Western Weekender Jan 12 edition

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GIVEAWAY Win tickets to rising star’s concert Page 18

GET AXED It’s been called darts on steroids and now locals will be able to release their inner lumberjack at Penrith’s newest extreme activity, Throw Axe. Lauren Suttie reports on page 19

Working year off to horror start as train network descends into chaos

OFF THE T TRACKS

TROY DODDS

ransport Minister Andrew Constance is refusing to refund commuters who faced 48 hours of massive delays on the struggling train network on Monday and Tuesday.

Commuters on the Western Line saw major delays at the start of the week with the controversial new timetable, staff shortages, lightning strikes and urgent trackwork creating the perfect storm on the under pressure network.

The new timetable is stretched to such limits that the network simply can’t recover from

one peak to the next if there is a significant problem.

Mr Constance has now ordered an urgent report into how the network can better recover from major incidents.

Such a measure was not taken in the lead-up to the new timetable being introduced despite clear warnings that it could not cope with significant disruptions on the network. “What we have seen in the last 48 hours has been enormously disappointing for commuters and I want to apologise to them,� Mr Constance said on Wednesday.

Story continues on Âť p. 10

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Police plead with motorists to slow down after horror Christmas period EMILY NEWTON

olice have issued a stark warning to motorists after a horror road toll across the state and local area over the holiday period.

NSW Traffic & Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said drivers and riders need to take responsibility for their own actions.

“Speeding, drink-driving and driving tired are by far the three biggest contributors to fatal crashes, especially in country or regional areas and a combination of any two of these factors is a disaster waiting to happen,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

“Tragically, when a bad decision is made by a driver or rider, it is not only that person that is put at risk, they are usually putting their own passengers and all other road users at risk of getting involved in a fatal crash.

“We are past the point of being disappointed, we are now angry that drivers are not listening to our warnings.”

Nepean Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Grant Healey, said there is no excuse when it comes to road safety.

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“We encourage drivers to drive to the speed limit and to the road conditions, particularly when driving in unfamiliar areas,” he told the Weekender.

In addition to reminding road users to drive safely and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Detective Chief Inspector Healey warned that using mobile phones while driving can be deadly.

“We’re going to continue to target mobile phones because just to even glance at a text message there is a chance you could hit somebody,” he said.

“You would hate for that to be a small child on a pedestrian crossing.”

Tragically there were three separate deaths on Penrith roads in single-vehicle crashes over the holiday season.

On Saturday, December 16 a Toyota Corolla veered off the road at Forrester Road, North St Marys just before 7.20pm.

The female driver was treated by NSW ambulance paramedics, however she died at the scene.

On Boxing Day (Tuesday, December 26) emergency services were called to David Road at Emu Plains, after reports a Ford Falcon had hit a parked semi-trailer truck.

The driver and sole occupant, a 43-yearold man, died at the scene.

At 5pm on Thursday, January 4, a

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Holiday carnage on roads

On Saturday, December 16, a woman died after her car veered off the road and hit a power pole. Photo: Jason Donnelly 20-year-old male passenger died following a crash at Mulgoa where a car had left the road and rolled.

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was taken to Westmead Hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing and treatment for shock.

Two men aged 18 and 22 who were in the back seat were also treated for non-lifethreatening injuries.

The driver was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, and negligent driving causing death to appear at Parramatta Local Court later this month.

Police say most of the lives lost on NSW roads can be attributed to poor decisions by drivers including speeding, drinkdriving and driving tired.

We’re all responsible for fixing road carnage: See page four

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

the gospel to everyone, everywhere

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

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Road carnage needs to stop T here is a strong argument to suggest that government really isn’t to blame nor is it responsible for fixing the horror road toll in Australia, which spiked over the holiday period after a summer of absolute carnage on our roads.

After all, it is our lack of respect for the roads, and the vehicles we get behind the wheel of, that is at the core of what is a truly troubling situation.

Any of us who drive around regularly know that people flout speeding laws, use their mobile phones behind the wheel constantly and in many cases appear to have scored their driver’s licence in a cereal box.

But given people’s arrogance in terms of listening to the warnings and playing by the rules, there really is no other choice but government intervention.

That intervention though needs to go beyond nifty marketing campaigns or signs reminding us how naughty we are.

The entire road safety platform needs to be torn apart and re-imagined.

I think it’s important to note that the road toll has reduced significantly in Australia since the 1970s and 1980s, and given there’s more cars on the road than ever before there is some solace to take from that fact.

But we still have too many unnecessary deaths on our roads; too many people with their lives in front of them who lose their futures because of a bad decision, either by themselves or another driver.

There will obviously be minds greater than mine deciding what direction we take in regards to road safety but I do have a few thoughts.

Firstly both the State and Federal

Governments need to accept that regardless of what the actual truth may be, the general road user has a view that road safety in this country is about revenue raising, not saving lives.

They believe there’s quotas.

They believe speed cameras only exist to boost government coffers.

And when people think it’s all about revenue, they are more likely to flout the laws; more likely to take a risk. They see it about trying not to get caught, versus protecting the safety of themselves or their loved ones.

Any road safety changes need to work on ways to alter this mindset.

Perhaps we need to go back to the very beginning of our driving lives to find our way to improving the behaviour of those who hold a driver’s licence.

Should mum and dad really be charged with teaching their kids how to drive?

Think about it. Sure, they have a lot of experience on the road, but mum and dad most likely haven’t sat for a driving test or brushed up on the current road rules for decades, if not longer.

We all develop bad habits as drivers, and we’ll pass those habits onto our children without a professional driving instructor chipping into the equation with a significant number of hours – not just a handful.

And what about the licencing system itself? The only time you’ll actually be on the road to prove your driving skills is the test to get your P1 licence. You’ll move through to your P2 licence and full licence without a qualified person seeing you drive again. Food for thought, right?

Are we setting drivers up for failure?

We also need to look at bringing

News.............................................1-29 Business........................................30

Index

advanced safety courses into the licencing process, perhaps through schools.

But there’s two other things we need to do at the punishment end of the scale: punish drink and drug drivers more harshly and find a way to stop people using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

The latter is a full blown crisis on our roads – drivers driven to distraction by a text message or updating their social media profile. The fines and punishments need to go further than they currently do because from what I witness, they simply aren’t a deterrent.

As for drink and drug driving, low-level offences are treated with a slap on the wrist all too often. We need our courts to be harsher; we need to send a message that getting caught drink driving is not just an inconvenience, it’s committing a serious crime.

There is so much work to do to get this right. But in the end, it’ll still come down to you and me. How we choose to behave behind the wheel is road safety’s number one factor.

And another thing...

The fact it took until Wednesday for Transport Minister Andrew Constance to finally front up and talk to the media about the crisis confronting Sydney’s train network is a prime example of why this bloke shouldn’t be in the job.

His arrogance is turning commuters off the State Government – that’s a big chunk of the voting public not happy.

A real Transport Minister would have been on top of this from the moment it started to develop. Instead, he watched from the sidelines. Not good enough.

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Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1335

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Construction is on track Stunning new Nepean River crossing set to be open before next summer EMILY NEWTON

he Nepean River pedestrian bridge is starting to soar as the launch of bridge sections has begun.

The vibrant ochre colour of the $49 million bridge is now visible as it makes its way across the river, with Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres saying construction is on track to be finished for October or November this year.

“There’s probably not a bridge like this anywhere in the country, you’ll go a long way around the world to find another bridge like this,” Mr Ayres said.

“Crews have been working hard since June last year to prepare the river and the site for the new pedestrian bridge and it’s great to see the body of the bridge is finally ready to slide in to place.

“The first bridge segment was launched to the edge of the eastern side of the Nepean River just before Christmas last year and the remaining segments are now being progressively launched across the river to the pier on the western bank.”

The launch requires around 20 crew members to operate the machinery to lift the 50 metre long segment which weighs 185 tonnes.

“The launch of this section involves

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Anthony Dillon, Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Greg Anderson stand next to the first bridge segment. Photo: Melinda Jane using two heavy lift jacks to pull out the 25 metre bridge segment across launching tracks which are made of stainless steel and Teflon,” Mr Ayres said.

“Once this section of the bridge is pulled to the first temporary pier in the river, it will rest on a large support so the next segment can be fabricated and joined within the temporary workshop.

“This is engineering at its finest and it’s

exciting to see such a great project being built in Penrith.”

Mr Ayres said the new bridge will transform the way Penrith residents interact with the Nepean River, and improve safety given Victoria Bridge’s narrow walkway for pedestrians.

“The colour of the bridge was chosen to represent the orange tree orchards which once grew on the Emu Plains side of the

river as well as the colour of the sunset when it hits the sandstone piers of the Victoria Bridge,” he said.

The 257 metre long pedestrian bridge has been designed with limited impact on the Nepean River to allow river usage and rowing courses to remain uninterrupted.

Mr Ayres said upgrading Victoria Bridge is difficult but something he will discuss with RMS and Council in the future.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

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reaking yet another weather record, Penrith has sweltered through its hottest day ever, and Sydney’s hottest day in 78 years.

The mercury hit 40 degrees before 11am on Sunday, January 7 and the Bureau of Meteorology’s prediction of a 45 degree day was smashed as Penrith reached 47.3 degrees at 3.25pm Thankfully, no major fires or incidents occurred locally during the heat.

Associate Professor Bradley Forssman, Director of Public Health, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is reminding local residents to take care of themselves as the high temperatures continue through summer.

“Recently we’ve had a number of days where the temperature in Penrith has soared above 40 degrees,” he said.

“The weekend of January 6 and 7 saw at least 24 heat-related presentations to Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District hospital emergency departments.

“Nine of these heat-related presentations were made to the Nepean Hospital emergency department.”

Associate Professor Forssman is reminding the community to take care during the hot weather and plan ahead to avoid the heat of the day.

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Drinking water is a must on hot days of water, seek shade or shelter in air conditioned buildings and avoid strenuous physical activity in the hottest parts of the day,” he said.

“It’s still early in the year and so there are more hot days to come. If you have elderly neighbours, friends or relatives, check in with them to make sure they are managing the hot weather.”

It was the hottest day on record in Penrith and the hottest anywhere in the Sydney area since 1939, when a temperature of 47.8 degrees was recorded in Richmond.

The news of Penrith’s heat made international headlines as a stark contrast to the cold snap parts of America are currently facing. Penrith was confirmed as the hottest place on Earth last Sunday.

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Local couple’s New Year present

Australians spent up big over the Christmas holiday period LAUREN SUTTIE

or many people this month, eating too much Christmas pudding might not be the only thing that they’re regretting, with the amount of money spent over the holiday period expected to hit a new high.

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the predicted average amount each Australian spent over the holiday season was $995, with the predicted average credit card debt amounting to $1,666 per person.

Principal Financial Planner, Alex McKenzie, from Future Financial Services in Penrith, said that it’s become the social norm to spend and socialise more leading up to Christmas.

“Christmas time is always a time where people have traditionally spent far more than they have at the other times through the year and it has always lead to over spending, with people spending way above their means,” he said.

“In many cases it takes the entire year for people to recover from it in the worst case scenario.”

And while he said that the service didn’t see a particular spike in those seeking help after the holiday period, Mr McKenzie acknowledged the increase of existing

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Loren Cassar with Nathaniel. Photo: Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District LAUREN SUTTIE

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Did you break the budget?

hile most people brought in the New Year by partying with family and friends, local couple Loren and Luke Cassar celebrated it with the birth of their baby boy.

The couple from Glenmore Park were the first Penrith residents to give birth in the New Year at Nepean Hospital.

While the pregnancy went really well, Ms Cassar said it was a different story for the labour, joking that it lasted a little too long.

Ms Cassar has spent the days since giving birth adjusting to her new life.

“It’s been very exhausting because we were in hospital for a few days, everything was good but because I was a first time mum, it was about getting to know how to breastfeed and having the support of the nurses,” she said.

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Principal Financial Planner, Alex McKenzie. Photo: Melinda Jane clients seeking advice.

“We do see that existing clients often get off track with their savings,” he said.

“Come January and February we try to rectify that by winding in the budget or making sacrifices and plans to get them back to where they want to be.”

If you have found yourself in this position this year, Mr McKenzie said that it’s not too late to turn that around and start

planning for better results next Christmas.

“The best advice is to plan in advance and outline exactly what you are going to spend over that period and accumulate money throughout the year to account for that,” he said.

“Basically just be aware that your spending is going to increase into December and January.”

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

PENRITH

26 January

2018

AUSTRALIA DAY

NEWS CONTACT US

JAMISON PARK | 3PM - 8PM Grab the kids and enjoy the free family fun day and performances by Nick Jr.’s PAW Patrol and Swamp Dawkins!

FREE EVENT

ADMINISTRATION Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

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

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.

AMENDED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

COUNCIL BRIEFS ● The Council Customer Service Office and Library on

The following amended Development Application has been received by Council:

Queen Street, St Marys are closed due to flooding.

Repairs are underway and the building will reopen with limited services, by the end of January.

DA16/0967

16–20 Pages Road, St Marys

Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri.

The Civic Centre customer service point and Library at

P: 4732 7777

Penrith are open as normal. Library opening hours are

F: 4732 7958

extended at the St Clair branch to provide additional services

Demolition of existing structures, site remediation works, construction of 15 x 3-storey town houses with basement car parking and strata title subdivision x 15 lots

Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

while St Marys is closed for repairs.

Contact: Clare Aslanis on 4732 8195

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

To find out more about Library opening hours and services, please visit library.penrith.city. For more information about

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

Council Services, please call 4732 7777. ● We’re celebrating our newest childcare centre, Emu Village OSH, with a family open day on the village green, on

Closing Date: 12 February 2018

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: s N. F. Billyard Pty Ltd

Sunday, 21 January.

DA17/1319

76–78 McNaughton Street, Jamisontown

Come and see this state-of-the-art facility for yourself and enjoy free food and entertainment while your child

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 8 x 2-storey town houses

Graffiti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

experiences the fun and contemporary recreation on offer

Contact: Clare Aslanis on 4732 8195

at the centre.

