Western Weekender July 21 2023

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Jordan Springs last week to open new affordable housing built by BlueCHP.

He was joined by Housing Minister, Julie Collins, and the New South Wales Housing Minister, Rose Jackson to unveil the 135th home that the community housing provider has constructed in the area.

“Community Housing is a great asset because it will stay in community ownership in perpetuity,” Albanese said.

“It can provide adaptable housing, appropriate housing for people with disabilities, and could be purpose built to suit the people and families who will be housed here.”

“A secure roof over one’s head isn’t just about that in itself, it’s the key to opening up the doors of opportunity for education.

“If you don’t have a secure house, a roof over your head, then it will impact every aspect of your life.”

Albanese believes that every Australian deserves the security of adequate housing, and reflected on his own childhood in such housing.

“For your children growing up as well, having that security is so important,” he said.

“I know it because I’ve lived it. I grew up in a house with a single mum with that secure roof

over my head and over her head, even though she did it tough as an invalid pensioner.” Albanese toured the Jordan Springs property with BlueCHP CEO, Charles Northcote.

“We need to make sure that there’s more housing… and what Charles has said to me is that BlueCHP alone have 3000 homes ready to go once the Housing Australia Future Fund

passes the Senate,” Albanese said.

According to the Prime Minister, his government has an ambitious housing agenda which will deliver more social and affordable housing, including through their $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator payment.

“This is a practical example of the difference that good government can make,” Albanese said.

“We’ve done a lot already, we’ve provided an additional $2 billion of funding for community housing, we’ve extended the agreement between the Commonwealth and state and territories by one year while we negotiate the long-term agreement by $1.6 billion, we’ve added in an additional $2 billion with our social housing accelerator that we announced in June.

“And in return state and territory governments are doing work on planning and making sure that we can get more housing supply and housing built.”

Albanese said that NSW have made it very clear that they’re determined to change the way that approvals are made and increase the supply.

“We need to do more into the future, my government is determined to do more, and we want to work with the Minns Government in NSW and work with other state and territory governments to address issues of housing supply, which are the key to addressing issues of housing affordability,” he said.

Anthony Albanese with Julie Collins and Charles Northcote last week.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

Matildas on top of sporting world

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Staying Safe

As the FIFA Women’s World Cup gets underway, it’s with pride that the nation gets behind the Matildas to the same level as they would any men’s team in any sport.

This is not a fad, not a box ticking exercise, not a doing it because it feels like the right thing to do kind of thing.

The Matildas have legitimately emerged as a sporting powerhouse that captures the attention of the entire nation.

They will grace the front and back pages of newspapers and lead nightly news bulletins for the next couple of weeks. They’ll create armchair experts who will scream for penalties from both the lounge room and some of our nation’s best stadiums.

It’s a far cry from their first international against New Zealand in 1979 that attracted a crowd of 200 people. The only newspaper coverage in the lead-up was a profile on the male referee.

The players on the day laid the early foundation stones of a team that would later become the pride of the nation.

Still, it hasn’t been an easy path.

It was only 20-odd years ago, in 1999, that Matildas players posed for a nude calendar in an attempt to raise funds for the team to compete in major tournaments, such was the lack of support.

There are countless stories about training with hand-me-down equipment from their male counterparts, about not being paid to play, and being subjected to patronising coverage by the media.

A re-brand from the ‘Female Socceroos’ to the Matildas in 1995 helped cement what was to come, but in truth it’s only been in the last decade or so that widespread support for the Matildas has emerged.

If you look back on the whole story of women’s soccer in Australia, you’d cringe at some of the early coverage and the early conditions the players had to endure.

But you could also look at it with a sense of pride.

The Matildas morphed into the successful juggernaut they are today despite all of those setbacks and naysayers.

We all have the right to feel and be safe whether at home, the workplace, or travelling. Psalms 91 tells us that when we turn to God we “can find safety under his wings” and that we “shall not fear” no matter what our circumstance. Mary Baker Eddy the author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures found this to be true in her life. She wrote, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.”

They did before the world of woke surrounded us, where you’re not sure if support is legitimate or fabricated.

They arrive for this 2023 tournament more popular than ever, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be talked about for years and decades to come.

The crowds and TV ratings will back up the hype.

That’s not to say there’s still not a way to go, however.

Our female players still have to deal with dropkicks on social media, and probably at the odd bar stool on a Saturday afternoon, throwing old school barbs their way.

That, bewilderingly, comes with the territory of being a female athlete.

It takes a special kind of bully to sit behind a computer or a schooner and offer unwanted opinions on athletes who could run circles around them if given the chance.

The Matildas will let their football do the talking over the next couple of weeks and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.

Not only has this current crop of players got the nation behind them, but they’ve inspired female athletes across the country and have helped build women’s sport not just in their own code, but across others too.

This weekend also marks the start of the NRLW season, a competition laughed and

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scoffed at by many only a few years ago but now building a solid reputation on the brink of what will likely be its best season yet.

Unfortunately, it’s been robbed of a proper season launch and we’ll hear very little from players across the opening round because the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) won’t let them talk to the media on game days.

It’s an embarrassing situation that is doing the players more harm than it is the fans, especially those in the NRLW who are trying to build profiles and recognition within the rugby league fan base.

Like the Matildas, they’ll let the footy do the talking.

This week also saw the AFLW draw released, while the Women’s Big Bash League is only growing in popularity too.

Earlier this week, our Australian women’s cricket team retained the Ashes over in England.

It’s a great time for women’s sport in Australia.

The challenge ahead is not necessarily convincing sports fans that you can match it with the blokes in terms of intensity, action or athleticism.

Surely, that has already been achieved across most codes in the last few years.

The challenge really is how you win the eyeballs of such fans who are already following the men’s version of a said sport. There’s only so many hours you can spend on the couch every weekend.

Those eyeballs are critical because they deliver you TV deals, sponsorship dollars and ultimately, better pay cheques – which continues to be an issue in women’s sport across the board.

Much of this is a slow burn, just ask the Matildas whose journey to the top tier of the Australian sporting landscape started some 50 years ago and is only now getting the respect it deserves.

Women have delivered us some of the best sporting moments imaginable in the last couple of years.

This World Cup will offer plenty more, I am sure.

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Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport – Community Information and Feedback Sessions

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has released the preliminary flight paths for the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and will be holding Community Information and Feedback Sessions in the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains areas over July & August 2023

More information is available at www.wsiflightpaths.gov.au

Christian Science Reading Room, 32 Woodriff Street Penrith. Phone: 4721 5022 Facebook: search for First Church of Christ, Scientist, Penrith Web:cspenrith.com.au or christianscience.com

www.infrastructure.gov.au

“The Matildas will let their football do the talking over the next couple of weeks”

If you’ve driven through Emu Plains recently, you may have seen a new yellow sign pop up along the Great Western Highway. Behind it is the home of Woodchix – a brand new foundation aiming to build confidence in women so they can truly do it all themselves.

Gill Enterkin, Founder and Head Woodchick, started Woodchix after wrapping up her time as a Technical Applied Studies (TAS) teacher, specialising in woodwork for over 20 years. The foundation originally began as a way for her to use her skills as an educator in a new way, instead passing on her expertise to women so they can learn anything ranging from hanging a picture hook to using hand tools and drills.

“I’ve got all this experience to pass on and to assist women in gaining their confidence, and being able to look after themselves and feeling good that they

can, that they don’t necessarily have to call a male in,” she said.

Though she was hoping to garner some positive attention, Enterkin admits she was shocked at how quickly the word spread in the community.

“When I started advertising in November last year on Facebook, by Christmas I had 25,000 people having looked at it,” she said.

It was from here that her business grew again before she had even started, expanding on the idea of teaching the teachers who, although are not trained in woodwork, are being forced to cover these classes due to shortages.

“I had teachers saying, ‘Do you train teachers?’ because I had on the website that I’d taught for 20 years, so I’m getting a lot of teachers enquiring,” she said.

In addition to teachers, Enterkin said she’s also building the next generation of tradies, aiming to use her experience to get young women into apprenticeships.

Having only just started running workshops, Enterkin said she’s been thrilled with the

positive reviews and the partnerships she’s developed with a number of organisations already, including Nepean Community College.

With these workshops ranging from specific projects to broader time slots, Enterkin is encouraging beginners to try something new.

“You can come and do a Thursday afternoon or a Saturday afternoon, and just say ‘I don’t know anything’, and I’ll start you off on a Year 8 or Year 9 project, like a basic box, and then we go into the harder joineries,” she said.

For the bigger jobs you can’t do yourself, Enterkin said she’s still all about supporting women.

“I would like to eventually get a board up where all the women tradies’ business cards are, so that people can find out who the female tradies are in the area,” she said.

“People just don’t like males in their house sometimes, and that’s fair enough!”

For more information, visit woodchix.au.

Gill Enterkin.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

The statements aimed to help Australians decide how to vote in referendum

The official Yes and No cases for the proposed Voice to Parliament have been released.

The Yes and No cases were both submitted to the Electoral Commissioner before Monday night’s deadline.

They will be included in an official pamphlet that will be distributed to Australians prior to the referendum.

The Yes case argues that voting Yes is about recognition, listening and better results.

“The Voice will give advice on key issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, from better infant health to improving services in remote areas,” the case states.

“Parliament and Government will still be responsible for all laws, programs and funding.”

Eight specific reasons for voting yes are outlined.

“Let’s vote Yes for recognition, listening and better results. Let’s vote Yes to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live better lives with more opportunities for their children. In a spirit of unity, let’s vote Yes together,” the case states.

The No campaign argues “if you don’t know, vote no”.

“We all want to help Indigenous Australians in disadvantaged communities. However, this Voice is not the answer and presents a real risk to our system of government,” the case states.

“This Voice specifically covers all areas of “Executive Government”.

This means no issue is beyond its reach. The High Court would ultimately determine its powers, not the Parliament. It risks legal challenges, delays and dysfunctional government.”

10 reasons to vote no are outlined.

“This is a very important decision. Unfortunately, the legitimate questions and concerns of many Austral-

ians have been dismissed,” the No case states.

“Fortunately, this referendum won’t be decided by politicians, corporations or celebrities. It will be decided by every Australian. It affects every Australian.”

The referendum is likely to take place later this year. View the cases by scanning the QR codes on the right.

One of Penrith’s most iconic properties has been put on the market, with hopes that a new owner will be able to embrace the historic charm and return it to its former glory.

St Aubyn’s Terrace, situated at 255-267 High Street, has been in the current owner’s family since 1956, though it was built over a century ago in 1887 in the Victorian Italianate Architectural style.

Currently, five of the six terraces are leased for residential use, with potential buyers able to use it as is. However, PRD’s Darren Latty said that it could be a bigger opportunity for the right buyer.

“Personally, I’ve been working on them for 15 years, and I’ve always had a dream of seeing them restored to their former glory,” he said.

“They’re heritage listed by Penrith Council, and there are certain architectural elements in there that reflect the era, but there’s a lot of maintenance in heritage, so you’ve got to find the right buyer who can put the work in that they need.

“It always adds challenges when you’re dealing with heritage properties, but on the flip side, that’s what creates the character.”

The property is zoned MU1 Mixed Use, allowing for a wide range of uses. Given that the terraces are in such a prominent location with

passing traffic, Latty suggests it could be popular for offices or retail outlets.

“I could see potential uses as offices or retail – it’s a pretty unique offering being on High Street,” he said.

“They’re actually also a pretty

good size inside, because most of them offer three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and they’ve got the rear lane access for parking.

“I worked in Glebe for quite a few years, so I worked on a lot of heritage terraces out there and saw what you can do to them, so it would be really

cool to see them all done up like a row that you’d see in Paddington or Glebe or somewhere where they reflect that architectural style.”

A current DA allows for subdivision at the rear to create a new lot of approximately 1458 square metres, whilst retaining the six terraces.

“The height limit across the site varies from 12 to 24 [metres], and the floor space ratio varies from three to 3.5,” he said.

“What you can do with it would be subject to Council approval, but you’d be really surprised if the Council wasn’t supportive of finding a solution of how we maintain the heritage, but also provide for the needs of the future.”

Taking the heritage listing into account, Latty said that the owner’s expectations around price reflect value for the challenges ahead.

However, with the intact row of terraces the only ones left in the LGA, a slice of Penrith history could make for the perfect passion project.

“There just isn’t a row of terraces like that anywhere in the LGA, so this is the one opportunity you’ve got to add a bit of a mark to Penrith’s history yourself,” Latty said.

St Aubyn’s Terrace in High Street, Penrith.

Gipps Street Recreation Precinct

Administration

Penrith Office

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

St Marys Office

Council Briefs

● Come along to a Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, 5 August at Peter Kearns Memorial Oval, between 10am–3pm. There will be something for everyone including a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course to tackle, and food vans to indulge in. Kick off the weekend with free craft workshops, entertainment, food, and fun pop-up activities.

Find out more at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/upcoming-events/ st-clair-family-fun-day

● Penrith City Council is updating the Our River Masterplan and invites the community to help shape the future of the Nepean River Precinct.

The updated Masterplan will be developed with the community to guide the planning and revitalisation of the Nepean River Precinct over the next 10 years.

Share your ideas on the interactive map or short survey at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ourriver before 5 pm Monday, 24 July 2023.

The updated Masterplan will be exhibited for community feedback in late 2023. This project is jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council.

● A full road closure is in place on Woodlands Drive, Glenmore Park for a period of 3 weeks.

Detours are in place between Glenmore Parkway and Oriole Street with access provided to affected residents only. Access to Kids Academy is from the Glenmore Parkway end only. Bus services are also be affected with temporary bus stops being used during the works – for more information on bus services go to busways.com.au/nsw/planned-service-changes

Council apologises for any inconvenience during these major works.

● The Great Western Highway end of River Road, Emu Plains, which runs between the western and eastern sides of Regatta Park, will be temporarily closed on the following dates:

• 7am on Saturday, 22 July until 7pm on Sunday, 23 July

• 7am on Saturday, 29 July until 7pm on Sunday, 30 July

• 7am on Saturday, 12 August until 7pm on Sunday, 13 August

The closures will allow critical electrical works to be undertaken as part of the Regatta Park project.

Detours will be put in place as part of the traffic management plan and traffic controllers will be on site throughout the scheduled works.

Vehicular traffic into River Road from the Great Western Highway will be diverted via Napier Avenue, while traffic out of River Road will be diverted via Francis Avenue. Resident access will be maintained at all times.

The footpath along River Road will remain open to pedestrians. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience during this time.

For more information, please visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/ regatta-park

Development Consent/s Determined

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

Approved Development Applications

• Eden Brae Holdings Pty Ltd

Lot 2016 PP 1274690, 14 Paling Street, Werrington

2-storey dwelling

• Instep Management Group Pty Ltd

Lot 185 DP 239628, 233 Parker Street, South Penrith

DA23/0428

Mod23/0126

Modification to DA22/0912 for partial retention of existing slab

• Who Pools & Excavations Pty Ltd

DA23/0401

Lot 3830 DP 1200053, 15 Armstrong Street, Jordan Springs

Concrete swimming pool

• Daniel Anthony Briffa

DA23/0384

Lot 155 DP 1238043, 8 Black Wattle Drive, Glenmore Park Shed

• Dream Drafting Sydney Pty Ltd

Lot 23 DP 1040820, 52 South Street, Glenmore Park

Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling

• Better Built Homes & Developments Pty Ltd

DA23/0470

DA23/0466

Lot 1100 DP 259016, 167 Greenbank Drive, Werrington Downs

2-storey dwelling, carport and retaining walls

• Jeffrey Shane Kennedy

DA22/1045

Lot 1 DP 1001196, Lot 2 DP 1001196, Lot 61 DP 1001468 and Lot 62 DP 1001468, 10 Riverbank Drive, Emu Heights

Environmental protection works

• Eco Factor Architects

Lot 236 DP 270417, 22 Medinah Avenue, Luddenham

Modification of location of windows and layout

• Envision Group Pty Ltd

Lot 293 DP 270417, 24 Humewood Place, Luddenham

Mod23/0111

Mod23/0110

Section 4.55 modification of DA17/0684 for shed height increase

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd

Lot 340 DP 1175094, 19 Hickson Circuit, Caddens

Semi In-ground concrete swimming pool and deck

• Signmanager (Australia) Pty Ltd

Lot 1 DP 1229850, 2 Imperata Close, Kemps Creek

Installation of 2 pylon signs

• Seedwood Pty Ltd

DA23/0156

DA23/0454

DA23/0378

Lot 235 DP 240525, 4 Chesterfield Road, South Penrith

Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling including a first floor addition

Proudly funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government.

New recycling grants available “Horrendous” attempted theft

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Police are appealing for information as they investigate an attempted robbery in Jordan Springs last week.

Just before 5pm on Thursday, July 13, police were called to Caribbean Promenade following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command attended and were told a man and woman had been using a scooter to make food deliveries when they were approached by a group of between three and six people who allegedly assaulted them and tried to take the scooter.

A Jordan Springs local who witnessed the incident said he was on The Northern Road waiting to turn right onto Jordan Springs Blvd when three dirt bikes, with two riders on each, pulled up.

He said it was “extremely” concerning that there was also a female on the scooter and that these people were “trying to drag them both off” and steal it.

“They all had their faces covered with hoodies and the one guy that jumped off the bike was at the front,” he told the Weekender this week.

“He had a black t-shirt or a jumper covering his face and he jumped off the vehicle and tried to assault the driver.

“As the scooter took off, he tried to grab the back of it where they keep all the food.”

The witness said he lost sight of the scooter after being stopped by a red light but he called Triple Zero and continued following the dirt bikes down near the Woolworths in Jordan Springs.

