Western Weekender July 5 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

Friday, July 5, 2019 • FREE

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RECYCLED WEDDING

Faced with the mammoth cost of planning a wedding, a St Marys couple has found an extraordinary way to fund their big day. Emily Feszczuk explains on page 3

GRUBS PUT ON NOTICE

NICOLA BARTON

Local police officers are warning enough is enough, sick of being assaulted just for doing their job. In the year to March 2019 there were 83 police assaults locally, which officers say is largely due to growing ice usage and the scourge of domestic violence. “Police officers deserve to go home to their families at

the end of every shift, no one should have to expect to come to work and be assaulted,” said Detective Inspector Steven Peroni. The shocking statistics come as more concerns are raised about safety issues at Nepean Hospital, with the Health Services Union declaring Paramedics and security staff are sick of being “treated like punching bags”. Read more on pages 6-7.

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

A love worth bottling

Meet the St Marys couple using old bottles and cans to fund their wedding day

eddings can be expensive, but a St Marys couple has found a unique way to cover the costs of their big day and help the environment at the same time. Nearly a year ago, Darren Auth took his girlfriend for a bushwalk in the mountains where he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. Ellie Toohill excitedly accepted, and the happy couple began planning their big day. To help cover the financial stress that usually comes with weddings, Mr Auth decided to collect cans and bottles to cash in at the State Government’s Return and Earn stations. “I used to crush aluminium cans then when I saw the 10 cent machines came in, I asked my fiancé if I should start collecting,” Mr Auth said. “I started picking them up and it accumulated over time. I sort them in the shed then fill the ute up and take it down nearly every week now.” Mr Auth’s project started spreading with people pitching in to help him reach his goal. “I now have mates who drink beer or

family and neighbours who let me stop by and grab their cans and bottles to chip in and help,” Mr Auth said. “They don’t really want to go down and recycle but they also don’t want their bins full, so we are recycling right and paying for the wedding.” The couple are committed to keep collecting and incredibly expect to cover the whole cost of their wedding, which is set for April next year. No matter where he goes, Mr Auth is on the lookout for cans and bottles, with every one contributing to the goal. “I go for walks or bike rides and I find them dumped on the street, in car parks, near train stations, fast food places and service station gardens,” Mr Auth said. “We have the TOMRA app to scan at the machine, which shows us how much we have made, and we are sitting on $6000 and before that we had around $2000, so we have already collected 80,000 bottles so far.” Mr Auth said it is a great initiative to keep the community clean and will continue recycling after his wedding to fund another project. If you want to help the couple reach their goal by donating your own cans or bottles, visit the ‘A Recycling Wedding Sydney’ page on Facebook.

St Marys couple Darren Auth and Ellie Toohill are collecting cans and bottles to help fund their wedding next year. Photo: Megan Dunn

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EMILY FESZCZUK

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255

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Chance to rise from the ashes I

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Journalist: Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Journalist: Nicola Barton | @nicolabarton123 Journalist: Emily Feszczuk | @emilyfeszczuk Photographer: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Chris Middleton, Kate Shaw To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production: Claire Catacouzinos, Ian Beard, Bonita Vasquez

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t only took about 24 hours for new State Labor Leader Jodi McKay to hit her first speed bump. It came via the way of some oldfashioned ‘gotcha journalism’ from The Daily Telegraph, which asked the former newsreader some key questions about the economy. Ms McKay clearly didn’t know the answers to the questions about GST revenue or the state’s unemployment rate, but she had a stab in the dark anyway – making the situation worse. In the long run it matters little and Ms McKay can surely be forgiven for not being across those figures on her first day in the job, though that honeymoon period won’t last for long. One of the issues that brought Michael Daley unstuck at the last election was his lack of detail on key economic issues, which came most into the spotlight during a debate in Penrith just days out from polling day. The new leader must ensure she distances herself from that ‘lack of detail’ tag as much as possible. Ms McKay’s first task is to unite the party and give Labor some much-needed relevance after Gladys Berejiklian’s decisive election victory in March. Luke Foley’s demise, Michael Daley’s election loss and an obsession with a stadium debate that was never as fierce as Labor made it out to be has taken the party well and truly off course. In addition, by the time the next State Election rolls around in 2023, many of the game- changing projects that the Coalition Government has championed will be complete. While plenty can happen in politics in the space of four years, there is every

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chance Gladys Berejiklian will be in the box seat to win yet another term in government. It makes Labor’s task to find the right message even more difficult. Another Federal Election will also be held before the next State poll and that could well help determine the eventual result, given the national picture is so often at the forefront of people’s minds at any election. There is little doubt that Ms McKay was the right choice to lead Labor over the next four years. So far, Chris Minns and his supporters appear to have accepted the result and wish to move forward, an important point given leadership instability is the last thing Labor needs. In her first statement after securing the leadership on Saturday night, Ms McKay said: “If I can leave one message to the people of NSW tonight – it is that you matter. Tomorrow – Labor, under my

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leadership, starts its journey in rebuilding faith and trust with you.” While they are carefully crafted words of public relations experts, they couldn’t be more accurate. We’re witnessing at the moment the Federal Labor Party almost in denial that the public overwhelmingly rejected their plans for the nation at the May election. Such an attitude is poison for Anthony Albanese who needs to somehow find a way to convince the public that Labor heard their message loud and clear at the ballot box. So far, he’s failing miserably. Ms McKay appears to have accepted Labor’s failings at the March election and is now tasked with developing a fresh approach that will keep the government honest and earn the public’s respect. With four year terms and most of the state’s attention on the federal political scene, an opposition party at state level can often be forgotten between elections. The hard work is done behind the scenes, work the public only sees in the months before election day. At the last election we saw that Labor simply didn’t do the hard work. They allowed Luke Foley to stay in power too long, despite knowing those allegations would eventually catch up with him. When Michael Daley finally took over, it was too late – he hadn’t done the four years of hard work and was never going to fool the public into thinking he had. There is much for Jodi McKay to do over the next four years, but for now the job is to focus on ensuring stability of her party and cutting out any cancers that still linger from the election loss. The work she does now will determine Labor’s fate in four years’ time.

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Business Directory.......62-65 Auto..................................................66 Sport .........................................67-72

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Issue 1409

Administration: Sarah Coates, Jennifer Zuleni

@troydodds

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Rules restrict birthday fun NICOLA BARTON

irthdays. What kid doesn’t love them? From presents and balloons to lollies and cake, there’s a lot to get excited about. Working full-time, Claremont Meadows mum Kimberley Lambert knew she would have to send her daughter to daycare for her birthday, but wanted to make sure it was as special as possible. Having always sent her older child to school with cupcakes and an alternative for kids with allergies, she had plans to do the same but was shocked to discover their local daycare centre had a ‘cake ban’. Understandable, she thought, and suggested she just take balloons, but they too were denied due to latex allergies. “I asked for alternative options of what I could bring in but it was all no’s because of allergies, they said I could bring in fruit but how would they know if I cross contaminated when cutting it up?” Ms Lambert said. “I find it odd because there’s so many rules for daycare but as soon as you send them to primary school, they don’t have the same.” It’s no secret the rules of daycare centres

have tightened over the years. What a couple of decades ago was filled with kids with no shoes on, eating peanut butter sandwiches is now a strict nut, dairy and unhealthy food free zone. Even household objects that were once popular craft items like egg cartons or toilet roles are strictly prohibited. As it stands, there are no requirements that specifically relate to nuts, dairy or craft materials in the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations or the National Quality Standard (NQS), although there are regulations and general obligations relating to health, hygiene and safe food practices. Individual services are responsible for determining how to implement these requirements. Managing Director of Ology, Karen Barnes, has worked in childcare compliance for years and said centres must uphold recommendations to ensure the safety of children. She noted that if these laws, regulations and recommendations aren’t upheld to a quality standard it can become a compliance issue, making centres liable. “Families and services as a part of the National Quality Framework are to work in partnership for the best interest of

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Ms Barnes said centres must make decisions that are accommodating to all needs. In this case, catering to kids with allergies but still celebrating birthdays. After all, we can’t ban kids from being kids.

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

Industrial action as hospital safety concerns grow deeper

Foot or leg pain is not normal in children

Health Services Union members met recently over safety concerns NICOLA BARTON

F WW36364

“Growing pains” is not a diagnosis. It is a generalised term to describe the pain. Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit a child’s walking, should be assessed by a professional.

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ollowing a string of assaults on security officers at Nepean Hospital, the Health Services Union (HSU) has endorsed industrial action from Paramedics and security officers. As the hospital security crisis deepens, the HSU is calling on the State Government to do more to ensure both patients and staff are safe. Just two weeks ago, another dangerous incident occurred at Nepean Hospital where two security officers had to restrain an aggressive patient. Last week a Paramedic was punched in the face. HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said a mass meeting of security officers and

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Paramedics held at Trades Hall in Sydney recently recommended Paramedics return patients to their ambulance if they feel the emergency department lacks appropriate security. The meeting also advocated for fourhour stoppages for security officers at hospitals across the state. Mr Hayes said “enough is enough”. “Our members are sick of being treated like punching bags,” he said. “Paramedics will now lock patients in their ambulance to keep them safe. This is a desperate situation. “We do not take this industrial action lightly, it really is a last resort. However, the Government has shown it is incapable of dealing with this hospital security crisis.”

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Shocking: One Nepean Police Area Command officer is assaulted every four days NICOLA BARTON

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Police are being assaulted at a frightening rate. Photo: Megan Dunn Another male police officer detailed his experiences to the Weekender. He no longer remembers how many times he’s been assaulted and even revealed a scar on his wrist where he was previously bitten. “People will threaten to kill your family or hurt your kids, but it’s social media now that has had a huge impact on the respect levels for police,” he said.

When officers are called out to a job, the first available officers will attend. Gender or size of the officer is never taken into consideration. Detective Inspector Steven Peroni said in most cases they are dealing with people on the worst day of their lives, and while they understand that, it also means the person has nothing to lose.

“This kind of behaviour is not tolerated,” he said. “Police officers deserve to go home to their families at the end of every shift, no one should have to expect to come to work and be assaulted.” On average, one Nepean Police Area Command officer is assaulted every four days.

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hey’re here to protect the community, but for a growing number of Penrith’s crime fighters, getting assaulted on the job is a scary reality. As the number of reported incidents rise, Penrith is stained with a bad reputation – with the community emerging as one of the state’s most dangerous beats. In the year to March 2019 there were 83 police assaults locally, which officers say is largely due to ice usage and domestic violence. A 29- year- old female officer bore the brunt of four separate assaults, one instance included being punched in the face by a large, intoxicated man. “I ran over to the big melee that was occurring and I was punched in the face pretty much straight away, it was from a grown man, I think as a female you don’t really expect that,” she told the Weekender. “Any priority job you go to, on the way it’s always in the back of your mind that this could go really badly, especially if someone is on ice.” She said family violence, alcohol, drugs and mental health are all of the big contributing factors to high risk jobs.

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

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Summer revamp Water park Wetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Wild Sydney is undergoing a major transformation and will be known as Raging Waters Sydney from this summer. Parques Reunidos, which purchased the park in 2018, will invest millions of dollars during this off season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest investment into the park since it originally opened in 2013. Highlighting the new era is a brand new, first- of- its- kind slide which will take riders on a thrilling 206- metre journey. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Whirlwindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will open in November 2019 and will be an addition to the action on Tower 1 that also features the popular H2Go Racers and 360 Rush. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are committed to investing in the future of the park through new attractions, infrastructure and services,â&#x20AC;? said Parques Reunidos CEO, Jose Diaz. In addition to the new name and ride, there will be new food outlets, revamped retail locations and more shade throughout the park.

History on show The Nepean District Historical Society will be holding its Annual Historical Festival and Open Day at the Arms of Australia Inn Museum on Sunday, July 21 at Emu Plains. The event runs from 9am to 3pm and admission is free. There will be special displays of railway equipment and there will also be several unique displays in the Inn. The NSW Corps of Marines will be at the festival and will be in charge of keeping law and order, helped by members of a Light Horse Regiment from Windsor. The Marines will have displays, drills and floggings of miscreants and re-enactments from the life and times of the early colony. The Arms of Australia Inn is on the corner of Great Western Highway and Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains. Call 4735 4394 for more information.

More new police officers will soon be on the beat in the local area. 11 new officers including one specialist child protection register officer will be joining the Nepean Police Area Command over the next 12 months to walk the beat and respond to emergencies in the local community.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government was delivering record investment to frontline services for schools and hospitals, as well as police and emergency services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to more local police, the NSW Police Force will boost the ranks of high-visibility teams, as well as specialist

crime- fighters devoted to strategic intelligence and cybercrime,â&#x20AC;? she said. Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said the new recruits would help make Penrith safer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am proud to welcome these men and women and wish them every success in their policing careers in the Penrith community,â&#x20AC;? he said.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

application may be inspected at the locations listed below DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG from 5 July 2019 to 2 August 2019.

The following development application has been received by Council:

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLOÂˇV UHIHUHQFH QXPEHU '$

â&#x20AC;˘ PGH Environmental Planning

DA18/1240

255â&#x20AC;&#x201C;265 High Street, Penrith Consolidation of 4 lots into 2 lots and remediation works Contact: Wendy Connell on 4732 7908

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

Closing Date: 5 August 2019.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION/S DETERMINED

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property.