Closing Date: 31 January 2018

MEETING DATES

The festivities will run from 10am–2pm and include a free

s Group GPM Design Architecture

DA17/1268

70–72 Bringelly Road, Kingswood

Council Meetings

BBQ, music, face painting, jumping castle, rock climbing

12 February 2018 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

wall, a photobooth, and Council’s own Rooby Roo!

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 10 x 2-storey town houses

Emu Village currently has places available in the before and

Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222

after school care program for kids aged 5–12 years. Get the

Closing Date: 31 January 2018

26 February 2018 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

best care and recreation experiences for your child – call

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s N. F. Billyard Pty Ltd

DA17/1320

176 Canberra Street, St Marys

● Penrith Council’s Australia Day event will be held at Jamison Park (Soccer Fields) on Friday, 26 January, between 3pm

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 5 x 2-storey town houses

and 8pm.

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 7705

There are no road closures for this event, however traffic delays are likely.

Closing Date: 31 January 2018 s Think Planners Pty Ltd

DA17/1332

18 Sydney Street, St Marys

Parking for the event can be found via the Jamison Park

8

s Great Jade Development Pty Ltd

entrance on York Road, and the ‘kiss and ride drop off’ is

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6 x town houses and basement car parking

located at the Netball Courts, on the corner of York Road

Contact: Gannon Cuneo on 4732 7774

and Batt Street.

Closing Date: 31 January 2018

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4HE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY #OUNCIL s . & "ILLYARD 0TY ,TD $!

12 Australia Street, St Marys $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF X TOWN HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS #ONTACT *AMES (EATHCOTE ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s "AINI $ESIGN $!

4 Chapel Street, St Marys $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BOARDING HOUSE CONTAINING X ROOMS WITH ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS #ONTACT 0UKAR 0RADHAN ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s $O .GUYEN -ICHAEL 2USSO $!

55 Somerset Street, Kingswood $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF BOARDING HOUSE CONTAINING BOARDING ROOMS

MANAGER S ROOM AND BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT 3UFYAN .GUYEN ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s . & "ILLYARD 0TY ,TD $!

42 Chapel Street, St Marys $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION BOARDING HOUSE CONTAINING X BOARDING ROOMS AND ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING WORKS #ONTACT 'ANNON #UNEO ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s #ITYSCAPE 0LANNING 0ROJECTS $!

5/6 Crana Street, St Marys !LTERATIONS TO EXISTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES FOR USE AS A PLACE CHILDCARE CENTRE #ONTACT ,UCY 'OLDSTEIN ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s 5RBANLINK !RCHITECTS $!

33 Hobart Street, Oxley Park $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF X TOWN HOUSES AND STRATA SUBDIVISION X LOTS #ONTACT -AHBUB !LAM ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s 2EDAN #ONSTRUCTIONS $!

30 Day Street, Colyton 3ECOND STOREY ADDITION TO EXISTING NEIGHBOURHOOD SHOP COMPLEX FOR USE AS BOARDING HOUSE CONTAINING BOARDING ROOMS AND ASSOCIATED GROUND LEVEL AND BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT *ANE (ETHERINGTON ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s $ESIGNCORP !RCHITECTS $!

32–36 Hope Street, Penrith $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STOREY RESIDENTIAL mAT BUILDING CONTAINING APARTMENTS AND LEVELS OF BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT 0AUL !NZELLOTTI ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s $ESIGNCORP !RCHITECTS $!

38–40 Manning Street, Kingswood $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STOREY BOARDING HOUSE CONTAINING BOARDING ROOMS MANAGER S ROOM AND BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT ,AUREN 6AN %TTEN ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY

s 3TEMAA 0TY ,TD $!

28–32 Evan Street, Penrith $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STOREY RESIDENTIAL mAT BUILDING CONTAINING APARTMENTS AND LEVELS OF BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT #LARE !SLANIS ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s 3RI 2ANGA 2AO 2ANGINENI $!

31 Adelaide Street, Oxley Park $EMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING INCLUDING TREE REMOVAL AND CONSTRUCTION OF X STOREY TOWN HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS #ONTACT -AHBUB !LAM ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY s 2OBERT !LHA $!

165 Canberra Street, St Marys $EMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING AND CONSTRUCTION OF X TOWN HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS #ONTACT 'ANNON #UNEO ON #LOSING $ATE *ANUARY

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED 0URSUANT TO 3ECTION OF THE Environmental Planning & Assessment Act THE SCHEDULE BELOW LISTS APPLICATIONS RECENTLY DETERMINED BY 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL $ETAILS OF THESE DETERMINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FREE OF CHARGE DURING #OUNCIL S NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AT THE #IVIC #ENTRE

(IGH 3TREET 0ENRITH

Approved Development Applications s !NVEST (OLDINGS 0TY ,IMITED $!

Lot 5247 DP 1201223 (No. 29) Bungendore Street, Jordan Springs )NTEGRATED (OUSING $EVELOPMENT COMPRISING X SEMI DETACHED DWELLINGS AND 4ORRENS TITLE SUBDIVISION X LOTS s 3ERVICE 3TREAM -OBILE $! #OMMUNICATIONS Lot 60 DP 2054 Roper Road, Colyton 4ELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY INCLUDING M HIGH MONOPOLE PANEL ANTENNAS X AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE s .37 (EALTH )NFRASTRUCTURE $!

Lot 1 DP 1114090 Nepean District Hospital (Nos. 35–65) Derby Street, Kingswood STOREY SPLIT LEVEL HOSPITAL CAR PARK ROOFTOP HELIPAD AND RELATED STORMWATER DRAINAGE

SERVICING LANDSCAPING AND SOIL REMEDIATION WORKS s *EFF 2ALPH $!

Lot 1 DP 347354 (Nos. 1453–1471) Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa #ONSTRUCTION OF NEW DWELLING DETACHED DUAL OCCUPANCY HORSE STABLE HORSE TRAINING ARENA AND ROOF STRUCTURE DECOMMISSIONING OF DAM AND RETROSPECTIVE APPROVAL OF EARTHWORKS s -ORSON 'ROUP 0TY ,TD $!

Lots 2–4 DP 23829 (Nos. 72–74) Lethbridge Street & (No. 35) Doonmore Street, Penrith $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STOREY RESIDENTIAL mAT BUILDING CONTAINING APARTMENTS AND BASEMENT CAR PARKING

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL HAS RECEIVED $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES 4HE CONSENT AUTHORITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS IS 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL s -ATTHEW &REEBURN n 3URVEYOR

$!

"OUNDARY ADJUSTMENT AND PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE Lots 2 & 3 DP 535679 (Nos. 3039–3041) The Northern Road, Luddenham 4HE PROPOSAL IS )NTEGRATED $EVELOPMENT UNDER 3ECTION OF THE Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 )N THIS REGARD THE APPLICANT IS SEEKING CONCURRENT APPROVAL FROM THE .37 2URAL &IRE 3ERVICE UNDER 3ECTION " OF THE Rural Fires Act 1997

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

4HE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION REFERRED TO IN THIS NOTICE AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE SUBJECT APPLICATION MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW AT ANY TIME DURING ORDINARY OFlCE HOURS IN THE PERIOD FROM *ANUARY TO *ANUARY !NY PERSON MAY DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD MAKE A SUBMISSION IN WRITING TO 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL IN RELATION TO THE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION 7HERE A SUBMISSION IS MADE BY WAY OF AN OBJECTION THE GROUNDS OF OBJECTION ARE TO BE SPECIlED IN THE SUBMISSION 4HE SUBMISSION IS TO INCLUDE #OUNCIL S REFERENCE NUMBER $! #OUNCIL IS REQUIRED TO MAKE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATIONS AND CERTAIN ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE UNDER THE Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 4HERE IS A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF PUBLICLY DISCLOSING ALL SUBMISSIONS RELATING TO THIS $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION UNLESS #OUNCIL DETERMINES THAT IT IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DO SO &OR ANY QUERIES RELATING TO THE PROPOSAL PLEASE CONTACT 2YAN 'ILL ON s "AINI $ESIGN

$!

Lots 50 & 51 DP 1224294 (No. 96) Doncaster Avenue, Claremont Meadows #ONSTRUCTION OF A CHILD CARE CENTRE X PLACE AND ASSOCIATED CAR PARKING LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS 4HE PROPOSAL IS AN )NTEGRATED $EVELOPMENT 4HE APPLICATION SEEKS APPROVAL FROM THE .37 2URAL &IRE 3ERVICE n Rural Fires Act 1997.

4HE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION REFERRED TO IN THIS NOTICE AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE SUBJECT APPLICATION MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW AT ANY TIME DURING ORDINARY OFlCE HOURS IN THE PERIOD FROM *ANUARY TO *ANUARY !NY PERSON MAY DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD MAKE A SUBMISSION IN WRITING TO 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL IN RELATION TO THE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION 7HERE A SUBMISSION IS MADE BY WAY OF AN OBJECTION THE GROUNDS OF OBJECTION ARE TO BE SPECIlED IN THE SUBMISSION 4HE SUBMISSION IS TO INCLUDE #OUNCIL S REFERENCE NUMBER $! &OR ANY QUERIES RELATING TO THE PROPOSAL PLEASE CONTACT 0UKAR 0RADHAN ON

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Change was vital The boss of Sydney Trains admits that the new timetable makes it difficult to get services back on track after delays.

But Howard Collins says it needed to be implemented because the train network is busier than ever before.

“That’s why we’ve changed the timetable. We haven’t used this railway as hard as this in its lifetime,” Mr Collins told 2GB. “This timetable is very intensive. When we get delays it requires us to have more drivers on standby. We’re recruiting every other week.”

Mr Collins and Transport Secretary Rodd Staples are now charged with finding a way to get the system back on track quicker when there are disruptions.

He said the timetable needed to be “resilient” when such delays occur.

Troubling times For some commuters, the old train timetable seems like the good old days while the new timetable, introduced last November, is a bumbling mess.

Erskine Park resident Darren de Kretser, who was caught up in the train delays on Monday and Tuesday, said it’s simply not good enough.

“We used to have a few delays a year. In the past two months it has been almost weekly,” he said.

“I’d prefer if they just go back to the old timetable to be honest.

“Everyone is confused. Trains are out of timetable order. Stops appear on the indicator boards then suddenly when you get on the train those stops are removed.”

No refund despite delays Union warns problems may continue on rail network Story continued from » p. 1 pposition Leader Luke Foley pleaded with the Government to refund commuters who were disrupted on consecutive days – a simpler task with Opal Cards now in play.

But Mr Constance ruled out such compensation on Wednesday.

He also ruled out Mr Foley’s call for the new timetable to be suspended until issues can be sorted out.

Mr Constance said the Government was responding to a “growth challenge” in regards to train patronage.

“Last November we implemented 1500 extra weekly train services to cope with rapidly growing demand,” he said.

“Everyone acknowledges we need more and more public transport services, which is why $1.5 billion is being spent on the new timetable and 24 extra trains.

We’re also continuing to recruit extra staff.”

On Monday, some 18 services were cancelled across the network while others faced major delays. On social media and talkback radio, commuters reported that there was huge confusion and communication issues on trains and platforms throughout the day.

On Tuesday, the delays continued right throughout the day and evening and got worse, not helped by overnight lightning

O

Transport Minister Andrew Constance in Penrith late last year. Photo: Melinda Jane strikes that played a part in crippling the system.

NSW Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, Alex Claassens said the new timetable was an ongoing problem.

“The person to blame for this is quite clearly the Transport Minister,” he said.

“He introduced a timetable that we were just not ready for. Under-resourced, under-prepared and now we’re seeing the fruits of that.”

Mr Claassens said Mr Constance was ignoring their concerns and called on the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to intervene and sit down with the union to try to find a solution.

Mr Foley said the State Government’s priorities were in the wrong place.

“The train services are shambolic right now under this government,” he said.

“The new timetable is not worth the paper it is written on.”

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT

favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 12 January to 12 March 2018.

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA17/1247.

DA17/1310 s Idizin Sydney Pty Ltd. Lot 13 DP 703544 (No. 1) Meru Place, St Clair Demolition of existing structures, construction of detached dual occupancy and strata title subdivision x 2 lots The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 12 January to 31 January 2018.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA17/1310.

Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the Development Application is the Sydney Western City Planning Panel in accordance with Section 23G of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. s Stimson & Baker Planning DA17/1247 Lot 18 DP 253503 (Nos. 230–242 Aldington Road, Kemps Creek Place of public worship including Hindu Temple (Mandir), assembly hall, community kitchen and dining hall, monks residence, landscaped areas, internal roads, car parking and associated site works The proposal is Integrated Development under Section 91 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the applicant is seeking concurrent approval from the NSW Department of Primary Industries – Water under Section 91 of the Water Management Act 2000 and from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the

Council is required to make Development Applications and certain associated documents publicly available under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. There is a presumption in favour of publicly disclosing all submissions relating to this Development Application unless Council determines that it is not in the public interest to do so.

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078.

Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker. Alternatively, the applications can be viewed during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Flood closes local library Council hopes to re-open Queen Street facility shortly after Australia Day EMILY NEWTON

epair work is already well underway on the Council Customer Service Office and Library on Queen Street in St Marys which suffered extensive flooding during the holidays.

While the library currently remains closed, Council hopes to have it reopened by the end of the month with limited services.

“Council is working towards re-opening St Marys Library and Office on January 29 after extensive flooding occurred in the building,” a Council spokesperson said.

“To date considerable progress has been made in repairing the building, although there is still more work to be completed before services can operate from the building.

“New carpet has been laid, new electrical installed and damaged furniture is being replaced.

“Damage to items may limit the availability of books, magazines and DVDs upon re-opening, but the full range of computer and Internet services will be available.”

The second largest of Council’s library branches, the reopening of St Marys Library should coincide with the beginning of Term 1 of school.

R

The Council building in Queen Street, St Marys has suffered flood damage

During the closure of the St Marys branch Council is waiving all fines accrued as they understand that it may be inconvenient for people to travel to the other branches to return items.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the damage is significant and will take some time to be repaired.

“Unfortunately a good portion of the building was damaged, along with the Library collection and equipment inside,” Cr Thain said.

Cr Thain said he was saddened to hear of the incident, especially during the busy holiday period.

