Western Weekender June 16

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INSIDE Coroner’s findings on missing St Marys mum Page 7

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

MIRACLE IN BATHURST The Penrith Panthers are finally living up to the hype, sneaking into the NRL top eight thanks to four straight wins, including last week’s incredible victory in Bathurst.

Full coverage in Extra Time: See pages 29-44 Photo: Megan Dunn

Man ejected from vehicle after frightening crash on busy road

TRAGEDY ON MULGOA RD

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man in his 30s was tragically killed when he was ejected from his vehicle in a single-car crash on Mulgoa Road on Wednesday morning.

The car crashed into a telegraph pole near Mayfair Road, with the man passing away at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Police say they are still investigating the cause of the crash and will prepare a report for the Coroner. When the Weekender went to print late on Wednesday night, the man was yet to be formally identified.

Mulgoa Road was closed for most of Wednesday while police investigated the crash.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Small reprieve

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Jumping for joy at recognition From teaching to trampolining, Allen Cullen has lived a life full of variety

Lauren Hickson EMILY NEWTON

n a small victory, the man who killed four-year-old Lauren Hickson in Emu Plains almost 30 years ago will remain in prison for at least another three months.

Neville Towner’s parole hearing was adjourned on Tuesday following massive concerns from the public about his release.

But the fight for Lauren’s family is not over, with his next parole hearing set for September 12.

Towner has served only 28 years of a life sentence for murdering Lauren, but could walk free this year unless the State Parole Authority can be convinced to reverse its intention to grant him parole.

A then 23-year-old family friend of the Hickson family, Towner attempted to rape Lauren, bashed her head with a river stone and then drowned her.

The knowledge that he could walk free has outraged the community, with over 47,000 people signing an online petition pleading for the State Parole Authority to change its mind.

That number continues to rise each day as more people give a voice to Lauren.

Lauren’s mother Jurina Hickson recently spoke about her concerns surrounding Towner’s likely release.

“He might be getting a second chance, but he didn’t give Lauren a second chance,” she told the Daily Telegraph.

“I’ll never forgive him while I’ve still got breath in my body.

“The murder was so horrific. He sexually assaulted and tortured her.

“I just can’t understand why a prisoner of his calibre is going to get a get-out-ofjail-free card.”

Read more background on this story on our website at www.westernweekender. com.au.

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Allen Cullen has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to special needs education and trampolining.

Photo: Kate Reid EMILY NEWTON

ith a list of accomplishments taller than he can bounce, South Penrith’s Allen Cullen has been recognised with an OAM for his service to special needs education – and to trampolining.

Like a true teacher, Mr Cullen was quick to quip a joke saying, “they’ve both had their ups and downs”.

He first found himself becoming a special needs teacher after a friend suggested he would be a great fit following his success as a remedial reading teacher.

“It’s been difficult over time, and special education has gone through a number of phases, with ADHD, dyslexia, emotional and behavioural disorders, and now autism,” Mr Cullen said.

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“You’ve got to be aware and vary your teaching styles to the individual students.

“What works with one student, won’t necessarily work with the other.”

Mr Cullen has been a teacher for 50 years and has a wealth of experience including working as the former Principal at Werrington’s Kurrambee School.

He was also a founding member of NOVA Employment, a disability employment service that today helps hundreds of people annually.

You wouldn’t be able to guess it but Mr Cullen was also a crucial part of trampolining becoming an Olympic sport for the first time at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

“If my children were involved with activities, I would become involved as well,” he said.

“When my daughter became involved in trampoline sports, or tumbling, I just

couldn’t sit down and watch, so I began helping.

“In helping, I became an assistant coach, then coach, then a judge, and as my daughter moved into higher levels of trampoline sports, I became an international judge.”

He eventually went on to become the President of Trampoline Sports NSW, where he helped trampolining become accepted as a gymnastics discipline for the Olympics.

Today, Mr Cullen still works part time at Kurrambee School and is the President of Little by Little Inc, a registered charity to support students with high support needs and their families.

Humbled by receiving the Order of Australia Medal for his service, he has no plans to slow down his community work any time soon.

“I’ll see what life brings,” he laughed.

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Former Rail Corp CEO sees OAM honour as a family achievement EMILY NEWTON

enrith’s Vincent Graham has been honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM), limited to 340 recipients per annum, for his significant contribution to the rail and electricity sectors.