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council. Details of these determinations are available for public inspection IUHH RI FKDUJH GXULQJ &RXQFLOÂˇV QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Application â&#x20AC;˘ Esq1818 Pty Ltd

DA18/1245

Lot 51 DP 1246141 (No. 2) Retreat Drive, Penrith Torrens title subdivision into 3 x allotments

Refused Development Application â&#x20AC;˘ Grant Robinson

DA19/0252

Lot 80 DP 2167 (No. 75) Castlereagh Street, Penrith Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey boarding house containing 12 boarding rooms and at grade car parking

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS Penrith City Council has received a Development Applications in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for this development application is Penrith City Council. â&#x20AC;˘ CWA Developments Pty Ltd C/- North Western Surveys Pty Ltd

DA19/0408

Lot 1 DP 1036562 (Nos. 44â&#x20AC;&#x201C;78) Hickeys Road, Penrith Subdivision to create 5 lots The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rural Fires Act 1997 Department of Planning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Water Management Act 2000 Sections 89, 90 & 91. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject

In accordance with Section 2.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the development application will be referred to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel (SWCPP) for determination. â&#x20AC;˘ Principal Healthcare Finance Pty Ltd

DA19/0419

Lot 1 DP 825553 (Nos. 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7 Floribunda Avenue, Glenmore Park Proposed demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey residential aged care facility including 142 beds, at-grade car parking, earthworks and landscaping The proposal is an Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In this regard, the application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG from 5 July 2019 to 5 August 2019. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLOÂˇV UHIHUHQFH QXPEHU '$ For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Ian Dencker on 4732 8369. Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on &RXQFLOÂˇV '$ 7UDFNHU YLD penrith.city/DATracker $OWHUQDWLYHO\ WKH DSSOLFDWLRQV FDQ EH YLHZHG GXULQJ &RXQFLOÂˇV normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLOÂˇV 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrith.city

penrith.city

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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the official cash rate to 1.0 per cent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its second interest rate cut in as many months. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first time the RBA has cut rates in two consecutive months in almost a decade. Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cut â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first change to the cash rate in almost three years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was perhaps too small to make the desired impact. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The objective is to lower unemployment, boost wage growth and push inflation back to target. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that one cut isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frankly, two cuts might not be either, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a step in the right direction and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great news for homeowners. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two down and maybe one or two more to go.â&#x20AC;? On an average mortgage, if your bank passes on both rate cuts in full â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is a 50 basis point reduction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you could be saving almost $42,000 over 30 years. ANZ quickly announced they would pass on the full interest rate cut within hours of the RBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement. The RBA will meet again next month to consider another cut.

New police officers will help make Penrith safer

the western weekender Âť Friday, July 5, 2019

Rates cut again

hether it be a history lesson or a life lesson, your child is bound to learn something from seeing live theatre. Exploring resilience, transformation and joy, Q Theatre’s adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Ugly Duckling’, showing at The Joan in the July school holidays, is a celebration of difference and is perfect for the whole family. Combining circus, dance, music and physical theatre; there are many things parents and children can expect from ‘The Ugliest Duckling’. Finding their way through the world, starting from spring and ending in winter, three little ducklings will learn how to swim, fly and make friends, taking inspiration from common milestones that young people experience and drawing on those important moments in a young person’s life. ‘The Ugliest Duckling’ is a story that resonates strongly with humankind,

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

There’s been plenty of talk about the TV Week Logie Awards this week, but we’re backing the very funny Tom Gleeson. It’s time the whole ceremony and concept was overhauled, and Gleeson may ultimately be the man who makes the change happen.

my Penrith

embracing resilience, empathy, joy and equality – values that move across the boundaries of age. Full of small tender moments and big pictures, it’s a special little world this show is creating, and you should definitely head along. It’s a great chance to introduce your kids to the world of live theatre. For more information and to book tickets for a performance during the holidays, visit www.thejoan.com.au. The Weekender has two family passes to ‘The Ugliest Duckling’ at the Q Theatre to give away. For your chance to win one, email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Duckling’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Monday, July 8 and winners will be notified by email. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/19/04131. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or from Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners Members of the Penrith Paceway have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and The Western Weekender. Club members can pick up a free specially numbered bumper sticker from the Paceway, 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 Paceway 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: 0092, 0100, 0189.

Dose of Dorin Ethan McSweeny Cranebrook

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Downtown Brooklyn. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE? Nadia’s Cafe. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK? Panthers. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The walking trail at Nepean River. FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR? Nepean River. WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? Everything in Penrith is so close together. One moment you can be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Westfield and the next you can be in a peaceful area like The Rock Lookout.

Want to be part of My Penrith? Email your answers and picture to news@westernweekender.com.au.

Connect with us online... facebook.com/westernweekender

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Smokers still lighting up Nepean Hospital’s smoking rules under fire as visitors continue to ignore the law EMILY FESZCZUK

ocal residents say they are fed up that people are blatantly ignoring the smoke-free laws at Nepean Hospital, with plenty of people ignoring the warnings and lighting up regardless. Penrith resident Terry Lewis has been visiting the hospital multiple times a day for the last few weeks while his mother-inlaw is a patient. He soon realised that people were not following the no-smoking rules. “Right on the edge of the hospital there won’t be just one smoker but 30, which the hospital says they are allowed to do because they don’t want them on the grounds, however parking is so expensive I have to walk from down the street through it,” Mr Lewis told the Weekender. “Then when you get to the hospital entrance there are patients and visitors still smoking right next to all the signs informing us it isn’t permitted.” The Smoke- free Environment Act 2000 bans smoking within four metres of a pedestrian entrance or exit from a public building in NSW. Those caught smoking on the hospital grounds can face fines up to $300, yet Mr Lewis believes nothing is being done to enforce such penalties.

Smoking laws are being ignored at Nepean Hospital “If you go anywhere in the state, whether it be a Westfield or licensed premises, there is no smoking or allocated areas which I avoid so I don’t understand why this isn’t the same as it’s the law,” he said. “I shouldn’t have to suffer from passive smoking especially at a hospital with people breaking the law. If you are not willing to enforce the rule, then there was no point making it.” A Nepean Hospital spokesperson said

they had authorised officers to issue infringements for law breakers but, upon closer inspection, it seems the officers are staff who have not given out any fines. “Staff nominate themselves to become an authorised officer and complete special training to hand out an official caution or penalty infringement notice,” the spokesperson said. “These staff issue, on average, more than 40 official cautions per month.”

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Mr Lewis said if they are not going to give out fines, they need to find an alternate option. “They have a rule that isn’t being followed so perhaps an allocated area for smokers is the answer, so they have a designated area that doesn’t impact other visitors,” Mr Lewis said. “Anywhere that isn’t a walkway such as the open-air courtyards inside the hospital, but something needs to be done.”

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JASON MORRISON History tells the planning story U

ntil further notice, don’t believe a word said by any politician who utters the word “Aerotropolis”. Another warning alarm needs to sound when they tell you that they are “building a city the size of Adelaide” to complement Badgerys Creek airport. Everywhere that’s not built on west of the M7 between Penrith and Camden is being pitched as a new satellite city. Surely they are not serious. Adelaide is a city of 1.3 million people. “Building a city” implies more than just flogging off the land, sticking in some roads and schools, then moving the population in. A city the size of Adelaide would add huge demand on our existing bursting utilities network, including power, water, and gas. Sydney’s water infrastructure struggles already. No substantive rain for 12 months and we are on water restrictions with no plans for an additional dam.

“The Greater West has been punished enough over the years by bad government decisions”

Warragamba with a higher wall is the basic plan. An extension to the 1950s design. A modern city with a population the size of Adelaide needs a hell of a lot of electricity. Other than some hobby projects like wind and solar farms, there are no real plans for any additional and reliable base load power generation. Putting solar panels on rooftops is a nice idea but it certainly doesn’t do the heavy lifting. If history is a guide, major roads to the ‘new city’ will be over-run and probably obsolete before they are completed. Two lanes in each direction is typical NSW – and does not equal planning. A ‘city the size of Adelaide’, home to 1.3 million, should surely have to have a new major hospital – if not several. There are plans for medical clinics, tucked into the Aerotropolis project – but no new major hospital anywhere planned for the region.

The nearest specialist Children’s Hospital would be an hour away under lights and sirens. If you think Nepean, Campbelltown, and Liverpool hospitals are chockers already – add 1.3 million potential patients and join the end of the queue. Long term planning has never been a strong point of governments in NSW – and it has nothing to do with their political persuasion. There is something structurally wrong in the way we plan for things in the greater Sydney metropolitan area. Perhaps it would make a bit of sense for the planning bureaucrats to live it a bit before they start drawing lines on maps and guessing how many and who can live where. The Greater West has been punished enough over the years by bad government decisions. Let’s not add to the problem. Jason Morrison is the News Director at 7NEWS Sydney.

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Fighting for Kingswood Long-time residents fear suburb has become a social housing ‘dumping ground’ ALENA HIGGINS

enrith City Council is set to meet with the NSW Planning Minister later this month to discuss ongoing concerns around zoning and boarding houses in the local area, particularly in Kingswood. Council has refused to deny or confirm whether it plans to rezone Kingswood back to R2 in a bid to stem the development of boarding houses in the area. There are unconfirmed claims it won’t re-zone the suburb from R3 (high density) back to R2 (medium density) because of concerns it might negatively affect property prices. Frustrated locals have vowed not to back down against the swell of opportunistic development which they claim is turning Kingswood into a “dumping ground” for social housing. Long time resident Wendy Spinks said not to rezone on a financial basis was “a load of garbage”. “Council is already allowing the developers to destroy property values,” she said. “Developers should not be able to destroy an area because of stupid policies someone wrote.” Mayor Ross Fowler confirmed a meet-

Kingswood residents Wendy Spinks and Vince Montgomery are concerned the suburb is being destroyed by boarding houses ing between himself and NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes, to discuss the proliferation and clustering of boarding houses, was scheduled to take place this month. He acknowledged “down- zoning could logically impact the value of properties”, and people who recently bought into the suburb could be negatively affected. He said Council needed to be “very cognizant” that down- zoning “could

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create more problems than it solves” and suggested other alternatives. “A better way to go would be to try to tighten the rules and regulations and to put forward an argument to limit the number [of boarding houses] that can be approved in one vicinity,” he said. Cr Fowler said he “sympathises” with aggrieved residents and noted there had been a tightening of approvals recently.

“I don’t know how many of them (boarding houses) are actually in the pipeline at the moment, but I do know a number of them have been refused,” he said. A Council spokesperson told the Weekender: “Council is in regular communication with NSW Planning department and continues to raise the community’s concerns around zoning and the affordable housing SEPP.”

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

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Former cosmetic surgeon wants matters dismissed

Former Emu Plains cosmetic surgeon Leslie Blackstock will face court this month accused of conducting a private health facility and performing treatments without a licence, but he will try to have the matters dismissed on mental health grounds, Penrith Local Court has heard. The controversial doctor is charged with eight counts each of ‘director/manager contravenes where corporation breaches’ and ‘conduct a private health facility without licence’. Blackstock, 59, is accused of providing eight breast augmentations and two labiaplasties between April 12 and September 7, 2017 while knowingly contravening the Private Health Facilities Act 2007. The surgeries were performed at the now abandoned Enhance Clinic, situated in Emu Plains. His lawyers fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday and sought a date for a Section 33 hearing, where they will argue Blackstock should be diverted from the criminal justice system and avoid convictions on mental health grounds. The accused, who now resides in Bonogin, near the Gold Coast, must attend the proceedings after Magistrate Brian van Zuylen refused an application by his lawyer to excuse him. In response to his lawyer’s submissions that he would be “hounded by media representatives” and travelling to NSW “heightens” the “anxieties and symptoms” of his alleged major depressive disorder, Magistrate van Zuylen pointed out he has never attended court since the matter was first listed in January. “They are hounding him in Queensland where he lives,” his lawyer was forced to clarify, adding it was anticipated there would be strong media interest seeing as the alleged offences occurred in Emu Plains. “No, I’m not prepared to excuse him, these are extremely serious charges,” Magistrate van Zuylen concluded.

Blackstock, who is not on bail, has pleaded not guilty to all 16 charges and his matter is already fixed for a one-anda-half day hearing on July 24 and 25. However, this will be vacated if his Section 33 application, set down for July 19, is successful.

Car park bashing case returns to court

The five men accused of brutally bashing a young father in a Penrith car park earlier this year must indicate how they intend to plead when they next face court. Milgate brothers Wendell, 20, Blake, 22, and Mitchell, 19, along with Byron Donovan, 19, and Dean Hooper, 22, fronted Penrith Local Court last Friday where their matters were adjourned for a case conference between their lawyers and the prosecution. During a case conference, prosecutors indicate which offences they intend to rely on in the event the matter goes to trial. It also helps the accused decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty and to discuss any plea offers made. Following their respective case conferences, all five must indicate how they intend to plead when they next appear before Penrith Local Court on August 23. The group is accused of setting upon Shannan Rushworth and Tyson Gampe in a Mulgoa Road car park in the earlier hours of February 3. Mr Rushworth was left with bleeding to the brain after his head was allegedly stomped on. All five are now on bail, with Wendell Milgate and Donovan, who face the most serious charges, granted Supreme Court bail in April and March respectively.

Investigations continue into Corrections Officer

Further charges are expected to be laid against a former Berkshire Park Corrective Services Officer accused of ongoing sexual abuse of female inmates.

Wayne Gregory Astill, 62, was arrested and charged in February with indecently assaulting two prisoners at Dillwynia Women’s Correctional Centre between October 2016 and September 2017. The charges involve six counts of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent against a 40-year-old woman and two attempts to kiss another. Last Friday, the Crown prosecutor requested more time to file the brief of evidence, revealing there were five more complainants who need to be spoken to. The former senior Corrective Services Officer, who is currently on strict bail, did not appear at Penrith Local Court when his matter was mentioned. He was also excused from attending on the next occasion, August 9, if legally represented.

