on looking forward and preparing Penrith for its future.

With less than 100 days to the State Election on March 25, 2023, the Penrith MP acknowledges there is more work to do in the area and he wants to be there to see it come to fruition.

Amid questions regarding his potential involvement in former Deputy Premier John Barilaro securing the role of Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in New York, Mr Ayres resigned from his Ministerial roles in August this year.

Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent inquiry, he has yet to be reinstated to Cabinet, a decision he will leave for Premier Dominic Perrottet.

“I think a lot of people have spoken and speculated about the concept of a pre-election reshuffle but if that doesn’t happen I’m not really concerned about that, I’m going to stay focused on being the local member for Penrith,” Mr Ayres said while chatting to the Weekender on the Yandhai Nepean Crossing this week.

The Penrith MP on his desire to return to cabinet, his push for a new stadium

State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, speaks with journalist Emily Feszczuk in Penrith this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

and why he doesn’t have a Plan B his career

“Obviously I would love to go back into the Ministry and think I’ve still got plenty to offer there but that decision will be made at some stage in the future.”

Using the extra time he now has to engage with the community, Mr Ayres has been pursuing his commitment for a new stadium in Penrith, which he is “utterly convinced” will eventuate.

“The first objective is to secure that [Paceway] site via a commercial agreement but if that doesn’t happen we will utilise the property acquisition notice laws that are available to us to achieve that so I’ve got no doubt in my mind that the stadium will be built on the Paceway site,” he said.

“I’ll dedicate everything that I’ve got to ensuring that we get a new stadium on the Paceway site, no apartments, a relocated Paceway and a new community park on the existing stadium site.”

Mr Ayres has been the Member for Penrith since 2010 and there is no question he faces his biggest battle to retain the seat at next year’s election.

He claims Labor, who has put forward former Mayor Karen McKeown to take on Mr Ayres, is “not the right choice” for the community.

“There is only our side of politics that has delivered The Northern Road

upgrade, the hospital and the Mulgoa Road upgrade which has just begun as we are making sure our community is prepared for future growth,” he said.

“We’ve transformed schools all around the community and they are significantly better now than what they were during the time in which Labor was in and I have not seen anything from them which will suggest that they would do anything different to when they were last in office.”

Steadfast in not considering defeat or having a Plan B, Mr Ayres is confident that while in a good position, Penrith needs a strong foundation for the challenging economic days ahead.

“I think by political standards I’m pretty young and think you get the best of both worlds, you get a person who has been a Minister for almost a decade, 13 years of parliamentary experience and a youthfulness that is still fresh and energetic,” he said.

“Citizens of Penrith have to make the choice of who going is going to be the strongest voice in parliament, who is going to get resources allocated to this community, that will allow us to continue to advance and improve.

“I think there is a pretty clear choice between me and everyone else on that ballot paper.”

State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, faces a tough fight to retain his seat. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

Today marks the final edition of The Western Weekender for the year; the curtain coming down on our 32nd year covering news in this city.

It has been quite the year, highlighted on a news front by a Federal Election in May that saw a change of government and Anthony Albanese become Prime Minister.

Local voters in Lindsay defied the national trend, re-electing Liberal Member Melissa McIntosh, putting the seat in a position it has found itself in only a few times in history.

Not to be outdone, state politics also delivered plenty of headlines, including the John Barilaro saga that saw Penrith MP Stuart Ayres stand down from cabinet, before being cleared of any wrongdoing.

From countless Council stories to crime, community issues, development debates, a split on Penrith Stadium’s future and of course wild weather, there was no shortage of news around this year.

Of course Penrith delivered plenty of good stories too, and it’s been a pleasure to be able to bring you wonderful yarns of achievement and people doing brilliant things in our city.

On a sporting front, Jessica Fox confirmed her status as the world’s best canoe slalom athlete, the Commonwealth Games allowed local athletes to shine on the international stage, and the Penrith Panthers defied the odds and won a second straight NRL Premiership.

Perhaps the best sporting stories we delivered this year though were ones you won’t read anywhere else; stories of achievement that deserve a place to be recognised.

And that is very much my message about where local news sits as 2022 draws to a close.

There are now too many cities and communities across Australia that don’t have a local newspaper or even an online news service with on-the-ground journalists.

Fortunately, Penrith is not in such a predicament and we feel it our privilege that the Weekender continues to deliver news for free to our readers, both through our weekly print edition and our digital channels.

And if you’d grant me a few paragraphs, I’d like to thank those responsible for putting it all together.

First, to our team of journalists – Nathan Taylor, Emily Feszczuk, Cassidy Pearce and Ellie Busby – thank you for another year of hard work delivering local news that matters to the people of Penrith. And credit too to our photographer Melinda Sanders, whose pictures help tell those stories.

Advertising is what funds the news that we provide, and to that end a huge thank you to Sales Director Chris Pennisi for his unwavering commitment and energy, and to his team – Andrew Harris, Leanne Valentini, Megan Dunn, Angela Jevdich, Kate Shaw, Chris Middleton and Michael Lee.

I’d also like to personally thank our CEO and publisher Kathryn Garton, whose commitment to the Penrith community and its thriving weekly newspaper cannot be understated. The entire Weekender team appreciates the support and loyalty.

To all of our advertisers, thanks for backing the Weekender and for understanding how critical it is for our community to have a local paper. We’re delighted we’ve been able to partner with your business this year, hopefully driving more attention and importantly, more customers.

And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to all of our readers, who we appreciate more than you could ever know. Whether you’re somebody who religiously picks up the print edition each Thursday or Friday, who reads the digital replica when it lands in your inbox or who engages with our content primarily on our website, thank you for being part of the Weekender journey.

I should also thank both our advertisers and readers for coming with us on a significant change to our distribution model that occurred mid-year. You understood and appreciated the reasons behind the move and have continued to back us. For that we are extremely grateful.

There is much to look forward to in 2023 and we look forward to being at the forefront of delivering the news, sport and information that matters to you.

With a State Election in March and an NRL threepeat to be achieved, there will certainly be no shortage of stories next year.

Our team is taking a break over the summer holidays, and our Penrith office will be closed from Friday, December 23, re-opening at 9am on Monday, January 16.

The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930).

For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

These communities are all the poorer for such a circumstance, with not only those stories that deserve to be recognised no longer being told; but local courts and Council meetings being ignored, with little to no scrutiny on decisions being made that impact said community.

Our production team ensures everything runs as smoothly as possible every single week, and I pass on my gratitude to Kacey Wilson, Ian Beard, Zoe Merrick and Madeline Dantier for their work this year.

Thanks too to Michelle Mifsud, Naveen Chand and all our contributors, columnists and suppliers who all play such a vital role in the success of the Weekender

A limited news service will run on our website at www.westernweekender.com.au over the holidays, and our next print edition will be out on Friday, January 20.

I hope everyone has a great holiday period and takes the opportunity to re-charge the batteries and bounce into 2023 with enthusiasm and excitement.

Have a Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in the new year.

Index

Builder appointed to make next stage of hospital upgrade a reality

Amain works contractor has been appointed to develop the second stage of the $1 billion expansion and upgrade of Nepean Hospital.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard this week announced CPB Contractors will construct the hospital’s second clinical services building.

“The NSW Government is delivering a second state-of-the-art clinical services building for the upgraded Nepean Hospital, which will seamlessly connect with the first tower we opened earlier this year. This incredible expansion of Nepean Hospital will provide the very best healthcare for the Penrith and Blue Mountains communities,” Mr Hazzard said.

The new clinical services building includes an intensive care unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, more in-patient units, and a large and welcoming front-ofhouse for the hospital.

State Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment will also provide better community-based healthcare in Penrith to benefit

local families and young people for years to come.

“In addition to a second state-ofthe-art clinical services building we’re delivering a community health centre in Soper Place, right in the heart of Penrith, where locals can easily access integrated health

care and mental health services for families and young people at home and in the community,” Mr Ayres said.

“With both the consultation and designs currently underway, I encourage everyone to have a say in shaping their new community

health centre by completing the online survey which is open now.”

The redevelopment team has been focused on Stage 2 enabling works which include relocating some services, repurposing some of the existing infrastructure, and delivering an expanded pathology service

on the ground floor of Building E. State Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said Stage 2 construction would ramp up early next year.

“The Nepean Hospital campus is buzzing with activity as we prepare the campus for main works in 2023 for the second new clinical services building, creating more job opportunities and ensuring better health outcomes for local people,” Ms Davies said.

“The next stage of this major redevelopment builds on the enhanced services and health facilities now available in the hospital’s new clinical tower to provide our region with more high-quality healthcare, making it an even more appealing place to work and live.”

Stage 1 of the redevelopment included a new clinical building that opened in 2022 featuring an emergency department, 18 birthing suites, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 16 operating theatres and more than 200 beds, in contemporary and bright in-patient units. The Stage 1 tower also provides coronary care services and an additional inpatient unit floor, which were fast-tracked from Stage 2 funding.

An artist’s impression of the next stage of the Nepean Hospital upgrade.

Horrific murder on eve

• Popular teacher found dead in Cranebrook house • Charges laid after manhunt

EMILY FESZCZUK

Apolice manhunt for a 33-year-old who allegedly murdered a woman he met on a dating app at Cranebrook has ended in a dramatic 12-hour stand-off in the Blue Mountains.

Ashley Gaddie was finally arrested by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was charged with the murder of Dannielle Finlay-Jones.

He faced Penrith Local Court on Wednesday afternoon and has been refused bail. Earlier in the day, he underwent a mental health assessment.

Police tracked down Mr Gaddie to Wentworth Falls on Tuesday afternoon and commenced intense negotiations with him, which concluded some 12 hours later.

It was swift action from police who had only just set up a Strike Force to investigate Ms Finlay-Jones’ death.

About 2.30pm on Sunday, December 18, emergency services were called to a home on Borrowdale Way, Cranebrook, where the body of Ms Finlay-Jones was located with serious injuries.

The 31-year-old, who did not reside at the home, was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is understood her injuries were horrific and first responders were met with a confronting scene.

On Tuesday morning, police issued an appeal for assistance from the community to locate Mr Gaddie.

It is understood that Ms Finlay-Jones and Mr Gaddie had recently met online and were at the Marsden Brewhouse on Saturday night before going back to the house in Cranebrook, which is owned or rented by friends.

Police believe that they spent the night together before the occupants of the house, who are assisting detectives, located Ms Finlay-Jones the next afternoon after entering a bedroom to check on the pair.

“They returned to the location in the early hours of the morning and at some point, between then and 2.30pm something has happened to this poor young lady,” Acting Superintendent from Nepean Police Area Command John Nelson said.

A neighbour told the Weekender that they were not aware of an incident until there was a large response from emergency responders, but others reported seeing a man running from the house around 5am.

Forensic experts were seen examining a window at the crime scene which looked to be

The 2022 Penrith Community Kitchen Christmas Appeal has had amazing support from local businesses, schools and the general community, helping to make a difference for many vulnerable and lonely people struggling with tough economic times this Christmas.

The generous support of our schools has given much needed assistance while also providing lessons in volunteering and helping the community in need. We are also grateful for the support of our fantastic local businesses that have been so generous with not only financial support but also donating their time to help pack Xmas hampers, wrap gifts and provide back to school assistance for families.

Our Annual Christmas Lunch was held on Wednesday 21st December at the kitchen and again many local businesses offered support to help at the event. With Penrith CBD Corporation co-ordinating the day and Community Kitchen Committee & volunteers cooking up a storm, we also had Panthers cutting hams, Penrith RSL with hot food, and lots more delicious treats handed out.

damaged, but police said it was not a break-in. They remained at the scene for much of the early part of the week.

The family of the victim, who was a support officer at the NSW Department of Education and lived in the Kogarah area, have requested privacy, with Acting Superintendent Nelson telling media that they are devastated “as any family would be”.

“While her family appreciate the media’s interest, they have requested their privacy at this difficult time in their lives,” a police spokesperson said.

Police at the scene of the crime on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Dannielle Finlay-Jones.

of holidays shocks us all

leads to long stand-off in Blue Mountains • Accused killer’s past links to Penrith

Ms Finlay-Jones was heavily involved in football and was strongly associated with the women’s program at Ramsgate RSL Football Club.

In a statement this week, the club said it was devastated by the loss.

“The news of her passing has left us all in a state of shock and disbelief,” the statement said.

“Dannielle was a beautiful person, a life member of the club who was much loved and very well respected not only within our immediate football community but also throughout the Football St George association.

“Her tireless and unselfish commitment to football within the community, particularly women’s football, will be sorely missed and her legacy will be everlasting.

“Our deep and respectful condolences go to her family especially her mother Jacky.”

Mr Gaddie is from the Five Dock area but does have previous links to Penrith.

On his resume, he lists working as a forklift driver and storeman for Penrith Personnel from September 2013 to December 2013, where his tasks included general warehousing and forklift driving duties.

On his Tinder profile, he says he loves “travel, road trips, hiking and the gym”.

It is not known if he met Ms Finlay-Jones on Tinder or another dating app.

Anyone with information that may assist police should call 1800 333 000.

“Serious concerns” for teenager

TROY DODDS

Police say they hold “serious concerns” for the welfare of a 15-year-old girl who is missing, last sighted in the region last weekend.

Penrith resident Hayley Hopwood was last seen about 8.20pm on Saturday, December 17 at Mt Druitt Railway Station.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command are continuing extensive inquiries into her whereabouts and have issued a public appeal.

“Police and family hold serious concerns for Hayley’s welfare,” a police spokesperson said.

“Hayley is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 150-160cm tall, of thin build, with long brown hair and brown eyes.

“She is known to use public transport and frequent the Penrith and Mt Druitt areas.”

Police issued a public alert on Monday night as they ramp up their efforts to find the teenager.

Anyone who sees Hayley or has any information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact Nepean Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Sunny Christmas Day ahead

TROY DODDS

Penrith residents are in for a warm Christmas weekend with only the small chance of rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a top temperature of 33 degrees in Penrith for Christmas Eve, and a top of 30 on Christmas Day.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has issued its official Christmas Day forecast with most of

Australia set for a warm and sunny day,” the Bureau said in a statement.

“The exception will be north-east New South Wales, much of Queensland and the Northern Territory with isolated thunderstorms expected across those regions.”

Those heading out of Penrith for Christmas Day on Sunday can expect a slightly cooler day with a top temperature of 26 degrees predicted for the city.

Penrith is expecting a top temperature of 31 degrees on Boxing Day.

Acting Superintendent John Nelson speaks to the media on Monday.

Ashley Gaddie has been charged with ‘murder’.

Missing: Hayley Hopwood.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Administration

Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city

Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city

Services

Waste Services 4732 7777

Illegal Dumping

Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

Graffiti Hotline Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

30 January 2023 – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

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

Council Briefs

● Council’s Civic Centre, St Marys Service Desk, and Library branches will be operating with shortened hours on Friday, 23 December and Saturday, 24 December before closing for the Christmas and New Year break on Sunday, 25 December until Tuesday 3 January 2023.

The eLibrary and Online Services Portal will still be accessible during the closure period.

For more information, visit penrith.city/news

● Council is providing two weeks of additional bin collections from Monday, 26 December 2022 to Friday, 6 January 2023 as part of our Christmas Waste and Recycling services. Penrith residents are encouraged to place all three bins at the kerbside for collection each week on the night before their regular collection day.

To make the most of these collections, please leave bins out until they have been emptied as our collection drivers will be starting early and working late into the evening to support the additional services.

For more information about our Christmas waste and recycling services, please visit penrith.city/christmaswaste

● Construction is well underway to upgrade Harold Corr Oval in Cambridge Park.

The existing facility is being transformed into a high-quality athletics precinct featuring all-weather synthetic track and field facilities – the first of its kind in the Penrith LGA.