“It’s a devastating thing for this to happen, and a blow to the community who use this facility, especially at such a busy time of year,” he said.

“But I am pleased to say that Council staff have responded quickly and repairs are already underway.”

The Civic Centre customer service counter and Library at Penrith remains open as normal.

St Clair Branch Library will be operating with extended opening hours until St Marys Branch Library resumes operation later this month.

For more information about Council Services and updates about the re-opening, please call 4732 7777.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

Colyton: Woman charged with assault after attacking Ambos

Two Ambulance officers were attacked while on the job by a woman who grabbed at them through an open vehicle window.

At 5.50pm on Saturday, January 6 Ambulance officers were called to a location at the Great Western Highway in Colyton.

When they had finished their call out and returned to their vehicle to leave, a 38-year-old woman from Colyton began grabbing an officer through the open window. One officer suffered bruises and lacerations.

The woman then allegedly spat on them and tried to grab a garbage bin and throw it at the officers.

It is also alleged that the woman dug her fingernails into the second ambulance officer.

With the help of a passer by, the officers were able to restrain the woman.

Police attended and issued the woman with a Field Court Attendance Notice and charged her with two counts of ‘assault’.

Agnes Banks: Lightning strike causes fire at property

Homeowners on Castlereagh Road, Agnes Banks woke at 5am on Tuesday, January 9 to find their house on fire from a lightning strike.

The occupants woke up to discover their meter box had caught fire, and self evacuated the property.

Rural Fire Service attended and had to extinguish the power pole out the front of the property as well as the house as the fire had spread.

Police remind locals to stick to the rules on hot days

Nepean Police Area Command is reminding locals about the high fire danger during summer.

When in a total fire ban there is no excuse for lighting fires, especially after two recent incidents that could have been disastrous.

On Saturday, January 6 people were playing with fireworks in the early hours

of the morning by the bushland near Highview Avenue, Penrith.

The bush caught alight, but was able to be contained by emergency services.

On Monday, January 8 a bush fire also broke out at Barnes Road, Llandilo after a 28-year-old man was burning a large pile of leaves in his backyard.

The Rural Fire Service attended.

A total fire ban had been issued for the day as temperatures exceeded 40 degrees in Sydney’s west.

The man was charged with ‘failing to comply with the direction of the minister’ and will face court next month.

Penrith: Man fails to keep his pants on during hot conditions

On a day that almost hit 35 degrees, the heat seemed too much for a man who was at Victoria Bridge with his pants down.

Police were called to Victoria Bridge at around 7pm on Tuesday, January 2 following reports that a man was allegedly exposing himself.

Police spoke to witnesses, attended the location and identified the man, who was in possession of a push bike.

The man had been previously sighted by officers without the bike earlier in the day, fully clothed.

When officers went to speak to him, the man attempted to flee causing a foot chase by police.

He was caught nearby, arrested and charged with ‘Goods in custody’ and ‘Wilful and obscene exposure’.

St Marys: Man arrested after tow truck stolen

A man has been arrested after a stolen tow truck was stopped by police.

Police from Nepean Police Area Command were alerted to a gold-coloured tow truck driving erratically and hitting parked vehicles around St Marys just before 3pm on Saturday, January 6.

Following a search, officers located the stolen tow truck in Magnolia Street a short time later. The driver of the truck was located behind a nearby house.

with Daniel McKinnon Complete Legal & Conveyancing • 4704 9991 • Suite 11, 354 High Street Penrith

Ins and outs of divorce Beyond the emotional difficulties that individuals face when a marriage comes to end there are many practical considerations that need to be made, including applying for a divorce and the division of property.

In Australia, the sole requirement to be able to apply to divorce is an ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’. This breakdown can be established once you have been separated from your partner for at least 12 months (which can also include separation whilst living under the same roof).

If you have been married for less than two years and you wish to apply for a divorce, you must either attend counselling to discuss the possibility of reconciliation with your partner, or file an affidavit with your divorce application setting out ‘special circumstances’ as to why the counselling has not occurred (for example, if there had been incidences of domestic violence).

You have the choice of filing either a joint application or individual application to apply for a divorce.

If you apply individually, you must ‘serve’ the filed application on your spouse at least 28 days before your divorce hearing, and file an additional affidavit proving that the documents

were served and received. Your hearing date will be approximately six to eight weeks after you have filed your application. You do not need to attend the hearing if you filed a joint application with your spouse, or if you filed a sole application and have no children under the age of 18.

If you have filed a sole application and do have children under the age of 18, you will need to attend the hearing and may be required to answer questions in relation to the living arrangements and financial support of your children.

If your divorce application is successful, your divorce will take effect one month and one day after the court hearing.

You will only have 12 months from the date that your divorce is finalised to apply for maintenance or for a property settlement.

If your application falls outside of this time, you will need to seek the court’s permission to apply which will bring additional costs.

It is important that you seek advice from a family lawyer before filing any documents in court.

Please contact our family law solicitors on 4704 9991 or email info@completelaw.com.au for more information.

Woman turned hose on police While it may have been refreshing in the heat, a woman who turned her hose onto a police officer this week will face court next month.

Police attended a residence at Orana Avenue, Penrith following a noise complaint on Monday, January 8.

Later in the afternoon, officers attended the same residence where there

was a 38-year-old female from Penrith using her hose.

When police spoke to her, she turned around and put her hose on the police officer, wetting him.

She was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for ‘Assault police’ and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, February 6.

We contribute to the Weekender with a weekly legal column

• Conveyancing and Property Law

• Will Disputes

• Wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship

• Business and Commercial Law

• Deceased Estates

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Friday, January 12, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

26 January

2018

AUSTRALIA DAY JAMISON PARK | 3PM - 8PM Grab the kids and enjoy free family fun on 26 January. y.

Help us celebrate our diverse heritage and traditions with free fun for all the family, including Pavlova decorating, games, face painting, bubble ve soccer, historical and interactive d displays and shows, music and performances by Paw Patrol and Swamp Dawkins.

Parking available from 2.45pm Non smoking event. No alcohol.

No glass or unsealed bottles.

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FREE EVENT

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

1300 736 836

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday2018 WW30244

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

CHILL OUT my Penrith

JOKE of the WEEK

Did you hear about the guy who invented Lifesavers? They say he made a mint.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au

prize cupboard

W

hile most kids at the age of 18 are still trying to decide what career path they want to take, Isaiah Firebrace has already become a household name.

Playing a small intimate show at The Joan later this month will be quite a change from the large audiences he’s played to in recent times, but Isaiah said he enjoys the different buzzes both small and large gigs bring.

“I’m really excited and I hope everyone can come get in the groove as there will be a lot of new songs and I’m bringing my band, so it should be cool,” Isaiah said.

Isaiah Firebrace will be performing live at The Joan on Sunday, January 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $60.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600.

The Western Weekender has two double passes to Isaiah Firebrace’s Penrith show to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Firebrace’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details. Entries close Wednesday, January 17. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Chloe McCarthy St Clair FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Big Daddy’s Burger Bar FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE? The Coffee Club in the Plaza FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Panthers Penrith FIRST PLACE YOU’D TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? The river WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The people and the environment WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The night markets

Well done to local Learn To Swim teacher Aimee Carlin who was involved in a dramatic rescue while on holidays in Tuncurry earlier this month. She helped save a swimmer who was in big trouble.

While everyone needs a break, it was a shame to see so many of Penrith’s new restaurants, bars and cafes close over the holidays. It’s a perfect time for people to try out the various businesses.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

4.1 Around 4.1 million of us have high blood pressure and many of us don’t realise it.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure has no symptoms.

The only way to know if it is a health issue for you is by having it checked by your doctor or local pharmacist.

In 2018, stroke will kill more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer. Make it a new year promise to get checked!

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Penrith’s next big thing Axe throwing set to become the local area’s new must-do group activity LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s been called darts on steroids and now locals will be able to release their inner lumberjack at Penrith’s newest extreme activity, Throw Axe. As the name suggests, the aim of the game is to throw an axe at the target, but don’t be fooled, it isn’t as easy as it looks.

One of the owners, Nancy Aldred, said that the game really focuses on group interaction with a minimum six people required to play.

“There are different games that will run depending on the sizes of groups, but if you think of an activity like bowling or even aqua golf to a degree, it’s a similar sort of thing,” Ms Aldred said.

Having come across the unusual activity last year, co-owner Robert Hardcastle said it made sense to bring the activity out to Penrith, where there is already a variety of extreme sports.

“In February last year our family decided to go to an event in Sydney and we were like ‘why would we want to go do axe throwing?’ but we got there and it was a lot of fun,” he said.

“We started doing a bit of research and it’s really big in America and Canada right now, and then with the other owners of

I

Shane Richards, Chloe Richards, Nancy Aldred and Robert Hardcastle at Throw Axe. Photo: Melinda Jane this, Shane and Chloe, we said ‘oh we should do a group day for the gym and do this axe throwing thing’, and as soon as we finished up they rang us up and were like ‘I see where you’re going with this’.”

Hoping to have its doors open by the end of this month, there will be four axe cages where each group will be able to participate in round robin style games for

$55 per person. The space on Abel Street will also include an area for people to hang out and have a few drinks – non-alcoholic of course.

“We do find that everyone is a bit hesitant and as you get a bit more confident you kinda want to have your wits about you, you don’t want to be drunk off your face,” Mr Hardcastle said.

And if you’ve never thrown an axe before, fear not for there will be supervisors on hand throughout the game to help you out.

“Every time a group comes down there will be someone designated to that group, you’ll sign your waivers, go through safety instructions and everyone will have a few tries first,” Mr Hardcastle said.

Awareness, understanding and support for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Local mum’s bullying crusade LAUREN SUTTIE

S

ingle mum of four, Jessica Harland, is helping spread the message that bullying is not cool, one school at a

time.

The local mum, with the help of a psychiatrist and teacher, has developed an anti-bullying program, Hippidee Hop Australia, which aims to completely rid bullying from schools.

“My daughter was being bullied in kindergarten and I had no support from the school and I couldn’t get much information on how to help her through this difficult time that she was going through,” Ms Harland said.

“I knew that there was more that I had to do and I knew there were more parents in a similar situation, so that’s how Hippidee Hop was born.”

The course, which runs over an eight week period, has been created and modified to reflect each stage of learning, starting from preschool and then to primary, however the message throughout still remains clear.

“We need to teach our kids really early about bullying,” Ms Harland said.

“We are not born a bully, we are taught to

be bullies, so if we teach them young they won’t go into primary bullying or accepting it.

“With the older kids, I always like to stress to the adults that we teach the program with really raw information and don’t beat around the bush.”

The kids aren’t the only ones that benefit from the program however, with it also offering tools and knowledge for parents.

“At each school we have an information night for parents where we tell them who we are, how we teach our program, what our message is and then we give them tips and tricks on how to help their child get through a difficult time,” Ms Harland said.

With technology helping to fuel bullying among kids, Ms Harland said that it’s important this issue is tackled.

“We need to build awareness about this problem, it’s just getting crazy and out of hand,” she said.

Despite having to put the program on hold for a few years after her divorce, Ms Harland has officially re-launched the concept in 2018 with even bigger and better plans.

“The goal for this year is to visit 250 schools and next year we are also hopefully moving it into high schools,” she said.

Founder and director of Hippidee Hop Australia, Jessica Harland.

Photo: Melinda Jane

Another hit to retail as Diana Ferrari announces closure

A Diana Ferrari retail store. All outlets will close in the coming months.

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WW31810

ootwear, clothing and accessories outlet Diana Ferrari will close its retail stores, including its Penrith location inside Westfield.

The Penrith store will close on January 21, the company has announced.

“All Diana Ferrari stores will be closed over the coming months, but our fabulous footwear will continue to be available through our online stores, Mathers, Williams, wholesale stockists and major

F

department stores,” the retailer said in a statement to its customers.

“We truly appreciate and thank all our loyal clothing customers over the last 17 years.”

Diana Ferrari was founded in 1979, progressing from a small leather shoe making factory into a major Australian brand.

Its website says it has 23 retail outlets and 11 clearance outlets with plans to “open more” retail boutiques across Australia in the future, a plan now quite clearly off the table.

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

• Learn To Swim including Water Babies

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LAUREN SUTTIE

• Birthday Parties

hile most kids spent the lead up to Christmas enjoying the school holidays and preparing for the arrival of Santa, St Clair local Matilda Saunders decided to raise money for the Children’s Hospital at Randwick.

The eight-year-old spent the six days leading up to Christmas busking outside of St Clair Shopping Centre, as well as Minchinbury Bunnings, where she raised a total of $1,620 for the hospital.

The inspiration for Matilda’s act of kindness was one that was close to her heart, as her younger brother Caden has been in and out of hospital since he was 18-months-old.

“I go to David Jones to look at the choir every Christmas and I see people raising money but they raise the money for themselves, but I didn’t want to do that,” Matilda said.

“Then a few weeks later my brother had to go to hospital and I went to the foundation room with them where they play and it was really good, so I thought I could raise money so they have something over Christmas.”

Having been diagnosed with Bowel Dysmotility, the family has spent the last five years in and out of hospital with Caden, however mother Megan Saunders said that since his latest surgery things have been looking up.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Matilda shows you’re never too young to help others

WW31330

Matilda Saunders Photo: Melinda Jane “Caden had a colostomy placed in August and since then we have never looked back,” she said.

Working hard to learn enough songs to play for 90 minutes straight, this was the first time busking for Matilda who said she was just happy she got to help the hospital who helped her brother.

Shop owners, customers and the local school community from Clairgate Public School got involved and helped spread the word.

“She even had a $100 donation from New Zealand,” Ms Saunders said.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Glasses needed The Emu Plains Lions Club is asking locals to donate their old prescription glasses to those in need.

The glasses are recycled and given to people in developing countries who do not have access to prescription eyeglasses and for whom reading is a task they cannot perform.

Last year, Emu Plains Lions forwarded 2,985 pairs of glasses and have collected a staggering 23,956 pairs since 2007.

Glasses can be donated at a range of locations including Emu Plains Optical, Specsavers in Westfield or Nepean Village, Penrith RSL, Edinglassie Retirement Village, OPSM, Helloworld in Emu Plains or Penrith and The Gaels Club.