Woman caught with drugs at Sydney music event

A 22-year-old caught with ecstasy pills has been slapped with a criminal conviction after a Magistrate determined she shouldn’t go unpunished. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen told Jessica McIvor he did so “bearing in mind” the “enormous publicity” surrounding festival drug taking and the fact the “community is sick of it”. He acknowledged the offender was extremely remorseful and being strip searched would have been “very distressing” but noted her embarrassment was “voluntarily inflicted on yourself by your actions”. He said there had been “months and years” of publicity surrounding drug overdoses. “People die taking them, it’s rare but it happens,” he said. The court heard the first-time offender was at Touch Bass at the Hordern Pavilion on April 21 when she was detected by sniffer dogs conducting patrols at the entry. When police asked her if she was carrying any drugs, she admitted she was,

pulling three capsules from her bra. She was convicted of ‘possess prohibited drug’ and fined $800.

Bottle of wine causes drama the morning after

A woman has been ordered off the road for three months after pleading guilty to drink driving. The mother-of-two fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with mid-range drink driving. The court heard the 41-year-old had consumed a bottle of wine the night before and was pinged at an RBT at St Marys about 8.40am the next morning on her way to work, blowing 0.117 Her lawyer told the court “it didn’t even cross her mind that she was over the limit” and noted it was the offender’s first time before the court. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen conceded she had a good driving record but wasn’t prepared to dish out a non-conviction given she was well over double the legal limit. She was convicted, fined $400 and ordered to enter the mandatory interlock program for 12 months.

Repeat drink-driver fined and ordered off the road

Geoffrey Allan Harris has been stripped of his licence for three months after he was busted driving home from the pub. Harris appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with midrange drink driving. The court heard the offender had driven to his local tavern on his way home from work but decided to get behind the wheel rather than walk the short distance home, as he normally would, when he got into an argument with another patron. Referring to his lengthy traffic record, which includes two prior low-range drink driving offences, Magistrate Brian van Zuylen was stinging. He was convicted, fined $1,500 and ordered to enter the mandatory alcohol interlock program for 12 months.

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Police Snapshot Jamisontown: Trio escape with cash after robbing pizza shop

Investigations are continuing following an armed robbery at a pizza restaurant on Batt Street, Jamisontown. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in relation to three persons of interest who at about 8.05pm on Sunday, June 30 entered the premises, demanding cash. The two male offenders, who had their faces covered, were armed with a baseball bat and a knife. The other offender, a female, was unarmed and wore glasses. Upon entry the three threatened the store manager and directed him at knifepoint to open the safe. Once he advised that he was unable to do so, he was directed to open a cash drawer. The offenders removed an amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a small silver hatchback. Police were called and a crime scene was established. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Penrith: Staff restrain man who tried to rob bicycle shop

A man has been charged after threatening staff with a knife at a bicycle store on Henry Street, Penrith. Police were called to the premises on Monday, July 1 after reports that a man had threatened staff with a knife. Officers from Nepean Police Area Command attended to find a 34-year-old man being restrained by staff. It is alleged that he attempted to steal products before wielding a knife towards employees. The man was arrested and conveyed to Nepean Police Station where he was charged with ‘larceny’ and ‘use weapon to avoid apprehension’. Police confirmed that no one was injured during the incident.

Colyton: Neighbourhood dispute turns violent

A dispute has led to the arrest of a man

after he assaulted his female neighbour and threw homemade projectiles at her home. Over the past few months the relationship between the Colyton neighbours has deteriorated. On Friday, June 28 at 5pm the male assaulted his female neighbour, which caused an ongoing verbal exchange. Later that day at about 10pm a number of projectiles were fired at the woman’s residence. Police were called to the scene after neighbours thought shots had been fired. Investigations commenced and a search warrant was executed which led to the discovery of home made items capable of firing projectiles and a replica firearm. These items are now subject to further ballistic examination. The 32- year- old man was arrested and charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday, July 10.

Warragamba: Man charged after bizarre street rant

A 44- year- old man has been charged with ‘assault’ and ‘malicious damage’ after he was asked to stop yelling obscenities near children. On Saturday, June 29 at 9.45am a man seated on the veranda of his home on Weir Road, Warragamba heard someone yelling and swearing in the street. Upon asking him to stop, due to the presence of children, the offender objected and began yelling at female bystanders. The offender then removed a shovel from the victim’s truck and threatened to assault him with it before damaging the vehicle and walking away. Police were notified and located the man the following day where he was arrested and charged with ‘common assault’ and ‘reckless damage of property’. He was bail refused to appear at Penrith Local Court earlier this week.

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Banking mess rolls on The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry has reared its ugly head again, potentially at the expense of mortgage brokers once more. The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has this week implemented its new Banking Code in response to the Commission, the result of which has been a number of professional indemnity insurers refusing to insure mortgage brokers who write loans pursuant to the Code. This is because the new Code requires mortgage brokers across the country to be extra- vigilant in relation to potentially vulnerable customers. A nice idea, until you learn what constitutes a potentially vulnerable customer and the conclusions a broker is now supposed to be able to reach with zero qualifications to do so. The Code requires that mortgage brokers identify customers who may be subject to any of the following, and make a determination as to whether or not the said affliction impacts their ability to borrow: Age-related impairment; Elder abuse; Financial abuse; Cognitive impairment; Mental ill-health; Domestic violence; Serious illness; Addictions such as problem gambling. In other words, mortgage brokers are now required to exercise the kind of discretion usually reserved for psychiatrists, psychologists, medical doctors and counsellors – all of whom undertake years of training and education to be able to identify risk factors associated with the above vulnerable persons.

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has taken legal advice, the effect of which is that brokers’ the nation across have been advised to adopt a holding pattern in relation to new business (i.e. stop submitting applications) while it executes urgent talks with the ABA to try to reach a more practical arrangement. If loan applications written pursuant to the new Code are not insured, mortgage broking businesses are at incredible legal risk if something goes wrong. For example, if a perfectly ethical mortgage broker fails to identify a cue that an applicant could be, for example, suffering financial abuse or the victim of domestic violence, and that person subsequently defaults on their loan, the broker could arguably be found liable. The MFAA are calling for the inclusion of “best endeavours” provisions in the Code, whereby brokers are required to identify risk factors, if they are able to do so, using their best endeavours – but not be found liable if they fail to do so through no fault of their own. This is a perfectly reasonable proposition given that most problem gamblers, victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable persons are often not particularly forthcoming with such information. Society and industry must absolutely support vulnerable members of our community, but surely it is not the territory of the humble mortgage broker to be an expert in human behaviour? Unsurprisingly, banks are continuing to write business. Did someone say monopoly?

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

Head start on Christmas spirit NICOLA BARTON

t won’t be long until Christmas decorations start popping up in department stores again, but for some families this just becomes a reminder of what they can’t have. When Glenmore Park resident Whitney Keir was putting up her old tree last year, she decided it was time to get a new one. In the following week a huge storm hit, which was the lightbulb moment for her new charity, Tree Angels. “I just looked at my husband and thought wow we are so lucky to be inside and dry and it made me think about how many people are out there with nothing and how hard that must be, especially at Christmas time,” she said. “It must be so hard for them and their kids to go to the shops and see all of the toys and decorations everywhere so I thought what can we do and that’s how it was all born.” Putting out calls on Facebook, Ms Keir collects and sorts donated Christmas decorations to be distributed to struggling families. Each themed kit includes a tree, decorations, tinsel, a star or angel, garden signs

and even Christmas themed crockery. So far she has managed to make up four packs but hopes there’s more to come as Christmas approaches this year. “Some of my best memories as a kid are putting the tree up and arguing over who puts up what decoration with my brother, it’s a real family bonding opportunity,” Ms Keir said. “Sometimes parents have a little money saved up to buy a gift, but to have a tree to wrap it up and put it under just makes the whole experience better.” Whilst Tree Angels’ purpose is to spread the Christmas spirit to the less fortunate, it also focuses on preventing decorations from going into landfill. “I just thought it could also keep a lot of the stuff out of rubbish bins, when you’ve got old stuff you don’t want anymore, you can’t sell it and it just ends up in the bin,” Ms Keir said. Ms Keir encourages locals to consider having a clean- out and gifting their old decorations to a new home, giving a special gift this Christmas. All made up kits will be distributed to families through local crisis services. For more information or to donate, message the Tree Angels Facebook Group at https://bit.ly/300fc3G.

Whitney Keir is helping to spread Christmas cheer to local families. Photo: Megan Dunn

BIG 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY SALE Get down to Goldmine Jewellers Penrith from June 2019 until the end of the year. We have large selection of new gold & diamond jewellery. These special pieces are a MUST HAVE for your collection as an investment piece.

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Going dry to raise funds Nepean Cancer Care Centre to benefit from fundraising efforts during Dry July EMILY FESZCZUK

ark and Emma Mills, from Glenmore Park, know the heartache of losing loved ones from cancer. Now they are teaming up with the staff of their Springwood café to participate in Dry July. The couple has been fundraising for cancer charities since 2015 when the disease affected their lives forever. “My wife’s mother beat breast cancer then a few years later she found out she had bone cancer. During that time her stepfather was made aware he had stage four lung cancer,” Mr Mills said. “They passed away within three months of each other and neither of them were able to attend our wedding.” While navigating their first year of running their own business, the Butternut Café, they decided to create a team to raise money. “Our business partner Lisa had a similar thing with her own dad beating cancer so we thought we would put it out there for such a good cause and raise as much money as we can for cancer,” Mr Mills said. “Most of our team members knew someone or have had someone affected by cancer.”

Mark Mills, Lisa Cruickshank and Emma Mills are raising money as part of Dry July. Photo: Megan Dunn The team for the whole month of July will be giving up alcohol along with donating all tips from the café to go towards their fundraising. “As a team we wanted to raise money for Nepean Cancer Care Centre who have

helped so many through treatments,” Mr Mills said. “All of us are raising money then the tips should add up to help a little. In the future we want to do all events to help fight cancer but this is our first all together so

it’s pretty special and we have a great team at the cafe.” The Butternut Café team are aiming to raise $2500. Give them a visit or head to www.dryjuly.com/teams/butternut-cafe to donate.

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

Friendly support on offer Online group helps women through common but misunderstood health issues EMILY FESZCZUK

ne in 10 women in Australia deal with endometriosis daily. With no local support groups, two women have started an online group to help women deal with reproductive issues. Alyse Robinson from Cranebrook suffers from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), dealing with the pain daily. Her friend, Hayley Townsend from Penrith, was diagnosed with endometriosis over 10 years ago and has had around six surgeries to deal with the condition and infertility issues it causes. The two women saw a need to help others dealing with their silent struggles. “Hayley and I really wanted to help other women like us and their families while spreading awareness and education about these conditions. We wanted to provide a safe place for sufferers and their female family members to vent, ask questions, and gain support in a community- like atmosphere,” Ms Robinson said. “A lot of us suffer from mental health issues as a result of these conditions and we just wanted to offer somewhere that these women could feel at home and feel comfortable to talk to others just like them in a judgement free zone.”

Hayley Townsend and Alyse Robinson have started an online support group for women confronting health issues The women hope the group will give others a shared safe space to gain information and support for what they are going through. “We are hoping we will be able to create a community full of women who support

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Ms Robinson and Ms Townsend encourage all women experiencing these issues to join the group to feel that they are not alone. Visit their ‘Women Supporting Women’ group on Facebook.

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

Vaccination issue I’m amazed at Siana Sangar’s claim that a doctor tried to vaccinate her unwell child (Why I won’t vaccinate, Weekender June 28). My grown children were all vaccinated, and every vaccination was prefaced with a temperature check, as are my grandchildren’s shots, and my flu shots. If you are unwell they won’t give them. Not vaccinating is how diseases which have been eradicated, gain ground again. If I were a young parent now, I would be very unhappy to have any unvaccinated children playing with mine. I thought they couldn’t go to pre-school or school unvaccinated. JAN HEATON, COLYTON

Magistrates going soft

Established 1993

each other who are experiencing the same issues as them,” Ms Townsend said. “We would also love to be able to provide the members with a list of specialist doctors that come highly recommended that specialise in these areas.”