Concrete pathways, new floodlight poles, concrete kerbing, spectator fencing, and drainage have all been installed. Work is underway to construct the synthetic athletics track, and field event facilities including the throwing circles and long jump areas.

The first stage of this project will also deliver LED floodlighting, equipment storage and a formalised car park with 65 car spaces, including three accessible car spaces.

The $5 million project is being jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government. The Australian Government is also contributing to the works.

This project is expected to be completed in early 2023.

Find out more at penrith.city/sports-upgrades

Public Exhibition

Planning Proposal for Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) and Letter of Offer to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for 221–235 Luddenham Road Planning Proposal

Council is exhibiting a Planning Proposal, draft Development Control Plan (draft DCP) and Letter of Offer to enter into a VPA (Letter of Offer) for 221–235 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills.

The Planning Proposal seeks to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 to rezone part of the site from RU2 Rural Landscape to part IN1 General Industrial and part IN2 Light Industrial. The Planning Proposal will also apply a maximum height of building control of 24metres, a minimum lot size control of 1,000sqm, and minimum lot density provisions.

The draft DCP contains specific development controls that apply to future development within the site and will form a chapter of Penrith DCP 2014.

The Letter of Offer seeks to enter into a VPA for the provision of key infrastructure at no cost to Council. A draft VPA will be prepared and reported to a future Ordinary Meeting of Council to be endorsed for public notification as a separate process to the Planning Proposal and draft DCP.

Viewing the exhibition and making a submission

The Planning Proposal, and supporting information are on public exhibition until Monday, 6 February 2023. The documents can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au, at Council’s Civic Centre and at Penrith and St Marys Libraries.

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by Monday, 6 February 2023 by:

• Email: Glen.Weekley@penrith.city

•

Post: The General Manager (Attention: Glen Weekley)

Penrith City Council

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

• Online: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr

Please include a subject line indicating ‘221–235 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills’ in emails and letters.

For further enquiries: Please contact Glen Weekley, Executive Planner on 4732 7415 or email Glen.Weekley@penrith.city

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Baini Design

36–38 Leonard Street, Colyton

DA22/1188

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a child care facility x 102 children with basement parking and associated works

Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• Baini Design DA22/1148

23 Barker Street, Cambridge Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey child care facility x 53 children with basement car parking and associated works

Contact: Jake Bentley on 4732 8087

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• Baini Design Mod22/0227

1–5 Gordon Street, St Marys

Section 4.56 modification To DA21/0983 for an approved child care facility involving a new fire egress from the first floor play area to the ground floor

Contact: Nick McMaster on 4732 8578

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• Jiang Zhang DA22/1179

11 John Batman Avenue, Werrington County

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey child care facility catering for 57 x children with basement car parking and associated works

Contact: Nick McMaster on 4732 8578

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• GV Resico Pty Ltd DA22/1151

90–98 Glenmore Ridge Drive, Glenmore Park

Construction of 2 x single storey food and drink premises including café/restaurant and fast food restaurant with drive-through lane, related car park works & landscaping and Glenmore Village Shopping Centre pylon sign

Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• 888 Holdings Nsw Pty Ltd DA22/1168

12–14 Manning Street, Kingswood

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a child care facility x 86 children with basement parking and associated works

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

• Lendlease Rl Jordan Springs Mod22/0230 Holding Pty Ltd

1 Hortsmann Circuit, Jordan Springs

Section 4.55(1A) modification To DA19/0808 for an approved seniors living development involving re-configuration of the basement and new vehicular access onto Lakeside Parade

Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078

Closing Date: Monday, 30 January 2023

Development Consent/s Determined

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Approved Development Applications

• Fernleigh Drafting DA22/0994

Lot 91 DP 2120, 129–139 Longview Road, Mulgoa Shed and drainage works

• Dickson Rothschild Mod22/0083

Lot 1 DP 1288529, 12 Carson Lane, St Marys Section 4.55(2) modification to an approved Residential Flat Building DA14/0513 including amendments to floor heights, facade treatments with revised material schedules, basement car park general arrangement, landscape design, storm water design and internal modifications to apartment layouts

• Hi-Craft Home Improvements Pty Ltd DA22/1030 Lot 242 DP 245691, 15 Downing Avenue, Cambridge Gardens

Demolition of existing sunroom and construction of a sunroom and alfresco

• John Dickson Watson DA22/1098 Lot 1 DP 213452, 43 Tadmore Road, Cranebrook Demolition of existing shed and construction of new shed

• Kurmond Homes Pty Ltd DA22/0910 Lot 1053 DP 252535, 6 Narooma Avenue, South Penrith

Demolition of existing dwelling and garage, and construction of a 2-storey dwelling

• N F Billyard Pty Ltd Rev22/0005

Lot 1 DP 111896 & Lot 1 DP 219187, 40 & 42 Mamre Road, St Marys

Section 8.2 Review of Refusal Determination of DA20/0860 involving the remediation of land, demolition of existing structures and construction of 12 x 2-storey town houses and associated works

• The Trustee for Edwards O Trust DA22/0880 & Others

Lot 15 DP 1010955, 96–120 Blaikie Road, Jamisontown

Construction of truck enclosure and open truck shelter for existing endeavour energy depot

• Rebecca Zerk Mod22/0157 Lot 422 DP 14333, 30 Stafford Street, Kingswood Section 4.55(1A) modifications to DA20/0432 including changes to external building materials and finishes & window locations and treatments – demolition of existing structures and construction of 3 x 2-storey townhouses

• Uniting (NSW.Act) DA22/0985 Lot 10 DP 1242243, 1–3 Emerald Street, Emu Plains

Construction of awning over north facing Level 2 common balcony of residential aged care facility

• Nirva Designs Pty Ltd DA22/0883 Lot 7141 DP 1217971, 18 Frontier Street, Glenmore Park 2-storey dwelling

• Crystal Pools Pty Ltd

DA22/1043 Lot 6202 DP 1205630, 82 Forestwood Drive, Glenmore Park Swimming pool

• Sandra Trad DA22/1137 Lot 1720 DP 833070, 170–176 Vincent Road, Cranebrook

Alterations to existing dwelling including roof replacement

• Roger David William Knights DA22/0863 Lot 28 DP 240978, 43 Yodalla Avenue, Emu Plains

In-ground swimming pool

• Skl Planning Pty Ltd DA22/0841 Lot 9 DP 248339, 23 Bromley Road, Emu Heights Use of Unit 2 as vehicle repair station

• B&R Carpentry Pty Ltd DA22/1031 Lot 234 DP 204977, 21 York Street, Emu Plains

First floor addition

• Christelle Belinda Gilmore DA22/0944 Lot 308 DP 716080, 237–243 Hinxman Road, Castlereagh

Home-based food business

• Freeburn Surveying DA22/1085 Lot 9 DP 1170548, 117 Kenmare Road, Londonderry Strata title subdivision x 2 lots

• Momo Romic DA22/0741 Lot 3 DP 1157248, 33 Kobina Avenue, Glenmore Park

Demolition of existing structures and Torrens title subdivision x 2 lots

• Lazar Phranso Holdings Pty Ltd DA20/0546 Lot 125 DP 32140, 30–38 Mt Vernon Road, Mount Vernon Torrens title subdivision x 2 lots and construction of dwelling house, remediation works, and ancillary site works

• Bianca Morched DA22/1006 Lot 301 DP 607849, 26 Farm Road, Mulgoa Demolition of existing dwelling and pool

• Fitzpatrick Investments Pty Ltd DA22/0131 Lot 102 DP 1268632, 68 Lockwood Road, Erskine Park

Construction of a warehouse (comprising of 4 occupancies) and associated works

• William Clinton DA22/0915 Lot 39 DP 21083, 17 Roma Avenue, Wallacia Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and a detached shed

• Bluescope Steel Limited DA22/1035 Lot 5 SP 69664, 5/10a Production Place, Jamisontown

Use of premises as warehouse and distribution facility

Refused Development Application

• Nor’Side Investments Pty Ltd Rev22/0008 Lots D & C DP 153855, Lot 2 DP 525160 and Lot 1 DP 567138, 608–612 High Street, Penrith Review of Refusal Determination for DA20/0477 for demolition of existing structures and construction of 5-storey mixed-use development including ground floor commercial floor space, 39 residential apartments and basement car parking

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Joke Week of the

cupboard prize

Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The giant lake with the water fountain in the centre is the beautiful Glenmore Loch in Glenmore Park. A nice oasis to view during this hot summer.

Q: Why did the man take an extra pair of socks to play golf?

A: In case he got a hole in one!

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

Need a last minute Christmas gift for the rum drinker in your life?

Don’t want to get the same, boring brands? We have the answer for you!

Look no further than the Diplomático Rum Canister Gift Pack, available now from BoozeBud.

Featuring the muchloved Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, this gift-pack contains all you need for the night-before-Christmas.

Alongside the rum itself, this gift pack contains a tumbler, and an ice-mould – so you can bypass the buck’s fizz,

and indulge instead this holiday season.

The Diplomático Rum Canister Gift Pack is available for purchase via BoozeBud online for $109 RRP.

The Weekender has two Diplomático Rum Canister Gift Packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender. com.au with ‘Rum’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Monday, January 2 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

paceway winners lucky

way

This week’s lucky winners are: 0033, 0046, 0405.

Dose Dorin of

Well done to all the local fire brigades who have been getting out and about in the community, bringing a smile to kids' faces this Christmas. It's been fabulous to see.

Channel 10's stance on Australia Day provides a glimpse into why the network is failing so dismally in the ratings. Its focus is very much in the wrong place.

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

Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

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

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

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

cupboard prize BONUS

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The Weekender has two children’s books packs to give away thanks to Books@home. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Books’ in the subject line.

Don’t forget to include your contact details.

Entries close Friday, January 13 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

Costly pain for patients

Nepean Private Hospital and HCF fail to reach funding agreement for new year

private hospital care for its members.

Abreakdown of negotiations between a major health insurer and healthcare provider means that some Penrith patients will face higher out-of-pocket expenses from February next year.

Healthscope runs a network of 41 private hospitals around the country, including Nepean Private Hospital in Kingswood but has been unable to agree on a commercial terms agreement with HCF.

HCF’s 1.8 million Australian customers can still be treated in Healthscope hospitals but will have extra costs after the current agreement ends on January 31, 2023.

A spokesperson for HCF said that the not-forprofit health insurer that has been operating for 90 years is “extremely disappointed” with the outcome but does not expect its local customers to change insurers.

“Healthscope is owned by a global private equity firm, and we were not able to agree,” the spokesperson said.

“We have contracts with all other hospital groups and given that most doctors work out of more than one facility our members will still have the option to receive care from their doctor of choice. We are working with other hospitals and doctors to secure quality alternatives for our members.”

Penrith patients are advised to book in for

“The cost of providing quality hospital care continues to rise quickly and is a challenge impacting both public and private hospitals, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

“We have been challenged by health insurers not adequately funding the real and rising costs of our private hospital services, including rising interest rates, food, energy and power, insurance, nurse wages, PPE, maintenance and cleaning costs.

“These cost pressures have been well documented throughout the pandemic and are now being exacerbated by the highest levels of inflation seen in decades.”

Healthscope also maintains that its patients will not be greatly impacted because of the termination and have the option to switch insurance provider.

“We continue to have agreements in place with all other major Australian health insurers,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia’s private health insurance regulations allow members to move their cover to a comparable product with another health fund without have to re-serve waiting periods.”

Both parties have indicated that they will continue to negotiate in a bid to reach an acceptable agreement for the future.

If HCF members have questions, they can call 1800 565 919 or email HealthscopeEnquiries@hcf.com.au.

necessary procedures prior to January 31, to take place before the end of July, to ensure they don’t pay the penalty if they have eligible cover.

A Healthscope spokesperson told the Weekender that the decision was not the preferred option but that HCF’s final offer was simply not enough to cover the cost of providing

HCF members will have extra costs to go to Nepean Private Hospital. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

with Daniel McKinnon

Colyton: Sleeping driver charged with drink driving

A man has been charged after being caught high range drink driving in Colyton.

About 12.20am on Wednesday, December 14, a witness saw a motor vehicle on Hewitt Street, Colyton.

The driver of the vehicle was stopped on the road so the witness drove around and noticed that the driver appeared to have gone to sleep.

Other witnesses attempted to wake the male driver and he allegedly woke up and drove off.

Witnesses followed the man and contacted the police.

A short time later police attended the location and sighted the vehicle, which was running with the driver asleep behind the wheel.

Officers attempted to wake the man but were unsuccessful.

Police then opened the driver’s door and physically shook the man to wake him up. They then had to physically remove the 41-year-old Mt Druitt man and turn the vehicle off.

He underwent a random breath test that proved positive.

The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.180.

The 41-year-old was issued a licence suspension notification and charged with ‘Drive with high range PCA – first offence’.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

Kingswood: Duo charged after being busted inside house

A man and woman have been charged after they were caught trespassing in Kingswood.

Around 7.30pm on Saturday, December 17, police attended a residential address in Hargrave Street, Kingswood after there were reports of suspicious people inside.

Officers spoke with a 44-year-old Emu Plains man and a 46-year-old Penrith woman after they exited the residence.

Neither had permission to be within the property and they were searched.

Both were charged with ‘Trespass’ and the 47-year-old woman was also charged with ‘Goods in custody’ after items believed to be stolen were located on her.

The pair is set to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday, January 27, 2023.

Werrington: Man caught with drugs, fake cash and stolen cards

A man has been charged after he was caught possessing prohibited drugs and counterfeit currency in Werrington.

About 6.20pm on Saturday, December 17 a 40-year-old Werrington man was searched by police at Werrington Railway Station.

During the search, officers located 19.2 grams of methamphetamine, a counterfeit $100 note and a women’s purse containing cards that were believed to be stolen.

The 40-year-old was arrested and charged with ‘Possess prohibited drug’, ‘Goods in custody’, and ‘Possess counterfeit money’.

He was granted bail and will front Penrith Local Court on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Penrith: Two men busted trying to steal air conditioner

Two men have been charged after they were caught trespassing and causing malicious damage in Penrith.

Around 9pm on Sunday, December 18, two men were witnessed entering the rear yard of a residential premise in Castlereagh Street, Penrith where they attempted to remove a large air conditioning unit.

Police were contacted and located the two men still in the process of attempting to remove the unit.

They were searched and officers located housebreaking implements on them.

The air conditioning unit was damaged beyond repair and the two men were arrested.

A 42-year-old Kincumber man and a 38-year-old Kingswood man were both charged with ‘Trespass’, ‘Malicious damage’, ‘Possessing housebreaking implements’ and ‘larceny’.

Both were refused bail.

Penrith: Wanted Blue Mountains man may be in local area

Police are appealing for assistance from the community to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Blue Mountains man Jason Gribble, aged 36, is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for ‘break, enter and steal’.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, large build, short brown hair with a mullet hairstyle with brown eyes. The man is known to frequent the areas of Lower Blue Mountains, Blacktown and Penrith.

A picture of Jason Gribble is available on the Weekender website.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR CHRISTMAS

As another year draws to a close we find ourselves reflecting on the last 12 months.

As a city and a community, we have bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic with a vengeance.

That is not to say that there has not been a lot of heartache along the way or that COVID no longer exists, but when we walk down the streets of this great city and see bustling cafes, busy restaurants and people enjoying all that our town has to offer, we get a great sense of pride.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank every single one of our clients and referrers for allowing us the privilege of spending another fantastic year serving this community. Legal work is an interesting business. We get to meet clients who are experiencing all different types of situations, some good and some bad.

From the oil and water mix of trepidation and excitement that first home buyers experience through to our longstanding and loyal commercial clients expanding and growing their businesses to members of our community have found themselves in some kind of legal dispute they are trying to navigate, we continue to be amazed at our clients’ resilience and determination.