A short time later, he saw the scooter had pulled into a small car park near the lake, where the rider was speaking with police and his helmet and face shield mat were being placed into bags for forensic examination.

According to police, the male victim sustained an injury to his face.

“They had been trying to rip this guy off his scooter to take it,” the witness said.

“He had blood coming out his mouth and nose.

“He was in a bad way… it was horrendous.”

Police are urging anyone that may have information or mobile phone, CCTV, or dash cam footage to contact Penrith Police Station on 4721 9444.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE SITE ONLINE

The NRMA has launched a new webpage to support the electric vehicle community and tools to help Australians calculate the benefits of making the switch to an EV. The new EV Hub features new tools to support Australians looking to purchase an electric vehicle including a Fuel Cost

Comparison Calculator and Electric Vehicle search tool.

“The transition to EV’s will change the way we live, work and play,” said the NRMA’s Carly Irving-Dolan.

Visit the NRMA EV Hub at www.mynrma. com.au/electric-vehicles.

Development Application

The following Development Application has been received by Council:

• Jiang Zhang

11 John Batman Avenue, Werrington County

DA23/0537

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey child care centre x 48 children with basement car parking and associated works.

Contact: Jake Bentley on 4732 8087

Closing Date: Monday, 7 August 2023

Integrated Development

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

• Matt Early Pty Ltd

Lot 8 in DP 718139, 37 Leland Street, Penrith

DA23/0530

Proposed waste transfer station including storage and skip bin business with a maximum capacity of 30,000t, including ancillary works.

The proposal is identified by the Applicant as Integrated Development as the application seeks approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority. 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, from Monday, 24 July to Tuesday, 22 August 2023.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. If the submission is an objection to the Development Application, the grounds of objection are to be clearly specified. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA23/0530.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409.

Viewing of Development Applications

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

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

NSW businesses are being encouraged to apply for a grant under a new $60 million national program to transform plastic waste into valuable products.

The Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) Plastics Technology stream will boost existing recycling infrastructure and uncover new methods of processing plastics that are difficult to recycle.

NSW businesses can apply for grants of between $1 million and $20 million per project. There will be a focus on projects that take hard-to-recycle plastics, including soft plastics like shopping bags, bread bags and cling wrap, and recirculate them back into the economy in a safe and sustainable way.

Projects can include new infrastructure or improvements to existing machinery, equipment, technology and processes

This program will help NSW drastically reduce its reliance on plastic and progress towards NSW’s target of tripling the recycling rate by 2030.

“NSW generates around 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, but only 10 per cent is currently recycled,” said NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe.

“This is significantly below recycling rates for all other types of waste.

“This funding aims to triple the plastic recycling rate by 2030.

“By recycling plastic, we’re not only limiting impacts on the environment, but we can also transform waste materials into valuable assets.”

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said Australians use about 3.8 million tonnes of plastic every year, and dispose of about 2.7 million tonnes.

“That’s about 50 times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge being thrown out each year,” she said.

“And we’re only recycling about 13 per cent of it. We can do better. That’s why we’re investing $60 million to boost Australia’s recycling and recovery rates for hard-to-recycle plastics.

“The funding will invest in exciting technologies that could help solve challenges in recycling plastic waste like soft plastics going into landfill.

“Labor is driving the transition to a circular economy by 2030. It’s good for the economy and great for the environment.”

Further information on how to apply can be found on the EPA website.

Western Harbour Tunnel Modification

Have your say on proposed changes to how we tunnel under Sydney Harbour.

We are proposing to change the construction method from an Immersed Tube Tunnel (IMT) to a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to cross under Sydney Harbour, which will minimise impacts to the community and environment.

This change reduces the overall number of construction support sites needed and includes some changes at the Rozelle Rail Yards, Glebe Island and Ridge Street sites. There is also a new support site proposed at Emu Plains.

The proposed changes are detailed in our Western Harbour Tunnel Modification Report, which is on exhibition for community feedback until 11:59pm on 15 August 2023.

More information

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Western Harbour Tunnel project team on 1800 931 189, email whtbl@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit nswroads.work/whtportal SB0812

Translating and Interpreting Service

Scan the QR code to learn more.

If you need help understanding this information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1800 931 189.

Do

On a mission to pamper the world and educate consumers to love the skin they’re in, Plendi is an all-inclusive Australian beauty brand celebrating diversity, body positivity, and self-acceptance through the universal language of skincare.

Paying tribute to the great Australian outback, its Indigenous people, and nature’s most sought-after botanicals, the brand’s inaugural Outback Mud Mask is a 4-in-1 multitasking skincare solution that exfoliates, decongests, hydrates, and brightens the skin for a healthy, radiant glow in as little as 10 minutes.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and powerful phytonutrients, the creamy formula comprises of 99.7 per cent natural origin ingredients, including a host of Australian natives and soothing extracts, to gently cleanse, nourish, and revitalise skin, and minimise the appearance of redness, fine lines, enlarged pores,

paceway winners lucky

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

PAGE TEN SPY

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

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

I

Dose

of

acne, texture, and fatigue. Clinically tested and dermatologist approved, the hypoallergenic mask is vegan friendly, cruelty-free, and Australian-made, and contains no harmful toxins, chemical preservatives, or synthetics.

As a force of positive category disruption, Plendi also pledges to donate 20 per cent of profits to local organisations with a synergistic interest in mental health, social equalisation, and environmental preservation.

To learn more about Plendi, visit www. plendi.co.

The Weekender has 10 Plendi Outdoor Mud Masks valued at $50 each to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Plendi’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, July 28 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

Connect with us online...

The giant chicken neon sign is located inside Penrith’s newest Korean fried chicken and beer outlet, Gami’s, at Nepean Village near Percy Plunkett.

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0135, 0543, 0729.

Victoria can no longer call itself the sporting capital of Australia after it left thousands of athletes in limbo by cancelling the Commonwealth Games.

The hype around movies like ‘Barbie’, ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ is brilliant. People are flocking back to the cinemas in huge numbers.

you know where this picture was taken?

2 x pieces of Garfish Chips & Tartare Sauce$2250

Quality Seafood at Great Value!

For over 50 years Barnacle Bill has been serving quality seafood to valued customers. The secret to the long and continual success of the Family seafood restaurant favourite is the motivation for improvement to deliver the highest quality seafood at value for money to customers.

Our batter and secret recipe crumb are freshly prepared in store, as are salads and desserts. All meals are cooked to order in the highest quality oil ensuring that customers receive the freshest seafood experience available.

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Vegetarian and Vegan option are also available on the Open 11am-9pm Daily!

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

COMPILED BY MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Cranebrook: Woman charged after drugs found inside property

A woman has been charged with supplying prohibited drugs in Cranebrook.

submitted the driver to a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.

with Daniel McKinnon

The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis which provided a high-range reading.

Police were patrolling a street in Cranebrook when a man and woman were seen by Police to leave a motor vehicle, about 11am on Tuesday, July 11.

It is alleged that vehicle was displaying incorrect registration plates.

The man and woman both ran inside a residence on that street.

Police were able to locate the woman, a 48-year-old from Cranebrook, but the man escaped.

During a subsequent search of the house entered by the woman, police allegedly found prohibited drugs, including methylamphetamine and amphetamine, together with other restricted items.

The woman was arrested and later charged with ‘supplying prohibited drugs’, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime’ and other offences.

The woman was refused bail and will next appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday, July 28.

Kingswood: Police track down man wanted for various offences

A Kingswood man with two outstanding arrest warrants has faced court.

About 2.30am on Sunday, July 16, police were patrolling a street in the Kingswood area where they allegedly observed a man acting suspiciously.

Police stopped and searched the man, allegedly locating identity cards that they suspected were stolen and a small amount of a prohibited drug.

The man also had two outstanding arrest warrants for property related offences.

The man was arrested and later charged with ‘possess prohibited drug’ and ‘goods in custody’.

The two outstanding arrest warrants were also executed.

The man was refused bail and appeared at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, July 18.

Werrington County: Man will front court after blowing high-range

A man has been charged after he was busted high-range drink-driving in Werrington County.

About 4.15am on Sunday, July 16, police were patrolling Dunheved Road when they allegedly stopped a motor vehicle and

The man was issued a Court Attendance Notice and his licence was suspended immediately.

He will appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 24.

Penrith: Woman accused of stealing clothes from shop

A woman has been charged after she allegedly stole clothes from a store in Penrith.

About 10.30am on Saturday, July 15, police were called to a shop in Penrith in relation to a stealing matter.

Police were told a 32-year-old woman from Hebersham had collected items of clothing before leaving the store without paying.

Police were told the woman had attended a further store nearby and allegedly taken several personal care items, again leaving the store without paying for them.

According to police, the woman had previously been banned from entering one of the stores.

She was found by police on a nearby street and was arrested.

She was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with two counts of ‘shoplifting’ and one count of ‘entering enclosed lands’.

The woman will appear before Penrith Local Court on the Wednesday, August 23.

Jordan Springs: Man arrested as part of major police operation

A Jordan Springs man has been arrested as part of a police operation targeting some of the state’s worst domestic violence offenders.

Officers from the Nepean DV Team were making their way to conduct a welfare check on a victim at Jordan Springs just before Midday on Thursday, July 13 when they saw a man nearby, who was allegedly breaching his ADVO and had outstanding warrants.

Upon seeing police, the man ran from the area. A search was conducted, which included the Dog Unit, and the man was located about 2pm in Werrington County, where he jumped a number of fences before being arrested on Greenbank Drive.

The 35-year-old man was charged with ‘sexually touch without consent’, ‘contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic)’, ‘assault causing actual bodily harm (DV)’, and ‘common assault’.

There are different ways to commence debt recovery in New South Wales.

The most common starting point is a letter of demand, which does not need to be in a particular form but is usually sent by either a creditor or their lawyer demanding payment of a sum of money within a particular time period and often setting out the basis on which the creditor says they need to be paid.

Common examples include services that someone has provided but not been paid for, goods delivered but not paid for and other breaches of commercial and/or contractual relationships.

A Statutory Demand is a document that a creditor can issue to a company requiring the company to pay a debt within 21 days. Typically, issuing a Statutory Demand is the first step in winding up a company.

If a Statutory Demand is not complied with or set aside within 21 days of issue, the company will be presumed insolvent, and creditors may commence legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales to wind the company up.

To issue a Statutory Demand, the debt must be over $2,000 and must be due and payable. There are some technical requirements set out in the Corporations Act with respect to Statutory Demands including that you cannot issue a Statutory Demand if the debt is a prospective debt (that is not due and payable now) and/or unliquidated. In other words, you must set out clearly the dollar value of the debt (so, it follows that Statutory Demand cannot be used for things like claims for damages or other sums of money that cannot usually be quantified). A letter of demand, followed by the issuing of Court

proceedings for debt recovery will usually be required in these circumstances.

A Statutory Demand must comply with the Corporations Act including that it must:

• be in writing;

• be signed by the creditor or on the creditor’s behalf;

• state the debtor company’s name and its registered office ;

• state the total amount of the debt;

• specify where the debt can be paid.

And you should also consider supporting your Statutory Demand with an Affidavit setting out the circumstances giving rise to said demand.

It is important that you make sure your debt is legitimate and falls within the definition of a debt pursuant to the Corporations Act before you issue a Statutory Demand.

They are serious documents and if you issue one and the debtor company subsequently makes an application to set the Statutory Demand aside and are successful, they may be able to recover their legal costs from you on the basis that the Statutory Demand should never have been issued.

There are a number of reasons why a Court might set aside a Statutory Demand including if the debtor company asserts some sort of offsetting claim against a creditor which would reduce the debt to below the statutory minimum of $2,000 or if there is a genuine dispute about either the amount of the debt or whether there is in fact a debt in existence.

RED LIGHT SPEED CAMERA COMING

A new red light speed camera will be installed in Penrith over the coming weeks. The camera will be installed at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Ransley Street to monitor northbound traffic on Mulgoa Road.

Work will take place between Monday, July 24 and Monday, August 28 to install the camera.

“There will be temporary lanes closures,

WHAT IS A STATUTORY DEMAND? WW51579

traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h in place while this work takes place for the safety of our workers and motorists,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said. “Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.”

It is not known the new camera will become active.

“Broken promise”: McIntosh on attack over Urgent Care Clinics

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Although an announcement may be imminent it seems Penrith will have to wait a bit longer for the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic that Labor promised last year.

During the 2022 Federal Election campaign, the Albanese Labor Government committed to delivering 50 Urgent Care Clinics across the country in an effort to relieve under-pressure health services.

So far, a handful have been established and the clinic promised for Lindsay remains undelivered.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, believes the clinic is “now overdue”, saying the current government has failed to meet the delivery deadline.

“I wrote to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, in February asking for details on the plans for an Urgent Care Clinic that Labor promised us during the election,” she said.

“I received a response from the Minister’s office in May about the expressions of interest process.

“I am yet to hear further from the Minister or his office on our community’s promised Urgent Care Clinic.”

McIntosh said there is an urgent need for local residents to have this additional health service and Labor “cannot be trusted” to deliver real outcomes.

“I urge the Government to provide information to my community about when they can expect the

Clinic to open and where it will go to relieve pressure off Nepean Hospital,” she said.

“I’d also like to have an assurance from the Labor Government that vital, local GP services won’t be reduced due to doctors servicing the Clinic.”

Smarter way for locals to recycle

Recycling is great for the environment, but it can get a bit tricky because some items can’t be disposed of in your household bins.

To make it easier, Penrith City Council has partnered with Sydney-based start-up RecycleSmart to provide residents with a “from your door” collection service for items like soft plastics, e-waste and textiles.

The collapse of REDcycle, a recycling program which collected soft plastics from supermarkets, meant people were left with no choice but to simply put soft plastics into regular home garbage bins, leaving almost 11,000 tonnes of leftover waste.

Since then, councils have been scrambling to come up with an alternative solution.

Penrith City Council said it recommenced its soft plastics recycling program with RecycleSmart in February 2023.

“Through RecycleSmart’s ‘PowerPickup’ program, Penrith residents can arrange contactless collections for household problem waste items, including soft plastics,” a spokesperson said.

“After a short pause to the program in 2022, RecycleSmart joined a trial with APR Plastics, a small plastics recycling facility in Victoria, to take small quantities of soft plastics from a few councils, including Penrith.

“APR Plastics offers a self-sufficient and zero-waste system, the first of its kind in Australia, to convert soft plastics into oil for plastic remanufacture.

“Joining this trial with RecycleSmart provides Council with an innovative solution to problematic household waste going back into residents’ red-lidded residual waste bins and landfill and ensures Penrith’s committed recyclers can continue to be supported in their resource recovery journey.”

According to RecycleSmart, soft plastics can be easily scrunched in your hand and include bubble wrap, confectionery packets, zip lock bags, cereal box liners, fresh produce bags, squeeze pouches, silver lined chip bags and several other items.

As part of a free monthly subscription, residents will now have access to ongoing and regular pickups, which can be booked through the RecycleSmart App or website.

Locals are being told to place their waste into two 20 litre bags, which is the same size as a standard reusable shopping bag from the supermarket, out the front of your house the morning of their scheduled collection day.

Currently, RecycleSmart is partnered with a number of councils, including Penrith, Camden, Inner West, Lane Cove, Sutherland Shire and Maitland.

To find out more, visit the Penrith City Council website or RecycleSmart at www. recyclesmart.com.

McIntosh believes that Labor only prioritises health during election campaigns, saying failure to establish and deliver Lindsay’s clinic by July 1 is a “blatant broken promise”.

“Since this Labor Government came into power, it has become more difficult to get access to a GP,

and we are seeing our healthcare system is increasingly under serious pressure,” McIntosh said.

“So far, we don’t know whether a contract with a provider has even been signed, and we have no projected date for a clinic to start operating.”

When contacted by the Weekender, Butler would not confirm the status of the clinic for Lindsay, but said several announcements were planned for the near future.

Labor argues it always intended to deliver the clinics in the current financial year (2023-24), denying any election promises have been broken.

“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier for Australians to receive the medical care they need when they need it,” a spokesperson for Butler said.

“The Budget included the Government’s commitment to make it easier to see a doctor and taking pressure off overwhelmed emergency departments with our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

“When you have a deep cut, or when your child breaks their arm, the [clinics] will be there to avoid patients having to spend hours in a hospital waiting room.”

Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh.

RecycleSmart bags out the front of a house.

Chip packets are among the soft plastics that the RecycleSmart program covers.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

New childcare centre approved

for St Marys Woolies

Woolworths in St Marys will be remodelled after a Development Application (DA) was approved by Penrith City Council.

In September 2022, Torress Pty Ltd submitted the DA to alter the existing supermarket and reconfigure the car park at 10 Charles Hackett Drive.

“The proposal provides a positive contribution to the St Marys Village Shopping Centre,” the Statement of Environmental Effects attached to the DA said.

“It will service the local community and provide local employment in the area.”

of-house and loading dock area, a new driveway and a car park tree.

“The proposal will provide quick and easy access to pre-packed online supermarket orders without the need to enter the shopping centre and the supermarket,” the document attached to the DA said.

Penrith City Council has granted deferred commencement for a new childcare facility in Oxley Park.

In September 2021, Anthony James submitted a Development Application (DA) to build a two-storey childcare centre at 28 Adelaide Street.

He proposed to demolish the existing house, sheds and swimming pool to make way for the community centre and play area, which will cater for 71 children between the ages of zero and five.

“The childcare facility intends to operate long day care,” the Statement of Environmental Effects attached to the DA said.

“The subject site is ideal for accommodating a childcare facility as it is located within a large established residential area and is

within proximity to schools, residential properties and bus services.”