In a recent Weekender, Daniel McKinnon wrote that “drink driving is considered a serious offence in NSW....” (Legal Matters, Weekender June 21). Perhaps he should peruse the sad and telling history of sentences and penalties handed out by what seem to be our bunch of soft hearted, touchy feely judges and magistrates before repeating those comments. Minor fines, a few hours community service, three or six months licence suspension and so on seem to be the norm, often preceded by a “stern talking to” and comments on the severity of the offences sometimes followed by a list of reasons, if the judiciary feels

like it, why the usually-often repeat offender is slapped with a feather. Sorry but the community expects more of its magistrates than “naughty boy, go away and don’t do it again”. COLIN HADDEN, EMU PLAINS

Question of priorities Go into any emergency section of any hospital on most days or nights and you will see good and very patient citizens, most in agony, waiting for hours to be seen by medical staff. Then there are those undesirable members of society who willingly break the law, injure themselves, and sometimes others, and are then transported to the nearest hospital and taken straight in to be seen and attended to by medical staff. The ultimate insult to honest law abiding citizens. They say only the good die young, but in Australia it seems only the bad get priority. The good must wait. The recent assault to security, ambulance, and police by an intoxicated restaurant patron (Weekender June 28) who on his own account fell head first onto the concrete floor and his subsequent spitting at ambulance and police officers who tried to help him shows a case in point. He was immediately taken to Nepean Hospital where I can only assume he was allocated medical attention without the usual hourly wait in Emergency. WILLIAM GRIFFITH, ST MARYS

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

the western weekender Â» Friday, July 5, 2019

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

Life on her own terms Gretta Serov is using a new blog to inspire others in the disability community EMILY FESZCZUK

retta Serov doesn’t let Cerebral Palsy stop her from doing anything that she wants to do in life. The 28- year- old writer shares stories of inspiration and how to navigate the world with a disability in her blog ‘On Our Own Tracks’. Ms Serov has many passions and was inspired to add to these by exploring the hidden parts of society including the disability sector after losing a loved one. “I am a writer, trainer and presenter for the two disability agencies, Hireup and Northcott, and am also about to start my own business doing motivational speaking,” Ms Serov said. “I was coming out of a very dark time after losing someone very close to me to suicide, so I wanted a way to help people. The idea came about so I could use the skills I had as well as the amazing support network around me for good.” Ms Serov is herself an incredible inspiration. Not being able to speak, walk or have fine motor skills, she still completed university, holds multiple jobs and is still living her life to the fullest. She’s never known any different, and is simply making the most of life.

“There is basically a mix up in the movement part of my brain when it tells my muscles to do something, but I don’t mind it because I was born with it,” Ms Serov said. “It will not stop me doing anything wild that I love to do like skiing, horse riding or indoor sky diving at iFly.” Ms Serov told the Weekender that she is grateful for the opportunities she has had and wants other people with disabilities to be able to achieve everything that they want. “I feel extremely lucky to have grown up around this area,” she said. “I have had the opportunities to mix with the mainstream community, been in a mainstream classroom setting all my life and have had amazing people around me.” Ms Serov is hoping the community gets behind her blog. “People should read the blog because it is a place for support and for others to learn a little more about disability awareness,” she said. Ms Serov is encouraging people who want to share their own stories and gain support to come to a meet- up at Penrith City Library on Sunday, July 14 at 12pm. For more information visit www. onourowntracks.com.

Gretta Serov is inspiring others in the community. Photo: Melinda Jane

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Last week I had the pleasure of attending the launch night of the Digital (DiG) Space Mentorship and Residency Program’s third round project, the NepeanRIVR360. This project offers a unique and engaging digital artwork that explores the beautiful Nepean River though an immersive experience. The filmmakers have used 360-degree techniques to capture its natural beauty and social connectivity to our people and our city. Under the mentorship of Andy Nehl, the team consisting of Pamela Maldonado, Tim Hans and Sean Botha brought the sights and sounds of the river to life by capturing social moments on and off the water, set to an original music score composed by using its very own natural sounds. The DiG Space Mentorship and Residency Program focuses on creative and professional development, providing a bridge between completing relevant arts/creative education at Diploma/Degree levels and working

in creative industries. The program’s objective is to assist emerging western Sydney digital artists and designers to develop their practice and profile in the industry. Penrith Council through its Community and Cultural Development department is driving the development of the creative industries in western Sydney with this innovative program along with the support of its alliance with Western Sydney University, TAFE NSW and Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA). The project is funded through Create NSW’s Maker Space Program. More than ever before creativity is being embraced by individuals, society and employers. We are delighted to be leading this pilot mentorship and professional development program that has potential to form a fantastic model for the future development of our creative industries. I would like to congratulate the team.

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Plan & Prosper If it is important to you it is important. • Ge ng the keys to your first house • The holiday you’ve always dreamed about • Enrolling your kids in the best school • The re rement you deserve • That sports car • The li le weekender on the coast • Regular date night Good things happen when you plan for them! Financial planning helps you allocate your income and assets to achieve the things you think are important.

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star ng a career or being made redundant, saving for you children’s educa on or buying a first home, even star ng a family all have financial planning consequences.. Proper financial advice surrounding taxa on, social security and insurance at these mes will help you achieve your goals. In many ways the most important role of the planner is iden fying what you would like to achieve, and focus on the specifics of those goals. Most people have a vague idea of some financial goals, and may even have thought of some of the specifics, but have never verbalised them to anyone. A good planner will work with you to iden fy exactly what you would like to achieve, whether it be the big things like re rement or buying your first home or more lifestyle financial goals like planning for an annual holiday. Then together map out a plan to achieve it financially.

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

Council switches to LED as part of street light overhaul ALENA HIGGINS

ore than 6,500 street lights are set to be replaced with energyefficient LEDs in a move that’s tipped to save Penrith Council a whopping $459,000 a year. Not only will the new light bulbs reduce kilowatt hours by 2,221,330 per annum and green house gas emissions by 2,044 tonnes per year, but they could even boost your Wi-Fi signal, following an interesting suggestion by Councillor John Thain. Cr Thain has requested Council investigate a new innovation known as ‘Li-Fi’, which is a wireless communication technology similar to Wi-Fi that utilises light to transmit data at high speeds between devices. Cr Thain said while people would still require a main router, Li- Fi through street lighting would prevent the need for boosters, instead delivering more consistent Wi- Fi signals regardless of whether you are in close proximity to the router or not. He said it made sense to look into the technology to see whether if was practical and something Penrith Council could do. “It just seems likes a really interesting concept and I thought it was worth exploring,” he told the Weekender, adding he believes Telstra and a few

other companies were already on the case. “LED lighting is becoming more prolific and it kind of makes sense if we are going to be lighting the city, and most of it is LED lighting, that it’s something we look at.” Councillors unanimously approved the Accelerated Public Lighting Program during last month’s Ordinary meeting. Under the scheme, which is set to commence in the second half of the year and conclude in June 2020, 6,530 existing mercury vapour fittings will be replaced with energy-efficient 14wLEDs at a cost of $2,285,500, paid to Endeavour Energy. Council will contribute $1,847,990 from its Revolving Sustainability Fund with the remaining project costs of $437,510 to be funded through the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. After the four- year payback period, Council will save $433,159 in energy charges and $25,843 in maintenance costs per year. The lights will also improve community security with brighter and higher quality output to improve safety standards across the region. In 2015, Council upgraded 2,076 street lights across the Penrith LGA with LED fittings. Currently, Penrith has 19,751 street lights.

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the western weekender Âť Friday, July 5, 2019

Writing captures spirit of ANZACs EMILY FESZCZUK

NZAC Day is very special to Georgie Simmons. The 12-year-old student from Castlereagh Public School has just won an RSL ANZAC Day writing competition. Georgie entered the writing competition where NSW students from Years 3-6 must explain why the day was so special to them. Georgieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher, Jenelle Catalogna, explained to the Weekender the unique approach she took. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The piece of writing starts out as a descriptive narrative straight out of the battle fields,â&#x20AC;? Ms Catalogna said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The writing then flips to modern day, where Georgie gives the facts about her family and explains why ANZAC Day is special to her.â&#x20AC;? Georgie combined her love for writing and facts about her great grandfather, George Norkaitis, who fought in World War I, for her piece, which earned enormous praise from the judges. She was awarded the ANZAC Schools Initiative Medal for Excellence by the Director and Treasurer of the Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Club.

Georgie said she was over the moon when she was told that she had won the special prize. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I found out that I had won the competition I was extremely ecstatic,â&#x20AC;? Georgie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like imagining dialogues between different people from different TV shows, movies or books. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Minecraftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with words, you can create your own characters in your own world.â&#x20AC;? Ms Catalogna said the talented student is settling in well after only starting at Castlereagh at the start of the year and hopes to see great things in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Georgie is an avid reader, who reads three to five novels a week, immersing herself within a book whenever she gets the opportunity to do so,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our librarian finds it hard to keep up with her at times.â&#x20AC;? And Georgieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent win is only the beginning of her writing journey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have nominated her to attend the Writers in the Environment Camp 2019 at Brewongle Environmental Education Centre later in the year as well,â&#x20AC;? Ms Catalogna said. Along with the prestigious medal, Georgie was awarded a DVD player for her efforts.

Georgie Simmons was presented with her medal last week

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The simple gesture that is making a massive difference to kids at Nepean Hospital EMILY FESZCZUK

- shirts with special superpowers are helping sick kids in Nepean Hospital fight their biggest battles. Jason Sotiris designed the ‘Supertee’ with his friend Yusuf Muklis after his three- year- old daughter was diagnosed with Leukaemia. The kid - friendly bright superhero themed t-shirts are x-ray and MRI friendly. They also have press studs along the sides so nurses can easily undertake checks multiple times a day without having to undress the children while easily allowing for treatment tubes. Harry Elvin, Secretary of the Lions Pride Holden Car Club, told the Weekender their club was happy to use their fundraising to support such a worthy cause. “Jason was invited to address one of our meetings to explain the whole concept of the t-shirts,” Mr Elvin said. “We bought 10 initially and presented them in the children’s ward at Nepean Hospital in January, where they were quickly gobbled up and the need for more was obvious.” The club then approached 40 businesses, asking for donations to purchase more. They managed to collect funds to buy a

Harry Elvin presenting donations at Nepean Hospital further 60 shirts with the majority going to Nepean Hospital, which they are hoping to present soon. “It is such a touching idea and we had a great reaction from our sponsors making multiple donations,” Mr Elvin said. “We try to support local stuff with our

charity funds, so we thought it was perfect for the local hospital to help these kids in need.” Mr Elvin said they could see the benefits to the kids involved and what the shirts achieve. For $45 the public can also purchase a

Supertee to be donated to a sick child. The shirts come in a presentation tin, along with stickers and a comic and are given to the kids as a treat to help them in their treatment and encourage their continued heroism. For more information, visit www.supertee.com.au.

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2 Part-time positions (2 days per week each) This is a unique opportunity to be part of our team of award winning business advisors, providing Government funded advice and support to existing and prospective NDIS Providers across the Western Sydney region. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual, who is passionate about helping small businesses, is innovative and thinks differently when dealing with our clients and work as part of an effective team. You will have strong knowledge of the NDIS environment and networks in Western Sydney, experience in small business and skills in mentoring and/or consulting. Ideally, the successful applicant will have recent experience within the NDIS field. You could be an existing or immediately past employee of a provider or have worked in other areas related to NDIS or allied health. YOUR ROLE As a business advisor, you will: • Deliver business advisory services to potential and existing NDIS businesses through face to face meetings, group advisory sessions or workshops. • Assess client needs using diagnostic tools, report outcomes, results and create action plans. • Assist clients to prepare business plans. • Conduct regular follow up contact with clients, provide referrals and respond to client enquiries in the Sydney West region, including scheduling appointments. • Attend training, networking functions, events and conferences, out of working hours • Deliver excellent customer service with every contact. • Market and promote the service, including social media platforms. • Respond appropriately to client feedback and ensure that client expectations are met. YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE • Have owned, operated or been involved in the management of your own NDIS business. • Have a formal qualification in a business-related discipline (Cert IV or above). • Have knowledge of the NDIS Certification and Verification processes (including the audit). • Possess a broad range of abilities covering essential business topics including financial literacy, marketing and sales. • High level of business management, consulting or advisory experience. • Up to date knowledge and skills relevant to small businesses, particularly provision of NDIS or related services. • Digitally literate to assist with promoting small business growth through digital readiness and innovation. • Strong business analysis and systems analysis skills and experience. • Professionalism, accountability and a proven capacity to show sound judgement and apply common sense. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, representation, influencing and negotiation skills. • Proven ability to use clear, concise language in conversing with clients. You will be working in a small team with the lead advisor and one other part-time advisor. At times, you may be requested to accompany the lead advisor to workshops presented by WSBC. Additionally, there will be a cold calling component to the position to generate advisory appointments for the NDIS DSSU advisory group. Remuneration will be at a fixed hourly rate paid monthly in arears according to the hours you have completed. Hourly rate will be set by negotiation. ABOUT US The Western Sydney Business Centre is an award winning business advice and training provider, supporting businesses in Western Sydney for over 27 years. Last year we assisted over 3,000 businesses, providing solutions and practical ideas to small businesses to start up, scale up and innovate. HOW TO APPLY To apply, please send a cover letter and your resume to emma@wsbusiness.com.au and tell us why you are the right person to join our team. Preferred applicants will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. Only direct applications will be considered (no recruitment agencies). WW38076

Finding the perfect software for your business Katina Beveridge // Digital Business Solutions Advisor Western Sydney Business Centre | 4721 5011 | reception@wsbusiness.com.au

Magento is that it provides business owners with 100 per cent control of the platform. But because of this, patches and bug updates have to be installed manually, requiring entire site and integration QA. Volusion If you’re just starting out your online store or you are a hobbyist who wants to have a place to feature your work, this platform is perfect for you. Salesforce Commerce Cloud This SaaS e-commerce platform, formerly known as Demandware, is preferred more by high-profile fashion retailers. It has great features and userfriendly user interface that makes it easy to navigate. However, its disadvantages include high cost and dependence on developers. WooCommerce WooCommerce is the e-commerce platform powered by Wordpress. So if you’re using Wordpress for your website, you can easily upgrade it to an online shop using WooCommerce. This platform is popular among starter stores, hobbyists and bloggers.

hoosing the right e-commerce platform is critical to the growth and success of your online business. An e-commerce platform is the software that allows online businesses to manage their sales, marketing, and website operation. This is where businesses sell their products, provide customer service, analyse analytics, manage promotions, and plan further growth. BigCommerce This Open SaaS platform provider provides sophisticated customisability and flexibility for online businesses, making it one of the popular choices for mid-market brands. It has plans designed for small businesses and startups as well, with more built-in features and 100 per cent SEO control across the platform than its competitors. Magento This open-source e-commerce solution is preferred by businesses who are invested heavily in IT. It is designed for businesses with more advanced IT teams. The biggest advantage of

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

BUSINESS

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

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ewsExtra is a locally based business that has been serving the St Clair community for more than 30 years. With the information era evolving they are still your go-to spot for newspapers and magazines but have also become a destination for many items. They stock greeting cards, lottery tickets, stationary for school and business use along with seasonal essentials such as diaries and calendars. If you are after reading material such as educational or discounted books and popular paperbacks, you will not be disappointed. With a full range of giftware products, party supplies and sweets there’s something for everyone.