We wish every single member of our community a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. We hope you get some time to take

a breath and recharge your batteries. There are lots of exciting things coming to our great city in 2023 that we can look forward to as a community.

Every week we are taking new enquiries about entrepreneurs who want to invest in Penrith. From new hospitality venues and entertainment ventures to news of largescale investments like the Winter Sports World proposal and the potential for a brandnew multi-purpose stadium, we all have lots of reasons to be thankful for where we live.

We are not Parramatta’s little brother or that city out west on the fringes of Sydney, we are a proud, bustling, exciting destination unto ourselves and we cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for us.

We will back in action in the first week of January ready to take your calls. Whether you are buying or selling a property, conducting a business transaction, completing some personal admin like getting a will done or involved in a legal dispute, we will be here for you.

Our goal in our business it to provide everyday services to everyday people who sometimes find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Thank you, Penrith, for allowing us to do that over and over again this year. It has truly been our pleasure. Merry Christmas.

CONCERNS FOR MISSING ST MARYS MAN

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from St Marys.

Samantha De Silva, aged 53, was last seen at St Marys about 6pm on Tuesday, December 20.

After family members could not get in touch with him, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Family and police hold

serious concerns for his welfare.

He is described as being of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, 180 to 185cm tall, of medium to large build, with black hair and dark brown eyes.

He is known to reside in Greta, near Cessnock and frequents the Blacktown, Woodcroft and Blackett areas.

Officers believe he may be travelling to Canberra via train.

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Students shine in exams

Top of the class: Some of the HSC’s best achievers are from right here in Penrith

It’s because of this that Gabrielle aims to break down the rhetoric that you have to do typically ‘well scaling’ subjects like maths and science to succeed.

After a year of hard work, recent graduates from schools all over New South Wales unveiled top HSC results last week – and some of the state’s best came from Penrith.

Two of these exceptional students are Chloe and Caitlin Keenan-Dunn, twins from Glenmore Park High School.

Noting that outside comparisons did nothing to falter their bond, the two worked together to excel throughout their schooling, earning a number of band 5s and 6s between them.

“It was really great to bounce ideas off each other, because we did do similar subjects and we could kind of talk things through and support each other,” Caitlin said.

“We’ve always been really proud of each other’s achievements. I think the thing about being a twin is that you’ve always got someone to do your different milestones with, so it was really nice with this big educational milestone, to have someone to share that with.”

Despite having completed similar subjects in school, the two were surprised to find out that they had both chosen to study Social Science and Law in the new year – albeit at different universities.

“Caitlin’s going to Macquarie Uni and I’m going to Western Sydney,” Chloe said.

“I definitely think it will be strange to begin with, because we’ve always gone to school together, but we just gravitated towards different unis!”

Aiming to study Arts and Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney, St Marys Senior High School graduate Gabrielle Woodger recalls the moment she first saw her incredible 99.20 ATAR.

“Me and my friends decided to pull an

all-nighter the night before, so I was awake when NESA dropped the results an hour early,” she said.

“I was like, ‘What!’”

Gabrielle was awarded as an All Rounder, earning the highest band in all six of her subjects – Ancient History, English Advanced, English Extension 1, Modern History, Visual Arts, and Society and Culture, in which she ranked seventh in the state.

“If you pick subjects that you are interested in and passionate about, plus balance it with career outlooks, you can really do well regardless,” she said.

Emu Plains resident Joshua Phillips topped the state in the HSC for Information and Digital Technology, which he completed through Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s School of Now – a program which allows students to undertake small candidature or specialist subjects which may not be offered at their school.

“The School of Now allowed me to study something that I was really passionate about and led to me getting this result,” Josh said.

”I was so happy and proud knowing that this reinforced that I’m on the right pathway with what I hope to do in the future and I’m so excited to pursue a career in digital and information technology,”

Penrith Anglican College’s 2022 Dux, Benjamin Mallin, was awarded with an ATAR of 98.75. Ben was part of an accelerated program, completing HSC subjects in Year 11. He also tutors younger students.

“Tutoring these students is a great joy since I am able to use my skills and knowledge to positively impact and make a change in the lives of these students,” he said.

There is nothing quite like Christmas, the celebration, the decoration, and the pure excitement. Follow your joy this festive season and your dreams for the upcoming year.

We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported us this year. To our Penrith community thank you for your ongoing trust in us, it is greatly appreciated. May 2023 be a year of happiness, love, and laughter. As always the team at ALA Law

Benjamin Mallin from Penrith Anglican College.

Chloe and Caitlin Keenan-Dunn. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

On a Quest to give back to local community through donations

EMILY FESZCZUK

20 years in business is something to celebrate and mortgage broker Peita Davies wanted to mark her special milestone with more than just a party.

Feeling supported by others on the journey with her businesses, MoneyQuest Penrith and Blue Mountains, Ms Davies has launched the ’20 Charities in 20 Months’ initiative to give back to community groups to say thanks.

Diving into the finance world in 2002 as a way to provide for her kids, Ms Davies’ determination through the highs and lows, and consideration for others created a strong reputation for herself, along with winning her over 40 finance industry awards.

“Running a business for 20 years comes with all the trials and tribulations, managing budgets, staff and you just learn new things all the time,” Ms Davies said.

“There are some days you want to pack it in, but I never gave up. I wouldn’t have been successful without the support of the local community, my amazing colleagues, peers, referrers, my MoneyQuest family and my actual family who are by my side every step of the way.”

Launching the charitable initiative at Theo’s Rooftop Bar in Penrith last week, the 20 organisations that will be featured over the

next two years were highlighted.

“Each month we are going to shine a light on a different charity on our social media channels and the goal is to get people to help us raise $1000 for the 20 chosen charities over the course of 20 months,” she said.

“Each charity means something to me such as Dress for Success which empowers disad vantaged women by giving them adequate clothing to feel confident. My Dad’s a veteran of Vietnam so we will support the outpost at St Marys and elephants are close to my heart so Pink Elephants is a charity that supports families through miscarriage or infant loss.”

With the appeal kicking off this month, Ms Davies presented the first $1000 cheque to Penrith Community Kitchen for its Christmas lunch for the less fortunate.

“When Peita rang me and told me about her idea I was blown away,” Penrith Community Kitchen Secretary Gai Hawthorn said.

“The Kitchen feeds 100 people a day and it’s growing at the moment. We have our Christ mas lunch and have packed around 1500 hampers with food, toiletries and toys which the donation has gone towards, so we are very grateful.”

People can donate any amount to whichever group they like, whether it is $20 or $200.

“Individuals or businesses can go on the site and choose a particular charity and let

“If people don’t necessarily want to contribute, they can come see if we can save them money on their loans which helps us earn money and we can give back as part of a

circular economy.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.moneyquest.com.au/20-charities-in20-months.

Peita Davies and the MoneyQuest team launched ‘20 Charities in 20 Months’ last Thursday.

(pictured). “The free diary is very popular in our community and is full of helpful tips and advice, including how to access the NSW Government’s cost saving initiatives.” You can collect your Directory and Diary from Mr Ayres’ office on High Street.

Δ Smashing good time: Smash Stuff has officially opened in Jamisontown. Some of the Weekender team got to experience the smash room last Friday (pictured below) – and gave it a rave review.

Δ Contribute to The Source: Email your news to news@westernweekender.com.au.

Δ More food options: New dining retailers Smiling Dumplings & Noodles (pictured), Thai Thae and Sushi Bar Jin have now opened at Westfield Penrith, while No 1 Malatang is expected to open in the coming days.

Δ Roll on in: Roll’d Vietnamese has finally opened their new shop at Nepean Village in Penrith. It’s located next to Fruit World, near the main entrance to the centre.

Δ Old glasses, new life: Specsavers is partnering with Lions Recycle for Sight to ask the people of Penrith to donate their pre-loved glasses to be delivered to communities in need and overseas. All the glasses are quality tested, cleaned, categorised and

boxed according to prescription. The best of the glasses collected are provided to charity, while the rest are recycled. The national goal is to collect 200,000 pairs which would stretch from Penrith to Parramatta if the glasses were laid end to end. Both glasses and sunglasses can be dropped to Specsavers in Penrith Plaza.

Δ Calling all seniors: The 2023 Seniors Card Directory along with copies of the Legal Topics for Seniors Diary 2023 are now available for Penrith seniors. “I am pleased to advise that the Legal Topics for Seniors Diary 2023 which is a useful resource for seniors in our local community has arrived and is ready for collection,” said Penrith MP Stuart Ayres

Hooters fell flat, but Kickin’ Inn revives Mulgoa Road dining spot

CASSIDY PEARCE

TikTok’s favourite seafood restaurant has officially made it to Penrith, with the newest Kickin’ Inn location opening on Mulgoa Road this week.

The opening has seen the former home of Hooters, which has been vacant for a number of years, turned into a seafood lover’s wonderland.

For founder and CEO of Kickin’ Inn Ravi Singh, Tuesday’s opening was a big one to tick off his list.

“Our goal is to open 100 restaurants Australia-wide by 2030 and Penrith has been in the books for a while. We get countless requests to bring the Kickin’ Experience out to the west every day, so we found the perfect location and started the build-up as soon as we could,” he said.

“We’re currently the only seafood restaurant in the area that’s open seven days for lunch and dinner so we’re definitely expecting a lot of bookings and foot traffic from the surrounding areas.”

Kickin’ Inn isn’t just any seafood restaurant, boasting a wide selec-

tion of seafood, such as oysters, lobsters, mud crabs and prawns, served with the sauce of your choice, and eaten straight from the table – preferably sans cutlery.

“Kickin’ Inn is all about creating a fun, unique and memorable dining experience you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.

“We pour the food out straight onto the table and I think people love being able to completely forget about table manners and just make a mess and eat with their hands.”

Though many Penrith locals will have experienced all the fun already at nearby stores in Parramatta or Campbelltown, Mr Singh has a few

recommendations for first-timers.

“There are definitely a few fan favourites such as the Mixed Bag, Kickin’Licious and Kickin’Classic that have a good mix of everything inside,” he said.

“We also have our Signature Shrimp Martini.”

Though he admits it was a hectic

time, Mr Singh couldn’t be more excited to have the new store open before Christmas and in time for the summer holidays.

“It was a very quick but stressful process trying to get the store ready to open in time for Christmas,” he said.

“As soon as the keys were handed over, we started the build and we were able to get the store up and running in a little over a week.”

Now, he can’t wait to see the foodies of Penrith coming through the doors for what is undoubtedly one of the most fun dining experiences available – no matter how messy you like it.

“When we came up with Kickin’ Inn, we wanted to embrace the messiness of seafood and create something delicious, special but most of all, fun,” he said.

“We encourage getting messy but we always provide bibs, gloves and wipes and have plates and cutlery available as well.

“There’s options available for everyone to enjoy a fun and delicious meal at Kickin’ Inn.”

Kickin’ Inn is now open on Mulgoa Road.

The team at Kickin’ Inn Penrith, with founders Ravi Singh and Sami Karras.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Heading in the right direction

EMILY FESZCZUK

Australia’s first Head to Health Centre in Penrith is wrapping up its first year of redefining how locals access mental health services.

Located at 111 Henry Street, the free service, which is funded by the Federal Government, welcomes people in for support, seven days a week.

One of the friendly faces within the space is that of Peer Support Worker Simon Griffin, who has been there since it opened.

Acknowledging there has been “difficult moments”, Mr Griffin said 12 months has allowed the centre to run a smooth and unique model of care.

“There are two avenues to access help, so people can just walk in when we are open or they can call up the hotline which is 1800 595 212 between 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday,” Mr Griffin said.

“When a person presents, we offer them water, coffee or tea and then take them into a room to talk to them to go through their goals of the service and decide what level of support they require.”

A factor that sets them apart is that staff members use years of lived experience and tailored training to support those who are often experiencing their most vulnerable moments.

“I find my own lived experience of schizophrenia, depression and anxiety helps the service I provide to people in Head to Health,” he said.

“I have experience with auditory

hallucinations so do a lot of talking to the people and tell them that everything is normal and will be OK.”

Having more than just a clinical understanding of what a patient may be feeling, Mr Griffin said it is so rewarding to be able to aid people when most needed.

“I’ve had people coming in at their crisis point and I’ve had the capability to de-escalate the person which was a thrilling experience from my point of view,” he said.

“My first ever intake was a client who came in last December and was very overwhelmed and heightened but I did my normal thing, talked about my own lived experience and he settled down after a while.

“That intake took three and a half hours, so it was very long but so rewarding.”

With recent funding from the NSW Government, the space also includes a Safe Haven, which is designed for those in suicidal distress as an alternative to going to the Emergency Department.

Looking forward to the new year, Mr Griffin said he hopes to help more locals and provide some hope for a better future for them.

“I’ve been a peer worker since 2016 and it’s very humbling to be in this role given my own experiences,” he said.

“I’ve been off medications for the past four to five years and I hope my experience will give people hope and understanding that it will get better, and they can be well enough to eventually come off medication if they want.”

For more details, visit www.nbmphn. com.au/PenrithHeadtoHealth.

Jeweller set to represent New South Wales at national competition next year Apprentice has real shine

York Jewellers apprentice

Gabby Muloch will be taking centre stage next year when she represents New South Wales at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia competition in Melbourne.

Ever since she was young, Ms Muloch had a passion for creativity, which she quickly put into jewellery design – completing a Bachelor of Design, minoring in Jewellery Design, at university.

During her degree, she completed work experience at York Jewellers, and was offered an apprenticeship shortly after.

Working with two former winners of the WorldSkills competition, Gabby said she had all the help she could possibly need heading into the recent regional competition.

“Doug [Ely] has been so supportive, as has the rest of the workshop,” she said.

“Those final weeks coming up to the competition I think I had four or five different jewellers here coming up and giving me advice – it’s such a great place to work.”

It’s because of this that Ms Muloch

was ecstatic to see her work recognised when she took out the win, for which she had to create a pre-drawn pendant design.

“I definitely didn’t expect to win,” she said.

“I did a lot of preparation beforehand, so when I was in the competition I made sure I stuck to what I had been training for, and the time limits I’d set for myself.

“It definitely felt good knowing the hard work paid off.”

Now, Ms Muloch is even more eager to take the next step at Nationals.

“I learned so much over those two months of preparation, as to how to make all of those different little components within that pendant piece, and I think the next one that I’m going to make is much more challenging,” she said.

“I’m really excited for that challenge, and to be able to learn how to make these new components.”

The 2023 Worldskills National Championships will take place in Melbourne from August 17 to 19 next year.

Check out more information about the prestigious event at www. worldskills.org.au/2023-national-championships.

Peer Support Worker at Head to Health Simon Griffin. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Gabby Muloch hard at work at York Jewellers in Penrith.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Hidden bars are scattered in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and now Penrith’s latest mysterious offering has been unveiled on High Street.

The team from dumpling and cocktail bar Duck Duck Goose, along with UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa, is behind The Flower Shop, a new blooming business which hosted a VIP night last Thursday and officially opened on Friday.

With a florist store front operating during the day, Business Partner Jake Farragher said it is after dark when things get interesting.

“We have a florist out of Camden called Clementine Posy that is actually opening at The Orchard next year that is doing pre-arranged bouquets for people to pick up Wednesday to Sunday during the day,” Mr Farragher said.

“Then from 6pm Thursday to Sunday people can go through a secret door behind the shop and into a tunnel that takes them into the hidden restaurant and bar.”

Located adjacent to Duck Duck

Goose on High Street, the new venue is part of a greater vision to elevate Penrith’s night life.

“We just had the idea that Penrith needed a speakeasy style place, and the owners of the building actually approached us to see if we were interested in the site,” he said.

“We want to give the people of Penrith what they deserve and there are great places in the city, so we hope to create a similar scene out here compared to just big clubs.”

Using a luxurious floral theme for the interior, the menu is inspired by food and drink from cities and villages in France and Italy.