For more information please contact 0409 393 711.

Directory available Penrith MP Stuart Ayres is encouraging local seniors to make the most of their NSW Seniors Cards by picking up a copy of the 2018 Sydney & Surrounds Card Directory.

“These directories are packed full of discounts and special offers which are available to NSW Seniors Card members from the thousands of participating businesses across the state,” Mr Ayres said.

“NSW Seniors Card holders can collect a copy of the directory from my office or it can also be downloaded and printed at home.”

The NSW Seniors Card is one of the most commonly used services for NSW residents over the age of 60.

Mexican food on the run Drive through option gives new restaurant a unique twist LAUREN SUTTIE

enrith Mexican lovers can now rejoice as a new Guzman Y Gomez store will make it even easier to satisfy your burrito cravings.

In conjunction with Caltex, Guzman Y Gomez is set to open a new store in Werrington, which will also include a drive through.

With only one other store in NSW with this unique addition, the new Guzman Y Gomez drive through is anticipated to open by the end of this month.

Franchisee Chris Tesoriero said he is excited to be able to offer Penrith another fast food alternative.

“The Penrith area loves Mexican food, so I’m pretty pumped to bring a drive through option,” he said.

“A lot of people eat fast food that isn’t really that good for them, so the main reason for us to put the drive through in is to take the opportunity to give fast food, but as a healthy option for the western Sydney area.”

Keeping with the Guzman Y Gomez tradition, a free burrito day will mark the opening of the store, but the catch is, you have to walk through the drive through to receive your freebie.

“When I opened up the Penrith store, we did almost 5,000 burritos so I’m

P

Franchisee Chris Tesoriero is excited about the new Guzman Y Gomez in Werrington predicting we’ll give about 4,000 burritos for free, which is like giving away $60,000 worth of food,” Mr Tesoriero said.

But the good news doesn’t stop there, with the new store also offering a new breakfast option.

“We will be open at 7am in the morning and close at 11pm so in the morning you will be able to get breakfast burritos

and coffee from drive through, which is pretty big for us,” Mr Tesoriero said.

“I’m so pumped, I’m so excited, the store looks so amazing and we can’t wait to open.”

Besides offering locals with a convenient dining option, the new store will also provide 40 new jobs in a major employment boost for the area.

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

Cooling the city

WW29384

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With summer upon us, there’s one thing on our minds – how to stay cool as the mercury rises.

At Council, that’s something we think about all year, and something we take seriously as we implement our ‘Cooling the City’ Strategy. Council adopted the Strategy in 2015 and it guides our work to create a more liveable city for our communities.

We can’t cool the city overnight, but the Strategy helps us plan for the future and provide long-term relief from rising temperatures, which is a good thing for everyone, and especially for the most vulnerable among us.

Improving and increasing tree coverage is one of the things Council is working towards. Trees play a critical role in creating cooler neighbourhoods, and they also improve property values – so they’re a win-win for everyone.

Over the last year, Council has planted 96,000 trees and plants in South Penrith and 3,000 in Emu Plains.

We have planted 55,000 trees and plants in Mountain View Reserve in Cranebrook and have given away over 5,300 plants at community events and programs. Our childcare centres have

planted semi-mature trees and more trees are planned for local sporting fields.

In addition to greening our city, we’re also improving the way we design our urban environments, which includes things like a splashpad and increased shade cover as part of the upgrades to the Triangle Park in Penrith’s CBD, and adding a splashpad, shade sails, covered outdoor tables and seating, and additional tree planting to the Phoenix Reserve upgrades in Erskine Park.

There are also a range of things everyone can do at home that will help them stay cool in summer, and we’re committed to providing information, tips, workshops and opportunities for every resident to learn what’s possible.

Council has been promoting ways you can beat the heat this summer, so check the local newspaper and Council’s official Facebook and Twitter pages for more information. You can also get year-round updates on how to reduce your energy consumption and weather-proof your home with our Sustainability eNewsletter. Email andrew.hewson@penrith.city to sign up.

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

Local Shannon Boyd wants to see Penrith’s artistic flair and culture grow EMILY NEWTON

t was a packet of pencils from his kindergarten teacher that set local 28-year-old Shannon Boyd’s life passions in motion.

A small gesture of encouragement lead him to become a teacher, and now an artist with a swiftly rising profile.

“My kindy teacher called mum up and showed her some drawings and gave her a pack of pencils,” he told the Weekender.

“Since then it’s made me want to be a teacher, but also follow art as well.”

After studying graphic design and teaching at university, Mr Boyd found full time teaching work, but after just a few years was burnt out and facing anxiety.

In March last year, he quit his job, continued to practice his art and began teaching casually at Claremont Meadows Public School in an attempt to find some balance in his life.

There, he was met with serendipity.

“The first day I worked at Claremont Meadows I took a class which had the daughter of my kindy teacher,” he said “It was really weird, I had just taken a month off of teaching after I quit and was exhausted, and I had lost a bit of passion for it.”

I

Shannon Boyd is currently transforming the walls in the kids play area at O’Donoghues in Emu Plains. Photo: Melinda Jane

He sent a letter home to his former teacher who had inspired him before, and his passion was reignited.

Over the past year, Mr Boyd has been making a name for himself across Sydney with his portrait of Biggie Smalls at Downtown Brooklyn, amazing artwork through Penrith PCYC and a wall at Bondi with his art documented under his Instagram handle @sb_illustration.

Today he is passionate about using art to transform spaces as he follow his dreams of creating art while teaching four days a week.

“It’s great being able to do both teaching and art, especially locally as well,” Ms Boyd said.

Mr Boyd said there’s great opportunities for Penrith to boost its profile in the artistic world.

“I want to see Penrith really push for artists to come out and work with businesses who have blank walls that either get heavily tagged with graffiti or are bland,” he said.

“I’ve seen the impact art has on elderly people and young kids walking past the PCYC with the comments that are made.

“I want to get rid of all the tagging and encourage more street art. It’s something that we’re lacking I think, a bit of culture and art in Penrith.”

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Passion drives rising artist

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

School’s in for Karam kids Is this Penrith’s healthiest family? The Karams simply don’t believe in sick days LAUREN SUTTIE

etween medical appointments, family holidays or just the bad luck of getting sick, there’s so many factors throughout a school year that lead to kids having to take time out of the classroom.

So when a student manages to achieve 100 per cent attendance, it’s seen to be quite an achievement.

For the Karam family, achieving 100 per cent attendance has become somewhat of a tradition, with all five kids in the local family not having a single day off since starting school.

The eldest of the five, Elias Karam, graduated from Year 12 at St Dominic’s College last year, without a single day off in 13 years.

His sister, Elissa Karam also finished primary school last year with a 100 per cent attendance rate.

Their mum, Mirna Karam, said that it’s an achievement they should all be proud of.

“It’s amazing really, I don’t really believe it,” she said.

“I feel really happy and very proud of them all, they’ve done really well.”

For Elissa, seeing her older brothers

B

strive to get the 100 per cent attendance made her want to do the same, each year setting a goal for herself to achieve.

“Every year she would say to me, this year I’m going to go to school and get a 100 per cent attendance award and I’m like ‘the year has just started, don’t say it yet or you’ll jinx yourself’,” Ms Karam said.

“But it’s the goal she sets for herself at the beginning of the year.”

Putting it down to luck, as well as good time management, Ms Karam said that good attendance meant better learning chances for her kids.

“If kids miss a day, a week or a fortnight, if you count them all up at the end of the year it’s a lot of time off and that means missing a lot of learning,” she said.

“I get appointments for them mainly in the holidays or if I need to before school or after school, and we go on holidays during Christmas or for a few days in the shorter school holidays.”

Elias, who has just started a hospitality course at TAFE, said there were days when he woke up and just didn’t want to go to school, but their mum always made sure they made it.

“They wake up and say, ‘Mum we’ve been every single day since kindergarten, can we have a day off?’ And I go ‘nothing’s wrong with you, go to school!’”

Jack, Elias, Daniel, Tony and Elissa Karam

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the western weekender Âť Friday, January 12, 2018

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

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This technology utilises a custom-designed and milled titanium bar which is fitted directly to the top of previously placed implants by specially designed, electronically torqued screw technology. Says Mr Davis, “this feature allows improved strength of the finished design, easier cleaning and improved fit and finish of the bridgework. An individualised and custom designed porcelain/zirconia bridge is then constructed to fit over this titanium bar.

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“Placing plastic dentures over dental implants is no longer the only option available to patients with full or partial dentures. Although cheaper in the short term, they are not longlasting or hygienic and the integrity of the implant is at risk as the denture becomes illfitting and begins to break down. In the long run, the Davis Bridge is not only a better investment, but it gives a far superior cosmetic and functional result whilst at the same time, helping to maintain the integrity of the implants” says Dr Wells.

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LAUREN SUTTIE

ver the past 40 years, Mission Australia Family Day Care Western Sydney has been providing in-home day care for children within the Penrith area.

To celebrate the milestone, educators both past and present, families and children recently came together at the Kingswood Coordination Centre to enjoy an afternoon barbecue.

Mission Australia Program Manager, Nerryl Liston, has worked with the service for more than three decades and has managed the Family Day Care service for 15 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a wonderful opportunity for us to get together with our educators and families to reflect on our successes over the past 40 years as well as to thank our wonderful educators for their work,â&#x20AC;? Ms Liston said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had lots of families and children help us celebrate, there was an animal zoo, a jumping castle, face panting and putt putt, so it was a really lovely celebration.â&#x20AC;?

The Family Day Care, which was originally under St Marys District Baptist Church until 1995, has experienced a lot of big changes during its operation, the most recent change being the extension of the program into the Hawkesbury area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I first got involved in Family Day

O

One of the Skype sessions at Fujieda Elementary ocal primary school students have been extending their networks on a global scale through interactive sessions with Japanese students.

Once a term Year 5 and 6 students from Llandilo Public School meet up with Japanese students in Fujieda, Japan via a simultaneous Skype session.

Principal of Llandilo Public School, Deborah Getley, said that during the sessions, students have shared aspects about the Australian culture with Fujieda Elementary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far they have shared stories about

L

sports played, native animals, customs and special celebration days, to name a few,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The Fujieda Skype program is just one of a number of international programs facilitated by Penrith Council and its sister and friendship cities.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said the Skype Program allows students to learn about and imagine life as a young person living in another country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This program gives students a chance to expand their world views and to learn about different cultures,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Meara Orthodontics

the western weekender Âť Friday, January 12, 2018

Students expand world views Four decades helping raise the without leaving the classroom children of western Sydney

The celebration in Kingswood Care there were no regulations, so in that time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had regulations and compliance come in, which is really good,â&#x20AC;? Ms Liston said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other really good thing is that educators now have to have a minimum Certificate III in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services so they are all qualified childcare workers.â&#x20AC;?

Currently the Family Day Care program has 70 qualified educators who are providing support to more than 400 children.

Do you have a great community story to share? Call Lauren on 4722 2998.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Fi questions to ask Five yourself each day yo

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Competition – are you at war or peace?

Phil Voysey // OneGroup Leadership

Jane Tweedy // Western Sydney Business Centre

0457 999 987 | onegroupleadership.com.au

4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

elcome to 2018. So, what does this year bring for you?

I’ve set some business goals for this year.

You’ve no doubt done the same.

But I’ve also set some behavioural changes I want to put in place, both to benefit my effectiveness in business and to increase overall wellbeing.

The two of course are interrelated.

I can’t achieve the business goals I’ve set myself without also changing behaviour.

Of course, behavioural change is notoriously difficult to achieve.

Entrenched ways of being and doing are often unconscious and hard to get at. That’s where a coach is useful. Even once identified they can be resistant to the best of intentions. Ask anyone who has tried to give up smoking or chocolate.

I’ve decided to approach the task as a set of daily questions that I answer in the affirmative or negative at the end of each day.

The questions cover the five key areas

of my life that I think contribute to a healthy integrated life for me: business outcomes, creative goals, relationships, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

• Did I take positive action towards achieving my business goals?

• Did I find time to write?

• Did I do 20 minutes of exercise?

• Did I meditate?

• Was I generous and joyful in my interactions with others?

Try this out.

Rather than set lofty goals set daily behaviours that aim to nurture and develop different aspects of yourself: mind, body, spirit as well as business, money, creativity, relationships.

What is it that you need to do each day to be the best version of yourself?

Keep it achievable.

No more than five.

Check in with yourself each day but be kind to yourself if you fail to meet one of your goals.

There’s always tomorrow.

What are your goals for 2018? I’d love to hear them! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

D

o you constantly keep watch on your competition? Are your competitors always copying you?

Stop worrying about them and focus on you!

Assess their strengths and weaknesses A healthy exercise every quarter is to review your SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).

I also suggest checking your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, as these can produce opportunities and threats.

We NEVER talk about a competitor’s weaknesses, but we can talk up a strength that we know offsets their weakness.

Perception and ‘the highlights reel’ What you see on social media creates perception about your competition.

Rarely are they going to tell the world all their day to day struggles. Most people only put out their highlights reel, and that’s often why we get the perception a business is doing better than they are!

Referrals I’m changing a business and one of the key services I offer will no longer be provided. Rather than exit completely, I found alternative providers that I could

pass enquiries onto. This worked well, as I could screen them and give my ‘competitors’ partially qualified warm leads. Consider referring to someone else at times when you can’t deliver. Like big business, there are some restrictions on price fixing etc, but these sort of friendships are helpful!

Copycats Many business owners complain of copycats. Don’t stress about it, in fact be flattered that you’re that good they feel the need to copy you. If you are creating a very technical specialist innovation you may consider patenting your design, but otherwise there is little legal protection.

All work, images and text are instantly copyrighted in Australia, but can be difficult to prove. However, if they can only copycat, their lack of innovation will probably be their undoing.

Focus your energy on you!

Snooping on competitors, worrying about what they’re up to, simply diverts attention from what’s really important – you and your clients. Put your time and energy into being the best you that you can be, and the competition won’t matter.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS 30

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the western weekender Âť Friday, January 12, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

The King is back in town

D LAUREN SUTTIE

espite leaving the building for good 41 years ago, Elvis Presley is still, and will probably always be, the King of Rock and Roll.