According to the document, there will be 21 car parking spaces, including 12 reserved for staff members and eight for visitors.

Last month, Council determined to grant “deferred commencement” consent in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The document states that prior to the consent becoming operational, “an amended set of architectural plans shall be submitted to and approved by Council”.

On these architectural drawings, the developer must reduce the balcony area, reconfigure the front entry to provide a more prominent street access and show the lift overrun.

The conditions will need to be completed within 12 months, the Notice of Determination said.

According to the developer, the additions and alterations will facilitate “direct to boot pick-up” at the back of the Woolworths, which has become common at a lot of the supermarket’s locations.

The developer said the application includes the removal of seven trees and the demolition of the existing trolley bay, return and earn facility, as well as the repurposing of 1660sqm of floor area previously occupied by Target. This will make way for seven new ‘click & collect’ bays, an expanded back-

“All orders are made online via the Woolworths app and pre-paid prior to finalisation.”

In June, Council approved the DA, which will provide “ease of access” and service the increasing number of deliveries in the area, recognising the changing nature of the way many now shop.

The subject site at 28 Adelaide Street in Oxley Park.

A render of the new direct to boot facilities coming to Woolworth St Marys.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Significant honours for Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith Agency sweeps awards

CASSIDY PEARCE

Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith is making waves across the country, with a number of their team members having received recognition at the esteemed Raine & Horne National and NSW State awards.

With this year marking the incredible milestone of 30 years of service rendered by Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith, it’s clear that their team has only gotten stronger with time.

Together, the team received recognition within the New South Wales commercial network, being awarded third place for the number of sales and third place for total sales dollar value.

There were also significant individual achievements recognised, made by Liz Prasad and Teegan Moulton.

Notably, Prasad’s membership in the Chairman’s Club has been renewed, placing her among the top 10 per cent of commission earners in the national network.

Prasad also achieved the second place ranking in Australia for the number of leasing transactions, and secured first-place in New South Wales in two categories – the number of leasing transactions and the total leasing value.

Moulton secured the second place position

in the number of leasing transactions in New South Wales, alongside the third place ranking in sales.

Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith is set to achieve even more new strengths under the leadership of John Henry, recently appointed to the role of Director of Sales & Leasing.

But, according to Henry, it’s these hard working individuals who are really going to help make his vision for the team a reality.

“Liz and Teegan are hands down some of the hardest workers I’ve worked in the industry with, putting in the hours and doing what’s required to put complicated deals together, and they’ve been rewarded for their efforts, which is great to see,” he said.

Managing Director, Colin Henry, agrees with the sentiment.

“As we celebrate these exceptional achievements, let us not forget that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of the rest of the team, now totalling 35 staff members based in Penrith, regional NSW and Queensland,” he said.

“Their continuous efforts and support, alongside the fresh approach brought by John Henry and the sales and leasing team have undoubtedly played a significant role in this remarkable success.

“It is a testament to the collaborative spirit and camaraderie within the office.”

Melissa’s Message

The weekly views of the Federal Member for Lindsay

A broken promise?

The upgrade of Dunheved Road is one of my top priorities for our community. Like you, I have been frustrated with the timelines and promises made by the Albanese Labor Government when it comes to this road.

During the previous Liberal Government, I fought for and delivered $127 million of Federal funding for Penrith City Council to upgrade Dunheved Road, as it is a council road.

At the 2022 election, the Labor Party committed to fast-track the upgrade. A Labor senator then wrote to households in December last year promoting that construction would start in early 2023, which was not fast-tracking.

Now the start of construction of Dunheved Road has been pushed back to the beginning of 2024. The Albanese Labor

Government has clearly broken a promise it made to our community.

I wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers last year asking for confirmation on their commitments to Lindsay, including to fast track the construction of Dunheved Road. Neither responded, however an Assistant Minister did with a standard letter on the Government’s plans for infrastructure in general, with no mention of Dunheved Road. This isn’t good enough.

Like I fought for the full funding to upgrade Dunheved Road, I will continue to fight for the Albanese Labor Government to keep their commitments and get on with delivering this vital piece of infrastructure for our community.

MELISSA MCINTOSH

Federal Member for Lindsay

BORGER: BRINGS THE GAMES HERE

Business Western Sydney’s Executive Director, David Borger, says the region is well-equipped to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, after Victoria pulled out of its commitment.

“Thanks to Victoria’s false start, western Sydney is ready to relight the flame,” he said.

“Western Sydney delivered the best Olym-

pic Games ever 23 years ago, we’re ready to deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever in 2026.

“Back in 2000 we had one fantastic stadium site in Sydney Olympic Park, now we have another world-class stadium in Parramatta. We have rowing in the heart of Penrith and a cycling velodrome right next to Bankstown.”

Sales team members Erin Bright, John Budin, John Henry and Liz Prasad. Photo: Megan Dunn.

As your local member in the Australian Parliament, there’s nothing more important to me than representing and supporting our community.

If I can help in any way please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my office.

Local favourite to close its doors as owner dishes up retirement

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Glenmore Park’s Asian Pearl Chinese Restaurant will close its doors next month.

The restaurant has been open in Glenmore Park for the last 20 years, but August 13 will mark the beginning of Lam Tang’s retirement.

“The 13th of August will be our last day trading,” he told the Weekender

For two decades the team at Asian Pearl Chinese Restaurant have been plating up a mixture of Australian Chinese as well as dishes inspired by other countries, but now Tang is ready for a new adventure.

Born in Hong Kong, Tang completed his “apprenticeship” when he was 17-years-old before moving to the Netherlands, where he lived for more than 14 years.

He told the Weekender that he settled in Australia in 1987 because he believed it would afford him and his children more “opportunities” and a better future.

After working part-time in a number of kitchens, Tang found a small restaurant in Marayong, which he ran with his partner for nine years before taking a

break to pursue further education at TAFE.

In August 2003, he opened the doors to his current business in Glenmore Park because he really liked the area’s “potential”.

Even though he’s been a bit emotional about leaving his business and legacy behind, Tang says he is ready for a new adventure.

“I’m going travelling around Australia and I have also planned to trip back to the Netherlands to see some old friends,” he said.

Tang also said he is looking forward to winding down and stepping away from the stress of running a restaurant.

Tang said he has built friendships with customers that he will greatly miss. Reminiscing on his career, he said he is excited but a bit sad.

“I’ve gotten to know the locals and make friends with the customers,” he said.

“I knew who liked to eat what… and I could tell what guests were in the restaurant by reading the orders.”

Tang said he is extremely grateful for the support that the Glenmore Park community has given him and his business over the years.

“Thank you,” he said.

Asian Pearl Chinese Restaurant owner, Lam Tang. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Students ready for trip of a lifetime

CASSIDY PEARCE

Two Xavier Catholic College students will be among the 170 young people from western Sydney and the Blue Mountains that the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta will be sending to Portugal this week for World Youth Day with Pope Francis – the largest event on the global Catholic calendar this year.

The World Youth Day festival is a significant celebration of the global Catholic Church, with millions expected to attend from around the world – many for the first time.

For Year 11 students Stephanie Galea and Lucy Keane, it was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up.

“Our teacher sent out the opportunity, and mum and I had always seen fundraising for it at church, and [Lucy and I] thought it would be amazing to go together,” Stephanie said.

Despite having known they would be attending since September last year, the two girls couldn’t be more excited that their departure date has finally arrived.

“It came up very quickly,” Lucy said.

“The whole time, it’s been like, ‘Oh, it’s so far away!’, but now it’s this Friday!”

The World Youth Day pilgrims will be flying out today to visit sacred sites in France, Spain and Portugal before they head to Lisbon for World Youth Day.

Having the opportunity to travel and visit these places is something Lucy is really looking forward to.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Fatima and Lourdes and stuff, just to see all the nice churches in Europe, and also to deepen my faith and connection with God,” she said.

With the large number of people set to attend, Stephanie said she can’t wait to meet new people who share her beliefs.

“I’m excited to be at the camp out with the 5000 people, and just to experience the 5000 people in one space,” she said.

“I’m also excited to meet people from different countries who have the same faith as us.”

Coordinator for the trip, James Camden, expressed his confidence that the journey will reap rewards for each pilgrim as well as the Church community back at home in Australia.

“The pilgrimage has created an enormous sense of excitement amongst the dozens of parishes and schools who are sending pilgrims on this special trip,” he said.

“We expect many pilgrims will come back energised, having been to one of the most unique events in the world. They will meet hundreds of like-minded people and have the opportunity to develop spiritually.

“If past experience is any guide, we will see a new generation of young leaders ready to step up in their parish and school communities for many years to come.”

Stephanie Galea and Lucy Keane.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

Penrith events celebrate major milestone in Shakespeare’s legacy

Second only to the Bible , William Shakespeare’s First Folio is considered the most influential book in the English language.

Published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death, the First Folio is a collection containing 36 of his 37 plays – some were printed in Shakespeare's lifetime, one was printed after his death and 18 had not yet been printed at all.

Now, to celebrate its 400th anniversary, fans from all over the globe are immersing themselves in the world of Shakespeare with live performances, musical concerts, talks and exhibitions.

Thankfully for local Shakespeare fans, there are plenty of events happening right here on your doorstep, and whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into the magic for the first time, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

In August, see Bell Shakespeare's exclusive western Sydney season of ‘Twelfth Night’ right here in Penrith at The Joan.

Suitable for ages 14 and up, or anyone who’s seen ‘She’s The Man’, ‘Twelfth Night’ tells the story of Viola, who, after being separated from her brother Sebastian in a shipwreck, is determined to survive on her own, and disguises

herself as a man named Cesario. There, she finds work with Duke Orsino – only to fall head over heels in love with him.

But, if music is more your thing, wait until Sunday, August 6 to see the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra perform Mendelssohn’s enchanting overture, bringing the magical world of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to life.

The show will be finished with Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish Symphony’, a dramatic work inspired by his travels there as a young man,

with Beethoven’s ‘Eighth Symphony’ played in between.

If you can’t wait until then, this month Penrith Library is getting in on all the action with multiple events celebrating the work of Shakespeare.

Until next Monday, see a stunning exhibition of enamel necklaces inspired by the women in Shakespeare’s plays, created by artist Tessa Morrison.

With 16 necklaces in total, each design in the exhibition 'Bejewelling Shakespeare's

Sydney’s Largest Wedding Expo

Women' showcases imagery to tell the stories of Shakespeare’s women, including Viola, Juliet, Lady Macbeth and Cleopatra.

Then, see the artist herself talking about the inspiration behind her unique and dazzling creations in the Peter Goodfellow Theatrette on Monday, July 24 at 2pm.

The free event will also provide a behind the scenes look at the techniques Morrison used to create the necklaces, and how she translated Shakespeare's textual imagery into visual imagery for each woman.

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is coming to Penrith.

CASSIDY

A gii from Naked Wines for the Western Weekender readers...enjoy!

A gift from Naked Wines for our readers . . . enjoy!

Naked Wines invest directly in local winemakers. Upfront & secure exclusive wines at amazing prices.

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Code: tww14pp

Golf day makes welcome return

After a four-year hiatus, Tanti Financial Services’ charity golf day to raise money for the Cancer Council is back.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, August 4 at Leonay Golf Club, to raise money for people impacted by cancer.

“A few of our staff and our clients have had cancer so we wanted to look at trying to do some fundraising for the Cancer Council,” Director Tony Tanti said.

“I think everyone in the world’s been touched by cancer in one form or another, whether it’s through family members or friends.

“It’s important that we continue to raise

money to support the Cancer Council so they continue to find cures.”

The event was founded by Tanti and his team in 2014, and so far, they have raised

Plan to support our community

Penrith City Council is calling on residents to take part in a short seven-minute survey to share ideas on how we can celebrate and support our culturally diverse community.

The Penrith Local Government Area is home to people from many different cultures and backgrounds and to continue to foster Penrith as a city where everyone belongs, Council is developing a Multicultural Action Plan 2024-2027.

and ideas are vital in shaping our Multicultural Action Plan, which aims to support and celebrate the cultural and linguistically diverse community of Penrith City.

“Council believes that a community that embraces diversity and inclusivity is stronger and more resilient, and we are committed to creating this sense of belonging for everyone.

“By working collaboratively with the community

we ensure that everyone has a chance to be included and heard.”

Residents can give Council feedback until July 28 July by completing an online survey at www.research.net/r/ PenrithMulticulturalActionPlansurvey or by calling 4732 7513.

For more information about the project, visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/ penrith-multicultural-action-plan-2024-2027.

over $100,000 for the Cancer Council and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Tanti is encouraging people of all genders and ability levels to register online.

Entry to the novelty events, breakfast, lunch, golf cart hire and access to a fridge full of beer are included in each $170 ticket.

“We encourage ladies to come and play ,” he said.

“It’s a fun day out to raise money for a good cause.”

To register, donate or sponsor the event, visit golfdaycharity.com.au.

The project is currently seeking community consultation to identify needs within the community and to gain insights on how we can strengthen relationships resulting in a more connected Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the insights gained from this survey are invaluable to creating a stronger, cohesive and connected Penrith.

“Council values the voices of our diverse community and recognises the importance of hearing them,” she said.

“Our community’s insights

A Penrith City Council social tile asking residents to complete the Multicultural Action Plan survey.

Past team players from previous golf days.

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Tanti Financial Services will hold a Golf Day on August 4.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Do you ever wonder about the history behind the street signs we look at every day?

Allen Place in Penrith is named after Francis Allen, who was Mayor of the Municipality of Penrith from 1943 to 1948. He chaired the first Nepean Historical Society meeting in 1947.

If you know the meaning of a street name in the Penrith LGA email news@ westernweekender.com.au.

Source: A History of the Nepean and District Street Names compiled by Lorna Parr.

Δ Restaurant milestone: Congratulations to Talking Tables Indian restaurant (pictured above), which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Owner Max Verma has recently undertaken a renovation at the restaurant as part of the celebrations.

Δ Boost for Blacktown: Butchers Buffet will open a new location at Blacktown on July 25. Located on David Lane, the Korean BBQ restaurant has a range of offers attached to it to celebrate the opening.

Δ Would you like fries with that: Macca’s is uniting football fans with a stream of

Quality Steel, Straight to Your Door!

interactive experiences taking place across the country, as part of its global sponsorship of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The celebrations kicked off on Thursday, with the opening of the world’s first giant Macca’s Fries restaurant (pictured top right) at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. Standing close to five metres tall, the largerthan-life Macca’s Fries packet is equipped with a working restaurant serving up Macca’s iconic hot, crispy Fries to football fans within the FIFA Fan Festival, as well as members of the public. Medium Fries can be purchased and enjoyed alongside Macca’s limited-edition ‘Sauces of the World’ – Outback BBQ Sauce

and Wasabi-flavoured Mayo Sauce – inspired by participating countries at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Δ New restaurant: A brand new Indian eatery has opened at Erskine Park Shopping Centre.

Sanjhee Rasoi (pictured below) has an exquisite menu, blending traditional Indian recipes with a modern twist. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, open

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Impressive win for Council

One of Penrith City Council’s core values is innovation – as an organisation we strive to be a thought leader and deliver positive outcomes to serve our current and future generations. I am thrilled to share that Council’s efforts have once again been recognised.

We recently won the Climate Change and Resilience category at the Planning Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Planning Excellence.

This exciting award was given for Council’s Urban Heat Planning Controls Package, which helps reduce the urban heat impacts from the urban environment.

We all know our City feels the heat and this enables us to provide a more liveable, active and healthy lifestyle for this community during the warmer months.

Through amendments to the Penrith Local Environment Plan and the Penrith Development Control Plan, we are improving development outcomes by ensuring cooler buildings with light-coloured roofs, green walls and building designs that promote air circulation.

Council is also boosting green infrastruc-

Tuesdays and Wednesdays for lunch only and for dinner from Thursday through to Sunday.

Δ Happy little Vegemites: Vegemite has unveiled its highly anticipated 100th anniversary label designs. Vegemite is releasing three limited-edition jars ahead of its 100th birthday on October 25, with each design paying homage to a label that debuted across its 100-year legacy. One of the commemorative designs, inspired by Vegemite’s 1930’s jar, will also feature on Vegemite’s 350g Squeezy product.

Δ Got some Source? Email news about store openings or new products to news@westernweekender.com.au.

ture across the City through increased tree canopy, public planting and installing water-retentive features like fountains and water play.

Last month, Council received the NSW Landscape Architecture Award in the Small Projects category at the 2023 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards for the ‘Let it Bee’ Wildflower Meadow Project at Grey Gums Oval. Funded by the NSW Government’s Greening the Great West Walk program, this project by Council was acknowledged as a shining example of enhancing biodiversity through innovative public space design.

The site, which was open to visitors during the pollination period, helped to improve soil quality and saw Council plant more than 70 additional trees in the area.

Council really is committed to making Penrith the best place to live, work and play. You can read about more of Council’s latest achievements at penrith.city/ news. CR

Mayor of Penrith

Compassionate,

Funeral Services in Sydney

Supercars set to light up Sydney

Sydney Motorsport Park will host the Supercars Championship from July 28-30 in an historic night-time event.

The countdown is on to the jewel in the Supercars crown – the Bathurst 1000 in October – but before then, Sydney will get its chance to host the best drivers in the country.

The track schedule for the highly

anticipated first-ever race under lights between the Gen3 Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs, at the Sydney SuperNight, has been officially released.

This year’s event marks not one, but two significant firsts for the Supercars Championship.

Firstly, it will be the inaugural night race of the Gen3 era, bringing

a thrilling new dimension to the championship. Additionally, the event will introduce races of different lengths for the first time.