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Brent Naden on his way to scoring against the Warriors. Photo: Penrith Panthers

BACKING YOUTH > P31 Peachey deal falls over as Panthers put faith in their own rising stars

MASKED PANTHER > P32 All the gossip from Pantherland including a new baby for forward Sam McKendry

EXTRA MINUTES > P43 All the latest news from around the rugby league world

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

FEATURE

PANTHERS BACK CUBS NATHAN

TAYLOR Tyrone Peachey’s rumoured shift from the Gold Coast to Penrith this season is officially on ice after the Penrith Panthers opted to upgrade two of their young stars instead. Rookie NRL centre Brent Naden was upgraded last week, while 18- year- old prop Spencer Leniu was also promoted into Penrith’s top 30 squad before the June 30 deadline. A Minchinbury Jets junior, Leniu began the season in Jersey Flegg but his dominant performances quickly saw him elevated to Penrith’s Canterbury Cup side. Previously on an NRL development contract, Leniu’s recent contract upgrade means he’s now available for selection in first grade. Leniu, who was also named in the NSW U20s team this week, said it was a dream come true to be promoted to the Panthers NRL squad.

“I had to fight back the tears when I was told I was being promoted to the top 30 as it’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time,” Leniu told Panthers Media. “I rang my dad straight away. It was one of the best feelings ever when he shed a tear and said how proud he was of me. “I’m blessed and honoured to now have the opportunity to train and play alongside people I have always looked up to.” While a Peachey reunion with Penrith is on hold for now, there is a chance it could still happen in the off-season. Peachey, who spent five seasons at the Panthers before signing with the Titans on a three-year deal last year, had been linked to a return to the foot of the Mountains after reportedly being very unhappy on the famous ‘Glitter Strip’. Penrith recently released winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and centre Waqa Blake, freeing up salary cap space, but it’s understood the Panthers and Titans couldn’t reach a financial agreement on the soon to be 28-year-old.

Spencer Leniu could make his NRL debut this year. Photo: Penrith Panthers

Part of the local community

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

JIMMY TO GO  Hero Penrith and NSW half James

Maloney is still on track to leave the club at the end of the season, with a longterm deal in England calling. Maloney is contracted to Penrith for next season but it has always been expected that the 33-year-old would leave a year early and finish his career in the Super League. Despite his stunning form of late, Maloney’s departure is still looking likely. He’s more than comfortable with moving on, while Penrith know they can’t ask Jarome Luai to be patient for another full season. It’ll be Luai and Nathan Cleary in the halves for Penrith next season.

 Spotted: A well-dressed Manly Sea Ea-

gles coach Des Hasler walking down High Street in Penrith on Tuesday afternoon.

 The NRL has admitted The Bunker

got it wrong when it awarded Warriors winger David Fusitu’a a try in the 42nd minute of Sunday’s clash with Penrith in Auckland. “That was an error. In some ways… not an understandable error, but you can see why that was missed in the first instance,” NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said. Annesley said there was enough evidence available to rule no-try.

 Meanwhile, Graham Annesley also

confirmed that Jarome Luai should not have been sent to the sin-bin for an incident involving Roger Tuivasa-Sheck early in the second half of Sunday’s game. “Given that it’s not a try-scoring situation it should not have been considered a professional foul that resulted in the sin-bin,” he said. Annesley also confirmed that Penrith’s Liam Martin returned from the sin bin too early due to “human error”, with the matter under investigation.

 Former Penrith hooker Kevin Kingston and current Panthers General Manager Matt Cameron will speak at a Men of League function in Penrith next Friday. The pair will offer tremendous insight at the event, which will cost $30 to attend and include food, a drink and a ticket to the Panthers v Titans game. The event starts at 3pm at Panthers Leagues Club.

 Scoop confirmed: I told you last week

that a development player was likely to be promoted into Penrith’s top squad before June 30. On Friday, the club confirmed that 18-year-old prop Spencer Leniu had moved into the top 30 and is now immediately available for NRL selection. Leniu started the season in Jersey Flegg and has since been elevated to the Canterbury Cup side. Those in the know suggest Leniu is almost a certainly to make his NRL debut later this season.

 To cap off what’s been a whirlwind few

weeks for Spencer Leniu, the teenager was this week named in the NSW Under 20s side to take on QLD at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night. Fellow Panther Stephen Crichton is also in the team. NSW will be hoping to avenge last year’s 30-12 loss to QLD at Suncorp Stadium, which was their first loss since the Under 20s concept started in 2012.

 I’m still expecting Tyrone Peachey

to be back in Penrith colours next year despite a much-hyped mid-season switch not eventuating. Peachey is unhappy at the Titans and his family wants to return to Sydney. The Panthers are keen to have him back on deck but couldn’t reach a financial agreement with the Titans, who are paying the 27-year-old over-the-top dollars. In the end, Peachey may have to take a pay cut for the deal to happen – but I’m confident the switch I first told you about in early May will eventually get there. James Maloney celebrates last weekend’s win. Photo: NRL Photos

 Israel Folau’s controversial social media post back in April has angered many, but there’s also plenty of support for the former Wallaby. Young Penrith half Jarome Luai is amongst the 73,000 people who have ‘liked’ Folau’s much discussed post on Instagram.

 Congratulations to Sam McKendry and

his wife Kirsten who are expecting the arrival of their third child in mid-October.

 Nathan Cleary was surprisingly ruled out of State of Origin III on Wednesday despite every indication that his ankle

CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.

would be fine for the series decider at ANZ Stadium next week. Mitchell Pearce has been brought into the squad and now gets the ultimate shot at redemption and glory in the New South Wales jumper.



The Lebanese Rugby League Federation has charged 17 players – including Panthers star Josh Mansour – with misconduct for breaching its operational

rules in relation to events surrounding last month’s Test against Fiji. Those charged will be asked to appear before a Misconduct Panel and have been suspended with immediate effect from all Lebanese rugby league activity pending the outcome of misconduct proceedings. It seems the game in Lebanon has descended into farce and they’ll likely disappear from the league landscape.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

Men of League Foundation Penrith Committee Kick Off Club

Friday 12 July 2019

3:00 PM

Panthers Leagues Club – Hunter Room

Cost

$30 - includes complementary drinks and finger food plus a GA ticket to Panthers v Titans

Guest

Matt Cameron Head of Football for Penrith Panthers Kevin Kingston Wellbeing and Education Coordinator Address by Walk and Talk Group

RSVP

events@menofleague.com

Other

First 100 attendees will receive a General Admission ticket to the Panthers v Titans game. A number of raffle prizes to win on the night.

WW38095

Grab a few mates and head down to our Penrith Committee Kick Off Club as we help raise funds for the Foundation

menofleague.com In lieu of attendance donations are greatly appreciated and can be made at menofleague.com

WW37953

Friday, July 5, 2019 Â« the western weekender

Focus set to return to club competition

ANDY RAYMOND T

his time next week we will have crowned the State of Origin series winner for 2019 and all attention will then turn back to the run to the NRL Finals series. If the last month of footy has taught us anything it’s to expect the unexpected once August and September roll around. A month ago the Roosters and Rabbitohs were flying on top of the ladder, the Broncos were starting to make a run and the Panthers and Dragons looked done and dusted for 2019. Fast forward to the start of July, and during the State of Origin period, the Rabbitohs have lost four on the trot, the Roosters have dropped three of their last four games and the Broncos’ comeback has been well and truly snuffed out. Meantime the Panthers have strung together five on the trot, the Sea Eagles have won three from four and the Storm have just kept on doing what the Storm do best with five wins from their last six games! Looking at the ladder it’s safe to say that the Storm, Rabbitohs and Roosters have all but secured their spots in the top eight,

but with just two games separating positions four to 11 on the ladder, it’s going to ensure another close race to the Finals. You’d be a brave man to write off anyone in this competition, but given their current form you’d be hard pressed to find anyone willing to back the Cowboys, Broncos, Titans or Bulldogs to make the eight. For me the Panthers look prime to make a run for the Finals. After this weekend’s bye they have a run of three home games against the Titans, Dragons and Raiders, three games that coach Ivan Cleary will believe his side can win. If the Panthers can manage to win those three games not only will they find themselves in the eight, they very well could set themselves up for a top four finish, something that seemed impossible only a month ago. I think we’ll also get a good gauge of the Sea Eagles’ top eight credentials in the next month with games against the Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights and Eels. Speaking of the Eels, they showed in Darwin that they are far from a spent force in this competition. The Eels are currently sitting eighth on

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

Brought to you by

James Tamou scores for Penrith last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos the ladder thanks to for and against and with games against the Tigers, Sea Eagles, Warriors and Dragons in the next month, they have the chance to book their ticket to September.

It’s set to be an intriguing run home to the Finals and it all begins with the next month of footy. Bring it on! You can watch every game of every round live on Fox League.

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THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE 0401 560 116

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IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS 4776 1118

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140

136

134

132

130

Storm Tigers

Warriors Sharks

Storm Roosters

Knights Sharks

Storm Tigers

Knights Sharks

Storm Roosters

Knights Sharks

Storm Roosters

Knights Sharks

Storm Tigers

Warriors Sharks

Storm Roosters

Knights Sharks

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Knights Sharks

Storm Roosters

Warriors Broncos

Storm Roosters

Knights Sharks

ST MARYS PROFESSIONALS 02 9673 4422

STARR PARTNERS PENRITH 0421 384 810

GARTON GROUP MCDONALD’S 4721 2992

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142

Warriors Broncos

CHARBEL GEAGEA

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STEPHEN GRINGHUIS

SYNERGY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4732 6555

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IAN GARTON

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

CATHOLIC CEMETARIES 9826 2273

RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL PENRITH 0417 228 587

MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL 0402 896 906

GOTZINGER SMALL GOODS 0418 594 791

KELLY PARTNERS 4721 7433

YORK JEWELLERS 4721 0780

TOWNS CRANES 0487 272 819

Storm Roosters THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING 4735 6411

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BRICKS & MORTAR REAL ESTATE 0406 277 417

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124

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

122

118

116

114

110

LEE BANISTER JOHN TODD

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110

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VISION PAINTING & DECORATING 0404 459 600

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CC TYRES 4731 4822

ALLAM PROPERTY GROUP 4732 2422

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0415 119 019

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LENDCORP FOR FINANCE MADE EASY! 4722 2800

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122

Knights Sharks

EZRVEND 0414 254 074

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MICHAEL ASHTON

128

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LEISURE POOLS 1300 SPLASH

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Storm Roosters TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING 1300 318 444

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MACQUARIE ACCOUNTANTS 4731 5628

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

Storm Tigers

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VISION PERSONAL TRAINING 4742 5079

THE BLUES

Alex McKenzie Future Financial Services

Kane Towns Towns Cranes

A: 9/488-490 High Street, Penrith Ph: 4704 8585 W: futurefinancialservices.com.au

Ad: Penrith Ph: 0487 272 819 W: facebook.com/townscranes

EMERSON’S ENVIROCARE

COUNTRY BREWER

BARTOLO

MOBILE ONE AUTO REPAIRS

A: 6/176 Forrester Road, St Marys Ph: 9833 7995 E: tappets@hotmail.com

HAYWARD

NEWTON

STRATHDEE

Anthea Strathdee Lower Mountains Air Conditioning

Paul Newton Leisure Pools

Bernie Hayward Penrith Gaels

A: Unit 2/129 Russell Street, Emu Plains Ph: 4735 6411 W: Lmac.com.au

A: Unit 3, 42-44 Abel Street Jamisontown Ph: 1300 SPLASH W: leisurepools.com.au

A: Cnr Richmond Rd & Glebe Pl, Kingswood Ph: 4722 8180 W: penrithgaels.com.au

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A: PO Box 480 Kingswood 2747 Ph: 4736 8640 W: emersonsenvirocaresydney.com

David Bartolo Mobile One Auto Repairs

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Richard Emersons Emerson’s Envirocare – Pest & Termite Control

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Dee Barlow Country Brewer Nepean

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Penrith’s business community is getting behind the New South Wales Blues! With the third State of Origin game being played next Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, one lucky business advertising here will walk away with a free full page ad – if the player they’re sponsoring scores the first Blues try. Go the Blues, and make sure you support these great local businesses!