He spoke to the Weekender all the way from Canada this week, where he is currently on holidays, about the pride he feels in receiving the honour and reflections on his career.

“Railways have always been in my blood,” Mr Graham said.

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“My father was an electric train driver in Sydney for 30-something years, so it was a great privilege to be Chief Executive Officer.”

Mr Graham held the Chief Executive Officer position for numerous companies including Rail Corp NSW, Endeavour Energy Australia and Networks NSW. While each position has been challenging, he credits his success to the people he worked alongside during his fulfulling career.

“The calibre of people employed in the public sector over the last 47 years, it’s just been so great to work with so many great people,” he said.

Vincent Graham OAM

Born and raised in Penrith, Mr Graham raised his family here and views the OAM as a family achievement.

“It’s a personal award, but I think for me it’s more a family award because you work hard, you do your best, but ultimately your family is along for the ride – for the good times, the tough times, everything in these challenging roles,” Mr Graham said.

Despite the pressure of holding high positions where he has been responsible for tens of thousands of employees while going through constant reforms, Mr Graham would do it all again “in a heartbeat”.

He considers working in such roles a great honour.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to serve the people of NSW, and in spite of the challenging times, you look back and it’s certainly been rewarding,” he said.

Thanks for helping others

Elaine honoured for lifetime of help “I don’t regard my work as outstanding at all, because it’s just what you do” EMILY NEWTON

he warm smile of Penrith’s Elaine Wade is one locals would remember, having volunteered through the local community for decades.

One of her significant accomplishments, Ms Wade has been a member of Penrith Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, where she has rolled up her sleeves to help whenever and wherever she could.

Born in Katoomba, Ms Wade was completely shocked when she found out she was receiving the Order of Australia Medal in the general division for her service to the community of Penrith.

“I was a bit embarrassed to be perfectly honest,” she laughed.

“I know you’re not supposed to say anything, but I rang my daughter and said ‘this is ridiculous’. I haven’t done any more than other people.”

Humble at heart, Ms Wade believes that there is always some way to help, no matter what is happening in your life.

“If you have a neighbour, you help them,” she said.

“I don’t regard my work as outstanding at all, because it’s just what you do.

“When you join an organisation, you do what’s needed to be done.”

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Elaine Wade has been recognised for her work in the Penrith community.

Photo: Kate Reid Her service extends through the Presbyterian Church to the Penrith RSL Sub-branch where she has volunteered for many years, even after her husband’s death 27 years ago.

Through her life, Ms Wade has found

Penrith a lovely place to live after her and her husband decided to buy out here many years ago.

“It’s a nice area and you can just go shopping and say g’day to the people,” she said.

24 Police and Emergency Services personnel were honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list on Monday.

Eight Police officers have been awarded the Australian Police Medal, seven Rural Fire Service and four Fire and Rescue NSW members received the Australian Fire Services Medal, while five individuals from the State Emergency Service and Marine Rescue NSW have been recognised with the Emergency Services Medal.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said each and every day NSW Police Force officers and members of our emergency service agencies put their own lives on the line to protect and assist the community.

“Time and time again, they have shown their selflessness and commitment to protecting the vulnerable, whether as paid personnel or as volunteers,” he said.

“Their roles, ranging from high-level criminal and forensic investigators, rescuers and emergency managers, often place them in harm’s way and these medals honour the vital work they do.

“None of these 24 individuals entered their chosen field for these sorts of accolades, but it is important that we acknowledge their unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the community which they serve.

“When disaster strikes or a serious emergency occurs, these are the people who respond with bravery and resilience, and I am delighted they have been recognised with such prestigious awards.”

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Queen’s Birthday Honours

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Has the AFL already won the war?

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

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emember when AFL was just some weird thing they played down in Melbourne that resembled aerial ping pong?

Oh, how we laughed.

When the Sydney Swans arrived on the scene in the early 1980s and the AFL was determined to become a truly national game, we continued to chuckle.

The Swans struggled for survival during the dark times of the late 1980s and early 1990s, almost wiped off the map financially and struggling to get any serious recognition in what was a rugby league city through and through.

On the back of Tony Lockett’s arrival in 1995, the Swans finally started to make some ground, helped out by rugby league’s bitter Super League war, and have never really looked back.

Almost without the NRL noticing, the Swans would go on to capture a piece of Sydney’s heart and importantly, discretionary spending.