“We wanted to provide a more high-end experience, so we have sophisticated drinks and menu items like lobster rolls and beef tartare which is quite different to what’s out there in Penrith,” he said.

“We have used architect Matt Woods and have big three-metrehigh cherry blossom trees because we want people to be wowed when they walk in.”

Wanting people to experience the atmosphere first hand with some secrets up his sleeve, Mr Farragher invites everyone to see

“People

Duck which is open until 2am,” he said.

To book a table, visit www.theflowershoppenrith.com.au.

what is behind The Flower Shop this summer.

can come in for dinner, have a few cocktails and we have

a stage so will have live music to enjoy. We are open to midnight and if people want to continue their night, they can head over to Duck

Brendon Hill and Peter Chivas from The Flower Shop. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Nepean Hospital trial could change the way prostate cancer is treated in men Medical game changer

Anew form of prostate cancer treatment currently under clinical trial at Nepean Hospital is producing incredible results, and is set to revolutionise the way the surgery is performed.

The procedure, which has been developed by Nepean Hospital Urologist, Associate Professor Celi Varol, works by placing a needle into the prostate gland that has a laser system on the end, which heats up the cancerous cells to destroy the most diseased part of the prostate, without having to remove the entire gland, or impact the function of the gland itself.

Having spent close to a decade perfecting its design, manufacture and trial, Dr Varol said the process began with his patients.

“As doctors, we have to listen to our patients and it was commonly asked ‘why can’t you just remove the cancer and leave the rest behind?’,” he said.

“It’s a valid question, we as surgeons do this for other cancers. We remove part of a lung, part of a brain, but don’t remove the entire

organ. That began the genesis of what the new laser treatment is today.”

Though he emphasises that the procedure is still in clinical trials, and may not be appropriate for all patients, it offers hope for many men facing prostate cancer in the future that there will be an option

which would not only allow them to survive the cancer, but also maintain full function.

“With the assistance of MRI we’re able to target the cancer with the highest of accuracy. By targeting the cancer itself, and leaving the organ intact we are providing an opportunity for our patients to experience

next to no side effects,” he said.

“This is a day only intervention and the patient returns home the same day. The procedure is relatively inexpensive, usually requires no overnight stay in hospital and has minimal recovery time for the patient. Everyone wins, especially the patient.”

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Urology Fellow, Dr Jonathan Kam has spent the past year learning traditional robotic assisted surgery at Nepean Hospital, and expressed how impressed he has been with the accessibility of the new laser ablation technology.

“The new treatment’s huge benefit is that it is exceptionally easy to learn and teach,” he said.

“Its simplicity means our most junior registrars can get their head around the technology without requiring years of overseas training.”

The technology is already receiving international acclaim, with both Dr Varol and Dr Kam winning first prize for their research presentation at the Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy Meeting in Los Angeles.

“The reception has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dr Kam said.

“We’ve had institutes and organisations come to us asking how the device works and when they can trial it, as it far exceeds any other laser technology out on the market.”

The technology behind the treatment was nominated for the Health Research and Innovation Award at this year’s NSW Health Awards.

A huge year in Penrith

As 2022 draws to a close, I’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. This year has been filled with many challenges and many achievements for our City.

Just as we began to feel some reprieve with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our City faced a flood emergency – the first of two this year. The river rose to heights that impacted local residents around the river, while we experienced flooding further afield on the City’s edge that forced residents to evacuate.

Once again, the Penrith Local Government Area banded together supporting one another, resilient in the face of adversity. I want to thank the SES and RFS volunteers who, along with Council, worked tirelessly to support the community. They were all called on again in July as we experienced a second flood event.

As the year went on and our streets opened again, Council hosted exciting community activation events, to support local businesses and get people back

together. Council held seven successful events as part of its Open Streets Penrith and St Marys Lights Up program, which drew more than 18,000 attendees.

We’ve been holding outdoor cinema sessions in St Marys to provide family-friendly fun under the stars, and just last month, people flocked to the ROAM Penrith festival.

It’s been a pleasure to be part of the many park openings, sod turns and launch events this year. We commenced work at the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct and continued with the Penrith City Park and Soper Place projects, while officially launching the Police Cottage after completing its restoration.

And who could forget the mighty Panthers going back-to-back to be Premiers again this year!

On behalf of my Council colleagues and Council staff, I hope you all have a safe and relaxing break. See you in 2023!

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

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

Nepean Hospital’s urology team, including Associate Professor Dr Celi Varol who pioneered the project.

CASSIDY PEARCE

ESQ gets into spirit of Christmas season

The community at the East Side Quarter (ESQ) development in Penrith celebrated the festive season this week with a Grand Christmas Food Market in One East Side’s courtyard.

The event, held by CABE, brought the community of ESQ together. Local businesses including The Brisket Boys, Cheese Toastees and Palm Penrith were amongst the small businesses that lent a hand in creating a magical European Christmas market theme.

“The evening was relaxing, meeting future friends and catching up with current residents with delicious food, drinks, music and Santa! Hopefully 2023 will be just as enjoyable when we have the opportunity to meet up again,” said Marie and Terry Davies, current residents of One Eastside.

Creating a strong community has always been a focus for CABE when developing the East Side Quarter precinct.

Lou Zivanovic, founder of CABE, said: “This event was another step in the creation of the ESQ Community. The first and best in Penrith and the west. On behalf of CABE we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.

Compost facility planned

Public comment sought on manufacturing facility proposed for Badgerys Creek

to allow vehicles to enter and exit the facility quickly and efficiently to mitigate odour,” it said.

Aclean energy compost manufacturing facility that is proposed for Badgerys Creek will aim to lessen waste in landfill and lower greenhouse gases. The NSW Government is requiring all councils to provide Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) collection services to households by 2030.

A State Significant Development that is earmarked for 30-40 Martin Road, Badgerys Creek is looking to construct a state-of-the-art facility that will take waste from green lidded bins and recycle it into compost and other soil health products.

If approved, the 4.5-hectare site will have a facility area of 1.8 hectares which will be operated by

the

“The

“The active composting process will occur in 16 sealed concrete tunnels. Each tunnel will operate independently with separate process controls.”

The in-vessel composting tunnels and anaerobic digestor will operate 24/7 while normal processing will occur from 5am-10pm during the week and from 6am-4pm on weekends.

Community concerns and comments are needed and will be addressed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement that will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. It will be placed on public exhibition in due course. Visit sydney.organicsrecycling. com.au or call 4252 9180.

Nobody went hungry thanks to food vendors at the Christmas Market.

The ESQ team at the Christmas Food Market on Monday night.

Plenty of smiles at the Christmas Market.

applicant, SOILCO. A document from SOILCO stated that processing, composting and

storage will be conducted indoors at all times and will create onsite renewable energy.

facility will operate under negative pressure and will have automatic high-speed roller doors

An artist’s impression of the proposed facility at Badgerys Creek.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Couple celebrates 65 years of marriage Love stands test of time

CASSIDY PEARCE

Emu Plains couple Anthony and Irene Donley have celebrated a very special milestone this week, with 65 years of marriage under their belts as of Tuesday, December 20.

Having been an electrician for much of his life, Mr and Mrs Donley’s story first began when Mr Donley was unknowingly working with his future brotherin-law.

“Her brother was my apprentice, and I was taking his pay to him at his house, and Irene answered the front door when I knocked,” he said.

“It was love at first sight, I knew it was meant to be.”

Since then, the pair have been inseparable, travelling the country three times in a caravan, and playing golf together at Emu Plains Golf Club.

As for their secret to a long marriage, the couple say it’s all about being truly in love with each other.

“You’ve gotta love the person

you’re married to,” Mr Donley said.

“We’ve never really had a big argument,” Mrs Donley added.

“We’ve had a lot of little ones! But I think all couples have little arguments.”

Though they admit they really only celebrate big milestones when it comes to their anniver saries nowadays, being so close to Christmas they’re excited to reconnect with their family of five children, 13 grandchildren, and over 20 great-grandchildren –who have since relocated to as far as Melbourne and Wagga Wagga – for what they’re call ing their ‘sapphire anniver sary’, given Mrs Donley’s love of the gemstone.

“We’re going up to our daughter’s place for Christmas lunch, and some of the family will be there,” Mr Donley said.

“I’m excited, it’ll be a gathering of all of us, it’s going to be very nice.

“One of our daughters also came up on Monday to deliver us a hamper, a massive one, which was lovely.”

Anthony and Irene Donley hold their wedding photo: Photo: Melinda Jane.

SAFEST SUMMER

STAYING SWIM SAFE

WITH JULIE SHELDRAKE NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL • 4730 8900

Christmas is nearly here, with New Year to follow closely behind! Maybe this year, rather than focusing on losing a few Xmas kilos and improving our post-Xmas bank balance we could all commit to some Water Safety resolutions?

Supervise – Keep Watch!

Lapse in adult supervision was the major risk factor in 100 per cent of all toddler drowning deaths last year, and drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death in children under five, with most deaths in this age group happening in backyard pools. Don’t be distracted when with children around water – nothing is more important than their safety. Put the phone down and enjoy this precious time in the sun. Never assume someone else is watching.

Learn to swim

Every water safety education programme has a common message – learn to swim – from babies to children to adults. It

is a proven fact that swimming lessons save lives. The sooner your child can get safety back to the edge of the pool unaided, the better. Make 2022 your year to get your kids into lessons, and to learn yourself if required.

Fence the pool, shut the gate Accidental falls into water remain the leading activity prior to drowning among children under five. Check the fence is safe and cannot be climbed, and that the pool gate is self latching. Barriers provide an important extra layer of protection but are never a substitute for constant adult supervision.

Watch your mate

Don’t let your mates drink and drown. The message is simple: wear a lifejacket when on the river, avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs around water, know your limits, don’t take any risks, and never swim alone.

Respect the river

We are very lucky to live so near to the beautiful Nepean River,

however the flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security, and currents, undertows or submerged objects can prove to be very dangerous.

Royal Life Saving Australia’s Respect the River education program has decreased river drownings by 18 per cent since its inception in 2015, however we still have some way to go. Just last week saw the drowning death of a teenager on the Hawkesbury in the final week of school – I cannot even begin to imagine the grief that poor family is currently experiencing.

Learn CPR and educate children about water safety Would you know what to do in an emergency? If the answer is no, make it your resolution to learn CPR in 2020.

My Christmas wish is to see the swimming and water safety skills of all Australians improve in 2023, and to see children reach all of the recommended swimming benchmarks, for lifelong safe and

active participation in physical aquatic activities and recreation. If your children are not yet in lessons – please enrol them. If your children are learning to swim – keep them in lessons until they are truly competent.

From our swim family at Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Bory’s Swim School to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

water in summer

As the summer season begins, Royal Life Saving Society of NSW (RLS NSW) is rallying communities to keep each other safe while enjoying the water.

The recently launched safety campaign is a response to an alarming rise in drowning fatalities in NSW, with particular concerns for western Sydney.

In the past decade Greater Western Sydney areas of Penrith, Parramatta, Canterbury-Bankstown, Blacktown, Liverpool and Fairfield have recorded the most fatalities in NSW.

Olympic Champion, sports commentator and television host Matt Shirvington has joined RLS NSW as the Summer Safety Campaign Ambassador.

With aquatic centres, community pools, riverside beaches and waterways set to be inundated with swimmers, Mr Shirvington said safety is paramount.

“There is nothing better than heading to your favourite swimming spot with friends and family, but it is really important we keep each other safe and enjoy the water,” Mr Shirvington said.

“This is not just about the beach. I was surprised to learn that most drownings occur in-land; 95 per cent of drowning fatalities are

adults and 82 per cent of those are male.”

The tips being promoted to people to prevent accidents are that they know their limits and avoid taking risks.

Making sure they check the conditions before they head out, always wearing a life

around the water,” he said.

“For many areas in NSW it will be particularly important this year to look out for changing conditions as even in the most familiar waterways, things may have changed in recent floods.”

RLS NSW CEO, Michael Ilinsky, said while floodwaters contributed to an increase in drowning this year, the recent 2022 Drowning Report identified an alarming increase in drownings across NSW.

“Overall, NSW experienced a 34 per cent increase in drowning fatalities and injury from 2021/22 and a 67 per cent increase on the 10-year average,” M Ilinsky said.

“Significantly, the rate of drowning in children decreased, indicating the strength of safety programs and awareness campaigns.

“Adult men were a significantly high risk. In the 10 years to 2022, greater western Sydney recorded the most fatalities in NSW, indicating a clear gap in knowledge, experience and opportunity across the state.”

RLS NSW works with communities and governments to reverse this trajectory through the First Lap Swimming Program, lifeguard and partnerships with local governments and councils to provide swimming instructor programs and community facilities.

A special series supported by….

Matt Shirvington is encouraging us all to stay safe on the water this summer.

story across a huge year

Grove Farm is located on Silverdale Road at Wallacia.

The original house was destroyed by flood in 1873 and was rebuilt the following year.

During the 1920s and 1930s it became a guest house run by the Baines family.

The house at the property was destroyed by bushfires on Christmas Day 2001.

This photo was taken in the 1920s.

The land remains in local hands to this day.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

BUSINESS

WITH REBECCA DI NOIA WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Is your business keeping you awake?

Are you taking any time off during this holiday season?

Holiday? What is that you might ask?

As a business owner, business is our life –you think about it and talk about it while you are awake and business issues most likely keep you up at night when you are trying to sleep.

In every living moment of life, you are either trying to reach more customers, serve existing customers, or catch up on paperwork during the weekends; the busier you get, the less time you feel you have on your hands.

You feel like a hamster running around a wheel with nowhere to go. Sound familiar?

Many years ago, I was given a $350 Westfield voucher as a gift. Knowing how hard I had been working at the time, my hubby suggested I go out and do something for myself for a day.

It turned out to be the most painful day of

my life, mentally. As I sat on a chair, in the middle of a Westfield Shopping Centre, I was not thinking about how to spend the money; rather, I was thinking about how many emails I could have answered or how much money I would have made or saved if I was back in the office working.

The business was growing, but I was on the road to becoming a workaholic and not even realising it.

It has been reported that Bill Gates, while he was the boss of Microsoft, would take what he called a “think week”.

He will take one week, two times a year, in a cabin inside the forest to spend time by himself with no other distractions; to focus, plan, and clarify his strategies for Microsoft.

Sometimes we are so fixated on those loud voices in our surroundings to find direction, that we forget the very guidance we are seeking comes from a soft, inner voice inside our heart.

This holiday season, why not try to spend a few days by yourself to ask:

- What are my goals for me and my family?

- How is my business able to help me achieve those goals?

- What steps or strategies do I need to implement in my business within the next 12 months?

Business should be a vehicle to help you reach your destination, not the actual destination itself.

Take a break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and we’ll see you back for more business advice and tips in 2023.