A: 218 Great Western H’way, Kingswood Ph: 4731 5444 W: countrybrewer.com.au

TOWNZY

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V BACKING

McKENZIE

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

PENRITH BUSINESSES

PHILLIPS

McDEED

MATT

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

BACK THE ‘BLUES’ 11

Matt Mcelhenny Platinum Spa Services

A: 2/133 Russell Street, Emu Plains Ph: 4735 5322 W: wspools.com.au

A: 8/53-55 Regentville Road Penrith Ph: 4721 1611 W: gotzinger.com

A: 20 Curtis Road, Mulgrave Ph: 0407 700 981 W: platinumspaservices.com.au

PIONEER

HALEY

Daniel McKinnon Complete Legal

Phil Haley RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing

Pioneer Tavern

WW37614

A: 21 Aspen Street, South Penrith Ph: 4736 4466 W: thepioneertavern.com.au WW37710

A: Suite 11, 354-360 High St, Penrith Ph: 4704 9991 W: completelaw.com.au

A: 229 High Street, Penrith Ph: 0412 355 020 W: remax-lifestylemarketing.com.au

WORLD AWAY

BONDYS

PETROVSKI

AUTO CENTRE Matt Bond Bondys Auto Centre

Mark Narcres World Away

A: 9/12 Tindale Street, Penrith Ph: 4760 2337 W: wisdomdentureclinic.com.au

A: Unit 1, 33 York Road, Jamisontown Ph: 4721 2500 W: bondys.com.au

A: Penrith Ph: 8872 9697 W: worldaway.com.au

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Paul Petrovski Wisdom Denture & Dental Clinic

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COMPLETE LEGAL

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Bill McDeed Gotzinger

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Corey Phillips Western Sydney Pool Shop

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S P A• S E R V I C E S

Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

359

169

2 Rabbitohs

15 10

335

244

+91

3 Roosters

335

246

+89 20

4 Raiders

303

222

+81

5 Knights

301

242

+59

6 Sea Eagles

311

267

+44

7 Sharks

284

266

+18

8 Eels

333

322

+11

9 W. Tigers

249

289

-40

CLUB

Storm

+/-

PTS

+190 26 20

10 Dragons

259

313

-54

11 Panthers

215

308

-93

12 Warriors

258

297

-39

13 Cowboys

252

312

-60

14 Broncos

231

297

-66

15 Titans

264

335

-71

16 Bulldogs

190

350 -160

Round 16

FACE IN THE CROWD

/ Thursday, July 4 7.50pm WIN Stadium

/ Friday, July 5 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium

IS THIS YOU?

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Saturday, July 6 7.35pm McDonald Jones Stadium

Sunday, July 7 4pm PointsBet Stadium

Wednesday, July 10 8.10pm ANZ Stadium

Extra Time Issue Number 2019-017 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Andy Raymond SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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John Lang axed It’s never easy to give a coach his marching orders, but even more difficult when that coach has brought your club a premiership. This was the problem facing CEO Glenn Matthews in 2006, as he pondered the future of 2003 premiershipwinning mentor John Lang. Lang’s Panthers had gone from the heights of that premiership in 2003 and a Finals appearance in 2004 to falling off the radar in 2005 – finishing outside of the top eight despite winning their final five games of the season. During the 2005- 2006 offseason, things weren’t looking good for the Panthers. The Board had been forced to strip Craig Gower of the captaincy and fine him $30,000 over an off- field issue, disrupting preparations for the season ahead. With things looking a little shaky at the Panthers, Mr Matthews sprung into action and before a ball had been kicked in the competition proper, he sacked John Lang.

Lang remained in charge for the 2006 season to warm the chair for Matthew Elliott, who would take over in 2007. “We all learned a lot from John but it’s time for our organisation to change,” Mr Matthews said. The situation turned somewhat sour with the manner in which Lang was sacked becoming the major issue. Lang had always believed he would be the first to know if there was an issue regarding his future at the Panthers, but media reports suggested that Mr Matthews was already negotiating with Elliott in the weeks leading up to the Lang sacking. Despite the pre - season drama, Lang coached Penrith to wins over the Bulldogs and Dragons in their opening games of the season, but inconsistent form saw Penrith miss out on the top eight. Lang’s last win with the Panthers came in round 23 when they beat Cronulla 32- 28 at Toyota Park, with losses to the Knights and Bulldogs to round out the season.

SCOREBOARD NRL

PANTHERS 19 WARRIORS 18

NSW CUP

DRAGONS 24 PANTHERS 22

JERSEY FLEGG

John Lang celebrates the 2003 premiership Despite losing to Canterbury in the final home game of the season, Lang was given a fitting farewell by the fans he had brought so much joy, with a deserved lap of honour. In the Men in Black book, Lang talks about the difficulties he faced after the success of 2003. “In 2003 we had a great year, in 2004 a good one. You go through highs and lows. We started ‘05 not believing

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

Panther Flashback ashback

it was going to happen for us, but hoping it would,” he said. “Then when it wasn’t happening for us we weren’t able to put things right. We were feeling that pressure from day one.” While John Lang’s departure from the Panthers could have been handled better, he will forever be remembered as the man that brought the club its second premiership and for that, he will forever be a club legend.

PANTHERS 24 DRAGONS 16

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Horror weekend puts referees in the spotlight

CLINTON MAYNARD R

ound 15 proved it’s time the NRL reviewed the use of the Send Off rule and the Sin Bin because it seems referees have little idea of how to use them. Thankfully South Sydney’s George Burgess was referred straight to the judiciary for his blatant eye gouge on Robbie Farah. While justice has been served with a nine match suspension, the question must be asked why he wasn’t sent from the field given the circumstances? Hundreds of thousands of viewers clearly saw what happened on television, one of the most blatant low acts we’ve seen on camera in years. Yet Burgess remained on the field. Why didn’t the officials in the Bunker alert the on field referees as to what happened? Just 24 hours earlier the NRL released a statement outlining a much needed crackdown on the crusher tackle. As part of the crackdown referees have been told to send players off and also use the Sin Bin. In many respects an eye gouge is a lower

act than a crusher, yet the refs couldn’t bring themselves to send Burgess off. Surely it’s time the referees were clearly given some direction on the use of the Send Off rule or there’s little point in it being in the game. The use of the Sin Bin is not much better. Several players were sent to the bin over the weekend however there’s little consistency on how the power is used. Penrith’s Jarome Luai was laughably sin binned for a professional foul but review of the video clearly shows he didn’t cause Roger Tuivasa- Sheck to trip over. The Warriors scored while he was in the bin (albeit controversially). Meanwhile Parramatta’s Peni Terepo was not sin binned for a clear swinging arm that sent Canberra’s Jordan Rapana off the field for a concussion test. The Raiders suffer because their star winger is off the field while Terepo stays on despite the bin now being available to punish foul play. Overall the referees have performed better in 2019 but it’s time the use of both the Sin Bin and Send Off rule was reviewed.

Referee Ben Cummins officiating at a recent clash between the Panthers and Roosters at Panthers Stadium. Photo: Megan Dunn

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Gerard Sutton and Ashley Klein have

survived a weekend of horrors to be named referees for the third and deciding State of Origin match in Sydney on Wednesday night. NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said on Monday that errors made across Round 15 of the NRL would not be the sole factor in appointing the referees for Origin. “I can’t say to you that any one of these decisions would mean that a particular official would or would not get an Origin nod,” he said.

Queensland have named Dragons

playmaker Corey Norman and Storm prop Christian Welch to make their Maroons debuts next week against the Blues. Meanwhile, NSW coach Brad Fittler named an unchanged Blues team, but was forced to draft David Klemmer into the side after Tariq Sims was suspended. Mitchell Pearce is also a late addition, replacing the injured Nathan Cleary.

Bad news for Newcastle with winger

Edrick Lee to miss up to three months of football after suffering a broken arm in the Knights’ win over Brisbane. Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga will miss this weekend’s clash with the Warriors (as well as State of Origin III) but is a chance of playing against the Bulldogs in Round 17.

Souths forward George Burgess has

been suspended for nine weeks after that awful eye-gouge on Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah last Friday night.

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold isn’t

having the season he expected at the powerhouse club. The side’s form is slipping and an injury crisis has now hit. Anthony Milford and Richie Kennar are out indefinitely with knee and shoulder injuries respectively, while Alex Glenn and Tom Deardon remain sidelined. Jack Bird is out for the season. With Brisbane releasing several key players as well, it makes for a challenging time for Seibold with the Broncos facing the unfamiliar reality of missing the Finals.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney

was outraged that he was asked if he was preparing for next season after last weekend’s 19-18 loss to the Panthers in Auckland. A fired up Kearney said he was “offended” by the questioning, saying he’s still focused on having a successful finish to the 2019 season.

We’re not sure if Fox League’s decision to shift ‘NRL 360’ to a 7.30pm timeslot is working. Monday night’s edition attracted just 39,000 viewers, beaten by

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 5, 2019

EXTRA MINUTES

The NRL’s Graham Annesley speaking with the media this week re-runs of ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Family Guy’. ‘Controversy Corner’, which moved to Monday nights this week, didn’t even make the top 20. We’re hearing there

will be an overhaul of programming at Fox League in the upcoming off-season. The Professor’s Friday night show would surely be in the firing line.

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PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Geeks to unite in Mountains EMILY FESZCZUK

n exciting, first of its kind event is happening in the Blue Mountains these school holidays. The pop culture miniconvention HubCon is a family friendly event that will bring together fans, creators, vendors and curious spectators in a celebration of all things ‘geek’. Special guest on the Saturday of the three- day event is Stephanie ‘Hex’ Bendison (pictured), who is well known for ABC TV’s ‘Good Game’ and Foxtel’s ‘Thrones 360’. Now a local to the Mountains, Stephanie is excited to be a guest panellist and host. “I love to meet people, gamers and other fans who love the same things I love which is why we come to events like this. To share in the things we love all together in a big room,” Stephanie said. “I’m also looking forward to some of the panel as these events hinge on great discussion that brings people together, and HubCon will have plenty of that.” While the expo has a focus on Blue Mountains and Penrith creators, Stephanie told the Weekender of how popular culture is breaking barriers all around the world. “Comics and video games were things for ‘nerds’ back in the day but you’re

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

practically crucified if you haven’t seen the latest Marvel film within a week of release,” Stephanie said. “I think the Internet has played a big part in its accessibility as now more people have access to pop culture content, but it’s also spread across a broader range of platforms such as TV, movies, video games, graphic novels, manga and podcasts.” Stephanie, who deems herself as a geek culture aficionado, encourages everyone to come experience all their favourite parts of pop culture in a safe, fun and creative space when the event kicks off next weekend. “There are times when we feel like we’re alone in our interests and pursuits, like we’re a bit different or perhaps our immediate friendship circles or family members don’t understand what we’re about,” Stephanie said. “Conventions are a place you can go and feel fully accepted, fully at home and embraced by people who share in all the things you enjoy. There are so many community groups to explore and get involved with, panels and discussions, cosplay, cool craft items to buy and this one is nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.” ‘Hubcon’ will be at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Hub from July 12- 14. Tickets are from $15. To book or for more information call 4723 5050 or visit www. hubcon.com.au.

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PENRITH

Toy Story 4 (G) Daily except Mon: 9:50AM, 10:50AM, 12:30PM, 1:20PM, 3:20PM, 4:00PM, 6:00PM, 8:50PM.

SESSIONS VALID 4TH JULY TO 10TH JULY

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Daily except Thurs, Fri: 12:40PM, 3:40PM, 6:20PM, 9:00PM. Thurs, Fri: 12:00PM, 3:00PM, 6:10PM, 8:50PM.

HEADING OUT Friday, July 5

Damage Inc – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 DJ – Australian Arms Free entry, 10pm 4731 3881 Pool Comp – Penrith Hotel $3, 7pm 4721 2060 Karaoke & DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 DJ – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 9pm 9625 5500 Acoustic Duo – Red Cow Free entry, 6pm 4721 5666 DJ – Red Cow Free entry, 9pm 4721 5666 Press Rewind – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Sweater Party – O’Donoghues Free entry, 8pm 4735 5509 Big Night Out – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777

Harry Potter Cruise – Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler $29, 10.30am 4733 1274

90% 90s – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Mary’s Karaoke – Grey Gums Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4734 5555 DJ – Red Cow Free entry, 7pm 4721 5666

Winter Orchid Show Emu Plains Girl Guides Hall Sunday, July 7, 10am, $2

John Paul Young Penrith Panthers, 1800 061 991 Saturday, July 6, 8pm, $59

Saturday, July 13

Winter Orchid Show – Emu Plains Girl Guides Hall $2, 9am secretary@bmpdos.org.au Wild Wogs 2 – Blacktown Workers From $49.50, 8pm 8822 2444 John Mackie & Yuki Kumagai Jazz Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

The Ugliest Duckling – The Joan From $20, 10am & 12pm 4723 7611 Geoff Power – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Akinga – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Mary’s Karaoke – Grey Gums Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4734 5555 DJ – Red Cow Free entry, 7pm 4721 5666

Friday, July 12

One Hit Wonders – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 DJ – Australian Arms Free entry, 10pm 4731 3881 Pool Comp – Penrith Hotel $3, 7pm 4721 2060 Karaoke & DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 DJ – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 9pm 9625 5500

Rave On St Marys Band Club, 9623 1211 Friday, July 5, 8pm, Free entry

Saturday, July 6

Press Rewind – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Too Many Guitars – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Midnight Drifters – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211 Dinomania – Blacktown Workers $15, 10.30am 9830 0600

Good Vibes – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Dwayne Elix & The Rocketeers – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 Partners In Rhyme – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Black Velvet – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 Westside Mid Year Display – The Joan From $22, 2pm 4723 7611 Anthems Of OZ – Blue Cattle Dog Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9670 3050

Transformers Penrith Panthers, 1800 061 991 Saturday, July 13, 11am & 2pm, $22.20

The Ugliest Duckling The Joan, 4723 7611 Friday, July 12, 10am & 12pm, $20 Good Vibes – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Dynamic Duo – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Old School Band – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Rock City Saints – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 Never Ending ‘80s – Blacktown Workers $35, 8pm 9830 0600

Sunday, July 7

The Ashton Martini’s – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Elysian Fields – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub $28, 3pm 4723 5050 Kids Zone – Mamre House From $1, 11am 1300 385 838

Sunday, July 14

Acoustic Duo – Red Cow Free entry, 6pm 4721 5666 DJ – Red Cow Free entry, 9pm 4721 5666

Dwayne Elix – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Collectormania – Penrith Panthers From $2, 9am 1800 061 991

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

what's on AND where

O D UST

Seniors Computer Club AGM • July 29 86 Station Street, 11.15AM Charity car boot sale July 13, 8am-2pm 74 Marsden Road, St Marys Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Penrith Museum of Printing Saturdays from 10am-2pm Pen Paceway • 0415 625 573 Nepean Retired Men’s Club Third Wednesday of each month • 0401 507 260 Seniors & Pensioners Club Tuesdays at 10am 86 Station Street, Penrith Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 Jordan Springs Probus Club Fourth Tuesday of each month • The Hub at 10am

Kick oﬀ the school holidays at Nepean Raceway The thrills and spills of Dirt Track racing are hard to beat. The City of Penrith Motorcycle Club Dirt Track Championship is one to experience firsthand. Whether your interest is Modern Bikes, Classic Bikes, or just adrenaline-charged, heart stopping excitement, there is something for you. There are great vantage spots around the track to see the action up close and there are areas for the kids to play from where you can watch them and the action. It is a free event on Sunday, July 7 from 10am-4pm at Nepean Raceway in Castlereagh. Visit www.cpmcc.com.au for more details.