The Saturday night encounter on July 29, will see the new Supercars go head-to-head under the Sydney Motorsport Park lights in a 51-lap race. The action continues on Sunday, July 30, with a race held in the afternoon, spanning 36 laps.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard said: “The Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight will feature the very best of on track entertainment for the sport. With different strategies required for both races, and the element of night racing, there will be something for everyone at one of our most famous circuits later this month.”

Defending Supercars Champion

Shane van Gisbergen has a chance to join Mark Skaife atop the all-time winners list at Sydney Motorsport Park. Skaife holds the all-time win record in Sydney with 10 victories, while van Gisbergen is an eighttime winner at the same circuit. Tickets are available now through Ticketek.

For more information about the Supercars championship, visit www.supercars.com.

ZEST AWARDS 2023

ZEST AWARDS – CELEBRATING GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY’S COMMUNITY HEROES

Over 13 years, the ZEST Awards have established themselves as Western Sydney’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating their achievements. The ZEST Awards, led by Western Sydney Community Forum, are about people and stories – shining a light on the amazing individuals and organisations we work with who make a profound impact in their communities.

On 23 June 2023, over 500 members of the Western Sydney community— including Deputy Premier of NSW Prue Car and City of Parramatta Lord Mayor

INDIVIDUAL/ORGANISATION

Sameer Pandey attended the 2023 ZEST Awards Ceremony at Accor Stadium. The event provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of ZEST nominees and winners across 10 different categories, representing the diversity work being done across the community of Western Sydney.

The continued growth of the ZEST Awards was particularly noticeable this year through the record number of nominations that were received, increasing the recognition for those working with communities.

Western Sydney is home to

over 2.5 million people. We are a growing community with ever expanding needs and aspirations. Our community sector has never been more crucial to ensuring the people of Western Sydney are supported and championed. This work is embodied in the effort and dedication of the volunteers, leaders and community groups who are nominated for ZEST Awards.

Western Sydney Community Forum would once more like to take this opportunity to congratulate our 2023 ZEST Award winners.

We would also like to express our special thanks to our ZEST

2023 WINNERS/INDUCTEES

CATEGORY

Ambassadors who represent ZEST through their everyday work in the community.

Finally, it is important that we acknowledge our event partners for the 2023 ZEST Awards, National Australia Bank, Western Sydney University, City of Parramatta and Link Wentworth, and our media partners Parra News and The Western Weekender.

It is only with their support and the support of our other ZEST partners that the ZEST Awards continues to be able to champion our region’s community heroes.

Elfa Moraitakis from SydWest Multicultural Services

Maria Losurdo from Women’s Cottage

Julia Reserve Youth and Community Centre Co-Located

Harinder Kaur from Harman Foundation

Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation

Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize

Dr Kim Loo’s Healthcare in relation to climate change and education of the health sector and the community

Building Stronger Inclusive Communities - Community Minded Kids

Sara Mansour from Bankstown Poetry Slam

Haneen Zreika from Greater Western Sydney Giants

Bhabish Shrestha

Proudly led by: Event Partners:

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Outstanding Community Partnership

Outstanding Community Sector Leader

Outstanding First Nations Community Initiative

Outstanding Project – Community Arts & Culture

Outstanding Project – Climate Change Resilience

Outstanding Project - Building Stronger Inclusive Communities

Outstanding Voluntary Leader

Outstanding Youth Leader

Western Sydney University Unsung Hero

Media Partners:

Camden Council Outstanding

What did winning mean to you?

We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded the Zest Award for Outstanding Community Partnership. Developing strong community partnerships is essential when looking to create strong community outcomes within the community development sector. We hope this award will encourage more services to look to outreach in the Camden Community and also encourage all levels of Government to invest in place-based initiatives that utilise collective impact approaches to support our local communities.

Why do you love the Zest Awards?

The Zest awards are a celebration of Western Sydney and all the unique and wonderful community initiatives that happen across the region. As a Council and as the Julia Reserve Youth & Community Centre we see so many unique and inspiring programs and initiatives and the Zest awards are a real celebration of the community sector here in Western Sydney.

What is your message to your customers/the community?

Thank you for your commitment to the Julia Reserve Youth & Community Centre and for opening yourself up to all the different staff and services who operate from the centre. Know that we will continue to work to ensure this is a fun, inclusive and supportive hub for all young people and we encourage you to come down and learn more about what we do and get involved in the programs, services and initiatives that take place at Julia Reserve.

MORAITAKIS, 2023 ZEST HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, is a 2023 ZEST Hall of Fame Inductee in recognition of her extraordinary achievements and dedication to the community sector.

Elfa is a Director of NCOSS, COTA and the Wash House, and sits on a number of advisory committees across the sector. She has worked in the community sector for more than 30 years with an extensive background in developing services for linguistically diverse communities, with a focus on engaging community and stakeholder participation.

SydWest Multicultural Services, a community organisation in Western Sydney, provides a wide variety of support services to migrants and refugees and we are very proud of our flagship aged care support services.

sydwestms.org.au | (02) 9621 6633

AGED CARE SERVICES

At SydWest Multicultural Services, we provide gold star approved Aged Care Services. We assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to live independently – at home and within the community.

Home Care Packages

We support you to live independently with a wide range of support services tailored to your individual needs.

Social Support groups

Our regular support groups help break isolation through outings, information sessions and group sharing.

We speak your language

Our Care Workers are fully qualified and trained, bilingual and bi-cultural. They speak your language and understand your culture.

The Western Weekender is the proud media partner of the ZEST Awards, and wishes to congratulate all winners for their

Here in a time of need

The alleged $26 million fraud scheme recently uncovered has sent shockwaves throughout the accounting and tax industry, leaving innocent clients and staff members as the victims in this unsettling ordeal.

While the focus remains on the magnitude of the alleged fraud, a trusted provider of accounting and financial services also based in Penrith, Incra Group, has decided to step forward and offer their support and guidance to those impacted by the turmoil.

Incra Group client manager, James Moore, said: “Our thoughts and support go out to the clients and staff members who have found themselves in the midst of this traumatic experience. We see it as our responsibility to be available to assist them wherever we can if they are caught out by these events.”

For businesses impacted, the need for reliable advice on forming solutions and recommendations around taxes and finance is vital. Any businesses with looming lodgments or with urgent work being held up should reach

out to a competent tax accountant promptly to avoid running foul of the ATO’s late lodg ment penalties.

Incra Group is a trusted provider of accounting and tax services, dedicated to empowering western Sydney construction businesses with integrity, professionalism, and relia bility. With a comprehensive range of offerings, including accounting, tax planning, bookkeeping, and more, Incra Group is committed to supporting you on your financial journey.

Incra Group’s dedicated professionals are available to ensure a seamless transition for clients seeking a reliable and trustworthy financial partner.

“We stand by our commitment to support those affected by this unfortunate incident and will provide the necessary resources to facilitate their recovery. Our clients can trust that their financial well-being remains our top priority,” Moore added.

BUSINESS

WITH HANNAH STACK

WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Are you a small business owner with limited resources for marketing?

Don’t worry! Marketing on a tight budget may seem challenging, but it’s definitely possible. By implementing the right strategies, you can effectively promote your business without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into some cost-effective marketing strategies that will help you maximise your limited budget!

Engage with social media

Start by identifying the platforms most relevant to your audience. Build an active presence by regularly sharing engaging content and interacting with your followers.

Collaborate with brands

Tagging relevant brands in your social media posts can significantly boost your visibility and encourage engagement. Identify brands that align with your business and create compelling content that prompts them to engage and share your posts. Collaborating with brands through partnerships can lead to mutual promotion and expanded reach.

Harness the power of infographics

Infographics are visually appealing and effective in conveying information. Create eye-catching and informative infographics using free or low-cost tools, and share them on social media platforms to increase

Create blog posts

Blogging is a cost-effective way to position your business as a thought leader and deliver valuable content to your target audience. Identify relevant topics and keywords for your blog posts, and craft engaging and informative content that resonates with your readers. Promote your blog posts through social media, email marketing, and guest blogging opportunities to expand your reach.

Use short-form videos

Short-form videos have gained immense popularity and provide an engaging way to showcase your products or services. Select the right platform for video creation and sharing, such as TikTok or Instagram Reels. Plan and create compelling videos that align with your brand and resonate with your audience. Utilise relevant hashtags and trends to expand your brand reach and increase the discoverability of your videos. Marketing on a limited budget doesn’t have to be a barrier to your business’ success. By implementing these cost-effective strategies, you can maximise your marketing efforts and achieve significant results without overspending. Remember to adapt these strategies to suit your business’ unique needs and goals!

If you need further assistance get in touch with Western Sydney Business Centre, as small business specialist, we can help you craft a marketing strategy.

BUSINESS

We know that as a small busines you just want to be productive and not have to worry about all that “business stuff”.

But that “business stuff” is so important to your success. That’s where the Western Sydney Business Centre can help. We have been helping small businesses for years with things like Business Planning and Marketing, Pricing and Sales, Business Resilience and more. Choose a One on One advisory sessions with a professional, independent business advisor who will come to you. Or sit in on one of our many tailored webinars or workshops.

Get started today, call 4721 5011.

The Western Sydney Business Centre has The Western Sydney Business Centre has been delivering business advice as a not for profit organisation for over 35 years, winning multiple national business advice The

BUSINESS

Marketing without a huge budget is far from impossible. How to do it...

http://wester nweekender.com.au/director

Hadley Blue

July 1981 - June 2023

Sportsperson, team-player, philosopher, explorer, photographer, musician, guardian of the lost and the wounded, wise, caring and much-loved teacherHadley’s spirit departed around midnight on Friday of the King’s Birthday weekend.

We his parents and Crispin his brother, wish to thank the multitude of cricketers, pub trivia-night and soccer team-mates, fellow teachers, past and present students- and all who knew Hadley as their friend- for your support, your love and kindness and your stories. Thank you and bless you, one and all.

Richard & Cynthia Blue of Emu Plains and Crispin, Seven Hills.

THE DHARUG CONNECTION

A special weekly focus on local Indigenous affairs and services

Brand new opportunity for job seekers

Helpful Contacts

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services 4721 8520

nepeancommunity.org.au

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service 4729 7300 27-29 Lawson St, Penrith

Generation Australia and Kimberwalli have united in an innovative partnership, designed to develop opportunities for First Nations people in western Sydney.

As part of a commitment to dismantle the boundaries which often exist around education and employment, the partnership will see the two organisations actively recruit First Nations people and provide a physical location for Generation Australia to deliver a hybrid training program normally offered online.

Their education-to-employment program prepares graduates for a rewarding tech career, developing skills in web development and Cloud computing.

It also includes First Nations mentorship and job placement support, and an additional program in the care industry will be released later this year.

Kimberwalli’s Director in the Department of Education, Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate Kelly Stanford is a proud Aboriginal woman, and descendent of Stolen Generation Survivors, with connections to the Yuin Nation on the south coast.

She has significant experience in working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and placing them at the centre of decision-making, enabling them to make informed decisions to support their social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

“The ability to use digital technologies has become both an essential life skill, and capability for job seekers and employees, regardless of their age, job function or industry. By delivering this important skills development opportunity at a culturally safe community space, with genuine pathways to employment and wrap-around mentoring support,

this partnership provides an amazing opportunity to contribute to closing the gap in education, employment outcomes, and digital inclusion in western Sydney,” she said.

Generation Australia’s CEO Malcolm Kinns is passionate about Generation Australia’s mission to reveal motivated work-

ers who remain unseen because traditional hiring processes overlook the skills and commitment they have to offer. He said the organisation is committed to strengthening educational pathways and enhancing sustainable employment outcomes for First Nations Australians.

“Kimberwalli is a beacon of hope for our First Nations

is a privilege for us to partner with them and offer opportunities to the people in this area, while also providing our employer partners with the diverse talent that they need,” Kinns said.

An intense recruitment campaign is now underway, and First Nations people are encouraged to apply for a place within the programs. To find out more,

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400

murumittigar.com.au

KARI Aboriginal Resources (02) 8782 0333 kari.org.au

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998

aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Real Futures Women’s Business Second Chance Hub 1800 732 538

IT’S A DOG FIGHT

TWO PROUD CLUBS GO TO WAR IN A SUNDAY AFTERNOON SHOWDOWN IN PENRITH MATCH PREVIEW: SEE PAGE 39

MASKED PANTHER SEE PAGE 41

PETER LANG

SEE PAGE 47

MATT RUSSELL SEE PAGE 48

James Fisher-Harris.

Photo: NRL Images.

As Penrith were finding a place in the rugby league world back in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, a win against the more established Canterbury was hard to come by.

In fact, the Panthers lost their first three meetings to the Bulldogs, and went on a nine match losing streak from 1970 to 1973, and similar streaks in the years that would follow.

Different eras would garner a change of fortunes, of course, and there’s no doubt these two teams have quite a history – in fact, the Panthers have played the Bulldogs 100 times over the years. Penrith have only played more games against Parramatta (108).

The win/loss record is pretty even across those 100 games – 44 wins for the Panthers, 53 for the Bulldogs and three draws. That ledger has become closer in recent years and Penrith currently sit on a five game winning streak

against the blue and whites, having last tasted defeat to them in 2019. Indeed, this is the longest winning streak Penrith has experienced against Canterbury at any time since 1967.

But there’s one stat that stands out more than most when it comes to this game – and it could look even uglier for the Dogs after Sunday.

Penrith have scored more points against the Bulldogs (1,888) than any other club they’ve ever faced. The way things are going, Penrith will add a fair number to that tally at BlueBet Stadium in their 101st encounter.

The Panthers begin phase three of their 2023 season on Sunday.

They’ve come through the first two phases, the most recent being the State of Origin period, with flying colours – sitting in first place on the competition ladder.

Resting the Origin stars and Nathan Cleary

was a no-brainer for coach Ivan Cleary last Sunday as he looked at the draw ahead and saw a string of blockbusters against clubs like Melbourne, Cronulla, Parramatta and North Queensland.

The cavalry is well and truly back on Sunday afternoon and it could be a tough day at the office for Canterbury. Sitting third last on the ladder, Cameron Ciraldo’s side has the worst defence in the competition, having conceded a whopping 549 points this season.

They weren’t terrible against Brisbane last weekend but once Adam Reynolds put the foot on the gas, they simply couldn’t go with their more fancied opponents. You get the feeling it could be a similar story on Sunday.

In fact you would have to think Penrith’s biggest ever win against Canterbury – a 52-16 flogging back in 2018 – could be under threat

from being replaced in the record books by this encounter.

The Panthers just have too much class across the field, and while often these one-sided clashes on paper don’t necessarily translate to the on-field result, you would have to be a pretty one-eyed Bulldogs fan to think they could compete this weekend, let alone win.

One interesting side-point here is the inclusion of Viliame Kikau in the extended Bulldogs side. If he does end up being a late inclusion in the 17, you can expect plenty of fireworks when he comes up against his former teammates. Penrith are too professional to not get the job done pretty easily here.

You get the feeling this will be nothing but a warm-up for the tougher games to come in the weeks ahead.

Tip: Panthers by 44.

vMoses Leota. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: LAANI AGE: 21

SUBURB: BLACKHEATH

Seasons as a Pantherette? Two.

Favourite food? Sushi.

Favourite TV show?

‘Outer Banks’. Favourite Panthers player? Stephen Crichton.

Must-follow social media account?

@penrithpantherettes. Go to pump up song? ‘Say Nothing’, Flume.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? Getting to do what I love to do and perform and just have fun out on that field. I also love that I’m a part of the best team in the house.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which other Pantherette are you bringing with you and why? Brianna because we’d probably be building sand castles instead of looking for help.

panther rumblings

CHAIRMAN’S UPGRADE COMING

! Panthers plan Chairman’s expansion: As part of what is now a major upgrade of Penrith Stadium slated for 2025, the Chairman’s Lounge will be expanded significantly. I’m told the club wants to take the main function room at the stadium from a capacity of 280 to somewhere around 500. That would take some significant re-shaping of the western grandstand. Corporate ticketing at Panthers has been in hot demand over the last couple of seasons, with the Chairman’s Lounge regularly sold-out.

! Wayne’s praise: A couple of years ago Wayne Bennett and Ivan Cleary were throwing shots at each other as their rivalry intensified. Now, it appears Bennett (pictured) has nothing but respect for what Cleary has achieved at the Panthers. The Dolphins coach is adamant Penrith has what it takes to achieve a rare Premiership three-peat this year. “There’s no reason why they can’t,” he said. “There’s a few teams out there that are good and they’re one of them. There’s no reason why they can’t win three in a row. It’s not going to be easy but they would know that.”

ture NSW has ceased negotiations with the Paceway, the final nail in the plan’s coffin.

“The commercial negotiations for the acquisition of the Penrith Paceway site are on-hold,” an Infrastructure NSW spokesperson said. I assure you, “on-hold” means the plan is dead and buried. Who knows what that means for the long-term future of the Paceway, with Penrith City Council refusing to rezone the site for development and the Paceway making it clear their future is not likely to be on that site.

! Coach’s double presser: The weird and whacky world of rugby league media scheduling meant that Panthers coach Ivan Cleary held two press conferences in the space of 24 hours this week. Cleary addressed the media after Penrith’s win over the Dolphins in Redcliffe, and then scheduled his weekly mandated pre-match press conference the next morning in Penrith.

! Spotted: Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai all smiles at Kayo Stadium, celebrating his 100th game with friends, family and supporters. Luai is showing no signs of letting his Origin axing get to him, putting his focus well and truly back onto club footy.

Sunday afternoon against Canterbury. It’s a huge achievement given he’s just 25-years-old.