And while there can only ever be one Elvis, UK born Ben Portsmouth has been captivating audiences with his uncanny likeness to the King.

Starting at a young age, Ben was introduced to Elvis and his music by his dad who would listen to the King on car trips.

It was from there that the musician, singer and songwriter, started teaching himself to play Elvisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; songs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was always singing at home and my dad had a guitar in the house, so I would take on and try and learn the chords and sing along to his songs,â&#x20AC;? Ben said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more you hear the songs and the more you learn about the person, it just egged me on even more to get out there and do it and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing it for over 10 years now so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very lucky.â&#x20AC;?

Since starting his journey back in 2005, Ben has had a successful career, even taking out Elvis Presley Enterprisesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2012 title of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mean it sounds kinky but I like dressing up,â&#x20AC;? laughed Ben. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything from getting the jumpsuit on and going out there and pretending to be him, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great fun.â&#x20AC;?

And while Ben says that the act doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t continue into his everyday life, his physical resemblance to Elvis still makes people turn their heads. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m off stage Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back to being Ben, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t carry on the act or anything, I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit weird,â&#x20AC;? he laughed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes I get a funny look when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in the supermarket doing my shopping, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learnt to live with that.â&#x20AC;?

Bringing his world tour to the Evan Theatre later this month, the show will incorporate Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singing with video and audio, to tell the story of Elvis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will be doing all of Elvisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; careers, so from the early years in the 50s, the Sun Studio and then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be doing some of his movie songs,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second half of the show is a 1970s concert.â&#x20AC;?

Ben encouraged any Elvis fans out there to buy a ticket and watch their favourite singer come to life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take a chance, come and watch it and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy it,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Ben Portsmouth will be performing his show, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The King Is Backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the Evan Theatre on Sunday, January 28 at 4pm. Tickets are $59.45. To purchase tickets, call 1300 PANTHERS or visit www.penrithpanthers.com.au.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Classic tale’s new life LAUREN SUTTIE

E

ver wondered what happened to the old woman and all her children who lived in a shoe after the nursery rhyme ended?

Based on W.W. Denslow’s ‘The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe’, local theatre company, Ruby Productions, is taking audiences on an adventure as they tell the untold story of what happened after the nursery rhyme ended.

This interactive rag to riches story will have lots of opportunity for the audience to get involved, as Director Anthony Brown re-adapts a classic tale

full of fun and laughter that is loved by so many.

Talented costume designer, Kiera Hynes, who is just 15 years of age, has created a colourful array of costumes for the seven adults and 18 children who make up the cast.

Directed by Anthony Brown and Nathan Large, this local production is one for the whole family to come along and enjoy this school holidays.

‘The Old Woman who lives in the Shoe’ will be on at the John Lees Centre on January 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 6.30pm.

Tickets start at $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. rubyproductions.com.au or call 4735 5422.

January Scho o l Holidays

at The Joan

WW31833

ISAIAH FIREBRACE ONE SHOW ONLY! 21 Jan 7.30pm

The Joan’s 2018 Season gets off to an electrifying start when Isaiah Firebrace lights up the stage, opening the season on Sunday 21 January. Firebrace’s blazing success story from small-town NSW to Eurovision — picking up a coveted X Factor win along the way — has captured the hearts of many. When he launches into Don’t Come Easy you’ll be glad you bought the hottest ticket in town.

Standard $65 Concession $60 OR SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE!

HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN

8 to 11 years | 15 and 16 January 9.30am–4pm each day

Nay Nay

12 to 16 years | 17 and 18 January

A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers.

Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience.

Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop and Street) for boys and girls 8–16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance.

Fee: $170 per 2-day workshop

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS

miniFEST! Angie Who

A summer holiday festival of music and film — just for kids (and their adults)!

Ages 3 – 10 | Tuesday 23 January 11am – 1.30pm This is the perfect way to break up those long summer days and get everyone out of the house for some holiday fun! The day starts in the mini-Music lounge with the magical melodies of singer-songwriter Angie Who, before moving into the Concert Hall for the very best of Little Big Shots — Australia’s number one international film festival for kids. All that entertainment will build your appetite, so after the screening we’ll be feeding hungry tummies — as part of the ticket price — before we head back to the Music Lounge for a special treat — Nay Nay, star of ABC Kids and creator of Tinkertime!

Adult $35 Child $30 Family (4, at least one adult) $100 Ticket price includes lunch

8 to 12 years | 23, 24, 25 January, 9am–4pm each day A great opportunity for young artists to enjoy new aspects in theatre-making and share the experiences with new friends over their summer holidays. Workshops include costume design and storytelling and participants can join for a single day to experience one set of skills, or for the full three days of the program.

Fees: $60 per day, $162 for 3-day package

13 to 17 years | 22, 23, 24 January, 10am–3pm each day Growing young performing artists can dive into specialised workshops covering Voice (including accents, Shakespeare’s voice, and sound exploration) and Movement (covering stage combat and physical theatre workshops). Participants can join a single workshop for a half- or full day, or for a multi-day package to enjoy a range of theatre skills on offer. Fees vary, check website.

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 22 – 25 January

Focus Exhibition: Landing Points Have fun exploring the role of storytelling in contemporary art. Workshops include Comic Book Adventures, Collage Creations, Mask Making, Stamped Clay Tiles, Reverse Pastels, Landscape Drawing, Woven Watercolours. Check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org Victoria Garcia UNITY, 2017 Pigmented ink printed on cotton linen, mixed media installation. Courtesy of the artist.

Visit www.thejoan.com.au for more info and bookings or call 4723 7600

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Beautiful music inspired by Australian landscape

A YEAR OF TREATS & TREASURES JANUARY

ISAIAH FIREBRACE

STAR OF X FACTOR AND EUROVISION APRIL

FEBRUARY

TAPESTRY – VIKA BULL & DEBRA BYRNE SING CAROLE KING MAY

MARCH

BACK TO BACK: Q THEATRE FRESH NEW WORK X 2

JUNE

EMILY NEWTON

BOSOM BUDDIES

NANCYE HAYES & TODD MCKENNEY JUNE

LETTERS TO LINDY

A MOTHER’S LOSS, A NATION’S OBSESSION SEPTEMBER

WHARF REVUE 2018

SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY

THE ORCHID AND THE CROW

F

resh from England, famous folk duo Edgelarks, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, return to perform their new album that was written inspired by the Australian landscape.

Performing at the limited capacity boutique venue upstairs at the Metropole Guesthouse, get an intimate feel of their unique sound as they combine traditional British music, Indian classical slide guitar, and stomping roots beatbox harmonica party.

Their new band name comes with their new album, also called ‘Edgelarks’, as they explore the liminal world of borders, crossroads, travellers, refugees, twilight and dawn.

MICF ROADSHOW

SERIOUSLY FUNNY STORIES AND SONGS THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST COMEDY AUGUST

DAYS LIKE THESE

WHAT KIND OF DAY IS TODAY? OCTOBER

JULIUS CAESAR

BELL SHAKESPEARE

SEPTEMBER

B2M MAMANTA

PUMPING TIWI ISLANDS RNB NOVEMBER

YELLOW YELLOW SOMETIMES BLUE Q THEATRE

JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750

WW31768

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE | 4723 7600 | www.thejoan.com.au

Alden set to attract big crowd in Penrith

LAUREN SUTTIE

T

here isn’t much that Alden Richards can’t do. The singer, actor and model from the Philippines is one of the most sought after talents of the GMA Artist Centre.

The triple threat is best known for his role in the Philippines show, ‘Eat Bulaga!’, where he joins co-star, Maine Mendoza in making the super couple team known as AlDub. The show was so popular that it was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016, as a record breaker in Twitter’s 10-year history, racking up 41 million tweets in one day.

34

Through country blues and traditional folk styles the pair transcend the genre, exploring the special connections music can make with others as we are all connected through change and hope.

Keep an ear out for one of their key songs, ‘Signposts’, which was directly written as a celebration of their time in Tasmania.

The award winning duo are set to blow you away after winning Best Folk Act title in the 2013 South West Music Awards, Best Duo title in the 2013 Spiral Earth Awards and Best Duo at the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

See Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin perform at The Metropole Guesthouse in Katoomba on Wednesday, January 17.

Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm show.

Presale tickets are available at https:// www.stickytickets.com.au/58682.

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Performing live at the Evan Theatre for just one night, Richards will be showing locals why he’s gained such a following as he performs his hit songs such as ‘Wish I May’, ‘God Gave Me You’ and ‘Rescue Me’.

Joining Richards on stage will be journalist, director, actor and comedian, Betong Sumaya who is best known for his role in the Philippines comedy program, ‘Bubble Gang’.

Alden Richards Live will be on at the Evan Theatre in Penrith on Saturday, January 20 at 7pm. Tickets start at $110. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, visit www. penrith.panthers.com.au or call 1300 PANTHERS.

WW28890

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

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35

Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, January 12 Cyndi, Madonna, P!nk – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Djangologists – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Dwayne Elix & the Rocketeers – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Karaoke – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Backlash – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Blake Williams – Penrith Regional Gallery Free entry, 5pm 4735 1100 Midnight Drifters – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 The Get Down – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Jaysounds – Peachtree Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3444 Pool – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4773 8888 Carlo and Adkins – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Karaoke – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 2266 Rachel Hannan & John Stuart Hotel Blue 4782 6922 Saturday, January 13, 6.30pm, Free entry

Saturday, January 13 Beatworx – Overlander Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4730 2955 Chill Zone – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Cover Me Crazy – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211

Butterfingers – Hotel Gearin $38.80, 8pm www.mostix.com.au Muddy Feet – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Nerd Alert, Water Rockets – Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens $20, 1pm 4567 3000 Best of Both Worlds, Poison and Van Halen Show – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 2266 Life Drawing – Lyttleton Stores, Lawson $50, 10am 4759 3478 Summer Bird Walk and Talk with Carole Probets – Blue Mountains Botanic Garden $30, 8am 4567 3000 Karaoke – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Rock Revival – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Chris Drummond – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0633

Sunday, January 14 Jazz Hourigan – O’Donoghues Free entry, 4pm 4735 5509 Pool – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 4pm 9623 1384 Kite Flying Festival – Blacktown Showgrounds From $5, 10am 0415930339 Christie Lamb – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4773 8888

Sunday Funday – O’Donoghues Free entry, 12pm 4735 5509 Kafekool – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444

Friday, January 19 Kate Woolfe Trio – Hotel Blue

Pension discount & government endorsed 7 days same day service Call your local specialist

Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Karaoke – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 The Old Woman who lived in the Shoe – John Lees Centre From $20, 6.30pm 4735 5422 Mr James Band – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Pool – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 7pm 4773 8888 Daryl Braithwaite Blue Cattle Dog 9670 3050 Saturday, January 20, 8pm, From $39.80

Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555

Saturday, January 20 The Bandits – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 Andrew Russell – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 The Beatnix – Rooty Hill RSL From $15, 8pm 9677 4916 Urban Scream – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 Karaoke – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Touchwood Rock – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Joe and Cia – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 The Pink Chevys – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0633

Sunday, January 21 Connor O’Donoghue – O’Donoghues Free entry, 4pm 4735 5509 Pool – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 4pm 9623 1384 Stepping Out – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 Strike Two - Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4773 8888 Isaiah Firebrace The Joan 4723 7600 Saturday, January 20, 7.30pm, From $60

Royale with Cheese – O’Donoghues Free entry, 9pm 4735 5509 Karaoke – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 2266 Voices of Sydney Karaoke – St Marys RSL

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36

Blues Exile Rock Hawkesbury Hotel 4577 3050 Sunday, January 14, 8pm, Free entry

O D UST

M

Probus Club of Penrith New members needed Tues, Jan 23. 1300 630 488 Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce networking 4722 6969 Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4733 8926 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 Glenmore Park Probus Club 3rd Wednesday of each month • 9673 2580

If you love The Boss, you’ll love this show!

Calling all Springsteen fans to the Evan Theatre this Saturday for a show that you won’t want to miss. James G Brennan and his band will be recreating the magic of The Boss, performing his hits like ‘Born in the USA’, ‘Born to Run’ and ‘Hungry Heart’. Tickets start from $17.05 for members and can be purchased by calling 1300 PANTHERS or at www.penrith.panthers.com.au.

S R O I N E FOR S

S D I K R FO

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Sunset Station Singers Mondays at St Marys RSL from 7.30pm • 0425 223 113 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

Fun for the kids in the Botanic Gardens

Jump into the time machine

Venture into the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens for ‘Mountain Critter Capers’ on January 17, 18 and 19.

Be transported back in time as three Australian jazz legends explore the life of Duke Ellington this Saturday at the Hydro Majestic.

Penrith Lions Club 2nd and 4th Monday of each month • 0429 303 414

The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature (91 mins, G - Some scenes my scare young children) Daily: 9:10AM, 4:30PM.

The Darkest Hour (125 mins, PG - Mild themes and coarse language) Thurs: 10:30AM, 1:00PM, 6:30PM, 9:00PM Daily except Thurs: 10:20AM, 3:40PM, 6:30PM, 9:00PM.

PENRITH

The Post (116 mins, M - Coarse language)

SESSIONS VALID 11 JANUARY TO 17 JANUARY

Thurs: 1:10PM, 3:50PM, 6:50PM, 9:20PM Daily except Thurs: 10:00AM, 1:10PM, 6:50PM, 9:20PM.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri WW29582

Session times are subject to change without notice, visit www.hoyts.com.au to check session times or book tickets

(115 mins, MA15+ - Strong themes and coarse language) Thurs: 11:20AM, 3:40PM, 6:30P Daily except Thurs: 11:20AM, 3:20PM, 6:30PM.

37

Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Ê Get ready for a new face to join the popular Channel Seven quiz show ‘The Chase’. Shaun Wallace, a popular ‘chaser’ on the UK version of the show, will join Seven’s series as ‘The Destroyer’. New episodes of ‘The Chase’ will air from 5pm on Monday, January 29 with The Destroyer joining The Beast, The Governess, Goliath, The Shark and everyone’s favourite, the Supernerd.