CADDENS

CADDENS NEWS (CADDENS CORNER)

CLEMENTINE’S CAFÉ

WOOLWORTHS

CAMBRIDGE GARDENS

COLES

M c DONALD’S

OVERLANDER HOTEL

CAMBRIDGE PARK

CAMBRIDGE PARK NEWSAGENCY

CELLARBATIONS

FRIENDLY GROCER

CASTLEREAGH

AMPOL SERVICE STATION

CLAREMONT MEADOWS

IGA CLAREMONT MEADOWS

COLYTON

COLYTON CENTRE PHARMACY

COLYTON FRIENDLY GROCER

COLYTON HOTEL

COLYTON NEWSAGENCY

HEWITT STREET TAKEAWAY

CRANEBROOK

ALDI CRANEBROOK

CRANEBROOK COMMUNITY HEALTH

CRANEBROOK VILLAGE

M cDONALD’S

MOTHER EARTH NURSERY PLUS PHARMACY

WOOLWORTHS CRANEBROOK

EMU PLAINS

CHAMBERS CELLARS

LENNOX CENTRE NEWSAGENCY

M c DONALD’S

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY

WOOLWORTHS LENNOX VILLAGE

7/11 EMU PLAINS (GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY)

7/11 EMU PLAINS (OLD BATHURST RD)

EMU HEIGHTS

SUPER SAVE COMPOUNDING CHEMIST

ERSKINE PARK

ASHCROFT’S IGA

ERSKINE PARK CTC

GLENMORE PARK COLES

MAGS NEWS

M c DONALD’S

MEDI ADVICE PHARMACY

WOOLWORTHS

JAMISONTOWN

ABCOE

ABEL STREET EATERY (HAPPY HARRYS)

BATT STREET TAKE AWAY

GREY GUMS HOTEL

NEW ON YORK TAKEAWAY

PARRABEY GOURMET KITCHEN (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SALT CAFE (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SHELL SERVICE STATION

THE COFFEE CLUB NEPEAN RIVER

THREE SUGARS CAFÉ

WESTERN WEEKENDER

YORK TAKEAWAY

ZOO FITNESS

7/11 JAMISONTOWN

JORDAN SPRINGS

JORDAN SPRINGS NEWSAGENCY

WOOLWORTHS

KEMPS CREEK

CALTEX SERVICE STATION

KEMPS CREEK BOWLING CLUB

KINGSWOOD

BARISTA BAR COFFEE SHOP (NEPEAN PRIVATE HOSPITAL)

COUNTRY BREWER

HALLANI’S

KINGSWOOD HOTEL

KINGSWOOD NEWSAGENCY

KINGSWOOD SMASH REPAIRS

KINGSWOOD SPORTS CLUB

PENRITH GAELS CLUB

RADHE INDIAN GROCERY STORE

VOLUNTEERS DESK NEPEAN HOSPITAL

7/11 KINGSWOOD

LEONAY

EMU SPORTS CLUB WILLOW TREE CAFÉ

LLANDILO

IGA

LONDONDERRY

LONDONDERRY LIQUOR STORE SHELL X ROADS

LUDDENHAM

AMPOL

AUSTRALIA POST IGA LUDDENHAM

MINCHINBURY

McDONALD’S

MINCHINBURY FRUIT MARKET MOUNT DRUITT WESTFIELD MOUNT DRUITT

MULGOA

GLENMORE HERITAGE GOLF CLUB MULGOA NEWSAGENCY MULGOA PHARMACY

NORTH ST MARYS

LUCKY AUSTRALIAN HOTEL MFC FOOD STORES

ORCHARD HILLS

FLOWER POWER OXLEY PARK

UC STORE

PENRITH ALDI

ASTINA

ATMOSPHERE GYM

AUSTRALIAN ARMS

BOREC ROAD TAKEAWAY (VALLEY CAFÉ)

BRISKET BOYS

CALTEX COREEN AVENUE

COLES PENRITH (NEPEAN VILLAGE)

COLES (WESTFIELD PENRITH)

CRESCENT MINI MART

HIGH STREET PIES

HOYTS WESTFIELD

JOAN SUTHERLAND ARTS CENTRE

LIQUOR STAX PEACHTREE

M cDONALD’S HIGH STREET

M cDONALD’S PANTHERS LEAGUES

M cDONALD’S PEACHTREE

MERCURE HOTEL

MUSEUM OF FIRE

NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE

NEPEAN MOTOR GROUP CAFÉ

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE COFFEE CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE NEWSAGENCY

NEXTRA WESTFIELD

ONE POINT HEALTH

PANTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

PEACHTREE HOTEL

PENRITH BOWLING CLUB

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

PENRITH CITY LIBRARY

PENRITH GOLF CLUB

PENRITH HOTEL

PENRITH PACEWAY

PENRITH RSL

PENRITH SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE PIONEER TAVERN RE/MAX SITTANO’S RESTAURANT

TATTERSALLS HOTEL

THE CHICKEN RUN THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ THE LOG CABIN

WESTFIELD WORLD GYM 7/11 HENRY STREET

REGENTVILLE 7/11 REGENTVILLE

ROPES CROSSING COLES

ROPES CROSSING NEWSAGENCY SILVERDALE IGA THE CHEMIST SHOP

SOUTH PENRITH BUDGET SERVICE STATION FISH FISH FRIENDLY GROCER GROSE’S PHARMACY SOUTHLANDS NEWSAGENCY SOUTHLANDS TAKEAWAY WOOLWORTHS

ST CLAIR BLUE CATTLE DOG HOTEL

FOODWORKS MELVILLE ROAD TAKEAWAY ST CLAIR LIBRARY

ST CLAIR SHOPPING CENTRE 7/11 ST CLAIR

ST MARYS

AMPOL FOODARY ASTLEY PHARMACY CASSANDRA’S ON QUEEN GUIDO’S HAIR CARE JAYAM SUPERMARKET M cDONALD’S ST MARYS SOUTH MONFARVILLE CORNER STORE

QUEEN ST NEWSAGENCY

ST MARYS BAND CLUB

ST MARYS FISH MARKET ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB ST MARYS LIBRARY ST MARYS PHARMACY QUEEN ST ST MARYS PIZZA HUT ST MARYS RSL ST MARYS VILLAGE WAGON WHEEL HOTEL WALTER’S NEWSAGENCY

THORNTON PETRAMART THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

WALLACIA WALLACIA GOLF CLUB

WALLACIA HOTEL

WALLACIA POST OFFICE

WALLACIA TAKEAWAY

WARRAGAMBA

WARRAGAMBA SPORTS CLUB

WERRINGTON

COLONIAL HOTEL

CROSSROADS CONVENIENCE STORE

DIRANI’S MFC

GEORGE’S CHARCOAL CHICKEN

HENRY SPORTS CLUB M c DONALD’S

SUPA IGA

THE FOODARY WERRINGTON NEWSAGENCY

After two years being cancelled due to COVID, January is set to see the return of the Blue Mountains Burlesque Festival to Blue Mountains Theatre.

The festival’s producer, known as Porcelain Doll, initially started it for her own students.

“The festivals originally started because I was teaching burlesque in the Blue Mountains, and we had all these beautiful dancers here that were learning about burlesque, but really didn’t have a lot of exposure to it – there weren’t any shows in the Blue Mountains,” she said.

“I created the festival to bring that level of diversity of performers to the Blue Mountains, because burlesque is really about accepting everybody, celebrating all bodies, so I wanted to create a

space in the Mountains where locals could get exposed to that, and also have the chance to perform with high level performers, and really just become a part of the burlesque community.”

With the burlesque scene blossoming in Sydney, the unique Blue Mountains festival has not only given locals the chance to embrace the art form, but also those travelling for the event each year.

“We find that people from Orange and Dubbo and further out will also come, because it’s the closest burlesque to them as well, so it’s really great that they get to come and have that experience, and they get to experience the beautiful Blue Mountains for the weekend,” she said.

With the last festival in 2020, Porcelain couldn’t be more excited to finally have it back in the new year.

“I’m ecstatic, it’s fabulous,” she said.

“We’ve had people asking about

festival performers, asking about applications, when it’s coming back, so it’s been great to be able to tell them all that it’s starting again.”

This year, the festival will be returning to its traditional formula with two spectacular feature shows, ‘Femme Follies’ at 6.30pm, then ‘Naughty Noire’ at 9.30pm –ensuring that there’s something for every kind of burlesque fan.

“We have one show that’s great for people who have never seen burlesque before, introducing them to celebrating all forms of femininity, and then the second show is always a show for those who are pushing the boundaries of the performance art, so they might be out of the box performances, bringing something a little bit different,” she said.

“It means that people who want to explore that more artistic side, where there’s some really creative and unusual things going on, which are fabulous to see, they have the chance to see that.”

The two shows will be showcasing diverse people and bodies throughout, with incredible performers both from local areas, and from as far as Germany.

“The local performers really get a buzz from performing on stage with performers from Germany, or big performers from Queensland,” she said.

“I think it’s great for them to feel really connected, and part of that scene.”

No matter which show you attend, Porcelain assures audience members are in for a good time.

“They’re in for a night of sexy fun,” she said.

“There’s a bit of empowerment, there’s a bit of comedy, and there’s some acts that will make you think for a little bit.”

Blue Mountains Burlesque Festival will be on at Blue Mountains Theatre on Saturday, January 21. Tickets are $69.95 for one show, or can be purchased in a bundle for $119.90. Visit bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Dance

Bring

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood.

Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Regular events.

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL. Rhonda 0408 218 965.

The Sunset Station Singers entertain residents mainly in nursing homes. The song list is over 130 songs, ranging from their old time favourites to more current songs.

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738.

Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Penrith Rotary Club

Mondays 6.30pm. 0416 157 668. New members welcome. The Rotary Club generally meets at Penrith Bowling Club.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit the Lions on Facebook.

Cambridge Park Lions Club

Second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Henry Sports Club. Call 0484 003 571 for details.

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0402 699 611.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the second Tuesday of each month from 9am-2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

JP Service

Victor Glanville – 0416 157 668.

Nepean Food Services

Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum

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

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

Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains. A great place to discover the local history of Penrith

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

Relationships Australia

Counselling for individuals, couples and families. Domestic violence support group also available. 1300 364 277. 2/606 High St, Penrith.

Crisis Sexual Assault Service 24/7 support available for any sexual assault that has occurred in the last seven days. 4734 2000.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

your dancing shoes and see out 2022 at St Marys Diggers. On Saturday, December 31, The Midnight Drifters will be bringing 50s & 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll before counting down to midnight, with Special Guest DJ The Falcon Fenech. Best dressed and lucky door prizes will be awarded on the night, including meal vouchers. Tickets are $20.

the year away at the Diggers

Penrith City Library will be hosting a variety of workshops and shows during the school holidays. On Wednesday, January 18, be amazed by the family magic show, ‘Mr Bamboozle and The Magician’s Exam’. Then, on Thursday, January 19, Ian Watson will be taking the lead as he guides participants to create one of a kind music in an exciting and creative way.

Library workshops and shows to entertain the kids

Australia’s biggest inflatable playpark, Tuff Nutterz, is coming back to the Sydney International Regatta Centre from Saturday, January 7. Tuff Nutterz is fun for the whole family – a place to come and relax while the kids have a blast and, if you’re brave enough, you can join in too. For more information, visit tuffnutterz.com.

Fun for the entire family in the holidays

TOP OF THE BRUNCHES!

Lil Miss Collins café in Parramatta serves modern Australian food inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.

Their mission is to make Australians healthier and happier by providing nutritious, great tasting and visually appealing meals and drinks in a vibrant setting. Their vision is to be recognized as the top Brunch destination in Australia. Current owner Shweta explained ‘We source all our ingredients from local farms, with almost all our dishes prepared on-premise in a sustainable manner. Each of our creations is irresistibly chic with the right fusion of colours to create the picture-perfect moment!”

Lil Miss Collins café in Parramatta serves modern Australian food inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.

Their mission is to make Australians healthier and happier by providing nutritious, great tasting and visually appealing meals and drinks in a vibrant setting. Their vision is to be recognized as the top Brunch destination in Australia. Current owner Shweta explained ‘We source all our ingredients from local farms, with almost all our dishes prepared on-premise in a sustainable manner. Each of our creations is irresistibly chic with the right fusion of colours to create the picture-perfect moment!”

The café has over the last year become Parramatta’s favourite brunch destination - known for food that is not just eye-catching but also fresh, tasty, flavourful and unique. Their specialty coffee, roasted in house with a custom blend of Colombian and Brazilian beans, is a hit with the local community for its distinctive aroma and texture.

Lil Miss Collins Parramatta is open all 7 days of the week. Weekends get super busy, bookings are highly recommended!

The café has over the last year become Parramatta’s favourite brunch destination - known for food that is not just eye-catching but also fresh, tasty, flavourful and unique. Their specialty coffee, roasted in house with a custom blend of Colombian and Brazilian beans, is a hit with the local community for its distinctive aroma and texture.

www.lilmisscollinsparramatta.com.au

CASSIDY PEARCE

Fans of the King of Rock & Roll are in for a treat when Penrith’s newest festival makes its way to Panthers in January.

You’ve likely heard of The Parkes Elvis Festival, and maybe even The Blue Mountains Elvis Festival.

Now, Penrith is getting its very own Elvis Festival.

Kicking off on Friday, January 13, Penrith Elvis Festival is guaranteeing a weekend full of fun with some of the world’s best tribute artists, including Johnny Lee Memphis, Brendon Chase, Paul Fenech and Rick Charles.

Events include trivia competitions, karaoke, feature shows, classic cars and a fashion parade.

Plus, strap yourself in for the Australian Elvis Tribute Artist Championships, with the Championship Heats, and the Final of the Australian Elvis Tribute Artist Championships 2023 being held in the EVAN Theatre over the course of the long weekend. So, get your blue suede shoes, because this one is not to be missed.

Panthers Elvis Festival will be on at Panthers Penrith from Friday, January 13 to Sunday, January 15. Ticket prices for events are varied, with VIP Weekend Passes available for $210. For more information or to book, head to pantherselvisfestival.com.au.

If you were to combine ‘Die Hard’ (which is a Christmas movie, by the way) and ‘Home Alone’, and threw in a little ‘Bad Santa’ for good measure, where would you land?

The answer, it seems, is ‘Violent Night’, an action-comedy romp that has arrived in cinemas for the festive season.

There’s actually a fair bit going on in what should be a pretty simple movie. You’ve got Santa Claus (played brilliantly by David Harbour) drinking himself into oblivion and appearing well past his used by date in the big red suit, you’ve got a rich family gathering for Christmas and in the midst

of it all a heist, well-planned by a bunch of nasty criminals.

All three elements combine for what comes next – Santa and the family versus the bad guys, with a whole lot of family dirty laundry aired in the meantime.

The best parts of the movie come when Santa combines with sevenyear-old Trudy (Leah Brady) to take down some of the criminals – complete in ‘Home Alone’ style, though much more violent.

‘Violent Night’ isn’t a bad movie, but it’s not a good one either. A film’s goal though is to entertain you, and there’s no question that Tommy Wikrola’s flick does that.

- Troy Dodds

See this movie at...

www.hoyts.com.au

It’s that time of year again – an opportunity to reflect on a huge year of television with our annual Chatter on the Box Awards. Here’s the best of the best from 2022 and as always, the categories have been shaken up this year...

Ê Best Aussie Show of the Year: While it technically premiered on December 26 last year, we’re considering Foxtel’s ‘Love Me’ a 2022 show and it wins our award as the year’s best Australian program. Hugo Weaving and Bojana Novakovic are both brilliant in this modern love story, which deals with newfound love, old love and the loss of love – all rolled in to unique family storylines.

Ê Best International Show of the Year: ‘House of Dragon’ will obviously top many lists as one of the year’s best shows, but the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ has to take home this award. It delivered a brilliant follow-up to a strong first season and gained viral status by the time the final episode rolled around.

Ê Finale of the Year: A number of shows wrapped up this year, reaching their conclusions after strong runs and attracting many adoring fans. While the emotion-charged conclusion to ‘This Is Us’ deserves special

FINALE OF THE YEAR: BETTER CALL SAUL, STAN

mention, it is impossible to go past ‘Better Call Saul’, which concluded a six-season run with a stunning final season that delivered twists, turns and anticipation every single week. The series finale was everything fans could have hoped for.

Ê Streaming Service of the Year: After a slow start, Paramount+ finally started to deliver some quality content by year’s end while Binge, thanks to Foxtel, has a plethora of brilliant programming, but STAN takes home the award this year. It produced a number of original shows, fast-tracked a range of American programs and is definitely one of the more user-friendly services. I definitely watched more on STAN this year than any other streaming service.

Ê Best News Coverage: Channel Seven’s efforts in covering the war in Ukraine were simply unrivalled in the Australian media. Chris Reason dominated coverage of the

major world news event, presenting details with poise, professionalism and class – all from the frontline. It was a reminder of what on-the-ground journalism is all about.