DS I K R O F

FOR SE NIORS

Sunset Station Singers Mondays 7.00pm St Marys RSL • 0408 218 965 Glenmore Park Probus Club Third Wednesday of the month • 9673 2580 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Mondays • 0407 077 143

Free school holiday movie

Bargains available at antique show

Watch a movie with free kids flicks at the EVAN Theatre at Panthers on Monday, July 8 at 10am. Call 4720 5555.

Check out beautiful antiques at Blackheath Community Hall on July 6 and 7 from 10am. Tickets are $9. Call 0428 446 534.

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Emu Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

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Friday, July 5, 2019 Â« the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

School holiday fun for all in the Blue Mountains EMILY FESZCZUK

wo bored kids. One rainy day. And one crazy cat wearing a redstriped hat. In 1957, Theodor Seuss Geisel used this formula and only 200 words to write his second children’s book as Dr. Seuss. More than 50 years later, The Cat in the Hat is a much-loved children’s phenomenon. Adapted for stage, the play will entertain kids of all ages. ‘The Cat in The Hat’ interrupts this rainy afternoon with his unexpected visit to Sally and her brother’s cosy home. Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with

nothing but a little imagination. Along with Thing One and Thing Two, the cat will fill the theatre with mischievous humour and madcap style. Young and old alike will delight in this faithful adaptation of a classic book come to life before our very eyes. Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly! ‘The Cat in the Hat’ will be at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Hub on Thursday, July 11 at 10.30am and 1pm. Tickets are from $20. To book, call 4723 5050 or visit www.bluemountainstheatreandhub.com.au.

KEMPS CREEK SPORTING & BOWLING CLUB LTD 1490 Elizabeth Drive | Kemps Creek | Phone: 9826 1375 Email: functions@kcsb.com.au | Website: www.kcsb.com.au

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Bookings are essential! Tickets on sale Friday 5th July 2019. Must be pre-paid to confirm your booking. Ticket sales are final! No alterations or refunds.

MUSIC

Have a wild laugh

on’t miss your chance to see five hilarious comedians all in the one show. George Kapiniaris, Rob Shehadie, Gab Rossi, Anthony Locascio and Joe Camino bring you an hilarious new stand-up comedy show full of brandnew live comedy and music. George is one of this country’s bestloved comedy, music, theatre, film and TV stars, having had an incredible impact on Australian popular culture over the last 34 years. He has rose to fame starring in hugely popular shows like ‘Fat Pizza’ that show

the light side of different European ethnicities. He will be joined by comedians of Greek, Lebanese, Maltese and Italian backgrounds, who will bring you unique comedy that will keep you on the edge of your seats and show you their take on life as wogs. ‘Wild Wogs 2’ is a comedy show that will have you in stitches, laughing throughout the entire night, so make sure to book to avoid missing out on this smash hit show. ‘Wild Wogs 2’ will be on at Blacktown Workers Club on Saturday, July 6 at 8pm. Tickets are from $49.50. To book or for more information, call 9830 0600 or visit www.workersclub.com.au.

TAIKOZ THE BEAUTY OF 8 Q THEATRE

Infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, lavish costumes, huge drums and more. For one night only, Australia’s internationally acclaimed drumming ensemble Taikoz will leave you breathless as they perform alongside world renowned taiko player and Kodo Distinguished Member Chieko Kojima and shakuhachi Grandmaster Riley Lee.

SAT 20 JUL 7.30PM

Standard $60 | Concession $55 | Under 30s $30 | Family $160

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EMILY FESZCZUK

Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

At the movies... Music wins but story falls a little flat YESTERDAY  1 hour, 56 mins EMILY FESZCZUK

‘Yesterday’ offers a very interesting concept that has left me torn over whether it should have been explored more or just left alone. ‘Yesterday’ follows Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), a struggling singersongwriter trying to make it big. After a freak occurrence, Jack discovers that he now lives in a world where The Beatles don’t exist. He performs their songs as his own and now must deal with the rapid rise to fame and perhaps the guilt that comes with it. Director Danny Boyle has delivered a quite charming and funny movie. The music of course stole the show,

whether you had grown up with The Beatles or were discovering them for the first time. However, the love story between Jack and Ellie (Lily James) just didn’t flow, cutting in and out of the storyline and making me lose interest, even though I felt the message was meant to be that all you needed was love. There were a lot of plot points that were just left unresolved as if they had run out of time, which was a little disappointing. I definitely did enjoy the movie, but in a year with such great biopics like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Rocketman’, ‘Yesterday’ doesn’t quite get the job done.

KIDS (AGES 5–8) & FAMILIES

THE UGLIEST DUCKLING

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Tchick, tchick! One by one the eggs break open. Except for one. This one is the biggest egg of all. Exploring resilience, transformation and joy, Q Theatre’s adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling is a celebration of difference. A small scale story filled with spectacle, sound, and a lot of heart. Suitable for the whole family.

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Channel Nine has confirmed the third 

season of ‘Australian Ninja Warrior’ will premiere this Monday, July 8 at 7.30pm. The latest instalment was filmed in Melbourne, with Rebecca Maddern, Ben Fordham and Freddie Flintoff all returning as hosts. This year Nine is promising $100,000 for the competitor who goes furthest on the course in the fastest time, while another $200,000 is on offer should anybody make it up Mt Midoriyama.

In what can only be described as a bi

TV NEWS

‘The Bachelor’ host Osher Guns

AUGUST

BH90210, 10

berg will host 10’s upcoming series ‘The Masked Singer’. The last time Gunsberg hosted a singing competition was ‘Australian Idol’ from 2003-2009.

and senator Derryn Hinch has returned to Sky News on Thursday nights. ‘Hinch’, which launched last night to a strong audience, airs every Thursday at 8pm.

Former radio commentator, TV host 

It’s been reported that 10 will be air

THE AMAZING RACE, 10

ing the six-episode revival of the iconic ‘90s hit ‘Beverley Hills 90210’. Now titled ‘BH90210’, the series will premiere in early August in the US but Australian audiences will get to see it in late August to early September. Reprising their roles will be Jason Priestley (Brandon Walsh), Shannen Doherty (Brenda Walsh), Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor), Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders), Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea Zuckerman), Brian Austin Green (David Silver) and Tori Spelling (Donna Martin).

Alice Springs comedy ‘Robbie Hood’  premieres on SBS VICELAND this Tues-

day, July 9 at 9.35pm. ‘Robbie Hood’ is a modern Australian retelling of a classic tale. The six-part 10-minute series is a story about Robbie, a 13-year-old misfit with a heart of gold. He and his two best mates skirt the law to right the wrongs they see going down in their hometown of Alice Springs. You can already start watching ‘Robbie Hood’ via SBS on Demand. The third season of US drama ‘Snow fall’ hits FOX Showcase on Wednesday, July 17 at 7.30pm.

The seventh and final series of 

‘Orange is the New Black’ premieres on Netflix on Friday, July 26.

This year’s Logie Awards was still rea sonably popular with viewers, attracting an average audience of 866,000.

Cnr Maxwell & The Northern Road, South Penrith | Phone: 4736 4466

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Nathan Taylor

zarre choice, ex-footy star Beau Ryan has been announced as the host of 10’s ‘The Amazing Race Australia’. The well-known American version has been hosted by the talented Phil Keoghan since 2001. I’m just not sure the former Cronulla Shark fits the role, but we’ll see.

Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

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the western weekender Â» Friday, July 5, 2019

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

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Crossword ACROSS 1. Ship’s prison 4. Carpentry tool 8. Magician’s rod 11. Strong rope 13. Ancient Andes Indians 15. Lever 17. Reproductive cells 18. Surpass 20. Male heir 21. Coleslaw or Greek 24. Aggravated 27. Porridge ﬂ ake 28. Stares lustfully at 30. Stomach sore 31. Air shafts 33. Acclimatise 34. Triangular curry pastry 35. Actress, Meg ... 36. Deep cut 39. Queen’s canines 42. Share out, ... up 44. Jar tops 45. Overhanging roof edges 46. Apiece 48. Combine 49. Who, what, ..., when, how? 50. Epochs 52. Exhausted 54. Writer, ... Blyton 55. Borneo prince 56. Parliamentary holiday period 57. Unreturnable serves 60. Dashing style 62. Speedsters 65. Requiring little skill 67. Sea water 69. Actor, ... Hawke 70. Follow next 72. Fe, ..., fo, fum! 73. Level (gravel road) 75. Severe 77. Walk stealthily 79. Asinine 81. Furrow 82. Unhealthily overweight 84. Document, Magna ... 85. Supply (feast) (3,2) 86. Dull paint ﬁ nish 87. Whip 88. Friendly Aussie greeting (1’3)

DOWN 1. Hits quickly 2. Cake frosting 3. The G of LPG 4. Stiletto point 5. Pasta ribbon 6. Back-up parts 7. Determination 8. Polish (fl oors) 9. UK racecourse 10. Nincompoop 12. Assailed 14. Relinquishes (territory) 16. Spacious 19. Abates 22. Daisy-like fl owers 23. Dad’s sister 25. People from Baghdad 26. Develop 29. Pricking (boil) 32. Carp 35. Alcoholic sponge dessert (3,4) 37. Was painful 38. Baseball score (4,3) 40. More eccentric 41. Duchess of York 42. Put off 43. Sighs sleepily 44. Desert 47. Sculpting implements 51. Cat’s milk dish 52. Grated 53. Fitting 54. Spookier 58. Simple house 59. Once Ceylon, ... Lanka 61. Zones 63. Hostility 64. Home sound system 65. Overcome 66. Antagonise 68. Behave in reply 71. Turn on end 72. Steady 74. Regrettably 76. Model, ... Macpherson 78. Flout 80. Crooner, ... King Cole 83. Wetland

Last week’s solution

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by worldaway.com.au | 8872 9697

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: NUTS ACORN BLANCHED BRAZIL NUT CANDIED CANDLENUT CHESTNUT COCONUT CRACK FILBERT FOLIC ACID HAZELNUT HICKORY MACADAMIA NUTRITIOUS NUTSHELL OIL PECAN PINE NUTS PISTACHIO RAW ROASTED SEED SMOKED SNACK WHOLE Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about Sydney’s history in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. In what year did regular flights at Sydney Airport begin? 2. What very famous building is located at 483 George Street in the Sydney CBD? 3. What is the tallest free-standing building in Sydney? 4. Which famous architect

designed the Sydney Opera House? 5. In what month and year did the Sydney Harbour Bridge open? 6. Cockatoo Island is a former industrial school, reformatory and what?

ANSWERS 1. 1924 2. Sydney Town Hall 3. Centrepoint Tower 4. Jorn Utzon 5. March 1932 6. Prison

Trivia Quiz

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Friday, July 5, 2019 Â« the western weekender

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

The pace picks up this week … and so do the challenges. Retrograde Mercury connects with Mars when words have the ability to wound. So be extra careful what you say. If you don’t self-edit, then you could end up with a messy misunderstanding on your hands. Then Mars and Uranus turbo-charge your impulsive side on Thursday. So slow down, otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Mercury is reversing through your home zone, so be careful how you communicate with family. When it comes to other matters, jump out of your comfort zone, shake off bad habits, embrace opportunities and fast track changes. It’s time to view transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying. As Harrison Ford said: “We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance”.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Keep in mind that Mercury (your patron planet) is in retrograde motion until July 31. So make sure you back-up all your computer files and check text messages carefully before you press send. Plus allow plenty of time to get to appointments or catch flights; and double-check everything as you revise, reschedule and re-do. You’re in the mood to hear (and spread) some red-hot gossip, but remember words can cut like a knife.