A couple of premierships, consistent success and high profile signings ensured the Swans became a permanent part of the sporting landscape in the Harbour city, albeit the poorer cousin to rugby league for much of that time.

While rugby league continued to fumble about, remaining Sydney-centric and watching attempts to expand into markets such as Perth, southern Queensland and Adelaide fail, the AFL quietly went about their business.

While continuing to build on its success in Melbourne, the code’s careful planning would eventually see each major city in Australia represented by two clubs.

Head office knew that meant local derbies, and as soccer has also proven,

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“It was the equivalent of moving an entire football team into the city via a wooden horse”

derbies are the key to grabbing publicity and interest from people whose sporting eyeballs are usually focused elsewhere.

The introduction of the Gold Coast Suns ensured a Queensland derby, while the GWS Giants’ debut in 2012 was the ultimate chess move. No longer scared by rugby league’s dominance, the AFL declared Sydney was its to own.

And to be honest, it was the equivalent of moving an entire football team into the city via a wooden horse.

Rugby league was arrogant, and either didn’t care or didn’t notice what the AFL was doing.

Fans and officials laughed again, just like they did back in the early 1980s.

A few lone voices warned of what was to come, including Panthers boss Phil Gould who on countless times has preached to the NRL about the threat the AFL provides. They either don’t listen, or don’t have a clue what to do about it.

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Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87; Kate Reid | @kate_reid6 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Photographers: 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: Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Daniel Vella, Katie Grasso, Jess Gilarte, Chantelle Lang To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au

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Issue 1307

We’ve seen in recent years, and in particular recent months, that the NRL is a shambles at head office.

The Commission, which was once considered the giant hope of the game, has been a giant failure.

The AFL, meanwhile, continue with their invasion.

The GWS Giants sit equal first on the AFL ladder and on the back of a successful year in 2016, are continuing to slowly build a fan base.

The AFL doesn’t care how long it takes.

The AFL doesn’t even care if you or I become a Giants or Swans fans.

They want our kids, which is why they put so much focus on school visits.

Anyone who thinks the AFL’s invasion is not a reality is kidding themselves.

Consider this. A fortnight ago, the Swans had 36,221 fans at the SCG to watch their match against Hawthorn. On the same weekend, the NRL played three matches at ANZ Stadium involving a total of five Sydney clubs. In TOTAL, the matches attracted 33,755 people.

You do the maths.

We’ll bring out plenty of excuses, of course, headed up by the fact that Sydney has nine clubs versus just two Sydney teams in the AFL. Fine, but five of them couldn’t even manage to attract a crowd that rivalled one of the AFL sides.

The NRL has plenty on its plate at the moment, including a bitter dispute with clubs and players.

The biggest threat to rugby league may well be from within given the shambles at headquarters, but a close second is very much the AFL. The AFL is not just winning the war, they may have already won it.

Production Manager: Irene Adams | irene.adams@westernweekender.com.au Production: Maddy Searle, Ian Beard Administration: Karlee Hansen

Footy champion celebrated for service EMILY NEWTON

t Marys Rugby League Club President Warren Smith has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding service to rugby league.

President of the club for 27 years, Mr Smith has seen it grow over the years to become something legendary in western Sydney.

“When I first started, we only had 14 sides. Now, we’ve got 44,” Mr Smith told the Weekender.

“It’s great to be a part of the area, to support the community and rugby league.”

He said finding out he was being honoured for his service completely took him by surprise.

“I’m over the moon, it was very unexpected,” Mr Smith said.

“I’ve been doing this because I wanted to do it.

“To be recognised for that work, it is a great honour.”

Mr Smith’s fondest memory of his time at the club was only a few years ago when they made history in the sport.

“The big highlight was about five or six years ago when we won 19 premierships in one year,” he said.

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St Marys Rugby League Club President, Warren Smith. Photo: Melinda Jane

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“There’s not even clubs in other districts that have 19 teams, I’m sure we broke a record that year.”

Through his position with the club, Mr Smith helps the local community through school sponsorships and consistent donations to charities.

One recent donation involved the club assisting a family with two kids in wheelchairs through a special bus to help transport them.

“To see those kids, it just brings a tear to your eye and it’s something that we wanted to do,” Mr Smith said.

“The Board was right behind that initiative.”

While Mr Smith lives and breathes rugby league, the same isn’t the case for his family, as his grandsons have taken to playing soccer.