Troy

Dodds TV NEWS

Ê Country music inspired drama ‘Nashville’ is back for its final season, with Foxtel fast-tracking episodes from the US (an improvement on the delay they forced on fans last year). The show will reach a natural conclusion given the writers and actors were informed well in advance that the curtain would come down on the show in 2018 after six seasons. The first episode of the new season, which aired in Australia last Sunday night, may well have been a ‘jump the shark’ moment and proof that the show needs to reach its final bow. ‘Nashville’ airs on Showcase on Sundays at 7.40pm. Ê

Respected journalists Allison Langdon and Peter Stefanovic will co-host ‘Weekend Today’ on Channel Nine in 2018, with Jayne Azzopardi presenting news, it was announced on Tuesday.

Ê Fox League has re-signed popular commentator Andrew Voss, with rumours he’s working on a brand new show for the network. Ê Sad news out of the US with Jerry Van Dyke, the brother of Dick Van Dyke, passing away at the age of 86. Jerry is best known for his role as Assistant Coach Luther Van Dam on US sitcom ‘Coach’.

NASHVILLE SUNDAYS SHOWCASE

Ê A US premiere date has been set for the revival of popular comedy ‘Roseanne’, with the show to premiere on ABC on Tuesday, March 27. Most of the cast are returning for the revival, the latest in a string of popular 90s shows making a comeback. No word on an Aussie run. Ê Good news for fans of the dramacharged series ‘The Affair’ with a return date of Sunday, June 17 scheduled for the fourth season. Foxtel has fast-tracked the first three seasons of the show so you’d expect they will do the same for the fourth season, which will get a refresh with several new cast members joining the show.

Ê Somebody always wins out of controversy and scandal and when it comes to the Kevin Spacey drama, the winner will be Netflix with some predicting the sixth and final season of ‘House of Cards’ to have the biggest global audience in the show’s history. Interest in the dark political drama is set to peak with intrigue in regards to how writers will erase Spacey and Frank Underwood from the show.

Executive Producer Lord Dobbs said: “I think the next episode that comes out, which will be the first episode of the final season, will probably have the biggest global audience of any of the episodes of ‘House of Cards’. And it does already go all the way around the globe.”

A I L A R AUST al v i n r a C DAY

26 JANUARY, 2PM - LATE OPEN DAILY Lunch & Dinner

CARNIVAL RIDES LIVE MUSIC FOOD STALLS FUN AUSSIE GAMES FIREWORKS

123 MULGOA ROAD, PENRITH NSW 2750 | 1800 061 991

38

penrith.panthers.com.au

WW31791

Anala Art Advisory would like to thank everyone for their enthusiastic support and business dealings for 2017, its greatly appreciated.

We look forward to an exciting 2018 filled with great exhibitions, life drawing classes, artist talks and much more.

We also wish to thank the Glenbrook and Penrith Community for embracing and supporting the gallery over the past year and ask you to take the journey with us again for this year and many more.

So be sure to call in for a visit, the gallery is filled with some of the best the Australian Art Market has to offer, with stunning works by;

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

• Archibald Winner - Adam Cullen • Blaxland Artist - Ben Tankard • Brad Munroe • Campbell La Pun • Donna Louise Fletcher • Freddie Timms • Archibald Winner – Geoff Dyer • Johnny Romeo • Judy Watson Napangardi • Kelly-Anne Love • American Artist – Kurt Herrmann • Morten Lassen • Naata Nungurrayi • Nick Uzunovski • Archibald Winner - Tim Storrier • Tommy Watson

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Start your collection for the future, today

Anala Art Advisory provides impartial advice on art purchases, guiding our clients through the complex and often overwhelming terrain of the Australian Art Market.

Whether you’re new to the market or a seasoned collector, we provide tailored, comprehensive assistance that parallels your interests, budget and goals.

Combined with passion and expertise, Anala Art Advisory is well positioned to guide the process of acquisition and help build important collections of Australian art for our clients.

The Gallery hours are Mon – Fri by appointment only.

Open Sat – Sun 9:30am – 2:30pm 6 Ross Street, Glenbrook

0452 586 448 | www.analaartadvisory.com.au | info@analaartadvisory.com.au WW31858 WW31858

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Social Scene Malvina Tan, Krissie Scudds and guests listen to the opening address

A guest interacts with Victoria Garica’s work

Nicole Monk’s performance as part of her exhibition work

Shirely Daborn (Gallery Curator) with Artist Hayley Megan French

Tracey Moffat and Valda Silvy

Jill and Michael Hawker

Above:

Footprints as the Monster from the Nepean leaves the exhibition

Locals flocked to the Penrith Regional Gallery for the opening of their Summer Exhibition last month

OF THE WEEK

Dinner just got easier with Outback Steakhouse delivery service Available in the Penrith area

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A guest interacts with Victoria Garica’s work

LOOK, LISTEN and REVIEW with

Your guide to LOCAL BUSINESS Visit mylocalreview.com.au

Playing the music YOU grew up with WW31857

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Australia Day Band:

WALLACIA HOTEL presents COMEDY LEGEND SATURDAY 10TH MARCH 8PM

Show & 2 Course Meal Tickets $80.00

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

creative A U

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

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crossword ACROSS 1. Monk’s hood 4. Resisted 8. Scraped (out a living) 11. Angered 13. Whitish 15. Incline 17. America (1,1,1) 18. Large sweet fruit 20. Set of tools 21. Flagpoles 24. Rental agreement 27. Irritate 28. Climb aboard (3,2) 30. Beauty, ... of Troy 31. Concluded 33. Overwhelmed, ... under 34. Concoct 35. Arizona’s neighbour 36. Police informer 39. Refrigerator compartment 42. Urged (on) 44. Experts 45. Thickened meat juices 46. Official stamp 48. Main artery 49. Levels 50. Veal shank dish, ... bucco 52. Carrion-eating animal 54. Fourth planet from sun 55. Mexican snacks 56. Goodies 57. Youngsters 60. Tehran is there 62. Inventor, Thomas ...

65. Organza or corduroy 67. Long skirts 69. Biblical king 70. Leg/foot joint 72. Nothing 73. Chases (away) 75. Rear 77. South African political party (1,1,1) 79. Room within roof 81. Label 82. Stately 84. Isolated 85. Milk coffee drink, caffe ...

86. Skulk 87. Detectives 88. Riding horse breed

DOWN 1. Wine container 2. Inscribed 3. Rim 4. ... & evens 5. Hesitated 6. Ascended (mountain) 7. Prima donna 8. Poet’s word for before 9. Singer, ... Minogue 10. Dip (biscuit) 12. Citrus tree 14. Harbingers 16. Not dark 19. Instruct 22. Positive electrodes 23. Hangover cure, hair of ... (3,3) 25. Power 26. Confiscates 29. Crew-necked tops (16) 32. Wild beast lair 35. Unscramble 37. Wheel shafts 38. Twilight actress, ...

Stewart 40. Shoreline 41. Skeleton photographs (1-4) 42. Occasion 43. Overthrow, coup ...

(1’4) 44. Haughty 47. Nauseous in flight 51. Stupid (behaviour) 52. Santa’s laugh (2,2,2) 53. Fleet of warships 54. Indian curry style 58. Acknowledge 59. Gender 61. Sports ground 63. Music genre 64. Snuggle 65. Left behind 66. Motionless 68. Sacrificial block 71. Pale beer 72. Fingertip covering 74. Dedicatory verses 76. Maladies 78. Members’ organisation 80. Kind 83. Expected landing time (1,1,1)

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

Last edition’s Sudoku solution

42

Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

ANGOLA BENIN BOTSWANA CAMEROON CHAD EGYPT ERITREA ETHIOPIA GABON GAMBIA GHANA GUINEA KENYA LIBYA MALI NAMIBIA NIGERIA SENEGAL SOMALIA SUDAN TANZANIA TOGO TUNISIA ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last edition’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about Australian television in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. Who starred as Tom Croydon in the hit cop drama ‘Blue Heelers’?

2. Who is the current permanent host of ‘A Current Affair’ on the Nine Network?

3. Which network airs quiz show ‘The Chase’?

4. In what year did ‘The Project’ first air on Australian TV? 5. Which broadcaster has the free-to-air rights to the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney?

6. Which soapie once starred Kylie Minogue?

ANSWERS 1. John Wood 2. Tracey Grimshaw 3. Seven 4. 2009 5. ABC 6. Neighbours

Trivia Quiz

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

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life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Eager Rams love starting projects but often lack follow-through. So you can miss the Career Success Boat because you are rushing around too much and rarely finish things. But this week there are six planets moving through Capricorn (in your career zone) and Jupiter sextiles Pluto. So it’s the perfect time to finish an ambitious project with a fiery flourish! Be inspired by birthday great, politician and writer Benjamin Franklin.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Lady Luck is on your side and friendships are particularly favoured, as you link up with pals from home and far away.

You’re in the mood to help a loved one through a rough patch or cheer up a work colleague who is down-in-the-dumps.

Relationships, joint ventures, education, commerce, travel and international business will all benefit from the Jupiter-Pluto connection.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Joanne Madeline Moore Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

Good fortune is heading your way in the form of a creative joint venture, a business partnership, a bonus or a gift.

Tuesday night’s New Moon heralds a fresh financial or sexual chapter. So smart Twins will initiate a strategic savings or investment plan; attract a new love interest, or reboot a stale relationship. And 2018 is the perfect year to study, research and investigate so get your thinking caps on.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Partnerships (of the romantic and platonic variety) receive a welcome boost on Tuesday, when Jupiter and Pluto increase optimism and help you reform a rickety relationship that’s been experiencing problems. Setting positive new patterns of behaviour sees the union move to a deeper, more stable and more satisfying level in 2018. Then Venus visits your ‘money-from-others’ zone.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

You’re keen to make personal and professional connections, as Jupiter and Pluto highlight your family and work zones. So it’s a wonderful week to initiate ideas and create waves within your circle of influence. Attached Leo – with the Sun and Venus visiting your relationship zone, get talking and collaborating with your partner. If you’re a single Lion looking for love – now’s the time to pounce and find someone special!

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Jupiter and Pluto encourage you to reach out and help others, both within your circle of family and friends and within your local neighbourhood. You’ll find the close community connections you foster now will prove beneficial in the future.

But steer clear of negative thinkers! Make sure the people around you are a powerful influence in positive ways. Don’t be too logical and rational on the weekend.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

For some lucky Librans, an ambitious idea is set to boost your bank balance.

Others will commence an exciting new chapter involving home or family. Which could include renovating, relocating or welcoming an additional family member.

Then Venus and the Sun shift into your creativity zone. So it’s time to express yourself as you write, act, dance, draw, paint, perform, play music or sing up a storm.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

This week’s auspicious Jupiter/Pluto aspect encourages you to broaden your horizons, expand your circle of influence, and make positive changes (personally plus within your local community and further afield). Jupiter (in Scorpio) also motivates you to be much more adventurous with the way you look, and the personal projects you decide to take on at the moment.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Are you ready, willing and able to capitalise on good luck? This week you’ll be given the opportunity to lead and/or influence those around you. Others are looking for you to come up with the goods so get organised and don’t disappoint them! Then the Sun and Venus shift into your social networking zone. So get busy and boost your social media presence as you talk, text, tweet, podcast and post away.

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

your

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Saturn and Pluto are both transiting through your sign, which amplifies your drive and ambition. But these powerful planets also rev up your ruthless side, which can alienate you from others. This week the lucky Jupiter/Pluto link gives you a welcome boost as you charm family members, win professional friends and influence important people. Venus shifts into your cash zone.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Tuesday’s Jupiter-Pluto connection will help to transform your career in positive and powerful ways. And with the Sun and Venus shifting into your sign you’ll be at your attractive and amiable Aquarian best. But it’s not all about you! Six planets (including the New Moon) highlight your humanitarian zone. So your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

If you work out a firm direction moving forward, then financial luck is waiting in the wings via a new job, client, promotion or bonus. Your involvement with a group, club or organisation has others looking to you for extra inspiration. So use your networking skills to drum up support, and don’t be afraid to ask others for assistance when you need it. Don’t be too proud!

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

your

religion

New Year’s resolutions – does anyone make them anymore?

New Year’s resolutions are a bit of fun that we often forget about, but there’s also a serious side to wanting to change...

Rev John Lavender www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

It seems as if they are always a bit of fun, a good topic of conversation for talkback radio and various morning TV shows as people discuss weight loss strategies, exercise programs and set goals for the year regarding diets, the use of our time and managing our money.

Then, within a matter of weeks, perhaps even days, our resolutions are forgotten and we move onto something else.

Yet there is a serious side to it isn’t there?

A desire to change.

A desire to put behind us the things of the past.

A desire to have things in life turn around for the better.

Many people would really like to be more consistent in the way they relate to their friends and family. Better personal habits. Eating. Sleeping. Keeping fit. But perhaps it is too hard.

Maybe people are thinking, “I’ve struggled on so far – I’ll just have to keep going as best as I can.”

As you are thinking about your year ahead, will you consider something Jesus said?

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Jesus is saying that it is impossible for us to live life as it is supposed to be lived if we do not have God and His words and His directions and His wisdom and His promises at the centre of our thinking

and planning.

Be encouraged to know that it has been the experience of countless millions of Christian people throughout history who have been transformed and grown, who have lived life to the full by setting their life “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

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’ve always been a little perplexed by how readily Francophile the Australian wine industry has been in its selection of grape varieties.

Our vineyards have, over a couple of hundred years, been planted to cabernet sauvignon, merlot and semillon from Bordeaux, syrah (aka shiraz) from the Rhone Valley, more recently chardonnay and pinot noir from Burgundy and Champagne, and sauvignon blanc from the Loire.

One could argue that Germany’s greatest variety, riesling, has bucked that trend, but even it, along with pinot gris, is also extensively grown in the French district of Alsace.

Yet it’s been only quite recently that we’ve embraced, for instance, tempranillo, the viticultural foundation stone of Rioja, the greatest of Spain’s vineyard regions.

Even more surprising, given the key role of migration from Italy in our social make-up, is the relative absence, again until really quite recently, of the great Italian red grape varieties such as nebbiolo, barbera and sangiovese.