Ê Stuff-up of the Year: The awful tribute to iconic television soap ‘Neighbours’ at the Logie Awards. Though the series has now been saved, it was an terrible farewell to an Australian television institution.

Ê The Trap Door Award: The Chatter on the Box Trap Door Award is back, and this year it’s going to an entire network: Channel 10. From another disastrous year of ‘The Project’ to a morning news show literally nobody watched and awful programming like ‘The Real Love Boat’, 10 has had a shocking year. Now it’s banned Australia Day. If 10 disappeared from the Australian media landscape, one wonders if anyone would even notice.

Ê Nathan Taylor is on leave

Troy Dodds

TV Guide: December 23–29

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 Escape From The City 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat Christmas Special 11:00 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering 2022 (M) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Belgravia (PG) 1:45 Doc Martin (PG) 2:50 Gardening Australia 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Back Roads (PG) 6:10 Grand Designs New Zealand 7:00 ABC News 7:30 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special 8:25 Vera (M d,v) 9:55 Troppo (M) 10:55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “A Christmas Switch” (PG) (’18) Stars: Jackie Seiden 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 Woolworths Carols In The Domain 2022 *Live* 10:00 2022 Schools Spectacular Creating The Magic (M) 12:30 Home Shopping

3:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 4:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Carnage (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Rambo III” (M l,v) (’88) Stars: Sylvester Stallone

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Snowed In For Christmas” (PG) (’21) Stars: Kayla Wallace 1:50 Garden Gurus Moments 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Holiday” (PG) (’06) Stars: Jude Law 9:30 Council Of Dads (PG) 12:00 A Very Royal Christmas (PG)

3:15 American Dad (PG) 3:45 The Simpsons (PG) 4:45 Wild Transport (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Willow” (PG) (’88) Stars: Val Kilmer 8:30 Movie: “Mrs Doubtfire” (PG) (’93) Stars: Robin Williams 11:00 Movie: “Alien 3” (M l,v) (’92)

6:50 Movie: “Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas” (G) (’21) Stars: Justin Fletcher 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Office Christmas Party” (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Jason Bateman

Saturday 24 December

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Christmas Special (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Vera (PG) 2:00 Midsomer Murders (PG) 3:30 Wallace And Gromit 4:00 Movie: “Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas” (G) (’21) 4:30 Bluey 4:40 Movie: “Paddington” (G) (’14) 6:10 Extraordinary Escapes 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:20 Shetland (M) 9:20 Midsomer Murders (M v)

12:00 Christmas With The Salvos (PG) 12:30 Border Security International (PG) 1:00 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam (PG) 1:30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 2:00 Movie: “Santa’s Boots” (PG) (’18) Stars: Megan Hilty 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Movie: “Moana” (PG) (’16) Stars: Auli’i Cravalho 9:15 Movie: “Elf” (G) (’03) Stars: Will Ferrell

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Bamay 6:15 Unknown Amazon 7:05 Movie: “The Great Northern Candy Drop” (PG) (’17) Stars: Lorne Cardinal 7:30 Barrumbi Kids (PG) 8:00 Movie: “Get Santa” (PG) (’14) Stars: Jim Broadbent 9:45 Bedtime Stories (PG)

5:30 Come Dine With Me Couples 6:30 Nigella Express 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Gok Wan’s Easy Asian 8:30 Nigellissima Christmas 9:35 Hairy Bikers Christmas Special 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw

8:00 10 News First 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas 1:30 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly (PG) 2:30 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30

Freshly Picked 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Living Room 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:30 Georgie Carroll: The Gloves Are Off (M l,s) 12:00 The Project (PG)

12:00 MacGyver (PG) 2:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 10:20 Evil (M)

5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Country Music (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M) 9:20 The Language Of Love (M) (In English/ Spanish)

12:00 Our State On A Plate 12:30 Great Australian Detour 1:00 Cross Court 1:30 Surfing Australia TV (PG) 2:00 Driving Test (PG) 2:30 Movie: “Last Christmas” (PG) (’19) Stars: Madison Ingoldsby 4:30 Destination Australia 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Country House Hunters Australia 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Christmas With Delta 8:00 Carols By Candlelight *Live* (PG) 11:00 Movie: “A Christmas Karen” (PG) (’22)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:10 Peer To Peer 10:10

Patrizio Buanne 12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Patrizio Buanne: Celebration (Part 2) 3:05 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 3:35 Dishing It Up Christmas Special (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00

Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Engineering Reborn (PG) 8:30 Inside Central Station (PG) 9:25 Then And Now (PG) 10:20 SBS World News 10:50 Gomorrah (MA15+) (In Italian)

11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) 11:00 Frasier (PG)

4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 The Nanny (PG) 6:00 Movie: “Antz” (PG) (’98) Stars: Woody Allen 7:30 Movie: “Richie Rich” (PG) (’94) Stars: Macaulay Culkin 9:30 Movie: “Kindergarten Cop” (G) (’90)

12:00 Everyday Gourmet 12:30 Well Traveller (PG) 1:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 All 4 Adventure 3:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 4:00 JamieTogether At Christmas 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Hungry 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention (PG) 9:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 11:30 The Savoy At Christmas 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30 Authentic (PG)

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 House Hunters Family 4:30 City Vs Burbs 5:00 Island Of Bryan (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Yard Crashers 8:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation

3:40 Movie: “A Christmas Movie Christmas” (G) (’19) Stars: Brant Daugherty 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Fawlty Towers (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Midsomer Murders” (M) (’97) Stars: John Nettles

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Figure Skating: Grand Prix Italy Highlights 3:30 Cycling: Cape To Cape Highlights 4:30 The Untold Story Of Australian Wrestling 4:35 Wrestling 4:40 Wonderful World Of Chocolate Christmas 5:30 Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys: Pyrenees (In English/ Italian/ Portuguese/ Spanish) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Freddie Mercury - The Great Pretender (M l,s) 9:10 Silent Night: A Song For The World (PG) (In English/ German/ Italian)

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 5:30 Border Security International (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn 8:30 Escape To The Country 9:30 Escape To The Perfect Town 10:30 Hidden Villages (PG)

3:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00 Carnage (PG) 5:00 Leepu And Pitbull (PG) 6:00 Last Car Garage (PG) 6:30 Secrets Of The Supercars (PG) 7:30 Ultimate Rides (PG) 8:30 Counting Cars (PG) 9:30 Full Custom Garage (PG)

5:00 ABC News 5:30 The Context With John Barron: The Battle Against Smoking 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Movin’ To The Country 9:00 ABC News

3:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:00 America’s Got Talent Extreme (PG) 6:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 6:30 Movie: “Jack Frost” (PG) (’98) Stars: Michael Keaton 8:30 Movie: “Runaway Bride” (PG) (’99) Stars: Julia Roberts

5:20 Hey Duggee 5:50 Peppa Pig 6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 Adventures Of Paddington 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (MA15+) 9:20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M s) 10:05 Staged (MA15+)

12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Sealink Carols By Candlelight 3:00 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam (PG) 3:30 Beach Cops (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Border Security International (PG) 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 7:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (M d,l) (’83) Stars: Chevy Chase 9:35 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03) Stars: Keira Knightley 12:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Power To The People (PG) 6:00 Pacific Island Food Revolution 6:50 NITV News Update 7:00 On Country Kitchen (PG) 7:30 Black Mamba: Kiss Of Death (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Scrooged” (M h) (’88) Stars: Bill Murray

4:30 Heston’s Feasts 5:30 Destination Flavour Christmas 6:30 Gordon’s Ultimate Christmas 7:30 Jamie & Jimmy’s Food Fight Club Special 8:30 Jamie’s American Road Trip 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:30 Top Chef

2:00 A-Leagues All Access (PG) 2:30 Stories Of Bike (PG) 3:00 Reel Action 3:30 Scorpion (PG) 4:30 Football: Round 9: Sydney FC v Macarthur FC *Live* 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 10:20 MacGyver (M) 11:15 48 Hours

4:30 Mastermind Australia 5:35 Vs. Arashi 6:30 The Fast History Of Toys 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 One Night In Hamleys Xmas Special 9:25 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Iceland (M l) 10:20 Forged In Fire (PG)

8:00 Frasier (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:00 Broke (PG) 3:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:15 Friends (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 1:45 Mom (M) 2:15 NBL Slam

4:45 The Nanny (PG) 5:15 Movie: “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” (G) (’17) Stars: Kevin Hart 7:00 Movie: “Shrek Forever After” (PG) (’10) Stars: Mike Myers 8:50 Movie: “Operation: Rainfall” (M l,v) (’20) Stars: Dan Ewing

2:05 Movie: “Bonnie Prince Charlie” (G) (’48) Stars: David Niven 4:30 Movie: “A Hole In The Head” (G) (’59) Stars: Frank Sinatra 7:00 Movie: “It’s A Wonderful Life” (PG) (’46) Stars: James Stewart 9:40 Movie: “An Officer And A Gentleman” (M) (’82)

2:30 Farmhouse Facelift 3:30 Island Of Bryan (PG) 4:30 Holmes Family Rescue 5:30 Yard Crashers 6:30 Building Off The Grid (PG) 7:30 Escape To The Chateau (PG) 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International 5:20 The Midnight Gang (PG) 6:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:50 Movie: “Paddington 2” (G) (’17) Stars: Hugh Grant 8:30 Movie: “Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas” (G) (’21) Stars: Justin Fletcher

Spanish)

(PG)

12:00 Movie: “A Baby Reindeer’s First Christmas” (PG) (’20) Stars: Dawn French 1:00 Jamie: Easy Meals At Christmas 2:00 Jamie: Together At Christmas 3:00 The King’s Christmas Message 3:15 Jamie: Together At Christmas 4:15 Jamie’s Get Macca’s® the western weekender » 44 Friday, December 23, 2022

Christmas Special (PG) 8:40 Farewell Doc Martin (PG) 9:25 Our Dementia Choir (PG) 10:25 The Detectives (M l)

4:30

9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00

Cricket: BBL: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars *Live* 9:10 Cricket: BBL: Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers *Live*

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00

Cricket: BBL: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Stars *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 American Pickers (PG)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 1:00 Take Me Home (PG) 2:00

Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Paramedics (PG) 9:30 Police After Dark (M)

6:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30

Family Guy (M s) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

6:50 The Monster At The End Of This Story 7:30 Dinosaurs Of The Frozen Continent 8:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 9:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces

6:00 Bamay 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Unknown Amazon (PG) 7:40 Hip Hop Evolution (M d,l) 8:30 Karla Grant Presents (PG) 9:10 Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy

6:30 Nigella Express 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 8:00 Cooking With Curtis 8:30 Jamie & Jimmy’s Food Fight Club

2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30

Movie: “Muriel’s Wedding” (M l,s) (’94) Stars: Toni Collette 9:35 Movie: “The Hunger Games” (M v) (’12) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 The Code (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

6:05 Country Music (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Taskmaster (PG) 9:25 Hypothetical

12:00 Movie: “Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (PG) (’16) Stars: Griffin Gluck 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Vacation” (M l,s,v) (’15) Stars: Chevy Chase 10:30 La Brea (M)

6:55 We’re Going On A Bear Hunt 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 TBA 9:05 Staged (MA15+) 9:30 Friday Night Dinner (M s)

6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Test 2: Day 3 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades *Live* 11:00 Crime Investigation Australia (M s)

6:30 The Cook And The Chef 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 8:00 Shelfie With Dan Hong 8:30 John Torode’s Ireland

Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30

Celebrity Letters And Numbers (PG) 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 9:30 Secrets Of Playboy: The Girl Next Door (M)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 The Weakest Link USA (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Baywatch” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Dwayne Johnson

2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Star Trek” (M v) (’09) Stars: Chris Pine 10:00 Movie: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (M v) (’13)

5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (M) 10:20 48 Hours (M v)

6:05 Country Music (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Billy Connolly’s Great American Trail (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Cooking Up Love” (PG) (’21) Stars: Rachel Bles 1:50 Explore 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Country Home Rescue With Shaynna Blaze (PG) 8:30 Dream Listing Byron Bay (PG)

Heartbeat

7:05 Horrible Histories: Mayflower Malarkey (PG) 7:30 Shaun The Sheep 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Lost In Oz 8:50 Dodo 9:00 The Next Step 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:25 Australian Story 9:00 ABC Nightly News

6:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30 Movie: “Morgan” (MA15+) (’16)

6:55 The Gruffalo’s Child 7:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 8:00 Brian Johnson’s A Life On The Road (M) 8:45 TBA 9:50 Science Of Drugs Roxburgh

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Unknown Amazon (PG) 7:30 Deadly Funny (M l,s) 8:35 I, Sniper (MA15+) 9:30 Kutcha’s Koorioke (M)

6:30 The Cook And The Chef 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 8:00 Long Weekend In... With Rory O’Connell

3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) 11:15 Evil (M)

6:05 Country Music (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Movie: “Looper” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

5:00 Good Bones (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 TBA 9:30 Steal This House 10:30 Windy City Rehab

5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 The Brokenwood Mysteries (M)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:10 Child Genius Australia 4:15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (M) 8:30 Some Kind Of Heaven (PG) 10:00 The Artist’s View 10:30 SBS World News

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s)

6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Kung Fu Panda 3” (PG) (’16) 9:15 Movie: “Nacho Libre” (PG) (’06)

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 TBA 8:30 Our Yorkshire Farm 9:30 TBA 10:30 Beachfront Bargain Hunt

5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG) 8:40 The Closer (M) 9:40 Rizzoli & Isles (M) 10:40 New Amsterdam (M)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 The Reunion (PG) 3:05 The Amazing Gift Of Education 3:15 Child Genius Australia 4:15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Britain’s Beautiful Rivers (M) 8:30 Britain’s Secret Islands (PG)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M) 9:20 Two And A Half Men (PG)

6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Benchwarmers” (PG) (’06) 9:15 Movie: “Good Boys” (MA15+) (’19)

1:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 2:30 Agatha Raisin (PG) 3:20 Gardening Australia 4:20 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:10 QI (PG) 5:40 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:10 Grand Designs NZ 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) 8:00 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 8:35 Grand Designs 9:20 Secrets Of Althorp With Charles Spencer (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre Game 10:30 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder *Live* 9:10 Cricket: BBL: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars *Live* From Optus Stadium 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Tennis: United Cup *Live* 4:30 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Tennis: United Cup *Live* From Brisbane, Perth And Sydney 12:30 Murder For Hire (M) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull” (M v) (’08) 10:05 Movie: “Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2” (M) (’15) 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 The Gift I Will Never Forget (PG) 3:05 Feelings Of Thankfulness 3:15 Child Genius Australia 4:15 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (M) 8:30 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar Thursday 29 December 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Kavanagh Q.C. (M v) 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 6:00 Cricket: BBL: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Resident Evil: Retribution” (MA15+) (’12) 6:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad (M) 8:30 Movie: “The Graduate” (M) (’67) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Undiscovered Vistas 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:00 Strait To The Plate 8:30 Tribal (M d,l,v) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 8:30 Bull (PG) 10:30 The Code (MA15+) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters International 8:30 TBA 9:30 My Lottery Dream Home 7:05 Horrible Histories: Outrageous Olympics (PG) 7:30 Shaun The Sheep 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Lost In Oz 8:50 Dodo 9:00 The Next Step 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:25 Australian Story 9:00 ABC Nightly News 6:25 Stick Man 6:55 The Highway Rat 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 9:00 Starstruck (M l,s) 9:45 Penn And Teller: Fool Us 6:30 The Cook And The Chef 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 8:00 Strait To The Plate 8:30 Nadiya’s Fast Flavours 6:05 Country Music (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 The Curse Of Oak Island (M) 10:10 Life After Prison (M) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Little Rascals” (PG) (’94) 9:10 Movie: “Funny Farm” (PG) (’88) 4:30 Tennis: United Cup *Live* 7:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Grantchester (M) 8:40 Poirot (PG) 10:50 New Amsterdam (M) Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services delivered. « the western weekender 45 Friday, December 23, 2022

What movie were Brian and Annie watching when they met?