“It was hard going to watch them play,” Mr Smith laughed.

Since receiving the honour, Mr Smith said he is still in shock as friends, family and the community congratulate and thank him.

“It’s been overwhelming, it’s been fantastic. I didn’t realise so many people read the paper,” he said.

He said it was a thrill to be recognised for his work.

“It just gives you a bit of a buzz knowing that the community and the wider rugby league community support you,” he said.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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Queen’s Birthday Honours

Shirley has spent a lifetime looking after children in need EMILY NEWTON

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t takes a special kind of person to be able to open their doors and hearts to foster care.

Shirley Gow from North St Marys is extraordinary; having dedicated her life to helping others, foster caring for a staggering 41 children through her lifetime.

Now 82-years-old, Ms Gow spent a period of her childhood as a ward of the State, and knew then that she would help others in any way that she could.

The eldest daughter of a large family, Ms Gow was born in Young and moved around a lot as a child.

Settling in Epping where she married her husband, they went through the trauma of multiple miscarriages.

“I faced the fact that I would not have any children of my own,” Ms Gow said.

But almost 60 years ago, she gave birth to her only biological son and her legacy continues with four biological grandchildren and two biological greatgrandchildren.

Knowing her heart had more love to give, the family opened their doors to help those less fortunate.

“I had only been married five years when we first fostered,” she said.

“It was no different than belonging to a large family.

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Shirley Gow OAM “One Christmas, I had nine over because they didn’t have anywhere to put them.”

When asked what inspired her to give so much to the community, her answer was simple.

“Why not do it?” she said.

“You’ve only got to let them know that you love them, that’s all you need to do.”

Ms Gow has also been an active member in the community assisting the Nepean Riverlands Probus Club, the Tregear Presbyterian Church and Chifley College over many years.

Ms Gow is being honoured with the Order of Australia Medal in the general division for her outstanding lifetime of contribution to society.

“I feel absolutely honoured, so honoured that I’m nearly embarrassed by it,” she said.

Katherine is dead, Coroner concludes EMILY NEWTON

Coroner’s inquest has found a St Marys mum, who went missing last year, to be dead.

The inquest into the disappearance of local mum Katherine Ackling-Bryen has revealed her unusual behaviour.

Ms Ackling-Bryen dropped her daughters off at school, one of them still in pyjamas, with “tears in her eyes” the morning she went missing.

She was reported as missing that afternoon, February 19, 2016, when she did not return to pick them up from school.

The inquest also revealed the mental health history of Ms Ackling-Bryen who suffered from depression and anxiety, and highlighted failures of the mental health system.

In 2013, Ms Ackling-Bryen had suffered a psychotic episode and was admitted to Nepean Hospital for treatment.

Her mother told the court that there was “inadequate” follow-up after this admission, with no ongoing therapy or specialist mental health care at the time of her disappearance.

Ms Ackling-Bryen was also described to the court by others as “withdrawn and quiet”.

“A comprehensive police investigation

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An inquest into the disappearance of missing St Marys mum Katherine Ackling-Bryen has found her to be dead

found no evidence that Katherine may have been the victim of crime or violence,” the coronal findings said.

In her findings handed down last Friday, Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Harriet Grahame said that Ms Ackling-Bryen died on or soon after her disappearance on February 19, 2016.

“On the balance of probabilities, I find that Katherine Ackling-Bryen is dead,” she said.

“It may be that Katherine has suffered further mental health issues and died by suicide or accident.”

These findings echo the thoughts of her husband, Michael Bryen, who gave evidence to the inquest saying he now accepted that she must be dead.

“His own process in coming to this realisation was understandably painful,” the findings said.

“He believed the strongest indication of her death was that there had been no contact with her children.”

Ms Ackling-Bryen was described as a loving mother and the findings of this inquest now provide her family and friends with some closure. Magistrate Grahame expressed her sincere condolences.

“It is clear to me that Katherine loved her children deeply, and as the girls grow up I am confident that they will be reassured of this by the loving family around them,” she said.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Council

Green Army out in force to protect critical land ALENA HIGGINS

hey’ve planted more than 120,000 trees, weeded about 200 hectares of local parks and reserves, helped map and monitor flora and fauna species across the whole region and kept a watching eye on feral pests.

And now the latest batch of Green Army participants are on the environmental warpath again, this time completing Stage 3 of conservation works along River Road in Leonay.