Perhaps it’s because Australia’s winemaking forefathers — and, yes, the industry was originally dominated by men — were influenced by the British, who had long embraced the wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy as the epitome of civilisation.

Anyway, the situation is slowly being addressed by the likes of Angullong, on the slopes of Mount Canobolas near Orange.

It recently released a couple of wines made from Spanish and Italian varieties under its Fossil Hill label — a tempranillo and a sangiovese from the 2016 vintage — and they could certainly be the go if you’re seeking a diversion from ‘same, same’.

JOHN ROZENTALS

money

The SMART way to keep your financial promises in 2018 Did you make a New Year’s resolution about your finances?

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

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With the New Year upon us, millions of people around the world make their resolutions, and hope and plan to stick with them throughout the year.

A recent survey indicated 15 per cent of New Year’s resolutions are financial goals.

Not surprisingly most resolutions fail.

Two key reasons for this are we often set ourselves overly optimistic goals that are in reality difficult to achieve, and often our goals are vague with no plan to achieve them.

The top three financial New Year’s resolutions set in Australia are saving more, spending less and reducing debt. While these are great in theory, they are too broad and don’t focus on the small and simple ways to achieve these goals.

Turning vague broad concepts into SMART goals will significantly increase the chance of being successful. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Instead of saving more, a SMART goal would be to save $100 per week.

These goals are further enhanced if we can identify why we are saving the money.

Is it for a house deposit, a holiday, kid’s education or retirement?

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There are some excellent habits that assist in achieving these goals.

Keep a track of your spending: That way you are able decipher between your essential and discretionary monthly expenses and pinpoint areas where you can reduce spending, increase savings or reduce debt Save first: Once you have identified how much you can save, put that money aside. Better still, also separate out all non-discretionary spending (money for bills), the remainder is for you to spend.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

your

Pay off your credit card debt: Credit card debt is a Millstone around our neck.

Interest rates are very high, normally around 20 per cent. If you have any additional funds, they should initially be used to repay credit card debt. You won’t receive a return anywhere near 20 per cent without significant risk. Once you have paid off your credit card you will significantly increase disposable income.

This is a great time to reassess your financial situation, when you do so, go one step further than a vague resolution.

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Friends of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter have been running a community desexing program for the last few years.

For more information about our program, checkout our facebook page.

Stopping the Source - Desex your Pets!

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW31083

47

Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

your

pets

How to get rid of fleas and make sure they don’t return Tackling fleas can become a troublesome issue for any pet owner...

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

Fleas are the most common cause of itching in dogs and cats. Flea bites can lead to flea bite allergies where pets become sensitive to the flea saliva and a single bite can cause intense irritation.

This can in turn cause skin inflammation and skin infection. When a pet chews or scratches at the area they can damage the skin further. This leads to further inflammation and skin infection. Severe skin infections (pyoderma), referred to as hot spots are a common complication of flea bite allergy.

Fleas also act as a carrier for tapeworms.

Pets often require medications to reduce the inflammation and infection caused by fleas in conjunction with flea treatments.

Why are fleas so bad at this time of year? Female fleas lay about 100 eggs a day. They drop from the pet and land in bedding, carpets and the soil. In warm and humid conditions the flea can develop from an egg to an adult in days.

Most of the flea’s life cycle is actually in the environment and not on your pet. It is very important to use a good quality flea treatment. There are now a lot of newer generation drugs that are available as chews, top spots or collars.

Depending on the product they can last from one to three months. Most will kill adult fleas within hours and some within 30 minutes. Some will also prevent flea eggs developing once laid. It is very important to make sure every pet in the

household is treated. Some pets may not be affected by fleas as much but can act as carriers within the household.

It is important to remember that most products work by killing fleas once they are on your pet. This means that you will still sometimes see fleas while using a product. The fleas will continue to hatch from eggs in the environment. To reduce flea eggs in your environment, vacuum inside regularly, including under lounges and beds. Wash pet beds in warm water and detergent and dry in the sun. Avoid shaking pet beds outside as you will just transfer eggs into the yard. The eggs are very hardy and can withstand most treatments, this is why spraying in yards is often ineffective.

Flea bombs in houses are more effective if used after vacuuming to encourage fleas to hatch and by ensuring areas under furniture are exposed. Always ensure pets are protected if treating with any pesticides.

Although there are less fleas in the cooler months it is best to keep treating every pet all year round. Flea eggs can survive for months, in cooler weather they take longer to develop and can build up and emerge on mass once it gets warmer. As with a lot of things prevention is best. If you can start flea prevention when your pet is young and before they get into your environment you will prevent your pets been affected by fleas.

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health

Anti-gravity treadmill is technology at its finest

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

your

Medical technology has come a long way, and now there’s a machine that helps reduce the weight of your body while you run or walk...

The AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill is ground breaking medical technology that is currently used in the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, accelerating post-operative recovery, helping those requiring weight loss and assisting athletes of all levels achieve their best as a conditioning device.

The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill is built with precise unweighting technology and can accelerate your post-surgical recovery by reducing gravity’s impact.

You can reduce your body weight by selecting any weight between 20 per cent and 100 per cent of your body weight.

Alicia Whiticker Exercise Physiologist’ OnePoint Health 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Sporting Performance The AlterG can be used by all level athletes and general populations wanting to increase their performance without increasing the risk of injury. Running or walking with reduced body weight gives people the opportunity to perform faster, improve biomechanics at a faster speed, increase intensities and return to activity sooner from injury.

Injury Rehabilitation After surgery or when recovering from an injury the AlterG will allow you to maintain your fitness whilst undergoing rehabilitation. The AlterG will also enable you to return to your activity or return to work sooner. The AlterG allows you to reduce your body weight and load the injured joint safely and within a normal gait pattern; therefore, reducing other injuries associated with limping or loading the uninjured area.

Weight Loss and Ageing

The benefit of being able to unload the joints and reduce our body weight whilst exercising in a supportive environment is ideal for people who are overweight or at risk of falls. The AlterG allows you to reduce the load on your joints and begin a training program, gradually building up to full body weight. This allows people to train at a level that they may not have been able to at their current weight.

For more information on the AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill contact OnePointHealth on 4732 5188.

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

Testing is a huge part of the education system in Australia and around the world, but are we taking the wrong approach when it comes to examinations?

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Schools and tests are a way of life that begins with reading tests in kindergarten and finishes at the Higher School Certificate at the conclusion of regular schooling.

In addition to school based tests there are NAPLAN tests in years 3, 5, 7, and 9; OC and Selective School Placement tests in primary school.

As you can see, testing is a big part of education.

The School Certificate has disappeared in NSW with mixed reactions from teachers, parents and students.

The question remains: Why test in the first place?

Essentially tests are used to measure performance to ensure that a body of study has been covered and a standard of learning has been reached.

Examinations (or tests) in any field of endeavour are a performance and you perform better if you practise the test.

Many students seem to forget this

aspect of study, they study the topic but they neglect to practise answering questions under test or examination conditions.

Master Coaching has a structured testing and reporting system that helps students not only to prepare for examinations but allow them to score at their real ability level.

If you want to practise tests in your own home make sure that you imitate real test situations.

For example, select a paper or set of questions that you have not used before, time yourself and answer the paper under proper test conditions.

Examination practice gives you one other big advantage; if you have practised and perfected a skill then you have confidence in that skill when you have to perform.

There are two quotes that are very apt at this time of the year.

One was the motto of the Scottish immigrant who became America’s premier steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie.

“Anything in life worth having is worth working for”.

The other sums up the feeling of your tutors at Master Coaching.

“You can do it if you believe you can”.

Do you have an education question you’d like Rob to answer? Email news@ westernweekender.com.au.

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

49

Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

your swim safety

Working out in the water is a great way to keep fit in 2018 Why not try water based exercises this year?

Julie Fletcher Nepean Swim and Fitness julie@nepeanswim.com.au nepeanaquaticcentre.com.au and on Facebook

Christmas is over once again, and if you are like the majority of us, the season to be merry has left a few extra kilos to be remembered by!

Many of us make a New Year’s Resolution to get fitter, but often we try the same old forms of exercise and get bored, or go too hard too soon and get injured, and ultimately fail. Maybe it’s time to try something new?

The benefits of training in water for both athletes and the general public cannot be underestimated.

When standing in chest deep water, a person weighs only 10 per cent of his or her normal body weight. The reduction means you can work out harder at higher intensity levels several days in a row, without causing wear and tear on your joints and general muscle soreness.

The support provided by the water also makes it an ideal environment for people who suffer from arthritis, back pain, heart disease, obesity, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis.

In addition, water is 15 times more resistant than air, so working out in a pool for 30 minutes gives you similar benefits of a two-hour, land-based workout. Training in the water additionally ensures that you stay cool in warmer temperatures

and prevent overheating – particularly important with our extremely high temperatures this past week!

Many people use water resistance training when injured to maintain their cardiovascular fitness with less impact and therefore less stress on joints, bones, and muscles because of the buoyancy of water. The water is also ideal for post workout recovery and stretching. So what options are there to exercise in the water?

Lap swimming is the ultimate all-in-one exercise, working most muscles in the body with every stroke, increasing flexibility and muscle endurance. Muscles are strengthened and toned as a result

of water resistance, core strength is improved, and the nature of breathing whilst swimming promotes greater lung capacity.

Joining a local swim club is a great way to swim for fitness whilst socialising with other fans of swimming. We run weekly classes available for children and teenagers who like to swim for fitness, without the training schedule and competitive aspect that comes with squad swimming.

Aquarobics is another great option, despite its image problem – often being seen just as an activity for retirees, the injured or the unfit. In reality, Aquarobics is an exercise option which can be highly challenging and effective, and now attracts a mixed audience of participants across ages, genders and Aquarobics class types, ranging from gentle exercise to high intensity and deep water training.

If you prefer to be outdoors, the waves at the beach provide both turbulence and resistance, constantly challenging the whole body to remain upright or swim through the water. And anyone who has run on soft sand will know the challenge this presents. In my mind I look like something out of ‘Baywatch’, but I probably look more like something out of ‘Bondi Rescue’.

Whichever option you choose, please observe basic swim safety and enjoy your water workouts this summer.

Good luck!

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POSITIONS VACANT

Looking for a new challenge in 2018? Why not join the HIX Team?

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ELECTRICAL TRADES – TECHNICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division.

Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools.

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PLUMBERS MAINTENANCE & UPGRADE WORKS We are looking for Plumbers to undertake general plumbing maintenance & upgrade works locally & throughout Sydney Metro.

Must have a range of experience across general domestic &commercial works and be willing to provide a high standard of service & quality.

Must be a good problem solver who can work alone or in a team.

You will be an efficient & customer focused tradesperson who values the service Hix Group provides to clients and you will be willing & able to train and develop our apprentices .

You will be trained in the use of our electronic Job Management System to access your jobs and complete paperwork.

You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (applications will be treated in strict confidence) Enquiries Phone: 4721 7500 WW31832

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Hot weather can play havoc with car batteries, experts say

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f you think it has been hot enough to fry an egg on the bonnet of your car spare a thought for your battery.

That’s the word from David Nicholas, the owner of Battery World Penrith, with a warning extreme heat could leave both motorists and boaties stranded.

Mr Nicholas said the extreme heat could have already done irreparable damage to the family car battery.

“High temperatures play havoc with auto and marine batteries making them more susceptible to failure,” he said.

“If we follow last January we are set to continue with this extraordinary heat and reach record highs so you may not even be aware your battery has been compromised.

“Batteries perform their best, and last longer, if they are kept at temperatures between -10 and 30C. We have seen consistent temperatures above 36C. And if your boat or car is in the sun and in constantly high temperatures you could be left stranded with little warning. The temperature under the hood can be 5-10 degrees hotter than the ambient temperature.”

Mr Nicholas said changing and increasing technology in cars meant batteries were under more stress than ever.

“We are not just using the battery to start the car,” he said.

“We expect so much more and the heat can really affect the reserve capac-

David Nicholas fries an egg on a battery ity. Older style batteries gave you some warning they were failing; it might start slower or take a few turns to get going; but technology today means you can have a battery working one minute and not the next.

“Fluid evaporation is another factor affecting battery life especially with extreme heat: excessive heat drains the fluids in the battery; this in turn damages the structure, and lessens the battery life.

“Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced, but having to do so prematurely can involve more than the cost of a road service call and a new battery, it can be inconvenient as well or if on the water life-threatening.”

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Sitting below the 162TSI Highline and R-Line-enhancement package, the Sportline offers several unique, sporty touches to the Tiguan’s exterior and interior design, but at a new entry price for customers wishing to access the Golf GTI-derived 162kW turbocharged petrol engine in the Tiguan. Like the other 162TSI Tiguan models, the Tiguan Sportline also benefits from a seven-speed DSG transmission paired with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Key features of the Tiguan Sportline is the black ArtVelours microfleece/cloth seat upholstery, LED headlights, chrome roof rails and 20-inch Kapstadt Grey Metallic alloy wheels. The Sportline is also equipped with the Discover Media audio and satellite navigation system, which comes with an eight-inch high definition touchscreen display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto mobile device integration.

The only options available on the more affordable, yet highly-specified Tiguan is a panoramic glass sunroof and metallic paint.

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

Groups & Support Parent Support Penrith Every 2nd Tuesday 10am - 11.30am

Sensory Playgroup Penrith Wednesday 9.30 -11am Friday 3.30-5pm

Duplo Club North St Marys Monday 3.15-4.45pm

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Lego Club Kingswood Wednesday 3.30 -5pm Thursday 3.30-5pm

Emoji 13-19yrs Penrith Every 2nd Tuesday 3.30-5pm

*Suitability of groups is an individualised agreement with a person centred approach.

All groups are facilitated by experienced disability staff. They are a great opportunity to be involved in a structured social program within a safe and non-judgemental environment.

We aim to increase social development and to foster an inclusive and creative culture, to actively participate in the community.

Parents have the opportunity to receive resources and advice on strategies relating to issues that may be of concern with a carer support environment.