! New addition: Congratulations to Panthers forward Matt Eisenhuth and his wife Holly, who welcomed a new baby – Ollie – into their world last week.

! Laurie to return? Whispers are growing louder that Daine Laurie could be set to return to Penrith from the Wests Tigers. There’s reports suggesting he’s on the verge of signing a modest deal to return to the club from next season.

! Spotted: Former Pantherette and ‘Gogglebox’ star Vestal Delpechitra holidaying with

! Paceway plan crushed: The Weekender’s exclusive revelation last week that the plan to knock down and re-build Penrith Stadium was off the table has obvious ramifications for the Penrith Paceway. The previous government had planned to acquire the Paceway and Showground land and build the new stadium there, delivering a brand new multi-purpose venue that would have had a capacity upwards of 30,000. I can now confirm that Infrastruc-

! Kayo banished: It was interesting to note that Channel Nine refused to refer to the Dolphins’ home ground as Kayo Stadium in its broadcast last Sunday. Kayo, owned by Fox Sports, is a competitor to Nine. They opted to call the venue Dolphin Oval.

! Kit change: Nectr’s recent acquisition of InStyle Solar has prompted a mid-season kit change for the Panthers. The Nectr brand now appears on the club’s shorts, with the placement to remain until the end of the season. InStyle’s branding elsewhere, including at BlueBet Stadium, is also being updated.

! Funny or cringe? There were laughs all round last Sunday when Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin asked Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett if he had a plan for handling Nathan Cleary. Bennett had to inform Fatty that Cleary wasn’t playing. It was funny, but also embarrassing that a main commentator on the host broadcaster hadn’t done his research.

! Cleary’s milestone: Nathan Cleary will play his 150th NRL game for the Panthers this

Guests enjoy the Chairman’s Lounge.

SOAKS UP CLEARY WISDOM

Panthers centre Izack Tago was already having a solid third season in the NRL, but a recent conversation with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary has seen the 21-year-old’s game go up a couple of notches.

Tago’s performances during the Origin period were mouthwatering to watch, with the talented St Marys junior scoring doubles in three out of the past four games.

Some of his barnstorming tries have left opposing players dazed and confused, and he was even in the mix to play for New South Wales in Origin III.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Tago said it was his duty as a first grader to step up in the absence of so many of his representative teammates.

“I feel like when the Origin boys go away, there’s an onus for everyone to step up. There’s a lot of big shoes to fill, so everyone must carry some extra weight,” he said.

“I just felt like it was a great opportunity to try and lead in that department – that feels funny to say because I’m one of the youngest in the team.

“Overall, it’s just good to be out there and play my footy.”

Despite being just 45 games into his NRL career, Tago was the most experienced player on his edge during Penrith’s recent Origin-affected run. He said it was a chat with his injured co-captain that made him realise that.

“Switching to the right side, I spoke to Clez (Cleary) one week

there and we were saying how I had the most games on the edge at the time, which is pretty weird because I thought I’m one of the younger boys in the team,” Tago said.

“After that chat, I just thought I could bring that experience – that little that I have – to the table and just try my best to do that.”

Tago was so impressive that he even had experts and fans calling for his selection in the Origin dead rubber. In-fact Blues advisor and Panthers legend Greg Alexander said on ‘NRL 360’ that Tago was an “option” for the vacant centre position that ultimately went to Newcastle’s Bradman Best.

Despite his name being tossed up, Tago said his focus was with the Panthers and doing his best for them.

“I wasn’t really focused on Origin, I was just focusing on playing my own footy,” he said.

“I came back from the pec injury just before the first Origin, so I didn’t have any games under my belt. I was just focused on building my footy back up and staying at a high level consistently.”

Tago will look to continue his good run of form heading into the Finals when he lines up this Sunday afternoon against the battling Bulldogs.

Cameron Ciraldo’s men have been one of the big disappointments in 2023 due to injury and lack of depth. Tago said he’s looking forward to reuniting with some of ex-teammates and coaches.

“Just seeing the boys again and coming up against them should be fun,” he said.

“They all know our systems pretty well, so I’m assuming they’ll have an interesting game plan to expose whatever holes they might think they can expose.”

Izack Tago in action for Penrith.

Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

YEO READY FOR RUN TO THE FINALS

There’s perhaps no better game for the Panthers to return to full-strength in than this Sunday’s showdown with the Canterbury Bulldogs at BlueBet Stadium.

Following some much-needed time off with the family in Mudgee, Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo is feeling rejuvenated ahead of his side’s run home to the Finals.

Yeo, his partner Ashleigh and two kids Haven and Lennox returned home from the picturesque Central West earlier this week after a hectic State of Origin period that saw the 28-year-old spend several weeks away from his family.

“It was nice to get away to refresh mentally and physically, and I’m looking forward now to the lead in for the back end of the season,” Yeo told Extra Time

With Yeo only playing a handful of games for the Panthers since mid-May, he’s very much loving being back into the routine of club footy.

“It’s a fun period playing for NSW but, at the same time, you lose your routine, so I’m very fortunate to be back amongst the boys and I’m looking forward to the next seven games we’ve got before Finals,” Yeo said.

“When you have a routine and you train with a different side like NSW, you lose our team’s fundamentals and what we look after, so it’s just a matter of trying to get back to that and making sure you’re getting your attention to detail at clubland right.

“It’s just nice getting back into a routine and rhythm with Penrith and I’m looking forward to the Finals charge.”

It’s Penrith’s first Sunday afternoon fixture at home this season and with the game also Nathan Cleary’s 150th in the NRL, it’s predicted to be an absolute beauty for the monster crowd on hand.

Yeo said his co-skipper is chomping at the bit to play his first game of footy since he was injured on June 4.

“You can see how excited he is! Nath was out last year, obviously for different circumstances, but it feels like that stretch of time allows him to see the game differently, like a bit of a coach. It benefited him last year and I’m sure it’ll benefit him this year,” he said.

“I’m super excited to get out there with him for his 150th. It’s exciting! We’re back at home on a Sunday afternoon. The whole occasion will be unreal, and I like to think we’ll be up for it.

“We want to make sure we celebrate those milestones with good performances. We want to be a club that does those well, so there’s no better time to start than now.”

While Yeo refused to get caught up in Penrith’s recent – and well publicised – rivalry with the Bulldogs, he admitted he was looking forward to playing against one former teammate in particular – Viliame Kikau.

“He’s circled that game the big bastard, he’ll be right up for it I’m sure,” Yeo smiled.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge, he brings a fair one.”

Penrith co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are ready to lead the club to the Finals.

NATHAN TAYLOR

POSITION: PROP | NRL DEBUT: MARCH 2016 (V RAIDERS)

WEIGHT: 103KG |

HEIGHT: 187CM |

DOB: 05/01/96 |

INSURANCE & PRIVATE WORK ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Proudly servicing the people of Penrith since 1974!

WW50943

CLEARY STILL UNDER THE RADAR

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has coached 415 NRL first grade matches at three clubs, won 230 of those games, taken two teams to four Grand Finals and won back-to-back premierships.

He’s also been the Dally M Coach of the Year twice (2014, 2020) and despite all of these achievements he’s still the best kept secret in rugby league.

How is that even possible?

Well it is, when anyone talks about Coach of the Year candidates in 2023 Cleary’s name is never mentioned. It’s true he coaches a team packed full of talented players and the season is not finished but he’s not even in the conversation.

lang on league

Over the last three years when assistant coaches Trent Barrett, Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster left the club to become head coaches at other NRL clubs, a lot of the talk was about how would Penrith cope losing three such important coaching cogs.

It’s almost as if people forgot that the most important piece of the Panthers coaching puzzle, Ivan Cleary, was still there.

When he engaged in a war of words with the then South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett just before the Preliminary Final in 2021, many declared Bennett the winner when the Panthers went

down to the Bunnies in that first Finals match.

I mean he dared to take on the ‘Supercoach’ and lost. Even Cleary himself was somewhat contrite when asked before the 2021 Grand Final would he engage in another mind game stoush with Bennett, saying he’ll stick to what he’s good at and not trade barbs with the great one.

However, there’s more to Ivan Cleary than meets the eye. When NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler needed help last Wednesday during the third State of Origin match, he asked Ivan Cleary to be in the coach’s box with him. History shows that NSW won that game convincingly 24-10 to save a series whitewash. The general media seemed more shocked that

Cleary was the one Fittler had with him in the box.

In the aftermath of that game, Bunnies supporters claimed NSW won because four of their players played in that match while Panthers supporters claimed NSW only won because their coach was in the coaching box that night. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

It seems however that Cleary was not over playing mind games with his old adversary Wayne Bennett. In the lead up to their match last Sunday, Cleary had everyone guessing whether his son would take the field or not against the Dolphins. He had everyone in two minds right up until an hour before kick-off.

Everyone including Bennett himself.

When Penrith walked away with the win, coach Cleary had pulled off another coaching masterstroke. No matter if Penrith achieve the seemingly unachievable and win three premierships in a row or not, just how good a coach Ivan Cleary is should never be underestimated.

For he’s created a culture and put in place systems at Penrith which will ensure they are a top four side for many years to come.

Players want to play for him and

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

WHO CAN BEAT THE PANTHERS?

They are mutterings being heard more and more often from everyone not cheering for Penrith.

“Who’s going to beat the Panthers?”

The back-to-back reigning Premiers emerged from Origin on top again. They took a chance to rest their rep stars last week, and still won. They’ve been forced to freshen their star half because of injury, and have only dropped one game without him.

They have a ridiculous defensive record of giving up fewer than 13 points per game. In other words, they’ve conceded only 218 points through 17 games. No other team is under 320!

So maybe the mutterings are well founded. Who IS going to beat the Panthers?

What about the team running ninth – the North Queensland Cowboys!

Here’s a team that can go Top 8 for the first time since Round 1 if it beats Parramatta on Saturday night.

The last time the Cowboys met the Eels was Round 13, when a 24-16 loss came a week after they were obliterated 66-18 by Wests Tigers. Those results condemned them to second last on the ladder for the third time in 2023. They looked lost.

Now they meet the Eels again, only this time the North Queenslanders are riding a five-game winning streak that reads a combined 196-57.

The most recent 19-8 win against Manly means they have just held

the opposition to single figures in three straight games for the first time in club history. Sound familiar?

They’ve beaten big guns Melbourne, Penrith and Souths, finding success in Townsville and

hidden panther

Sydney. They’ve welcomed Jason Taumalolo back from injury and seen Origin sprinkle magic dust on names like Robson, Nanai, Cotter, Holmes and Taulagi. Sound familiar?

And what about the Cowboys No. 1 – Scott Drinkwater.

Name a player in better form right now.

His last five weeks have yielded five tries, nine try-assists, 38 tackle busts, 170 run metres per game and too many embarrassed opponents to mention.

Todd Payten’s men are proof it’s a marathon and not a sprint as they move through the pack. They still have three more games at home and a bye in Round 24. In fact, they only have one more trip outside Queensland.

They come to Penrith in Round 27 – the final round – and who knows what will be at stake for each team. Who’s going to beat Penrith, some mutter. The Cowboys would love to provide the answer.

*And it’s a big weekend for North Queensland, Wests Tigers, Cronulla and Canberra as they compete in an expanded 10-team NRLW for the first time.

Catch every game of the biggest and best NRLW season yet on FOX League, starting with the Titans against the Cowboys from 12.50pm on Saturday.

WHO AM I ?

Penrith celebrate a try last weekend.

Photo: NRL Images.

LOSSES FOR NSW CUP, FLEGG SIDES

The Penrith Panthers have missed out on an opportunity to return to the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup top five after suffering a 36-16 loss to St George-Illawarra in Wollongong.

lower grades report

The Panthers started strongly, scoring within two minutes through Daeon Amituanai, and came close to adding a second, however Eddie Blacker was denied when he lost the ball over the tryline in a last-ditch tackle from the Dragons defence. Momentum turned sharply towards the Dragons as they immediately put on two quick tries to race ahead 12-4.

A lucky bounce allowed Matt Stimson to score in the 27th minute after having the ball stripped, however another pair of Dragons tries before the break saw the hosts lead 24-10 at halftime.

They kept it going to start the second half as Zane Musgrove crossed to extend the margin to 20.

A try to Liam Henry with 20 minutes remaining kept the Panthers in the contest, however any hopes of a comeback were quickly snuffed out as Treigh Stewart scored his second for the Dragons, sealing the 36-16 result.

It was a chaotic finish in Jersey Flegg as the Dragons snatched a 26-20 win courtesy of a last-minute penalty try.

The Dragons had taken an early lead when Cooper Roberts touched down in the right-hand corner, however tries to Sam Lane and Liam Ison saw the Panthers lead 10-6 at half-time.

The Dragons struck back early in the second half with tries to Roberts and Harry Rudd as they again beat the Panthers’ leftedge defence.

Tries to Luke Hanson and Bayden Moran soon after took the Panthers to a 20-16 lead eight minutes from full-time.

There was still a twist to come, with a Panthers error from the kick-off leading to Roberts’ levelling the scores with his third.

Following that, another break past the Panthers’ left-edge saw Campbell Watchirs kick inside, where the Panthers’ kick-chase interfered with the Dragons going for the ball, leading to a match-sealing penalty try being awarded.

In Round 21, the Panthers host the Bulldogs in both grades, with Jersey Flegg at Windsor on Saturday and NSW Cup the curtain-raiser to first grade on Sunday.

Liam Henry scored in Penrith’s loss to the Dragons. Photo: NRL Images.

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2023 Apprenticeship / Traineeship & Jobs Expos

The perfect opportunity for students, parents & job seekers to speak with potential employers & training providers with opportunities available now

FREE PUBLIC ENTRY - YOUR DREAM JOB AWAITS YOU

NEWCASTLE & HUNTER

Tuesday 8 August 3pm to 8pm

NEX - Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre

Newcastle West

CENTRAL COAST

Tuesday 15 August 3pm to 8pm

Mingara Recreation Club Tumbi Umbi

WESTERN SYDNEY

Tuesday 5 September 3pm to 8pm

Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre Cambridge Park

ILLAWARRA

Tuesday 22 August 3pm to 8pm

Illawarra Sports Stadium Berkeley

SUTHERLAND SHIRE

Tuesday 12 September 3pm to 8pm

Tradies Gymea Gymea

MAJOR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY & MACARTHUR

Tuesday 29 August 3pm to 8pm

Liverpool Catholic Club Prestons

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CULTURES COLLIDE IN PREMIERE PLAY

Despite having grown up in Australia, actor Caspar Hardaker’s Mexican roots are strong, celebrating Mexican food, art and familial values ever since he was a young boy.

Later this month, he’ll be bringing his story to the stage through the lens of his character Abel – a third generation Mexican American who’s struggled with identity in the same way Hardaker has himself.

It’s this seamless connection which made Hardaker so enthusiastic to be a part of Tanya Saracho’s ‘Fade’ in its Australian premiere.

“When I got the brief for it, I just immediately felt that there were similarities with this

character and myself personally. Having the chance to tell a Mexican story is something I never thought I would have the chance to do in Australia, so I was very, very stoked about that,” he said.

For Hardaker, portraying a character that he sees so much of himself in has been truly unique, with Abel and himself both struggling to find a place within their cultures.

“I was lucky enough to have my mum and my abuela – my grandmother – who would come from Mexico to Australia, and I would have so much rich education about the similarities and the differences between Australian culture and Mexican culture,” he said.

“What this play examines really well, just like in my life, is what separates and what brings us together in who we are and where we’ve been brought up in. They’re two very different

things, and I think they both come together at a certain point, and that defines us. That’s a big similarity that I’ve enjoyed exploring with this character.”

A story about the dynamics of power, class and race in the workplace, Hardaker said that ‘Fade’ unknowingly educates audiences about the importance of culture, and the experiences that so many Aussies are having each day.

“There are so many millions of people who have a story which doesn’t just start or end with them – it goes back through so much past, so much integration,” he said.

“There are so many trials and tribulations in this play that make you realise that you can’t take anything for granted, but what you need to hold on to is your pride in who you are, knowing who you are, and always sticking true to the family around you, those who make you

feel proud to be yourself.”

After months spent working on the play with director Jeneffa Soldatic and co-star Camila Ponte Alvarez, Hardaker couldn’t be more ready to get it on stage.

“I think it’s beyond words at this stage, how excited I am,” he said.

“In particular, talking to my mum about the themes and topics within the play has really brought alive her love and her remembrance of growing up in Mexico, and I just know that by representing this story I’m not only making her proud, I’m representing my mother, I’m representing my family and I’m representing Mexican culture in Australia.”