The next stage of works is in degraded areas, with volunteers continuing to target the protection of the Riparian Forest and Shale Plains woodland along the riverbank areas as well as wombat, possum and bush bird habitat.

Since 2015, Conservation Volunteers Australia has recruited more than 300 local youth aged between 17 and 24, with participants leaving the program better qualified and work ready.

Suzie Wright, Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Western Sydney Regional Manager, said the Green Army initiative delivers on two fronts – providing support to the environment and crucial real world experience to its troops.

“It is a great transition plan for youth

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straight out of school not sure of their next step, as well as graduates from the field of science, engineering and the arts that are looking for field experience,” Ms Wright said.

“Regionally the program has been very successful in helping local organisations like the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Penrith City Council, Landcare and Muru Mittigar deliver on environmental targets and provides real opportunities for young people to find work in the Natural Resource Management industry as well as land management.”

Penrith Council was successful with an application in the most recent round of the Federal Government’s Green Army applications, and as a result, two Green Army teams will be deployed to undertake environmental works within the Penrith Local Government Area over the next 12 months.

“Winding up in mid-2018, every resident will see the difference when they visit their local regional park, nature reserve or the Nepean River,” Ms Wright said.

“If they venture out at night they will see the difference made to local wombats, gliders, bats and wild things, while during the day they will over time notice that the planting of trees delivers on the cooling of the city of Penrith.”

Green Army volunteers in action. Photo: Melinda Jane

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make

a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in

a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in

relation to the Development Application. Where a

relation to the Development Application. Where a

Penrith City Council has received Development

submission is made by way of an objection, the

submission is made by way of an objection, the

Applications in respect of the subject properties.

grounds of objection are to be specified in the

grounds of objection are to be specified in the

The consent authority for these development

submission. The submission is to include Council’s

submission. The submission is to include Council’s

applications is Penrith City Council.

reference number DA17/0477.

reference number DA17/0480.

s Isaac Property Development

For any queries relating to the proposal, please

DA17/0477

Lot 1 DP 986363, Lot 2 DP 986363

contact Belinda Borg on 4732 7505

(No. 577) Great Western Highway, Werrington

s Matthew Freeburn Surveyor

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Nicholas Gunn on 4732 7413.

DA17/0480 Viewing of Development Applications

Demolition of existing structures and construction

Lot 211 DP 752021 (Nos. 1–13) Vane Street,

of service station with convenience store and

Cranebrook

motor vehicle servicing facilities

Torrens title subdivision x 3 lots

The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The

Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s

application seeks approval from the Roads and

application seeks approval from the NSW Rural

Development Services Department will be able to

Traffic Authority – Roads Act 1993 Section 138.

Fire Service – Rural Fires Act 1997.

assist with your enquiries.

The Development Application referred to in this

The Development Application referred to in this

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

notice and supporting documentation accompanying

notice and supporting documentation accompanying

Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith

the subject application may be inspected at the

the subject application may be inspected at the

Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or

locations listed below at any time during ordinary

locations listed below at any time during ordinary

gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning

office hours, in the period from 16 June 2017 to

office hours, in the period from 16 June 2017 to

application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit

30 June 2017.

30 June 2017.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

PENRITH

Hear from thought-leaders at the forefront of business and leadership.

NEWS

Libby Christie Executive Director, The Australian Ballet.

Dr Tim Williams CEO, The Committee for Sydney.

Heather Chaffey Place Coordinator, Penrith City Council.

Moderator: Bernie Hobbs ABC TV The New Inventors.

28 June | 5.30 - 8pm Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

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

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

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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

RSVP for this free event on 4732 7843 or go to penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/PenrithTalks

COUNCIL BRIEFS ● Speed limits have been reduced from 60km/h to 50km/h on Gipps Street and Water Street, Werrington, between the Great Western Highway and Werrington Road.

At Kurrambee School the 40km/h zone has been extended 165 metres west, to cover the full side frontage of the school.

● NAIDOC Week will be celebrated in Penrith this year with a family fun day at Jamison Park on 7 July between 9.30am and 3pm.

On the day there will be children’s activities, mixed traditional Indigenous games, netball games, a free BBQ, singers, free health checks and more.

Motorists using this route to avoid the traffic signals at the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Werrington Road are asked to drive with caution and to be mindful that they are travelling near a school.