What was the family’s favourite restaurant, where George suggested the wedding reception could be held?

What does Annie bring her brother back from Rome?

George says the MacKenzies’ house is the size of what?

How much did the cake cost that Franck showed Annie, Nina, and George?

How many plane tickets from Denmark will the Banks have to buy?

In what year was ‘Father of the Bride Part II’ released?

Where are Brian and Annie going on their honeymoon after the wedding?

Male

and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need

be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Female Australian Artist of the Year: Amber Lawrence With a brand new album and a busy touring schedule, Amber Lawrence again proved herself as one of the best country music talents in the country.

Australian Group of the Year: The Buckleys

This Byron Bay sibling trio has been shaking the local country scene in Australia for some time now, and they produced some brilliant music in 2022.

Best Festival or Event: CMC Rocks 2022 After two years in the wilderness due to COVID, CMC returned and delivered a knockout line-up, including Morgan Evans who debuted ‘Over For You’.

Best Podcast / Radio Show: The Bobby Bones Show ‘The Bobby Bones Show’ comes out of Nashville and features some of the biggest names in country music being interviewed, along with a whole heap of fun from the regular crew.

AQUARIUS

New Year’s Eve looks quiet as the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all snooze in your privacy zone. So a low-key night with a few close friends would suit you best. It’s a good time to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned over the past year – and plan the transformative changes you want to make in the coming year. New friendships, creative projects and social networking are highlighted, as you meet interesting and influential people in your local community.

Wednesday’s wonderful Venus/ Neptune hook-up highlights your Piscean compassion, creativity, sensitivity and spirituality. You could get a bit teary on New Year’s Eve, as you look back over the highs and lows of the closing year. Then Venus and Pluto pair up in your peer group zone on Sunday. So your motto for New Year’s Day is from movie star (and this week’s birthday great) Marlene Dietrich, “It’s the friends you can call up at 4am that matter.”

Mars is retrograde, which can drain your energy and dampen your enthusiasm. But you can still be a bold and bubbly Ram. With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto powering through your reputation zone, you’ll be in a sociable and playful mood on New Year’s Eve. So prepare for some latenight funky moves on the dancefloor! With Jupiter jumping through your sign, your mantra is from birthday writer Henry Miller: “Do anything, but let it produce joy.”

This week Venus (your patron planet) links up with sociable Mercury, so boisterous Bulls are in the mood to party like a pro on Saturday night. 2023 is the year to let go of the past and move onto greener and more productive pastures as the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all activate your adventure zone. So get off your beautiful bovine behind and start planning an exciting escape, a heavenly holiday or an ambitious business trip for some time soon.

Gregarious Geminis are keen to party on New Year’s Eve as you celebrate with family, friends and/or colleagues. But Mars is still reversing through your sign, which can amplify your negative traits. So do your best to keep your restless, impatient, scatterbrained side under control. Your motto for the moment is from singer, songwriter and poet Patti Smith (who was born on December 30, 1946): “If you feel good about who you are inside, it will radiate.”

New Year’s Eve looks lively and sociable as the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto visit your relationship zone. Catching up with family and friends will put a spring in your step and a smile on your dial. In 2023 the planets will restructure, broaden and deepen your relationships with loved ones. So your mantra is from singer, songwriter and poet Patti Smith (who turns 76 on Friday): “Make your interactions with people transformational, not just transactional.”

Expect New Year’s Eve to be emotional, as you reminisce about 2022. So pace yourself and don’t drink too much. On Sunday, Venus and Pluto pair up (in earthy Capricorn) which will stabilise your fiery energy, as you tackle an ambitious project that requires plenty of concentration. 2023 is a terrific year to tap into your entrepreneurial side and turn an abstract, innovative idea into a practical, productive venture. Fortune favours the bold and the brave!

With Mercury (your patron planet) and vivacious Venus visiting your entertainment zone, you’re in the mood to celebrate. So shimmy into your best party dress, shake out your dancing shoes and turn the music up extra loud! With hard work and commitment, your love life will gradually go from strength to strength in 2023.

Singles – the best months to meet your soul mate are February and October, when your earthy Virgo charisma attracts admirers from near and far.

On Wednesday your ruler Venus connects with Neptune, which is wonderful for romantic liaisons, creative projects and imaginative reveries. With four planets in your domestic zone, home is where the heart is on Saturday night. Some lively Librans will host a large New Year’s Eve party, while others enjoy a quiet night at home with a small group of friends. In 2023, good fortune comes via your partner, a business associate or an overseas connection.

On Saturday night the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto activate your communication zone. So you’re ready to chat up a storm, as you have fun with family and friends on New Year’s Eve. There’s so much to catch up on.

On Sunday, your power planet Pluto hooks up with Venus. So expect a dramatic start to 2023 as you communicate intensely, feel deeply and love passionately. Don’t let secrets, suspicions or jealousy mar an otherwise wonderful weekend.

With sociable Jupiter energising your entertainment zone, you’re in the mood for bright lights, loud music, party food and plenty of dancing on New Year’s Eve. But Mars is reversing through your relationship zone, so you’re also inclined to make insensitive remarks to over-sensitive loved ones. Watch what you say Sagittarius! Writer Rudyard Kipling (who was born on December 30, 1865) reminds us, “Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

This New Year’s Eve should be a light-hearted and enjoyable night but resist the urge to criticise a loved one or close friend. Make it a priority to start 2023 in a positive frame of mind. With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto all powering through Capricorn, your charisma, creativity and true grit are shining for all to see. In the words of film icon Marlene Dietrich (who was born on December 27, 1901),

PET HEALTH

Is your dog’s cough worrying you?

Dogs can cough for many reasons. With the COVID-19 threat still persisting, many pet owners worry that their coughing canine companions have contracted the latest Coronavirus strain.

Despite the almost negligible threat COVID19 poses for your pooch, kennel cough – or canine infectious tracheobronchitis – is a real risk, and currently extremely common among the canine population. If your four-legged friend has recently returned from yet another walk to the dog park or stayed in a new environment with other dogs, and begun hacking and gagging, kennel cough is likely to blame.

How do dogs contract kennel cough?

Many different bacterial strains comprise the general term “kennel cough” however, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common strain, which is why kennel cough is often referred to as Bordetella. These bacterial particles can spread easily from dog to dog, or to a dog from a contaminated surface, including kennel areas, food and water bowls, bedding, and leashes.

Healthy dogs can contract kennel cough by being near a coughing dog, or by coming in contact with a surface contaminated with a sick dog’s respiratory emissions. Dogs most commonly pick up kennel cough from boarding facilities, dog parks, or straying into areas of other dogs. One of the major issues with canine cough is the fact it is highly contagious and can quickly spread.

What other diseases can cause coughing? In addition to kennel cough, many other conditions may cause your dog to cough. To confirm whether your dog’s cough is due to

a kennel cough infection, your vet will need to perform a physical exam, and may also suggest blood testing and chest x-rays.

Other diseases that cause coughing includes

congestive heart failure, heartworm, pneumonia, airway obstruction, collapsing trachea and cancers.

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

Typically, the symptoms of canine cough present three to seven days after exposure to the virus. The key symptoms include a hacking, non-productive cough, gagging, sneezing and/or a runny nose.

Some dogs may cough so hard and persistently that they vomit.

Getting excited, as well as exercise can worsen symptoms. However, symptoms generally resolve after approximately seven to 10 days.

It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog as pneumonia or bronchitis may develop in more serious cases.

How can I keep my dog safe from kennel cough?

Vaccinate! To help protect against canine cough there is an intranasal, oral or injectable vaccine available. Avoid boarding facilities that do not require proof of vaccinations and be aware that not all dogs attending dog parks will be vaccinated.

With proper precautions and appropriate vaccinations, you can greatly reduce your pet’s chance of developing an annoying cough.

For more information contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Pet of the Week

HEALTH

WITH MARK LOUKA

ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

What are all those laptop ports for? Prevention is better than intervention

Ever wondered what all the different ports on your laptop are for?

Audio Jack – is used for plugging in wired headphones.

Video Output

• VGA – an outgoing 15-pin format that is now being replaced by the below formats.

• Displayport / Mini Displayport – is used to output video and audio to your computer monitor. Displayport 2 is the latest iteration supporting up to 16K resolution.

• DVI (Digital Visual Interface) – more commonly seen on monitors than laptops, but can output to full HD standards.

• HDMI / Mini HDMI/ Micro HDMI – the default way to connect most laptops to a monitor or television. Most devices support HDMI, including televisions, projectors and video conferencing. The latest version is HDMI 2.1, which allows for a 48Gbps transmission rate and supports 4K video

• Thunderbolt – these ports are often combined with the USB-C port and are identified with a lightning bolt.

Thunderbolt 4 is the latest version and supports speeds up to 40Gbps. If used for video, it will support two 4K monitors Ethernet – allows you to connect your laptop to a wired network. Laptops have a 1Gbps adapter installed. These are being phased out due to the increased speed in wireless networks.

SD Card / Micro SD Card Reader – orig-

inally designed to read digital camera memory cards. It allows you to copy photos from the SD card onto your computer. SD cards are also being used to expand notebooks’ storage space, which is especially relevant for Chromebooks with small hard drive spaces. It can also be used to back-up files.

USB – the most common connection port on laptops (rectangular shape). They connect almost any device, including keyboards, mice, printers, and external hard drives. The latest iteration is version 3.1, which supports transfer rates of 5Gbps.

USB-C – due to its small size, this has become the more common USB port on notebooks. In addition to connecting devices, the port can charge your notebook by providing 100w of power. A whole range of adapters is available to convert USB-C to almost any other adapter type, including HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, SD Card and Printer.

Falls are a common occurrence in older adults. Falls can result in serious complications and serious injuries. It is imperative to prevent someone from having a fall in order to prevent them for obtaining an injury. Not only can a fall result in serious injury but it can also result in one losing confidence and losing independence. The key thing here is prevention is always better then intervention.

A fall is defined as the act of one losing balance and collapsing which typically happens rapidly and without control. There are a few risk factors that increase the likelihood of someone having a fall. These include changes in the nervous system / neuropathy, vision and hearing impairment, altered gait, decrease in muscle strength, foot deformities, poor fitting shoes and general foot pain.

Around 30 to 50 per cent of falls in older adults result in minor injuries. However, 10 per cent of these falls will result in serious injuries. Fractures are a fairly common injury in these people who experience a fall. The quality of someone’s life can significantly decrease after a fall as they may start to lose their mobility and independence. The lack of mobility can result in lack of activity which can result in decreased muscle strength. This decrease in muscle strength can result in further loss of mobility and it turns into a downhill spiral from there.

So how can we prevent a fall? There are several strategies that can be used to prevent a fall. However, it is important to first identify what the cause or potential causes of a fall is for an individual. If you or someone you know

has had a fall or you want to reduce the risk of having a fall, please reach out to me so we can see how to manage you appropriately. Once again, prevention is always better then intervention.

The Cowrie was established over 30 years ago, and since then has been well known for its spectacular views and quality seafood offerings.

Under the ownership of Dimitris Aronis, The Cowrie’s mission is to consistently

build connections with passionate, local growers and suppliers. The Cowrie’s menus are developed seasonally, based on locally acquired, sustainably sourced produce.

Working together with local growers developing Australian honey, citrus, native

herbs/spices and sustainable seafood. Our mission is to consistently build our connections with these passionate growers and bring that Quality produce is partnered with friendly and professional service, to provide a dining experience that is second-to-none on The Central Coast.

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The Mazda3 has been crowned winner of Carsales’ Best First Car Award for 2022.

Buying an affordable, safe and reliable first new car is a defining moment for many Aussies, and with Christmas only days away, now is a key time for taking the first step into new-car ownership.

Carsales judges have done the hard yards for Aussies who have just finished school, or more mature late bloomers looking for their ultimate first car.

The Mazda3 came up trumps following a comprehensive judging process that saw nine shortlisted candidates put through their paces. By virtue of affordability, safety, practicality, their easy driving nature and low running costs, compact five-door hatchbacks –chosen from the light and small car segments – remain the go-to for first-car buyers.

Using data from RedBook.com. au, all Best First Car contenders were tested against more than 100 criteria across five main areas of assessment: safety, technology, comfort and convenience, driving

performance

“The

“Even

model, the Mazda3 is a pleasure to drive, with the best balance of ride, handling, performance and refinement across our nine Best First Car contenders.

“The cabin is brimming with high-tech features such as speed sign recognition, digital radio, sat-nav and an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment system, while the convenience of push-button start, an electric park brake, automatic high beam dipping and rain-sensing windscreen wipers reinforce its clever and easy-to-use nature.

To be eligible for Carsales’ 2022 Best First Car Award, current models were price-capped at $30,000 (before on-road costs) and fitted with an automatic transmission.

They were also required to have high safety credentials and highlevel safety equipment including a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, autonomous emergency braking and a rear-view camera.

What was the first new car you bought? Tell us the story by emailing news@westernweekender. com.au or drop us a message on Facebook or Twitter.

and ownership costs.

Mazda3 is a fabulous package overall and a deserving winner of Carsales’ Best First Car for 2022,”

said Carsales Consumer Editor, Nadine Armstrong.

“It’s very strong on safety, and was a clear leader in three of our

five major categories – technology, comfort and convenience, and all-round driving performance.

in the base-grade Pure

The Mazda3 has been awarded Carsales’ Best First Car Award for 2022.

The all-new, next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will arrive in Australia in April 2023 in the most sought-after specifications – Style, PanAmericana and Aventura – with turbo petrol and diesel power, including the ute’s iconic V6.

Following shortly after, approximately mid-year, the Amarok Core and Life specifications will arrive, rounding out a second-generation Volkswagen ute line-up that provides a stylish and premium edge with high product value.

The Amarok Style, available with a choice of 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel or 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, will be the top selling Volkswagen ute positioned just above the previous Amarok Highline.

To answer the high demands of Volkswagen Amarok customers, the Style will lead the segment with IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlamps, 12” infotainment display with navigation, 12” Digital Cockpit pro and 10-way driver/8-way passenger power adjustable front seats with heating as standard.

PanAmericana and Aventura will provide a new level of off-road and on-road sophistication, respectively. The former unique with all-terrain 18-inch tyres and darkened sports exterior accents combining with a leather-covered dashboard and Harman/Kardon premium audio; the latter with largest-ever 21-inch wheels, ‘Savona’ leather trim, electronic roll cover and chrome accent exterior.

Ryan Davies said the second-generation Amarok line-up has been honed to complement existing Volkswagen ute strengths with new answers to customer demand.

“The Amarok is a pioneer for diesel V6 performance and driving dynamics, in combination with the load carrying and towing capacities the segment expects, and these remain key requirements for our new Volkswagen ute,” Mr Davies said.

“Especially late in the lifecycle of the original Amarok we saw customer preferences move towards flagship models, and this trend will continue.

“Our customers demand performance and value, and that’s what we’re delivering for powertrain choice, engineering, safety and technology.

“With a new turbo petrol engine, steering and suspension tuned by the finest Volkswagen engineers, and exclusive details such as a leather-covered dash, premium audio, and widescreen Digital Cockpit, this Amarok more than answers our customer demands.”

The all-new second-generation Volkswagen Amarok will arrive in Australia in April 2023 after having a team of over 20 Volkswagen designers and engineers stationed in Australia for more than three years working on the all-new ute – a ute that will sell in greater numbers here than anywhere else in the world.

Visit volkswagen.com.au.