‘Fade’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from Thursday, July 27 to Saturday, August 5. Tickets start at $46. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Pick up a copy of the paper

Caddens

Caddens News (Caddens Corner)

Clementine’s Café

Woolworths

Cambridge Gardens

Coles

Mcdonald’s

Overlander Hotel

Cambridge Park

Cambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

Castlereagh

Ampol Service Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Colyton

Colyton Centre Pharmacy

Colyton Friendly Grocer

Colyton Hotel

Colyton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

Mcdonald’s

Mother Earth Nursery

Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

Mcdonald’s

Penrith Regional Gallery

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/11 Emu Plains (Great Western Highway)

7/11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Heights

Super Save Compounding Chemist

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

Glenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

Mcdonald’s

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

Jamisontown

Abcoe

Abel Street Eatery (Happy Harrys)

Batt Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Harvey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen

(Penrith Homemaker)

Salt Cafe (Penrith Homemaker)

Shell Service Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars Café

Western Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/11 Jamisontown

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

Caltex Service Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

Barista Bar Coffee Shop (Nepean Private Hospital)

Country Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Radhe Indian Grocery Store

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow Café (Formerly Willow Tree Café)

Llandilo Iga

Londonderry

Londonderry Liquor Store Shell X Roads

Luddenham

Ampol

Australia Post Iga Luddenham

Minchinbury

Mcdonald’s

Minchinbury Fruit Market

Mount Druitt

Westfield Mount Druitt

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

North St Marys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Mfc Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris Care & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Australian Arms

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley Café)

Brisket Boys

Café Fred

Caltex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles (Westfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mart

High Street Pies

Hoyts Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

Liquor Stax Peachtree

Mcdonald’s High Street

Mcdonald’s Panthers Leagues

Mcdonald’s Peachtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group Café

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

One Point Health

Panthers Leagues Club

Peachtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith Cbd Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Library

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith Rsl

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

Re/Max

Sittano’s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace Café

The Log Cabin

Westfield

World Gym

7/11 Henry Street

Regentville

7/11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Iga

The Chemist Shop

South Penrith Budget Service Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Southlands Takeaway

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair

Blue Cattle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

Melville Road Takeaway

St Clair Library

St Clair Shopping Centre 7/11 St Clair

St Marys

Andrew’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodary

Astley Pharmacy

Cassandra’s On Queen

Guido’s Hair Care

Jayam Supermarket

Mcdonald’s St Marys South

Monfarville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Marys Band Club

St Marys Fish Market

St Marys Leagues Club

St Marys Library

St Marys Pharmacy Queen St

St Marys Pizza Hut

St Marys Rsl

St Marys Village

Wagon Wheel Hotel

Walter’s Newsagency

Thornton

Petramart

Thornton Community Centre

Wallacia

Wallacia Golf Club

Wallacia Hotel

Wallacia Post Office

Wallacia Takeaway

Warragamba

Warragamba Sports Club

Werrington

Colonial Hotel

Crossroads Convenience Store

Dirani’s Mfc

George’s Charcoal Chicken

Henry Sports Club

Mcdonald’s

Supa Iga

The Foodary

Werrington Newsagency

THINGS TO DO

Delightful jazz at The Joan

This Saturday, July 22, join award-winning pianist Simon Tedeschi and acclaimed jazz partner-in-crime George Washingmachine as they return to The Joan. Together they’ll swing and improvise over their favourite classics from the jazz repertory, including Benny Goodman’s ‘Don’t Be That Way’ and Duke Ellington’s ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing’. Visit thejoan.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Penrith NASHO’s Monthly meetings at Penrith RSL Club. Call 0400 129 006 for details.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Looking for a high-energy performance that will leave you feeling exhilarated? Look no further than the incredible Nathan Foley, who will be rocking audience members’ socks off

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Nepean Food Services

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

Free food shop 9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum

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

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

Arms of Australia Inn

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains..

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Penrith Women’s Health Centre

Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.

Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

HONOURING INXS

After years spent as the only internationally touring INXS show in the world, The Australian INXS Show has returned to local stages, with The Joan in Penrith its next stop.

With the legendary vocals of the late Michael Hutchence being channelled by the explosive and flamboyant Dellacoma Rio, The Australian INXS Show ensures that Rio’s natural charisma is put to good use.

The globe-trotting singer is joined by the likes of guitarist and saxophonist Rob Moody, who not only takes on the role of Kirk Pengilly, but first created The Australian INXS Show a decade ago as a tribute to his love of both INXS and the classic music of the ‘80s.

The group’s decades of experience is

rounded out by the addition of in-demand drummer Noel Tenny (Jon Farriss), prolific bass player Sam McAinch (as Garry Gary Beers), veteran keyboardist Adrian Sorgini (as Andrew Farriss) and guitarist Adam Heath (as Tim Farriss), who has not only toured with Eurogliders, but even opened for music legend Elton John.

“It’s been an absolute dream come true with this band. Playing the INXS songs, the way we do, to people who have connected so deeply with these songs is a real blessing,” Rio said.

“Michael and the band left such an indelible mark on Australian culture, so it just felt natural to work on a show that honours his memory.”

The Australian INXS Show will be on at The Joan on Saturday, July 29 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $67. For more information or to book, visit thejoan.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

ONE LAST CHANCE TO SEE SHORT PLAYS ON STAGE IN PENRITH

CASSIDY PEARCE

Don’t miss the last weekend of ‘All Sorts’ – a combination of snack-sized plays written and performed by fabulous local talent at the Henry Lawson Theatre.

According to producer and playwright Nicole Smith, the short play festival, which will be wrapping up this Saturday, July 22, is an exciting platform that Henry Lawson Theatre’s members plan to produce annually, in hopes of encouraging more people to get into theatre.

“It is a smaller commitment for those wanting to try out theatre for the first time or return to it,” she said.

“Next year we hope to welcome even more new writers into the program.”

The company is also supporting local students through the festival via the school student work placement program.

“We are passionate about developing and growing our youth theatre community in all aspects of theatre and also have two of our junior members running lights and sound for this production,” Smith said.

In addition to her own play, ‘We do Weddings!’, which Smith has described as a heartwarming look at the afterlife, the festival will include other short plays including ‘The Dancing Lessons’, ‘The Unnamable’ and ‘Storytime’.

If you love supporting local theatre, get on down to the Henry Lawson Theatre in Werrington County this weekend!

‘All Sorts’ will be on at the Henry Lawson Theatre this Saturday, July 22 at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $20. For more information or to book, visit TryBooking.com/ CIATD.

At the movies...

If you thought the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise had worn out its welcome, or that Tom Cruise had celebrated too many birthdays to adequately play Ethan Hunt, I’ve got a message for you: You’re wrong.

‘Dead Reckoning Part One’ is one of the best chapters of the long-running series, delivering heartstopping action throughout and never dropping the ball during its close to three hours of run time.

A suggestion before I go on: You need to see this at the cinema. This is your classic, big action blockbuster that deserves to be seen on the big screen. And if you can find yourself a cinema with D-Box technology, it’s an even better experience – every fired bullet, every punch, every bump on the epic

train scene vibrates through your seat.

The premise of the film is fairly simple, albeit world-threatening: A group of bad guys desperately wants something that could alter the very way the planet works, and the good guys need to stop it from happening.

As big as this threat is, it’s small in nature: a key, which plays a critical role in controlling a rogue AI that threatens international security.

There’s a couple of poignant thinking moments here: Cruise, a 61-year-old old-school movie star, battling a world of deep fakes and AI; which while portrayed in an out there, unlikely form, is actually a little too close to home. The other is a scene in which government officials are feverishly working

See this movie at...

away on typewriters to create hard copies of intelligence information that is at risk of being hacked. Again, close to home. However, the intent of ‘Mission: Impossible’ is not so much to send you deep in thought – it’s to keep you on the edge of your seat. The already famous motorcycle scene has you holding your breath, even though we know Cruise – who performed the stunt himself – survives. Dramatic scenes on a train as the film reaches its climax are tem-

pered with an hilarious car chase mid-way through the movie in which Ethan and Grace (Hayley Atwell) attempt to get away in a tiny and cramped yellow Fiat 500.

I’d normally find cause to be critical of a movie that goes for close to three hours and doesn’t wrap everything up, with part two to be released next year, but at no stage does it feel too long; and it would be wrong to cut anything here. Get to the cinema and see it.

- Troy Dodds

Nathan Taylor

Ê 10 has announced the three single men who will star in the upcoming season of ‘The Bachelors’. Looking for love on this occasion are former Canberra Raiders player Luke Bateman, model Ben Waddell and Brazilian-born Wesley Senna Cortes. The new season, which will likely air later this year or early next, is currently filming in Melbourne.

Ê New Channel Seven signing Dr Chris Brown and network favourite Sonia Kruger will host this year’s Logie Awards red carpet next Sunday, July 30. Comedian Sam Pang will host this year’s Logies, live from Sydney.

Ê New episodes of Tom Gleeson series ‘Hard Quiz’ will return to the ABC on Wednesday, August 9 at 8pm.

Ê Rebooted ABC comedy ‘Mother & Son’ will premiere on Wednesday, August 23 at 8pm. Following a break-up from his long-suffering girlfriend, Dee (Andrea Demetriades), Arthur (Matt Okine) puts his future on hold to move back home with his widowed mother, Maggie (Denise Scott). Arthur and his older sister, Robbie (Angela Nica Sullen)

– arguably ‘the favourite’ – attempt to care for Maggie, who may recently have almost burnt down the kitchen, but still runs circles around her children.

Ê Channel Seven will screen recently released music documentary ‘John Farnham: Finding the Voice’ this Monday, July 24 at 7.30pm. The doco, which is expected to rate through the roof, celebrates Australia’s greatest singer and his journey from the suburbs of Melbourne to 1960s pop fame, through life’s highs and lows, ultimately to record-breaking success as “Australia’s Voice”. Following a short run in cinemas, critics have described the powerful documentary as “must see”, “enthralling” and “inspiring”.

Ê The cast for the new season of 10’s ‘Taskmaster’ has been announced. Competing in the 2024 season are Peter Helliar, Mel Buttle, Aaron Chen, Concetta Caristo and Rhys Nicholson.

Ê New 10-part SBS series ‘Great Australian Walks with Julia Zemiro’ sees the ‘RocKwiz’ host explore 10 of Australia’s most stunning and historically significant walks. Zemiro’s treks take her through NSW, Victoria, ACT and Tasmania, from Byron Bay, Kiama, Bondi, and Point Nepean to Mt Wellington, Blue Mountains, Melbourne’s Yarra Trail and beyond. It premieres on Thursday, August 10 at 7.30pm.

Ê The second season of ‘How I Met Your Father’ returns to Disney+ on Wednesday, July 26. There are nine episodes remaining in season two.

Ê Congratulations to Apple TV+ series ‘Ted Lasso’ which has been nominated for 21 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor and Supporting Actor. Other big shows nominated included ‘The White Lotus’, ‘Succession’ and ‘The Last of Us’.

The Durrells (PG) 2:15 Louis Theroux Interviews

Yungblud (M l,n) 3:00 Grand Designs Revisited 3:55 Landline 4:25 After The Smoke 4:35 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) 5:05 The Dark Emu Story 6:30 New Leash On Life 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Sister Boniface Mysteries (PG) 8:15 Vera (M v)

TV Guide: July 21–27

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 Sunrise 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Football:

FIFA Women’s

Evolution” (MA15+) (’06) Stars: Bill Nighy 12:50 Hustle & Tow (PG)

3:10 The Goldbergs (PG) 3:40 Movie: “Pete’s Dragon” (PG) (’16) Stars: Bryce Dallas Howard 5:40 Movie: “Storks” (G) (’16) Stars: Andy Samberg

7:30 Movie: “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (M v) (’19) Stars: Tom Holland

Jane 4:10 NFL: Murri v Koori Interstate Challenge 5:40 Big Sky Girls 6:05 Going Native (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Wild Mexico (PG) 7:40 Inside Central Station (PG) 8:40 Black Gold (M) 10:15 Night (M s,v) 11:40 Songlines On Screen

Manchester 10:00 I Fish 11:00 Destination Dessert 12:00 JAG (PG) 2:00 Wildlife Rescue Australia (PG) 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 4:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 4:30 Reel Action 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 NCIS (M v)

Kath & Kim (PG) 8:45 Mrs. Brown’s Boys (M) 10:15 Disasters At Sea (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Middle (PG) 9:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 TBA 11:30 Friends (PG) 4:30 The Middle (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:30 The Late Late Show With James Corden

2:40 Movie: “Storks” (G) (’16) Stars: Andy Samberg 4:30 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Ticket To The Cup 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Language And Me 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders 8:30 ABC News Tonight

5:35 Fireman Sam 5:55 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:30 Pfffirates

4:00 Bamay 4:20 Alone (PG) 6:40 Nazi Megastructures (PG)

7:35 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 The UnXplained With William Shatner (M) 9:20

Dark Side Of The Ring (MA15+) 11:05 How You Can Help Stop Suicide (M)

5:00 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:10

Movie: “Scooby-Doo: A New Universe” (AKA ‘Scoob!’) (PG) (’20) Stars: Will Forte

7:00 Movie: “The Mummy” (PG) (’99) Stars: Rachel Weisz

9:30 Movie: “Van Helsing” (M) (’04) Stars: Hugh Jackman

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

the western weekender » 60 Friday, July 21, 2023

11:30 Swimming: World Aquatics Championships *Live* 3:45

Movie: “Bikini Beach” (PG) (’65) Stars: Frankie Avalon

5:55 M*A*S*H (PG) 7:30

Demolition NZ (PG) 5:30 Bushfire Wars (PG) 6:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Day After Tomorrow” (M) (’04) Stars: Dennis Quaid 2:30 Restored 3:30 Luxe For Less 4:30 Escape To The Chateau 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Flipping 101 With Tarek El Moussa 8:30 Flipping Across America 9:30 Masters Of Flip 4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:20 The Next Step 6:00 Malory Towers 6:30 Silverpoint 7:00 Top Jobs For Dogs 7:35 The Deep 8:00 Slugterra 8:20 Dogstar 8:45 Mustangs FC 9:10 Find Me In Paris 9:35 Mystic

Cricket: The Ashes: Fourth Test: Day 5 *Live* 3:30 My Favourite Martian

Get Macca’s® delivered.

27 July 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:00 Bargain Hunt 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke (M v)

5:00 American Restoration (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30

The Simpsons (PG) 8:30

Movie: “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” (PG) (’15) Stars: Kevin James

6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen

6:00 James Martin’s French Adventure 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30

Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M l,v) 8:30 The Closer (M) 9:30 Rizzoli & Isles (M v) 10:30 Major Crimes (M)

(In English/ Italian) 9:20 Kin (M)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERTS

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THE BEST WALKING TRAILS IN AND AROUND PENRITH

Penrith is rich in opportunity to be active in ways you’d never even think of. From Aqua Golf to iFLY and axe throwing, we’re not short on choices. But for those interested in being active at their own pace and away from the crowds and money associated with most active options, here’s some of the best walking trails in Penrith.

Penrith Great River Walk is a 9.7km loop trail that’s not too strenuous aside from its length. If you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours with continuous water

views while getting up your daily steps, this is an excellent option. The trail will lead you along one side of the Nepean River to the Western Motorway Bridge, then back up the other side passing Jamison Creek and Huntington Reserve on the way to Yandhai Nepean Crossing (pictured below). And if you’re feeling like a break (or a little naughty) you’ll find an arrangement of restaurants and a dessert bar at The East Bank complex.

Sydney International Regatta Centre Loop is an easy 5km walk

that loops the lake that was built for the 2000 Summer Olympics. Perfect for a family workout, this site has views of the lake as well as mountains in the background. The grounds also include picnic areas and BBQ facilities for the perfect day out. On a sunny day, just be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. If you’re after something a little more scenic and a little less tiring, the small walk to The Rock Lookout is right up your alley. After a short drive south along Mulgoa Road, you will reach the historic

and picturesque Mulgoa Valley.

Once you’re there, it is only a short walk from Fairlight Road to The Rock Lookout where you will be greeted by extravagant views of the Nepean River. If you’re after something a little longer, there is an additional bushwalking 2.5km track to Riley’s Mountain that has more scenic views.

The Knapsack Bridge and the Lapstone Zig Zag Walk is a walking track outside the ordinary. Located in Glenbrook, this bushwalking track follows an old railway built and used in the second half of the 19th century. A 3km walk with some steep sections starts from the small car park at the end of Knapsack Street that leads to notable view points such as the quarry lookout, Lucasville Station, Knapsack Stairs and Knapsack Gully.

For something the children will love, head to Mountain View Reserve. An easy 1.8km track offers magnificent views in a preserved pocket of nature. You’re sure to get up close to wildlife, the area home to many birds, reptiles, and frogs. Some of the lucky walkers also get the opportunity to see a sugar glider!

If you’re looking for a way to stay active with your friends or family, or just want some alone time to clear your mind and enjoy the views that are available, Penrith has something perfect for you, and it doesn’t have to cost the budget a cent!

– Hayley Rochester

“PENRITH HAS SOMETHING PERFECT FOR YOU”

Western Property

ONE

What is so great about this property?

Beautiful three-bedroom north facing property in the highly sought after location of St Marys. Boasts stunning features such as an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, deluxe fully tiled bathroom, ducted aircons and wonderfully maintained gardens. With several amenities close by such as local parks and schools, as well as the new Metro stop with a direct line to the Airport around the corner, this property can’t be missed!

Who does this property suit? Perfect for first home buyers to create their own slice of heaven, for investors looking for a property with a great rental return, or anyone looking for a beautifully spacious property!

23 Verdi Glen, St Clair

•

Member Name Goes Here Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains

• Galley-style kitchen

• Large under cover balcony area

• Close to Penrith CBD, Kmart shopping complex, schools, bus

$349,950

INSPECT Sat 22 July at 10:00am - 10:30am

ADDRESS 24/175 Derby Street, Penrith

CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

$659,950

$529,950

This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes.

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms

• Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities

Apartment G.03 3 2 2

Interior 111sqm

Exterior 33sqm

Total 144sqm

Price $829,500

9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au

ORAN PARK

When people think about investment risk they are usually focused on price volatility, this is the ups and downs in the investment value. This is only one of the risks we face as investors and, if we are investing for the long-term (more than seven years), this arguably is the least important of the risks we face.

The emphasised focus on price volatility risk can skew our investment choices and lead us to make decisions not in our best interests. People are reluctant to invest in assets with high price volatility such as shares and are more inclined to invest in assets with low price volatility that may have other risks. The least thought about risk is opportunity cost. This is most relevant to defensive assets such as cash and fixed interest. Although these investments are safe in nature, they also typically have much lower returns. By investing in these assets you forgo the potential for higher returns and, at the end of the

IT’S

FOR A HOME LOAN HEALTH CHECK

It’s always important to treat your mortgage like your body. Consult a qualified professional and undergo a financial health check to ensure your home loan is delivering for you.