Joanne Madeline Moore

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2019

With Mercury reversing through your self-esteem zone, are you still punishing yourself for a mistake you made many moons ago? Or are you still holding a grudge towards someone who wronged you? It’s time to forgive others – and yourself – for transgressions from the past. As Marianne Williamson said: “Forgiveness is not always easy and yet, there is no peace without forgiveness”.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

With Mars and retrograde Mercury both visiting your sign, you’re in the mood to mix and mingle; text and tweet; socialise and circulate. But will others be happy to hear what you’ve got to say? This week’s tempestuous stars also highlight your inclination to jealous, possessive or overbearing behaviour. Do your best to loosen your intense grip on a loved one Leo – otherwise you’ll just drive them away.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

With Mercury now retrograde, take special care when travelling and doublecheck your itinerary. There could also be some stress involving money or intimacy. So be patient with your partner; be careful with cash and credit; and think things through before lending money to others. You’ll have a good week if you are uncharacteristically patient, and look for the facts and subtle undercurrents that are hidden beneath the surface.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Relations with a child, teen or friend will be strained and the more you try to organise them, the worse it will be. So avoid getting drawn into pointless power-plays. The best way you can help loved ones is to support them in practical ways, as they pursue their ambitions and follow their dreams. Criticism is out, encouragement is in! It’s also time to de-stress as you meditate, contemplate and recalibrate.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Your perfectionist side is likely to go into overdrive, as this week’s stars amp up your obsession with perfection. But other people may find your standards too demanding and, if you push too hard, then you’ll just end up pushing them away. Money matters also look complicated. Incoming funds are in a state of flux so the more flexible you are, the more manageable finances will be.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Expect some dramas as Saturn and Pluto stir up old grievances with a family member or a colleague. By all means use your natural diplomatic talents to help smooth troubled waters but, if you sit back and let others make decisions, then you’ll just feel paralysed and powerless. So strive to be more self-sufficient. Getting the ratio right between your public and private lives is an ongoing challenge.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Avoid being disruptive and getting drawn into disputes with family, friends or colleagues. This week will work best if you keep your nose out of others people’s business, and concentrate on pursuing personal projects. The Sun/Neptune trine is great for experiencing fiery bursts of creative inspiration but good ideas on their own won’t get you far. You must also work on refining your daily routine so you have more time to follow your destiny.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

This week’s stars boost your personal magnetism – and your manipulative side. Pluto gives you an energy surge that increases your desire to be in charge but, if you want to avoid unnecessary power struggles and dramas, then stop trying to control others. You can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling. If you’re a smart Scorpio, then you’ll choose the path of least resistance.

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

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your

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

This week’s stars are somewhat bittersweet. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Sun/Neptune trine is terrific for creative projects and spiritual pursuits. But Mercury retrograde and Uranus will also disrupt your daily routine and distract you from your priorities. And a romance or friendship could experience difficulties. It’s time to be creative and compassionate as well as robust.

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Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

your

health

Why your children shouldn’t ignore consistent heel pain Does your child complain of heel pain? Are they withdrawing from activity? Coming into the middle of the sporting season practitioners often see children presenting with “heel pain” and most of the time this heel pain is Sever’s Disease!

Ben Bishop Podiatrist at OnePointHealth 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

What is Sever’s Disease? It sounds a lot worse than it is but don’t be fooled, Sever’s can be very debilitating to children and can become worse if left untreated. Sever’s (AKA calcaneal apophysitis) is a common painful inflammation of the growth plate to which the Achilles tendon attaches too. It is noticed around periods of ‘growth spurts’ between 8- 14 and due to the heel bone not fully developing until approximately 15, active children between these ages put unwanted repetitive stress through this attachment point during physical activity. This stress irritates the growth plate, thus resulting in pain. Overuse and stress to the heel are the primary causes of Sever’s. ‘Growth spurt’ periods also put children at more risk due to their bones growing faster than the attaching muscles, resulting in the Achilles tendon pulling tightly on the growth plate, causing pain and inflammation.

Who’s at risk? Children approximately between the ages of 8-14 that are active in sports that involve running or jumping due to heel stress in these activities. Additional mechanical issues like feet that ‘roll in’ (pronate) as well as poor footwear choices can both exacerbate this condition. What to look for? Your child might have pain, swelling and redness along the bottom of their heel, particularly when the sides are squeezed. Some children feel the need to withdraw from sporting activities due to discomfort.

How is it managed? It is important to have an assessment with a Podiatrist or Physiotherapist. Treatment should be sought earlier rather than later as Sever’s is progressive. Simple RICE management should be started to reduce pain and inflammation – this involves: • Rest and avoid activity that causes irritation and stress to the heel • Ice the area • Compression bandages help reduce inflammation • Elevating the foot above the level of the heart Don’t leave this untreated!

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Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

Superannuation is a bad word for some, but perhaps it is time to reconsider... I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had a client tell me they don’t believe in superannuation or superannuation is too risky along with numerous other misgivings surrounding investing in superannuation. These comments come from the association of the assets that the superannuation is invested in rather the than superannuation itself. I feel the mistrust comes from two main sources, the early superannuation products were often restrictive and heavy on fees, and the vast majority of superannuation funds invest primarily in shares and are often more aggressive than the risk profile of the investor. The early super funds were very rudimentary, often distributed by salesmen who were remunerated handsomely for signing up new clients. Some had restrictive terms, some had large exit fees and others were both a combination of insurance and investment. The end result was many people felt disillusioned by the whole experience. This is no longer the case, most modern super funds are efficient invest-

Rev John Lavender

ment vehicles and in most cases fairly cost effective in comparison to other investments. The advice costs in the new funds have been separated from the product cost itself with commissions replaced by advice fees that are negotiated between advisor and client. The second issue is related to the underlying investments. Tradition ally most super funds have a large exposure to the share market, which is substantially more volatile than defensive assets and in downturns clients have seen their investments fall. This has caused problems in two areas, for many clients they are too conservative (in investment terms) to be invested as aggressively as the traditional super fund and should have had a more defensive portfolio all along. The other issue is that although many investors if properly informed about the nature of their investment would be much more comfortable with the risk, many super investors don’t receive advice in relation to super benefits and are flying blind, this leads to anxiety as they are not sure what to expect. It is possible to invest in just about all the same things you can outside of super, but inside of super. Superannuation is an outstanding tool to build wealth for retirement and if you are one that has mistrusted super previously, maybe it is worth reviewing.

religion www.gpa.church

What does the word faith mean to your everyday life? What is faith? Often people think that faith, especially faith in God, is “blind faith”. Like a leap in the dark. Like taking a risk and not being sure how things will work out. Others talk about “keeping the faith” or that you’ve just got to “have faith”. It’s as if they’re saying, keep up your confidence; keep up your belief; but belief in who? Belief in what? Quite often it’s just the power of positive thinking or a faith in your own ability to persevere. Sometimes it’s just hoping that if you believe something strongly enough then maybe things might just work out. How different this is to faith as it is explained in the Bible! The Bible says “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith is never faith in our own confidence nor is it blind faith, a fingers crossed, leap in the dark. Biblical faith is being sure and confident in God. Even though we cannot see God, the Bible makes it clear that you can confidently put your faith and trust in God because God has made promises and

he has been faithful in keeping those promises. Ultimately the Bible says, our faith should be centred on Jesus; “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God”. When you look at Jesus’ life, he was perfectly trustworthy, always working for our good and never for our harm. Real faith is never blind; it is always focussed on Jesus. Is yours?

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the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

money

your

Friday, July 5, 2019 « the western weekender

your

travel

How Zagreb is winning hearts and scoring a top reputation

B E R G ZA

John Maddocks finds that Zagreb punches above its weight . . .

John Maddocks Content thanks to WTF Media

Croatia’s vibrant capital is a small, sophisticated city often overshadowed by Adriatic superstars such as Dubrovnik and Split. But a new international airport means Zagreb has come into its own as Croatia’s main gateway, connected by air to over 50 cities. Tourists are discovering a very laid back metropolis with stunning architecture, fascinating museums and an engaging bar and café lifestyle. It’s no surprise that Zagreb was Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Europe’ as recently as 2017. After arriving in the early afternoon at my accommodation in the city’s centre, I head straight to Zagreb’s hub, Ban Jelacic Square. On the way I walk through streets with numerous crowded outdoor cafes. I’m rushing to see as much of this city as possible in the 48 hours before I leave for the coast, but the atmosphere of relaxed, friendly socialising here makes me slow down. I’m liking the place already. Ban Jelacic Square is the city’s meeting point. People are alighting from nearby trams that traverse the city. Friends are meeting here before going to restaurants, bars and theatres. Families and businessmen stroll past the imposing statue of Josip Jelacic, seated on a horse with sword drawn. Jelacic was a 19th century governor who came to symbolise Croatian independence after fighting a

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losing battle with Hungary. I gaze at the beautiful 19th century buildings bordering the square before crossing on my way to the striking twin spire cathedral nearby. Then I head west and further into the upper town. The upper town is a precinct of charming ancient streets leading to the Stone Gate, an entrance to the medieval area of the city. The Stone Gate doubles as a pilgrimage site where people come to pay homage to a 17th century painting of the Virgin and Child, supposedly the only section of a wooden gate that survived a fire in 1731. On the way up to St Mark’s Church from here I pass a crowd of nuns, a group of Chinese tourists and some of the faithful making offerings. St Mark’s is the landmark church famous for its colourful tiled roof displaying a variety of coats of arms. Parliament house and the presidential palace are nearby. I then walk down past the beautiful Jesuit Church of St Catherine to a point near the 13th century Lotrscak Tower, where there’s a wonderful view of the city. The quaint funicular railway takes me on a short trip to the lower town. Wandering past the monument to Nikola Tesla, one of Croatia’s famous sons, I head along the bustling street named after him past cafes and restaurants. Many of the eateries in this lower part of the city are those favoured by locals. There are also some attractive outdoor areas, such as the delightful Zrinjevac Park and the Botanical Garden.

Next morning, after a well-earned sleep, I grab a cheese burek (a filled filo pastry) and takeaway coffee from a nearby bakery and walk to the impressive Croatian National Theatre (pictured). Opened in 1895 and built in the Baroque Revival style, the National Theatre is the place to see opera and ballet in Zagreb. The lower town also has many fine examples of Austro-Hungarian architecture and is worth walking around there for that reason alone. But a standout is Kallina House, a brilliant Art Nouveau structure known as the ‘Bat House’ because of its distinctive bat motif tiles that decorate the first floor windows. It’s still early in the morning, so I catch a bus to Mirogoj Cemetery. This is a massive necropolis park, with magnificent entrance buildings and tree lined avenues. It’s a very peaceful place and compares favourably for atmosphere with Havana’s Necropolis Cristobel Colon and Buenos Aires’ Recoleta Cemetery. After contemplating the afterlife, I make my way back to the city and the popular Museum of Broken Relationships. This unconventional storehouse of exhibits is a crowd- sourced collection of artefacts and stories related to ‘brokenships’ or ‘the way we love and lose’. Each personal object symbolises a relationship breakdown and is accompanied by a narrative about how the relationship ended. It’s quirky, fascinating and often poignant. Zagreb won my heart in two days and I’ll definitely be back again.

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Allan Hamlin www.allanhamlin.com.au Want a reading? Email Allan.Hamlin@westernweekender.com.au and include your full name, date of birth and your question. Please note your first name plus your question and reading may appear in print.

Connecting with family members who have passed Hi Allan, I would love to connect with my dad who has passed. Lacey-Maree, Cranebrook As your father’s energy comes close to me he starts to make me feel like telling jokes. He wants to be funny and light hearted. He is quite the comedian and very confident because he thinks he is quite handsome. He speaks of your mother also. Your mum feels as though she has lost her best friend. It was love at first sight for them when they met. They were both so young. It was through school or they were school-aged when they first knew of each other. Your father indicates he missed a very important family occasion because he talks of you Lacey, losing weight for the dress, but he was there in spirit and says “he is a good man”. I can also see you searching for photos and looking for personal keepsakes. He speaks of three children. They are his girls and he is very proud of them achieving their academic success. He laughs and says “they cost me a fortune”. He also links me to a woman with a name sounding like “Sally” that he sits with every night. This lady cried a lot over him. She may also have sleeping issues as he shows me a CPAP machine relating to her breathing. I also keep seeing the number seven as a reference for an important date or number that comes up in your life. Your father misses you and your

the western weekender » Friday, July 5, 2019

psychic connections

family and the simple times like sharing a meal and spending time together. Life is a miracle, he tells me, and he will always count his family as his greatest joy. Hi Allan, I’d like to connect with my grandparents who have passed away in recent years. Monique, Penrith A great sense of pride comes around me and Spirit wish to talk about you first. They tell me you are intelligent and have strong opinions (that you are not afraid to voice!). You are a free thinker and stand up for the rights of people around you. Working with children is in your destiny. It is your life purpose and the youth of today will be inspired by you as an individual, as these children begin to forge their own path. It feels to me that you carry a strong faith in your heart and have cultivated a healthy spirituality. Two names sounding like ‘Joan’ or ‘Joanne’ and ‘Phillipe’ are spoken to me from the spirit world. Your grandmother speaks to me first. She was softly spoken as she passes and she wants to let you know she is no longer looking or feeling old. Her looks were important to her and her hair was a major focus. She was losing her eyesight and hearing also, and she felt it was time to go as she was in pain. The health of the mind and body is not an issue anymore

and she presents to me now aged in her late twenties. I feel she passed when she was around 88 years of age. There is also a soldier with your grandparents who may be their parent as they mention fighting and fleeing the war. She says “I’ve learnt to use the computer” which may be a reference to you teaching her. Please cherish her memory. She speaks to me now in a foreign language and says the words “My Cherie Amour” and thank you for my candle.

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