The PanAmericana is diesel V6 exclusive. The Aventura builds on Volkswagen TSI heritage with a 222kW/452Nm 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine, or diesel V6.

This will triple flagship offerings beyond the current Aventura with its diesel V6 only, in response to customer demand.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director

SPORT

THE MASKED PANTHER

Ivan Cleary’s milestone. p63.

Matthew has home advantage

Eight-year-old Matthew Sidarous may be young, but he is kicking goals in both sport and at school.

Attending Mamre Anglican School in Kemps Creek, Matthew has been selected for the second year in a row to represent NSW at the 2023 National Club Futsal Championship, which is being hosted for the first time in Penrith.

Playing soccer in the under 9s SAP team for Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Matthew’s mother Frances Sidarous said he quickly found his love for futsal a few years ago.

“Matt started with soccer which he still plays but about two or three years ago he was just naturally drawn to futsal and was good at it,” Sidarous said.

“The rules are different, it is fivea-side, so it is fast paced, and close contact compared to large outdoor soccer fields which I think he prefers, and we really saw Matt’s passion for it come out.”

Currently in the under 9s white team for Mountain Majik Futsal Club, Matthew travelled to Brisbane this year with kids from around the state to play for NSW under 8s in the National Championships.

Selected again to play with the NSW team and with a home advantage, Matthew is ready to give it all he’s got during the 2023 Championships which will take place between January 14 and 17.

“This year was fun, but I was nervous… we came fifth… the Tasmanian team was very good and won,” Matthew said.

“I was excited to be picked again and to play with the older kids. I play defender but my favourite part is kicking goals.”

Being on the younger side of the team, Mrs Sidarous said she is proud of what her son has already achieved.

“Matt went with my husband to Queensland, and he was nervous, but he made friends on the team and got to travel so it was a good experience for him,” she said.

“He is very young to be doing these things but its’ important for kids to have these types of opportunities. It keeps them healthy and fit, and he is giving it a go so we are very proud of Matt.”

The skilled player is part of the Mamre Anglican School Football Program but has also been awarded the Academic Excellence Award two years in a row, demonstrating you can do it all.

“He trains very hard but doesn’t put his academic studies on the backburner which is important as he is going into Year 3 next year,” she said.

“We always felt kids should learn self-defence, so they go to SJJA Jiu Jitsu in Springwood and Matt came second place in his first tournament which was a class above him, so he is just a high achiever.”

With what seems like endless opportunities to pursue, Matthew seems to have a strong idea for what he wants as a future career saying: “I want to be a soccer player when I grow up.”

EMILY FESZCZUK

Local futsal player Matthew Sidarous is kicking goals. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Top talent on world stage

Penrith Cricket Club junior selected to represent Australia at T20 World Cup

Penrith Cricket Club junior Kate Pelle has been named in the Australian Under 19 squad for the T20 World Cup in South Africa early next year.

Australia’s squad, which contains eight players with domestic experience, will be led by head coach Sarah Aley and her assistants, Erin Osborne and Dulip Samaraweera.

Australia will play group matches against Bangladesh, the USA and Sri Lanka at the World Cup, which gets underway on January 14.

The Youth Selection Panel selected a 15-player Australian squad following the conclusion of the 2022-23 Under 19 Female National Championships in Perth earlier this month, which was won by NSW Metro.

“It has been exciting to see the talent on display at this year’s Under 19 Female National Championships,” said Cricket Australia Head of Women’s Performance, Shawn Flegler.

“The Under 19 World Cup provides players with an exceptional development opportunity, and we look forward to watching our team on the world stage.

“Our squad has several players who have experienced professional cricket environments, but final selection for the World Cup was based on overall performances across a variety of competitions.

“Inevitably, there were difficult selection decisions, but we will continue to support and monitor the development of all players in our pathway systems.”

Kate Pelle played her junior cricket with Penrith, and now plays for Parramatta.

SPORT

Penrith Skatel scores grant cash

Penrith Skatel at Emu Plains has received a grant of $7,699 through the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said this grant to the Team Skatel Artistic Roller Skating Club will be used to purchase a new rink floor scrubbing machine.

“This is fantastic news for the club’s 200-plus registered skaters and visiting skaters,” he said.

“The rink is due to have the floor resurfaced soon so this scrubber will keep it in top condition.”

Esther Ambrus of Team Skatel said members and participants who utilise the home rink at Penrith Skatel not only come

from the greater Penrith area but also as far away as Newcastle, the Southern Highlands, Lithgow and Sydney.

“This grant will allow us to maintain a clean and safe floor to skate on and all participants will have the opportunity to further enjoy recreational roller skating and roller sports,” she said.

Mr Ayres added: “With very few dedicated roller skating rinks around, I was pleased to recommend this project for funding.”

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 18,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

Applications for the 2023 program open in May 2023.

Major honour for slalom coach

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded its Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 to Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi.

Fox-Jerusalmi is the mother of local Olympic champion Jessica Fox and her paddling sister Noemie, and is one of the most respected slalom coaches in the world.

She has been coaching for 25 years, leading her athletes to 12 world titles and four Olympic medals. She helped to bring women’s canoe slalom to the Olympic programme and helped achieve gender equality in her sport.

Fox-Jerusalmi represented France at two Olympic Games in the canoe slalom K1 event – Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 – winning bronze at the latter.

Since then, she has gone on to establish a successful coaching career in canoe slalom.

“I was very surprised first, and very honoured, to have been recognised internationally for my career as a coach,” she said.

“As a coach, I am passion-

ate about our sport and wanting to help our athletes reach their potential. This award is very special as it acknowledges my contribution in high level sport as a female coach for so many years, but it also puts canoeing and Australia in the international Olympic spotlight.

“I’d like to thank all who have supported me in my career as a coach; this award is the pinnacle of sport achievement for coaches and I’m extremely proud.”

Proud daughter Jessica paid tribute to her mentor.

“Myriam is one of the few female coaches practising in Australia and around the world in canoe slalom, and she has always been a strong advocate for female athletes, gender equality, and the importance of developing good humans before athletes,” Fox said.

“As one of her athletes (and as her daughter too!), I’m so proud to see her receive this award and be recognised in this way”.

Also winning the award this year was Great Britain’s Malcolm Brown, recognised for his work in triathlon.

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Esther and Zara at Penrith Skatel.

Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi and Malcolm Brown.

TROY DODDS

High Fives: Wanderers open impressive all-weather pitches

history,” Mr Henskens said.

The Western Sydney Wanderers took another step on their journey to be the leading football club in Asia with the opening of their new $7 million Wanderers Fives facility at Wanderers Football Park at Rooty Hill last week.

Featuring nine all-weather five-a-side FIFA grade synthetic turf pitches, Wanderers Fives will provide an integrated high-performance facility for community use and Western Sydney Wanderers talent development pathways.

The facility, which was funded through a $5 million NSW Government grant, also includes a clubhouse with office space, function room and change rooms, new amenities building, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure.

Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer said Wanderers Fives was an investment for the local football community.

“Our brand-new Wanderers Fives facility will be the centrepiece of our community engagement with

an expected 200,000 visitors per year. There is a significant football facilities deficit in western Sydney and Wanderers Football Park shows our club is playing a major

role to sustain and grow football in our community,” Mr Lederer said.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said Wanderers Fives would provide a dedicated facility

for

“The Western Sydney Wanderers have a brief but highly successful

“The new Wanderers Fives facility will ensure the Wanderers continue to develop players that dominate not just the A-Leagues but Asian and world football just like current Socceroos stars and former Wanderers players Keanu Baccus, Mitch Duke, and Aaron Mooy.

“Featuring dedicated female facilities, Wanderers Fives will also help break down barriers in women’s sport and support the success of the Wanderers’ A-League Women’s team.”

Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson thanked the NSW Government for their support.

“We are delighted to open our Wanderers Fives facility at Wanderers Football Park with the support of the NSW Government,” he said.

“We are excited for Wanderers

Fives to be a home ground for diverse multicultural groups, local clubs, and associations for years to come. Importantly for this project we have adopted strong sustainability measures including solar and battery storage, water capture and locally produced items.”

the development of western Sydney football talent as well as a home for community competitions.

TROY DODDS

The Wanderers Fives facility has opened at Rooty Hill.

Panthers to face Bears in season opener as draws for lower grades are released Cup season starts March 3 SPORT

Defending Premiers Penrith will kick off the NSW Cup season with a clash against North Sydney at BlueBet Stadium on Friday, March 3.

The confirmation comes after the lower grade draws for 2023 were officially released late last Friday.

All eyes will also be on the Grand Final rematch between the Panthers and Canterbury-Bankstown, which will be played in Round 16 at Belmore Sports Ground in June.

The NSW Cup, which is the state’s premier competition, will welcome the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors in 2023 to take the total number of teams to 13.

“The release of the draws for our Major Competitions and Junior Representatives Competitions is always exciting as it means rugby league is just around the corner again,” NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said.

“It is great to see foundation club the Sydney Roosters return to the NSW Cup under their own banner, while the addition of the Warriors reflects the strength and appeal of our competitions.

“It is also impressive to see the addition of three new teams into the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership as it represents the growth and interest in Women’s Rugby League.

“Our Junior Representatives Competitions kick off in February and they are always a highlight as they showcase the rising stars of the game, with many of the players progressing to professional rugby league careers.

“There is so much to look forward to in 2023 and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Many of Penrith’s NSW Cup games have been scheduled as curtain-raisers to NRL matches at BlueBet Stadium. A number of Jersey Flegg matches are also part of massive triple header game days.

The Ron Massey Cup will feature nine teams in 2023 with Canterbury-Bankstown joining

the competition. The Kaiviti Silktails will split their matches between Fiji and Sydney after having spent the past two seasons based at Mascot due to the COVID pandemic.

The Sydney Shield will expand to nine teams in 2023 with Mounties and Cabramatta joining the competition.

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Penrith took a strong win against Manly Warringah in Round 7 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing at Howell Oval, the home side won the toss and elected to bowl. In the one-day match, Manly Warringah went up to bat first, but were all out with just 129 runs. Liam Doddrell and Luke Hodges led Penrith’s bowling performance, taking three wickets each. Thanks to Tyran Liddiard and captain Ryan Gibson, the local side was able to chase Manly Warringah’s score in just over 25 overs. Penrith will go up against Bankstown at Howell Oval when the season resumes on Saturday, January 7.

CRICKET: Panthers Cricket Club teams saw excellent results in this week’s round of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) Competition. The First Grade side had another win which was the ideal farewell for club stalwart and Life Member Clint Livesley who is moving interstate. Meanwhile, the Seventh Grade team made hard work of their five run win over Emu Plains. Panthers batting first made 9/135 and the result fluctuated during the Emu Plains innings before they were eventually dismissed for 130.

CRICKET: Despite starting KFC BBL|12 on a high note with a win against the Melbourne Stars, the Sydney Thunder have had a difficult run. After a catastrophic loss to the Adelaide Strikers which earned them the lowest ever T20 innings total, the Thunder fell just short of the win both in their game against Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium, and in their rematch against the Strikers at Adelaide Oval. The Thunder will look to bounce back without their injured captain Jason Sangha when they play Brisbane Heat at Sydney Showground on Tuesday, December 27.

BASEBALL: Glenmore Park local Kyan Wallington will be heading to Taiwan for the 2023 U18 World Cup next year with the Australian team after winning the Gold Medal game last week at the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers.

FOOTBALL: Aleksandar Prijovic’s knack of scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers has continued as the Serbian striker fired Western United to a much-needed A-League Men win, resulting in yet another loss for the Wanderers. The Wanderers will look to bounce back when they take on Brisbane Roar at Kayo Stadium this Friday, December 23.

FOOTBALL: The return of Matilda Katrina Gorry helped Brisbane Roar secure a 1-0 win against Western Sydney Wanderers at AJ Kelly Park, snapping a two-game A-League Women losing run. The team will aim to end their own four-game losing streak this Sunday, Deember 24, when they take on Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have now signed on to the Tactical Athlete Resilience Program (TARP), a unique initiative which officially launched in August following a successful trial. The program aims to support firefighters’ health and wellbeing. It gives firefighters access to the first class strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and facilities used by some of Australia’s top athletes.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, email cassidy.pearce@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/westernweekender, or Tweet us @ wwpenrith.

Penrith’s NSW Cup team won both the Grand Final and State Championship this year. Photo: NRL Images.

! Milestone looms: Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is closing in on a major NRL milestone only few have achieved before him. In round 4 against the Eels, he will coach his 400th first grade game – taking in his time at Penrith along with stints at the Warriors and Tigers. Cleary will become just the 10th coach to reach the achievement and will go past Ron Willey, Bob Fulton and Warren Ryan during the 2023 season in terms of games coached. He’s a long way off topping Wayne Bennett’s 888 games coached, which will exceed 900 next year. It’s unfortunate Cleary will hit the milestone in an away match, but it’ll obviously be recognised at a home game either before or after the achievement.

! Crichton’s long goodbye: Any chance of Stephen Crichton leaving Penrith early and joining Canterbury from 2023 seems unlikely. It’s been whispered about in recent weeks, with Crichton’s likely departure to the Bulldogs from 2024 becoming more and more likely by the day. Even Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher admitted to the Herald last weekend that keeping Crichton seemed like a tough ask given his desire to play fullback and the money such a wish demands. But while Canterbury would probably like to find a way to make any switch happen earlier, Penrith is unlikely to grant any request of that kind. Viliame Kikau is proof that a player can still deliver over the course of a season even if his future is elsewhere.

! Panthers work hard: Penrith will likely call on their depth more than ever before in the 2023 season, a long year with the pressure of back-to-back Premierships well and truly on the side’s back. While plenty of Penrith’s top flight players won’t return to training until January after a long year, many have been slugging it out at the Academy and in surprise boot camps in Penrith. The Christmas break is now underway and there’s no doubt it is well deserved.

! May in the frame: The TAB believes Taylan May is set to have a dynamic year for Penrith, even though he’ll miss the opening two games of the year due to suspension. The TAB has got him on the fourth line of betting in its 2023 top try scorer market. The winger is at $13, behind Alex Johnston, Josh Addo-Carr and Xavier Coates. May is favoured ahead of try scoring freaks like Daniel Tupou and Maika Sivo.

!

The things you see on holidays: Weekender journalist Nathan Taylor is currently overseas but it’s hard to escape the world dominance of the mighty Penrith Panthers. In Prague, he spotted a Nathan Cleary babushka doll (pictured right), along with other Penrith players honoured in such a way.

! That’s all, folks: This is my last column for the year. It’s been great delivering you all the Panthers news and gossip this year, and we’ve broken a few stories along the way too. It’s been fantastic to continue the column across summer as well, and I look forward to being back with a fresh column in the January 20 edition of the Weekender, online first at 7am on January 19. I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas.

! Spotted: Ivan, Nathan, Bec and Indi Cleary, along with friends, all at the opening of The Flower Shop bar in Penrith last week.

! Lessons from the best: Penrith’s corporate partners will be given an exclusive insight into how the club has become such a success story at a special event early next year. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron will present a visual workshop to Panthers sponsors in February, just prior to the 2023 season getting underway.

Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.

Panthers raise Christmas spirits

CASSIDY PEARCE

PSanta’s helpers this Christmas.

time is never easy, but the visit from several Panthers players last week made things a little brighter for those in the Children’s Ward and Birth Unit at Nepean Hospital.

come in, and they brought their mascot with them which was also good,”

Manager of Nepean Hospital’s Chil dren’s Ward, Rebecca Frost.

hard, but at Christmas particularly for kids, so we try and have lots of things for them to do. Having the Panthers come to visit everyone and have a chat really lifted every one’s spirits.”

tal, which was their first since before COVID, the players took the time to meet patients and staff, sign merchandise, and hand out hundreds of gifts to the children.

Penrith junior’s big call-up – see page 59