Ideally, a mortgage should be reviewed at least every two to three years. A finance broker can conduct a health check on your current home loan and see if it’s functioning well or needs a makeover.

In a home loan review, a broker will look at your current income, credit history, loan terms, monthly/fortnightly repayment, interest rate, insurance, fees and charges, credit card points and other outstanding debts.

An experienced broker looks at loans every day. Often a quick check of your current situation and facilities in an initial catch up is all a broker needs to let you know whether you could be doing

things better and save money. Sometimes your prognosis will be good, and everything is ticking along smoothly.

Bell Partners Finance make proactive annual reviews for all our home loan clients. We approach the lender to seek additional interest rate discounts, then we compare that rate with the best in the market before contacting our clients. There are other reasons to review your home loan such as

MONEY MATTERS

RISKS FACING INVESTMENTS The Experts

investment period, may be significantly worse off in comparison to more aggressive options.

In many cases you will have no need for growth as you will have sufficient assets to meet your needs or a short investment horizon and an investment in defensive assets is probably perfect for your needs. In other cases investing for growth and accepting the associated risks would be much more beneficial.

Liquidity risk is also very important, and all assets have different liquidity characteristics.

Investments like cash are at call and shares can usually be liquidated (with some risk and costs) quickly. Whereas superannuation requires specific conditions to be met to be able to access funds and investments like property are extremely difficult and expensive to liquidate.

Your individual situation and needs from the investment influences how important liquidity is for

the investment. A stable financial situation coupled with a long-term outlook may make liquidity an unimportant consideration. In this case, the benefits of property or superannuation are very attractive despite the liquidity issues.

Interest rate risk is relevant to geared investments and should not be underestimated.

Increasing interest costs can dramatically affect cash flow and impact greatly on the effectiveness of the strategy.

The key to investing is to manage risks based on your situation and have an investment strategy compatible with your situation and goals.

change of circumstances, including starting a family or a new job, or a desire to pay off the mortgage faster.

However, mortgage holders should beware when they hear about a new deal which might be pretty standard such as maximising interest savings by using an offset account or a transactional home loan as some amazing insight to pay your home loan off sooner.

Sometimes when you look

through the detail, the borrower can also be better off sticking to their current loan.

There are no silver bullets when it comes to paying off your loan. Usually the answer is simple: pay more off your home loan more often.

Having the most competitive interest rate will help, as will utilising an offset account, but the way to get the best results to reduce your mortgage is pay your loan down faster.

DAVID

NORRIS

In the digital age, the ability to access a myriad of content anytime, anywhere, has drastically transformed how we consume media.

I used to buy many computer magazines every month, which used to add up dollarwise.

My wife also bought a bunch of magazines, with The Australian Women’s Weekly her favourite. As we both had iPads, I started looking for a digital marketplace for magazines and newspapers.

I decided on Magzter. Founded in 2011, Magzter is the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital newsstand, offering users access to over 10,000 magazines and newspapers from around the globe. Magzter’s mission is to “make magazines and newspapers accessible to everyone, everywhere”.

While you can purchase individual Magazine subscriptions or even individual magazines, there is a subscription level called Magzter Gold. And let me tell you, if you don’t mind reading magazines on a computer, tablet or phone, it is an absolute bargain. A 24-month access to over 8000 magazines in Australia will cost you $50. You can even share

it with up to four other family members. A Magzter GOLD subscription provides unlimited reading access to its vast library. You are no longer restricted by individual magazine subscriptions. Instead, you can explore a world of diverse content at a fixed cost. Magazine topics include Business, Entertainment, Health,

Lifestyle, Technology, Fashion, Motoring, Men and Women’s interest and Comics. It contains top-shelf magazines, including The Australian Women’s Weekly, Woman’s Day, Money, New Idea, Marie Claire, Time, House and Garden, Australia

Geographic and Better Home and Gardens

Buying a subscription to any of these will cost

you more than $50 alone. Additionally, the content can be downloaded onto a tablet, laptop or mobile to read without an Internet connection.

HEALTH

PHYSIO AND HEADACHES

with a

the western weekender » 74 Friday, July 21, 2023 It's better

H

Three common types of headaches we see as clinicians are cervicogenic, tension type headaches and migraines.

Cervicogenic headaches are commonly classified as a headache focused on one side of the head usually with a focal point of tenderness at the base of the skull and a stiff neck. Cervicogenic headaches are commonly reoccurring and can last

eadaches are a common and often debilitating condition. With so many different triggers and causes of headaches, they can be restrictive to an active lifestyle. Whether it is your first time having reoccurring headaches or an ongoing issue they can still cause a major disruption to your life. Some common triggers of headaches can be related to muscular imbalances, sitting position, posture, desk or monitor setup, sleeping position, pillow firmness, long periods of sustained positioning and numerous other triggers.from hours to days and even weeks at a moderate to severe intensity. Tension type headaches are normally present with diffuse pain on both sides of the head commonly in a band like pattern. As the name suggests, tension is commonly present as the main symptoms with these mild to moderate headaches lasting from days to even weeks.

Migraines are commonly a chronic episodic headache with many triggers, these symptoms typically last between a few hours to a few days. Migraines typically focus on one side of the head, however it can shift and spread over both sides.

Migraines typically throb, are worse with exertion and often accompanied by auto-

JACK GOODWIN One Point Health 4732 5188

nomic symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, sounds and smells.

Physiotherapy treatment is known to be safe and effective for most headaches. Working with a physiotherapist can involve receiving detailed advice and education, a tailored exercise program and/or manual therapy such as massage and mobilisation techniques.

Physiotherapy will try to restore mobility in these joints and correct muscle imbalances, poor postures, and physical activities that may be contributing to the headaches.

A good assessment can understand your needs and whether physiotherapy interventions are needed.

KENNEL COUGH: HOW TO IDENTIFY AND TREAT IT

Why is my dog coughing?

Like humans, dogs can catch viruses and infections and show symptoms similar to that of a cold or flu. Kennel cough is a common respiratory infection in dogs caused by bacteria or viruses.

Also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, Bordetella, or Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection in dogs. If your four-legged friend has recently returned from a walk to the dog park or stayed in a new environment with other dogs, and begun hacking and gagging, kennel cough is likely to blame.

How do dogs contract kennel cough?

Many different bacterial strains comprise the general term “kennel cough”; however, Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common strain, which is why kennel cough is often referred to as Bordetella. These bacterial particles can spread easily from

dog to dog, or to a dog from a contaminated surface, including kennel areas, food and water bowls, bedding, and leashes.

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

What other diseases can cause coughing?

In addition to kennel cough, there’s many other conditions that may cause your dog to cough. To confirm whether your dog’s cough is due to a kennel cough infection, your vet will need to perform a physical exam, and may also suggest blood testing and chest x-rays.

Other diseases that cause

Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district.

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

What are the symptoms of kennel cough?

Typically, the symptoms of canine cough present three to seven days after exposure to the virus. The key symptoms include a hacking, non-productive cough, gagging, sneezing and/ or a runny nose. Some dogs may cough so hard and persistently that they vomit. Getting excited, as well as exercise can worsen symptoms. However, symptoms generally resolve after approximately seven to 10 days. It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog as pneumonia or bronchitis may develop.

How can I keep my dog safe from kennel cough?

Vaccinate! To help protect against canine cough there is an intranasal, oral or injectable vaccine available. Avoid boarding facilities that do not require proof of vaccinations and be aware that not all dogs attending dog parks will be vaccinated. With proper precautions and appropriate vaccinations, you can greatly reduce your pet’s chance of developing an annoying cough.

For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2037.

We offer

•Vaccinations

•Microchipping

•Dental care

•Radiography

•Surgery

Camille and all the staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital wish to thank everyone who voted for us in the 2021 Penrith City Local Business Awards. are grateful for the continued support friendship of our clients and their pets.

•Ultrasound

We won the Pet Care category in 2015, and 2019, and we are looking forward to the 2021 awards presentation!

Contact us!

4736 2027

49 Wentworth Road,Orchard Hills, NSW 2748

Monday - Friday: 8:00am-7:00pm Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9.00am-3.00pm

Relax & Unwind

JANUARY

For the next six weeks Venus is reversing through your relationship zone. So expect other people to annoy, puzzle or frustrate you, as they make odd decisions, stir your emotions, and confuse your mind. Don’t try to work out where they are coming from! Aim to be understanding and open-minded. As Swiss psychiatrist (and birthday great) Dr Carl Jung reminds us, “The shoe that fits one person pinches another. There is no recipe for living that suits all cases.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

With Venus in retrograde mode until September 4, it will be difficult to balance head and heart, especially when it comes to family members. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Loved ones could throw you off balance, scramble your sense of certainty or press your emotional buttons. But try to deflect their efforts with your earthy sense of humour and Taurus style. Talking things through with a sympathetic friend is the healing balm you need.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Venus (planet of love and money) is reversing through your sign for the next six weeks. So expect a tricky time when you may feel as if an area of your life is stalling or even going backwards. Weigh up the pros and cons of any big choices you make. And, if you can, delay making important decisions until after September 4, when you’ll be thinking more clearly. As actress (and birthday great) Helen Mirren reminds us, “We write our life story by the choices we make.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Venus is retrograde for the next six weeks, which will boost your temperamental tendencies and you could end up alienating an authority figure (like your boss) or a loved one (like your partner). Hopefully you won’t put too many noses out of joint, as Jupiter encourages you to be more philosophical when communicating with others. Sometimes you need to lose a minor battle in order to win the war! The weekend is a good time to socialise with friends.

PISCES

This week looks rather shambolic. Retrograde Venus disrupts your daily routine, and your patience could wear thin with a stressed work colleague, a frustrating family member, an unpredictable friend or an annoying acquaintance. For some Fish, a rushed romance could see you jump from the frying pan straight into the fire. Other Pisceans could upset a nosey neighbour. So slow down, calm down and think (carefully) before you speak and act!

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Family relationships and close friendships look complicated, as loved ones debate a wide range of controversial topics. If you have a problem that’s bothering you, avoid making a rash decision. Slow down and let your intuition be your guide. Wisdom for the week is from birthday great, Swiss psychoanalyst Dr Carl Jung, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

This week Mercury (your patron planet) links up with retrograde Venus so you’ll feel argumentative, restless and/or stressed. The Sun, Mercury and retro Venus are visiting your solitude zone, so you’ll also feel like being on your own. Privacy and self-reflection are paramount, and activities like meditation, contemplation and yoga are recommended. Kate Bush: “There’s an awful lot you learn about yourself when you’re alone.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Are you feeling restless Sagittarius?

The planets stir your gypsy gene and find you dreaming of greener pastures and foreign adventures. You’re also longing for closer connections with your international friends. But retrograde Venus stymies progress over the next six weeks. Travel could be delayed or cancelled, and new friendships will develop slowly. So plenty of patience and persistence are required if you want to achieve long-lasting results.

Prepare for a topsy-turvy week! The Sun, Mercury and Venus are in fellow fire sign Leo, so you’ll feel like powering ahead with all sorts of creative projects. But Venus is in retrograde mode, and Uranus is squaring Mercury. So rushing ahead with impulsive impetuosity could backfire badly. To reduce stress levels and the likelihood of making mistakes, enthusiasm must be balanced with caution, and fiery haste tempered with plenty of patience.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

You’ve been talking about saving for something big (like a car, holiday, house deposit or home renovations) for a while. With Venus reversing through your finance zone (until September 4), resist the urge to be extravagant with cash and careless with credit. In an uncertain economic climate, be a canny Crab who is cautious with money. Plus do an inventory on your inner wealth, as you nurture your self-esteem and consolidate your core values.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

With vivacious Venus (planet of love) in retrograde mode, the next six weeks is not the ideal time to join a dating site, start a romance, propose, move in together, get married or renew your wedding vows. If you can, be patient and wait until after September 4. Expect to be more introverted and your social life will be much quieter than usual. You’re in the mood to pursue solo leisure activities like walking in the park, reading a book, journal writing or listening to music.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The planets are stimulating your intrigue zone, so no secret is safe as you uncover clues and pick up on cues that other people miss. Be careful what you unearth because you could stir up current issues or problems from the past. Lust and loot also loom large, as you work through matters involving trust, intimacy, shared possessions or joint finances. Be extra patient, as retrograde Venus complicates communication, frustrates plans and stymies progress.

MISS MIDGLEY’S IS MORE THAN A PLACE TO STAY

Depending on how you travel, where you stay on a holiday can be the least of your concerns – merely a meeting point, or a place to rest your head after a long day of delicious food and adventuring.

As someone with this mindset, I’ll admit I was a little taken aback when I first saw the pink and stone exterior of Miss Midgley’s upon approaching the building in New Farm, Brisbane.

Created by mother-daughter duo Lisa and Isabella White, Miss Midgley’s is a 160-yearold heritage home which has been transformed into five beautiful, self-contained apartments.

Four of these apartments, known as the Locker Room, the Reflectory, the Drawing Room and the Assembly Hall, each have two bedrooms, with the fifth space, called the Principal’s Room, a glamorous one-bedroom studio.

But, one of the biggest assets of the property, is its location.

Situated in the heart of New Farm, on famous James Street, Miss Midgley’s is just a short stroll away from the best of the best in dining, fashion and cultural hubs. It’s also within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal, which connects the area to surrounding suburbs including Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point via the Story Bridge.

Having never spent more than a day in Brisbane, I took this as the perfect opportunity to explore the city using Brisbane City Council’s CityHopper, a free inner-city ferry service that made us feel like locals.

For our stay, my friend and I were lucky enough to make ourselves at home in the Drawing Room.

Situated on the second floor in the oldest part of the building, the Drawing Room is complete with a full kitchen, generous verandah, and large beds in each of the two bedrooms, with the king double in the larger of the two able to be split into singles.

Amenities aside, the space itself is absolutely breathtaking, with decorative ceilings in the bedrooms and living room, and remnants of 160-year-old hand painted wallpaper preserved as a feature in the kitchen. Accents of hot pink and gold alongside the historic touches make the space feel cosy, yet sophisticated and feminine all at once.

During our three days in Brisbane, we hit up some of the main sites, discovering South Bank’s wide array of cafés – complete with ibis spray to protect the goods – heading up to see the city on the Wheel of Brisbane, wandering our way through Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery, and heading back on the ferry to shop at Queen Street Mall.

But, when it came to food, we found that the best of the best was right under our noses. On our first night in the city, my friend and I were invited to dinner at City Winery – a working urban winery just around the corner from Miss Midgley’s.

Their menu is chock full of locally sourced produce direct from the farm gate, with a list of handmade wines crafted in Brisbane to match.

From their options of small plates designed for sharing, we chose the Charred Greens, Coal Baked Brie, and Charcuterie, which I can confirm were all to die for.

On the second night, however, we wanted to make the most of our stay at Miss Midgley’s by eating in. Although a night spent splitting a frozen pizza and ordering crepes on Uber Eats in our PJs may not sound too exciting, it was the perfect end to our trip (and got me a few episodes closer to finally finishing ‘Manifest’).

Complete with an elegant heated outdoor pool, petit laundry, book library and pet-friendly accommodation options, Miss Midgley’s is the perfect home away from home in Brisbane, offering everything you need for a good rest, and so much more.

“COSY, YET SOPHISTICATED AND FEMININE ALL AT ONCE”

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

When making a purchase at Mecca or Sephora, it can be hard not to fall victim to the alluring checkout minis.

Recently, in preparation for my upcoming ‘Euro Summer’ trip, I’ve dusted off my calculator and made it my mission to find carry on-friendly products which have the right balance of cost and convenience.

Next time you want to justify an impulse buy, find comfort in the fact some of these minis aren’t too bad a price compared to the full size – and some are even better.

Eyeshadow palettes are one item where, when it comes to travelling, it can definitely be better to up the quality, and ditch the size. Bulky palettes have no place when you’re on the go – and who really uses all the shades anyway?

Whilst they’re known for their beautiful quality, Natasha

Denona eyeshadow palettes

aren’t made to be travel companions. Thankfully, the brand makes smaller versions of some of its most iconic colourways, including the Natasha Denona Mini Bronze Eyeshadow Palette, which has five beautiful shades for just $41.

option to have your favourite shades with you, wherever you are. Although you’d be sacrificing a makeup brush by going with the smaller version, the ease just can’t be beat, and it still has a mirror included, which is a huge bonus!

Smoothing Macadamia Hair

Food is one of my favourites, and is always on special) and put it into a travel-friendly container.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Glam Eye Shadow Palette (pictured) is also a great

Although here in Penrith we’re spoiled with soft water, when you’re on holidays, hard water and chlorine can have a detrimental impact on your hair. It’s for this reason that having a leave in conditioner or mask on hand is imperative. Whilst it wouldn’t cut it in your carry on, the 273mL version of the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is extremely comparable to the larger size as far as cost per millilitre goes. However, if you’re low on space, don’t get the smallest size – find a more inexpensive option (the Garnier Fructis

When minimising your makeup routine for travel, primer is often the first to go. However, if you just can’t make the sacrifice, Too Faced’s Hangover Primer is the perfect option.

Coming in at half the size and less than half the price of the full-sized option, the Hangover Primer is as good as it gets when it comes to value.

Plus, it’s guaranteed to leave dry skin looking fresh and radiant all day.

Mascara is one of the best products when it comes to opting for the travel size. With an expiration date of just a few months after opening, it can be the best way to ensure you get the chance to use the whole bottle before it starts drying up.