Through attending a regular group both parents and children are able to build a supportive network of both formal and informal supports.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE LUKE PRIDDIS FOUNDATION PHONE: 02 4736 2202

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

Sport

THE EXPORTS

Penrith produces top talents p.62-63

Emus turn to Jim Jim Hook has returned as President of the troubled Penrith Emus. Photo: Melinda Jane

TROY DODDS

verything old is new again at the troubled Penrith Emus with a shock shake-up just before Christmas resulting in Jim Hook being reinstated as President.

Julian Huxley is also gone as coach, with Peter Niumata and Chip Carroll to guide the Emus’ Shute Shield campaign in 2018.

Mr Hook, an Emus veteran who sat out the 2017 season as new administration took charge, said it has been a busy holiday period since he was reinstated.

“The situation is that at the Annual

E

Brogan Renshaw make up the rest of the Board.

Penrith finished in a familiar last spot in the 2017 Shute Shield with no wins to their name, but did show signs of improvement especially in attack.

Mr Hook knows the Emus need to improve and live up to long-time promises of better results, otherwise their Shute Shield future could be in doubt.

“We’ve always been under scrutiny and of course the integrity of the competition needs to be upheld so we need to provide support to the governing body and prove that we are in a position to be competitive at this level,” he said.

He believes the appointment of

General Meeting on December 6 the Board was changed and things have been hectic since,” he told the Weekender this week.

“The previous administration did some pretty good things and we are trying to build on that as well as increase our stability on and off the field.”

Despite Mr Hook’s praise the Weekender understands there is no love lost between the previous and new administrations.

Gary McColl has been appointed Vice President and Director of Football, while James Mason sits as Finance Director and Natalie MacCaskill as Secretary.

Jerry Andrews, Phil McMahon and

Niumata and Carroll as joint coaches will go a long way to achieving this.

“They are two long-term Penrith stalwarts,” he said.

“Everybody who comes to the club means well, but at the end of the day you’ve got to have that skin in the game and these people certainly have.”

As for Mr Hook, he says his return as President will be a short-term appointment.

“I’m not here for a long time, I’m just here to get things back on track and hopefully we can build on the good work that’s been done,” he said.

The draw for the 2018 Shute Shield competition has not yet been released.

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

RUGBY LEAGUE

5 questions The Panthers are on the verge of success TROY DODDS

he countdown to the 2018 NRL season is underway, and the Panthers are carrying the weight of a city behind them this year. We’ve compiled the five key questions that will be answered in 2018 as the Panthers carve a path to hopeful September glory...

T

Bryce Cartwright is hopeful of a big 2018 NRL season. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Will Bryce Cartwright live up to the hype?

Bryce Cartwright’s 2017 season was derailed by injury and off-field scandal, and he spent plenty of time away from the game getting things right and preparing for a better 2018. The 23-year-old has kicked off the new year with the birth of little Koa, hopefully an indication that a year to remember is looming. Cartwright has plenty of hype surrounding him as well as lots of pressure given the surname he carries. This year, it’s time to put the past to bed and live up to the expectations of the coaching staff, fellow players and the fan base. He still has the chance to become a Penrith great, but another up and down year could put his future with the Panthers in significant danger.

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Will Nathan Cleary go to another level in 2018?

Cleary is considered one of the real longterm stars of the NRL but too much time is being wasted talking about his future beyond his current Penrith contract. While it’s probably unlikely to be sorted out any time soon, an extension of Cleary’s current deal would certainly kill that storyline and allow the youngster to focus on his football. However, the 20-year-old’s level head should ensure he continues to solidify his spot as a true star, and one of the big questions will be whether he jumps into representative duties with the New South Wales Origin side this year.

Will the Maloney-Moylan swap prove a winner?

James Maloney started his life as a Panther on Monday when he trained in muggy conditions at Jamison Park.

All eyes will be on the 31-year-old this season, primarily because of his record as a winner at the Warriors, Roosters and Sharks. But fans who remain sceptical of Maloney’s signing and the departure of Matt Moylan will be keen to see how the swap deal unfolds at both Penrith

not seen in more than 15 years, but plenty of pieces need to fall into place in 2018 and Cronulla. There is no doubt that the Panthers needed to add more experience and maturity to their spine and Maloney brings that as well as a winning attitude that has seen him win premierships at two clubs. How he partners with Nathan Cleary will be critical to Penrith’s success in 2018. Anthony Griffin’s biggest test will be keeping Maloney’s discipline under control; he can be one of the most frustrating players to watch.

Can Sam McKendry lock down a first grade spot?

Big Sam McKendry has seen very little football in recent years, with ACL injuries cruelling what should be the strongest years of his career. The 28-year-old is back training and hopeful of brushing aside the tag of Penrith’s forgotten forward. He was even left out of the NRL’s predicted Penrith team for round one. McKendry is working hard to prove he still has plenty of football left in him, but another serious injury could end his career. It will be a defining year for McKendry, who has gone from the heights of representing New Zealand to the lows of watching Penrith’s growth as a squad from the sidelines.

Can Anthony Griffin finally win over the critics?

Despite taking Penrith to two consecutive Finals campaigns, the jury still remains out on Panthers coach Anthony Griffin. The fan base is split, still holding on to the cruelty of Ivan Cleary’s sudden dismissal in 2015 and sceptical about Griffin’s strategies especially in attack. A third consecutive tilt at the Premiership via a Finals appearance should silence those still critical of Griffin given Penrith haven’t played three consecutive years of Finals since 1989-1991. The former Broncos coach certainly has a strong squad at his disposal so unless there’s any serious injuries through 2018, nothing should stand in the way of a serious premiership campaign.

Our predicted round one Penrith team: Dylan Edwards, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare, Waqa Blake, Josh Mansour, James Maloney, Nathan Cleary, James Tamou, Peter Wallace, Reagan CampbellGillard, Corey Harawira-Naera, Isaah Yeo, Trent Merrin. Interchange: Sam McKendry, Bryce Cartwright, Tyrone Peachey, James Fisher-Harris.

the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

set to define new season

James Maloney training on Monday morning. Photo: Penrith Panthers

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

RUGBY LEAGUE

Young family is the new drive behind Mansour NATHAN TAYLOR

opular Panthers and Kangaroos winger Josh Mansour has opened up about missing the first month up his daughter Siana’s life due to World Cup commitments.

Mansour’s bundle of joy was born the day before Australia’s second World Cup match against France in November.

Fortunately, the powerhouse back was in Sydney for the birth but had to return to Kangaroos camp in Canberra to play against the French the very next day.

Speaking with the Weekender, the 27-year-old said it was tough leaving his new, beautiful family behind.

“It was very difficult to leave the family,” Mansour admitted.

“I missed most of Siana’s first month of life but my wife did an amazing job looking after her.”

Following Australia’s thrilling win over England in the World Cup final last month, Mansour couldn’t wait to return to his inner city home and spend the Christmas season with his daughter.

“It was a bit hard juggling footy and family at the same time but it’s good to be back, spend some time away from

P

footy and just focus on my new family,” Mansour said.

Mansour along with Reagan CampbellGillard and new recruit James Maloney returned to Panthers pre-season training for the first time on Monday.

Mansour said he’s really excited to see what Penrith’s newest five-eighth brings to the club.

“I’m really excited, James has a lot of Finals experience and he’s a senior player who will teach a lot of the younger guys, like Nathan [Cleary],” he said.

“Nathan is very young and James has a lot to offer, and will share his experiences with Nathan.

“I think this will prove pivotal for our Finals push next year.”

During Kangaroos camp, Maloney spoke with Mansour and Campbell-Gillard a lot about what he can expect from life at the foot of the Mountains.

“James kept on asking us what the area was like, the team, the club – he was definitely happy, excited and impressed,” Mansour said.

“We have a very young squad at Penrith but I think we proved at the end of last season what we are capable of. I think 2018 is going to be a big year and I’m very excited.”

Josh Mansour with his daughter Siana

Awareness, understanding and support for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

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Friday, January 12, 2018 « the western weekender

SPORT

Penrith produces sport’s From rugby league to cricket, and even surfing, Penrith has been where some of at the J-Bay Open Finals in 2015. Mick Fanning also proudly supports the Penrith Panthers.

PATRICK BRISCHETTO

enrith has produced a wide array of athletes and sports stars over the years in a diverse range of sports.

Here are five that have made a name for themselves locally and internationally.

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JESSICA FOX SPORT: SLALOM CANOEING Born in France and going to school in the nearby Blue Mountains, it was on the Nepean River where she began her journey to win a Silver Medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and a Bronze in Rio four years later.

She also won seven gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals in the space of four years at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships.

All of this at the age of just 23.

She still resides in Penrith today and is a self-confessed ‘dog lover’, regular posting selfies of her with her pooches on social media.

MICK FANNING SPORT: SURFING Mick Fanning is one of Australia’s greatest surfers, becoming World Surf League Championship Tour champion three times and has been voted Australia’s Best Male Surfer of the Year six times.

He was born in Penrith in 1981 and lived here until he was 12-years-old, when he moved to Tweed Heads.

It was there he decided to focus on surfing.

He has also had to overcome adversity in his life – his brother Sean was killed in a car accident in 1998.

Also, in an event that made international headlines, he survived an encounter with a great white shark whilst competing

62

PAIGE HADLEY SPORT: NETBALL Jessica Fox has wowed the world, winning two Olympic Medals

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the western weekender » Friday, January 12, 2018

biggest stars Australia’s top sports talents started out Not many netballers can say they made their Australian Diamonds debut at 20-years-old, but Paige Hadley is an exception.

The Penrith junior rose through the ranks at an early age, representing the NSW team at U17s, U19s and U21s levels.

She was signed as an injury replacement player for the NSW Swifts in 2012 and was rewarded with a full-time contract in 2013.

Hadley was also called up to the national squad for the Malawi tests.

She suffered an ACL injury in 2014 that ruled her out for the year, but she made a return in 2015, rising to become vicecaptain of the Swifts in 2017.

GREG ALEXANDER SPORT: RUGBY LEAGUE There’s not much that Greg Alexander didn’t accomplish over his 275-game career.

Making his first grade debut in 1984, he led Penrith to their first Grand Final in 1990 against Canberra however he couldn’t lead them to victory, losing 18-14.

A year later he led the Panthers to

another Grand Final against the same opponent, winning 19-12.

He also represented New South Wales and the Australian Kangaroos six times.

Tragedy would strike in 1992 as his brother Ben was killed in a car accident.

After a stint in Auckland and a return to Penrith, he retired in 1999 and has since become a leading commentator.

NATHAN BRACKEN SPORT: CRICKET Nathan Bracken is a probable case of ‘born at the wrong time’.

A talented fast bowler who made his breakthrough in the early 2000s, Australia just happened to have bowlers like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Born in Penrith, he had his breakout year in 2001 which led to him being selected in the 2001 Ashes squad, although he would have to wait until 2003 to make his test debut.

He only appeared in five test matches for Australia, but he had much more success in One Day cricket, named Australia’s best One Day International player in 2008.

Around the grounds GOLF: Leonay Golf Club has announced its Major Men’s Pennants team for 2018, led by A Grade Stroke Play and Foursomes Champion Andrew Moon. The squad also contains A Grade Foursomes Match Play Champions Ian Barnes and Chris Blakeley, whilst former Club Professional Wayne Worthy will manage the team. The full squad is Mark Cain, Daniel Worthy, Andrew Moon, David Grosse, Adrian Kuipers, Ben McArdle, Dave Moore, Chris Blakeley, Ian Barnes, Tony Wright, manager Wayne Worthy, and assistant manager Jimmy Markham.

Leonay’s opponents for the season are Richmond GC, Northbridge GC and The Coast GC. GOLF: Leonay Golf Club veteran Bruce Grant took home a swag of awards at the Club’s recent Presentation Night. Grant won both the Scratch and Nett Divisions in the B Grade Club Championships, along with the ‘Joe Harsham Trophy’ for the ‘Best Nett Score Over All Grades’ and the Veterans Nett title.

Grant also partnered Leonay GC Ladies Champion Judith Knox to win the Mixed Foursomes Nett Title, finishing runners-up to powerhouse couple Laurie and Lynn Cupples in the Scratch event.

CRICKET: Penrith Council is partnering with Sydney Thunder to bring a junior cricket skills clinic to Penrith

in the summer school holidays. The clinic is now completely full, such is its popularity. The Junior Super Clinic is being held at Howell Oval on Thursday, January 18. Players from Sydney Thunder’s Women’s and Men’s Big Bash League teams will lead the two hour session which includes a mix of skills training, T20 games, and meet and greet opportunities CRICKET: Campbelltown-Camden has defeated Penrith in a one-day match at Howell Oval. Penrith were sent into bat after CampbelltownCamden won the toss and posted a total of 204. Campbelltown-Camden passed the total after 42.4 overs. This Saturday, Penrith travel to Hurstville Oval to take on St George from 10.30am.

AFL: The GWS Giants returned to training on Monday ahead of the 2018 AFL season. Tom Scully won the famous Giants’ 3km time trial, ahead of Adam Tomlinson and Lachie Whitfield.

NETBALL: Netball NSW has announced that GIANTS Netball defender Kristiana Manu’a is on board as the 2018 Oceania Netball Cup Ambassador. The event is being held in Liverpool in March.

Do you have a submission to make to Around The Grounds? Send your event, result or news to nathan. taylor@westernweekender.com.au.

Greg Alexander is a name embedded in Penrith sporting folklore

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Sport

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

Friday, January 12, 2018

Back in action roject 2018 is officially underway at the foot of the Mountains with the Panthers returning to training on Monday.

New recruit James Maloney joined his Penrith teammates for the first time as expectation builds ahead of the new NRL season.

The Panthers trained early at Jamison Park to avoid the scorching temperatures predicted on Monday, but there’s no escaping the soaring heat when you play for Penrith.

It’s a pre-season unlike anything Maloney would have experienced before in the Shire or at Bondi.

Coach Anthony Griffin is likely to use the first few weeks of January to decide who will captain the side in 2018 following Matt Moylan’s off-season departure.

Peter Wallace and Trent Merrin are considered the favourites, with Wallace likely to get the nod given his experience.

The Panthers open their 2018 campaign against Parramatta on March 11.

The five burning questions of 2018: See pages 58-59

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James Maloney at training on Monday. Photo: Penrith Panthers

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