Another Too Faced pick, and one of the most iconic mascaras in the game, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (pictured) is also better value when shopping mini, with the perfect amount of product for travelling, or just for trying out what could be your new go-to.

Last week’s solution

Crossword

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

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.

Theme: SNAKES

ANTIVENOM

BROAD HEAD

CAMOUFLAGE

COMMON CONSTRICTOR

DANGEROUS

DISTINCTIVE

GRASSLANDS

LENGTH MARKINGS

PREDATOR

RAINFORESTS

REPTILES

TERRITORY

TREES

VENOM

WOODLANDS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about Australia’s women’s national soccer team in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. Which country did Australia play in its first recognised women’s international football match in 1979?

2. Which country did Australia lose the final to in the 1983 Oceania Cup?

3. Originally hated by the players of the time, in what year did the Matildas become the

official name of the Australian team?

4. Who is the current head coach of the Matildas?

5. Only one person has coached the Matildas in more than 100 games. Who is it?

6. At 157, who has the most caps for Australia, having started her career in 2006?

ANSWERS

1. New Zealand

2. New Zealand

3. 1995

4. Tony Gustavsson

5. Tom Sermanni

6. Clare Polkinghorne

TEST YOUR BRAIN

How to beat

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

The solutions will

Hexwords Name the Movie

Shania Twain’s milestone

Shania Twain is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her breakout album ‘Come On Over’ this year.

To commemorate the album’s anniversary and its accumulation of more than 40 million in worldwide sales, ‘Come On Over’ has been remastered from the original tapes for the first time.

An August 25 release date has been slated.

“With ‘Come On Over’, it was important for me to give what I thought was the best record of my life, and that is why there’s so many songs on it,” Twain said in a statement.

“There was no point in saving songs for another album or even giving songs to other artists because I thought this might be

my only chance to really make an impact as a follow-up to the prior album, which was already certified Diamond. I would say that ‘Come On Over’ was so high-pressure for me because I knew I had more in me than one Diamond album.”

A range of new versions of ‘Come On Over’ will be released including a three-CD Super Deluxe edition that features a commemorative hardback book. There’s also a bunch of new tracks and duets with Chris Martin, Elton John, Alison Krauss, and the Backstreet Boys Vinyl and digital special releases are also slated.

Twain is currently touring, and enjoying something of a career resurgence.

confirms

Volkswagen is delivering enhanced value across its expanded T-Roc range, with the brand’s top-selling model line gaining technology and luxury equipment as standard.

Widening the position between the new, value-packed T-Roc CityLife, the latest T-Roc Style includes a significant equipment boost focusing on the most desirable features for customers, for a $1,790 premium (now $38,890 RRP).

Newly standard on the 110kW 1.4-litre turbocharged T-Roc Style are an 8.0-inch touchscreen now with satellite navigation and voice control, a Digital Cockpit Pro widescreen display with mapping, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – plus Side Assist blind-spot monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert. Navigation, voice control, wireless smartphone connectivity and Digital Cockpit Pro previously formed part of the now-deleted Sound & Vision pack valued at $2,050 alone, making the T-Roc Style even better value than before.

These additions also blend ideally with a high level of equipment rarely found in compact SUVs below $40,000 RRP, including 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, Performance LED headlamps, wireless charging, sport comfort front seats, keyless access, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel with paddles, Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control,

Travel Assist, Lane Assist and Park Assist.

A similar step-up figure to the popular and sporty all-wheel drive T-Roc R-Line remains, following the latest model’s $1,890 premium (now $47,090 RRP).

Newly standard on the 140kW 2.0-litre turbo T-Roc R-Line are Nappa leather upholstery, heated

front seats, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, as well as Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.

The above luxury items were previously found in the now-deleted $3,950 Luxury Package for the T-Roc R-Line, and have now been amortised for a sub-$2,000 premium.

Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles

director Michal Szaniecki said the T-Roc is continuing to boom in showrooms now that supply can finally meet demand after recent delays.

“We are hearing the wants and needs of our customers, and especially in the compact SUV segment they want more technology and luxury but also greater overall value,” he said.

“Given its popularity in Australia, we can now offer desirable items as standard on the T-Roc Style and T-Roc R-Line for a smaller premium than the previous optioned versions, making them even more appealing to the head and heart.”

The T-Roc continues as the top-selling Volkswagen in 2023, continuing to eclipse records by reaching 1,000-plus sales in June.

This is in addition to 918 Tiguans, 579 Tiguan Allspaces and 747 Amaroks, rounding out 5,125 Volkswagen sales for the month –and up 60.6 per cent year to date. There will be some crossover of new and revised T-Roc stock, with the newly upgraded Style and R-Line arriving alongside the CityLife from late Q3 2023.

2011 FORD TRANSIT VAN 2.4

TURBO DIESEL, 6-SPEED MANUAL, AIR COND, PWR STR, EX GOVT VEHICLE and VERY TIDT T/OUT

AUTOMATIC, AWD, 7 SEATER, LEATHER INTERIOR, SAT NAV, REVERSE CAMERA

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60TH ANNIVERSARY UTE, SANDMAN TRIBUTE PACKAGE, AUTOMATIC, VALUE & STYLE FOR ONLY

NISSAN PATHFINDER TI

13,999

Bondys has your car needs sorted

Well known in the Penrith community for two decades, Bondys Auto Centre prides itself on good old-fashioned service and getting your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.

Bondys offers a full range of services from mechanical servicing to auto electrical servicing and repairs.

They also look after wheel alignments, wheel balancing, brakes, suspension, steering, batteries, body, exhaust – you name it.

The team rely on some of the latest technologies and precision equipment when

testing, repairing and servicing your vehicle. They use sophisticated modern methods to make sure your vehicle repair and service is of the highest standard.

“Whether you need log book servicing, tyres, brakes, a minor tune-up, batteries or complete engine overhaul, we are dedicated to offering a range of quality, affordable motor repair services to get you back behind the wheel fast,” owner Matt Bond said.

Bondys Auto Centre is located at 1/33 York Road, Jamisontown. Call 4721 2500 to book your car in today!

More than just a game

Nations of Origin tournament promotes reconciliation, education and culture

Dozens of basketball teams from all over the state descended upon the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre last Thursday for day three of PCYC NSW’s annual Nations of Origin tournament.

The four-day sporting event, which ran from July 11-14 around western Sydney, brought together over 1000 Indigenous youth from across NSW, representing 25 Indigenous Nations, to celebrate and promote reconciliation, cultural identity, education and sport.

The tournament’s purpose was to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth by encouraging them to celebrate the rich diversity of Aboriginal culture and its profound impact on Australia’s history.

Now in its ninth year, Nations of Origin has grown from strength to strength, bringing together young boys and girls from PCYC with NSW Police and the community to compete in five different sports to build skills, character, leadership and encourage cultural respect and

connections among young people. Good behaviour, 70 per cent school attendance and connection to culture through an Elder is rewarded with participation and the right to proudly wear their respective Nation’s jersey.

While exciting 3 x 3 basketball was on display at the Penrith Regional Valley Sports Centre in Cambridge Park, an U14 female netball competition was also held in the local area at Jamison Park last Friday.

Youths also participated in mixed

gymnastics and football in Rooty Hill as well as U16 male and female rugby league over in Whalan.

Representing the Dharug Nation and Penrith PCYC in basketball was three local 15-year-old girls – Milly Brace, Tennyson Cashman and Sheyann Grimes.

The trio were outstanding throughout the tournament, combining brilliantly as a team to reach the Grand Final undefeated.

All three girls were making their debut at Nations of Origin and

couldn’t be more complimentary of how it played out.

“It’s pretty cool seeing everyone come together, seeing all the amazing talent from around the state in the one place,” Milly said.

“I’ve been playing basketball for seven years and this is my first time here,” Tennyson added.

“Tournaments like this are pretty important because they don’t happen a lot, so it’s kind of a big deal.”

Dharug teammate Sheyann

agreed, saying the Nations of Origin tournament was one of the best things she’s ever experienced as an Indigenous basketballer.

“I’ve had an amazing time. We still have smiles on our faces, and I love seeing all the other people smiling as well,” she said.

“To me, this tournament means the world because we don’t get this often. I’m looking forward to more in the future.”

Dharug’s U14 male basketball team were crowned Champions.

Milly Brace, Tennyson Cashman and Sheyann Grimes. Sheyann Grimes with the ball.

Milly Brace in action. Photos: Megan Dunn.

ROWING SEASON APPROACHES

Story continued from » p.88

“The social part is a key factor for me… I really enjoy that aspect of rowing,” Emily said.

“The morning wake ups are hard, but I’m used to it now. It’s just different to anything I’ve done before.”

On top of her gold medal-winning events earlier this year, Emily also won silver in the U16 double scull at the NSW Sprint Championships back in December and was a semi-finalist at February’s NSW Rowing Championships for U16 single scull.

Emily said she enjoys competing in the double scull the most as she gets to do it with her best friend, Viti.

“The double is what I win most of the events in because I’m pretty good at it. I do singles and quads as well, but I like the double most,” she said.

“I get to do it with my best friend as well, which makes it more special.”

With the new rowing season set to get underway in September, she’s ready to take her game to the next level.

“Everything is about to pick up again. I’ve been doing lots of training and cardio to help with my fitness,” she said.

“This season I want to win Nationals with Viti, but my ultimate goal is to row for Australia.”

Emily Boyes Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club. Nomination forms for the awards are available at www.pvsf. org.au.

Thunder’s WBBL schedule revealed as new home secured Season locked in

NATHAN TAYLOR

Anew home venue, newly appointed head coach and incoming captain head Sydney Thunder’s upcoming WBBL campaign, marking the start of a new chapter for the two-time title winning club.

The Thunder will officially call Cricket Central at Sydney Olympic Park home for the upcoming WBBL summer, hosting four classic matches against the Melbourne Renegades, Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers at the worldclass facility.

The Thunder will begin their hunt for a third WBBL trophy on Sunday, October 22, hosting the Sydney Sixers in the highly anticipated Sydney Smash at North Sydney Oval.

Cricket Central will be formally transformed into ‘Thunder Central’ for the first time on Thursday, October 26, when the Thunder welcomes the Renegades to their new address.

The Thunder’s squad of young guns will then play a trio of away

matches, facing the Hurricanes in Launceston on Monday, October 30, before heading to Melbourne for a rematch with the Renegades on Wednesday, November 1 and the Melbourne Stars on Saturday, November 4.

A prime-time blockbuster against the Heat is scheduled to follow, with the Thunder hosting last summer’s top-four finishing Brisbane at North Sydney Oval on Monday, November 6 at 6.10pm, in a battle that will see Thunder star Sammy-Jo Johnson face her former side.

A string of home matches will be rounded out with the Thunder welcoming the Hurricanes to Cricket Central on Thursday, November 9, and the Stars to North Sydney Oval on Friday, November 20, as the lime green squad look to turn around their fortunes from last season.

Away matches against the Scorchers and Strikers will be followed by the Thunder’s two remaining matches at their new fortress, Cricket Central.

First facing the Scorchers in a Saturday afternoon must-see match on Saturday, November

18, the Thunder will then host the reigning champions, the Strikers on Tuesday, November 21 – both matches in the family friendly timeslot of 3pm.

The penultimate match of the regular season will see the Thunder travel to Adelaide on Friday, November 24, to take on the Heat at the iconic Adelaide Oval,

kicking off the league’s weekend of WBBL at major venues across the country, before capping their regular season with the jewel of the WBBL summer – the Sydney Smash at the SCG on Sunday, November 26.

“Weber WBBL|09 is building as our biggest tournament yet, from the first women’s overseas player draft to historic matches at three of Australia’s most iconic stadiums and other venues across the country that are synonymous with the WBBL,” General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Alistair Dobson said.

“The WBBL has long been the world’s leading cricket league for women and the natural progression of the League is to have the best players in the world playing in the best cricket venues in the world.

“Clubs and fans will benefit from more home games in each market and each team featuring at home in the first nine days of the tournament.”

The WBBL|09 Final will be held on Saturday, December 2. Tickets for this season go on sale on Thursday, August 24.

Thunder star Phoebe Litchfield.

with proud history

Penrith RSL Cricket Club will be celebrating a huge milestone this upcoming cricket season – and they want you to be a part of it.

The club, which took home plenty of silverware last summer, will this year celebrate its 75th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, they’ll be holding a 75th anniversary dinner on Friday, November 3 at Penrith RSL Club, with all current and former members of the cricket club invited to attend.

“We’ve got a celebratory dinner planned at the RSL in November and that will be our main event around the 75th anniversary,”

Penrith RSL Cricket Club President, Allan Rowan told the Weekender

“We’ll also be producing commemorative gear, like caps and shirts, marked with 75 years.”

The 2022/23 cricket season was a standout year for the club, which not only saw all three Senior teams make the semi-finals but fourth grade were crowned Champions. Seventh grade finished runners-up.

“Our fourth grade team was made up of RSL juniors who have progressed through the Senior grades and are looking to go even higher this year,” Rowan said.

“We also entered three teams into the T20

competition and were victorious in both A and B grades. We’ve been pretty successful the last four or five years but last season was particularly successful.”

Penrith RSL are considered one of the longest surviving clubs in the area and put their longevity and success down to their off-field comradery as much as what they do on it.

They are currently recruiting for the upcoming Nepean District Cricket season and would love more budding cricketers from around the area to hop on board.

Around The Grounds

BASKETBALL: Penrith’s women’s team have been blown off the court, mauled by the Norths Bears 91-50 in Round 17 of the NBL1 East competition. Meg Jefferson led her team in scoring, notching up 12 points and nine rebounds in the penultimate game of the season. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s team have had their losing streak extended to nine games, chewed up and spat out by the Bears 108-80. Brodie Schwarzer had himself a game, scoring a team-high 17 points along with five rebounds, two steals and a block. Both teams will play the Central Coast Crusaders in the final game of the year this Saturday at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have gone back to their old ways, slaughtered by the Wests Lions 71-0 in Round 14 of the John I Dent Cup. The Emus will hit the road this Saturday to battle the Queanbeyan Whites at Campese Field. The Emus are still yet to taste victory this season.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have returned from a bye with a narrow loss, going down to the GWS Fury 56-54 in Round 16 of Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers U23’s team also tasted defeat in their first game back since the bye, smashed by the Fury 66-43. Both teams will play the South Coast Blaze in Round 17.

AFL: The GWS Giants have continued their stunning second half of the season, defeating the Adelaide Crows 71-57 in Round 18 of the AFL competition. It was the Giants’ fifth victory in a row as they continue their charge towards a Finals berth. Played at Adelaide Oval, the Giants booted all five goals of a gripping final term to snatch the

14-point win on the road and climb over the Crows to the brink of the top eight. The Giants will host the Gold Coast Suns this Sunday afternoon in Canberra. A win could see them crack the top eight for the first time this year.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have won three games on the trot, far too good for Sydney University 87-3 in Round 14 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition. Mitchell Stevens and Zach Pianta both scored three goals in the huge victory. The Rams will remain at home this Saturday afternoon to take on the North Shore Bombers at Greygums Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes will return to the paddock this Saturday morning when they take on the Macquarie University Goannas in Round 14 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two competition.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have continued their signing spree ahead of the upcoming A-League season. Last week the Wanderers inked deals with young forward Alex Badolato for the next three seasons, as well defender Doni Grdić for one season. This week the Red & Black confirmed the signing of Oscar Priestman on a two-year scholarship deal. Signing from the club’s crosstown rivals, Priestman is set to play his very first season of the A-League with Western Sydney. The midfielder was part of the Sky Blues U20s squad that lifted the NPL1 Trophy in 2022 and will be looking to break into the Wanderers first team this season.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, email Nathan@westernweekender. com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook or Tweet us @wwpenrith.

“It’s a very social club. We enjoy playing cricket together, but we also enjoy getting together after games as well as for various functions throughout the year,” Rowan said.

“We’re a club that has a good blend of youth and experience, and a club that enjoys each other’s company as well.”

And with the club celebrating 75 years in season 2023/24, there’s no better time to get your kids or even yourself involved.

“Penrith RSL is a fun club to be at and has a great history,” Rowan said.

“You’ll be part of a club that enjoys more than just the on-field cricket. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages and genders to play the game.

“It’s a fun club to introduce your kids to cricket or if you’re someone that hasn’t played in a while, it’s a good place to stretch your legs again.”

For more information or to register for the upcoming Junior and Senior cricket season at Penrith RSL, head online and visit www. penrithrslcc.org.

Penrith RSL’s premiership-winning fourth grade team. Penrith RSL’s T20 premiership-winning teams.

EMILY’S GOLDEN START TO CAREER

If it weren’t for her friends, Emily Boyes probably wouldn’t be rowing right now and racking up accolade after accolade in the process.

The 15-year-old has only been rowing for two years, but she’s fast becoming one to watch after picking up three gold medals in March and becoming the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award.

Emily and her doubles partner Viti won gold competing in the NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River event as well as gold in the NSW Combined High Schools Championships in the U16 double scull. Competing against other high schools from around the state, Emily and her Blaxland High crew also took home gold in the interregional quad event.

Now as the Year 9 student approaches her third season in the sport, Emily said taking up rowing was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

“A few of my friends did it, so I just came down and gave it a try. I liked it straight away, so I just stuck with it,” she said.

“I found it interesting, it was different. When I was younger, I did soccer and athletics, but it’s also very different on the water. The funny thing is, none of my family are into water sports.”

Emily, who is a proud member of the Nepean Rowing Club, trains several times a week. She said despite the early morning starts, she’s loved everything about her rowing journey so far.

Story continues on » p. 86

NATHAN TAYLOR