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

Council lobbied on behalf of the school to the Roads and Maritime Services, requesting that this change be implemented.

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

● 2017–18 Event Program Sponsorship Packages Now Available Join us in developing and delivering two iconic events for Penrith:

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

Real Festival, 3–5 November 2017 An interactive festival of fun and discovery at the Nepean River. This year’s event has expanded to include three days of free river, environment, arts and lifestyle activities and live music, food, kids’ activities and illuminated and interactive art displays over two nights.

Approved Development Applications

s Paul Lemm Planning Consultant

26 June 2017 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

Australia Day – Jamison Park, January 26, 2018 Australia Day returns better than ever in 2018 at Jamison Park. Locals can expect another great family event complete with food, live musical performances, kid’s activities and entertainment along with a variety of amusement rides.

10 July 2017 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

Interested? For more details, call 1300 736 836 or email events@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Graffiti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES Council Meetings

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au visitpenrith.com.au

● In 2013 Penrith City Council secured $1.8 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Caring for Our Country program to undertake environmental restoration works in Cranebrook at Mountain View Reserve.

s NSW Land and Housing Corporation

CD17/0010

Lot 3 DP 35970 (No. 17) Chapel Street, St Marys Demolition of fire damaged dwelling DA16/1359

Lot 5 DP 231946 (No. 363) Ninth Avenue, Llandilo Construction of a church hall including an indoor recreation area, provision for religious classes, clergy accommodation and associated car parking and landscaping works s Connect Homes C/– Group Development Services Pty Ltd

DA16/1077

Lot 1340 DP 1194558 (No. 12) Alumuna Circuit, Jordan Springs Integrated Housing Development including construction of 9 x 2-storey dwellings and subdivision into 9 x Torrens title lots with associated landscaping and civil works

Over four years Council worked to restore a regionally significant wetland and an adjoining area of the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Refused Development Applications

Important works completed included:

s Irfan College

DA17/0141

s #ONSTRUCTION OF A STORMWATER TREATMENT WETLAND TO improve water quality entering the Penrith Lakes and the Nepean River

Lot 1 DP 103609, Lot A DP 159402, Lot 1 DP 795083, Lot B DP 159402, Lot 1 DP 724160, Lot 1 DP 905016, Lot 1 DP 1122794 (No. 57) Henry Street, Penrith

s )NSTALLATION OF WALKING PATHS AND SIGNAGE TO IMPROVE community access

Fitout and use of existing buildings for independent primary and secondary school and related site works

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instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

Turning back time

25 years ago this week, the local community was stunned when promising footballer Ben Alexander was killed in a car accident in Colyton. It would take nearly a decade for the club to fully recover from the tragedy. Almost 5000 people attended Ben’s funeral.

prize cupboard

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Jamie Smith Claremont Meadows FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Talking Tables FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Café at Lewers FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Red Cow FAVOURITE PLACE TO RELAX IN PENRITH? Knapsack Reserve WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? It’s where I grew up and it’s home WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? Elizabeth Arcade Books

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

Every Friday and Saturday throughout July guests at the Hydro Majestic Hotel will have the chance to celebrate Christmas in July with a decadent high tea complete with Yulefest flavours like ginger, cranberry and roast pork.

Guests can also enjoy a decadent five-course degustation including mouthwatering dishes like the butter poached Balmain bug and the chicken and lemon terrine.

Darleys Restaurant and Echoes Restaurant at Katoomba will also get into the spirit with Yulefest-inspired menus, making it the perfect time for a visit to the grand hotels of the beautiful Blue Mountains.

For more information or to book, visit www.hydromajestic.com. au.

The Weekender has a Yulefest degustation dinner for two in the Wintergarden Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic Hotel (first prize) and a Yulefest high tea for two at Lilianfels Resort & Spa (second prize) to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘YULEFEST’ to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Thursday, June 22.

Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Congratulations to the Under 13’s Penrith junior rugby union side, which won the NSW State Championship last weekend.

The side won all of their pool games and beat Southern Districts in the decider.

Penrith OzTag officials were stunned on Tuesday when they discovered that somebody had driven on the wet fields over the weekend, making at least one field unusable. What a clown.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

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A survey of almost 1500 women shows Aussie women spend 81 days in a lifetime searching for things in their handbag and only 3.7 per cent of women said they knew where to find everything in their bag. Perhaps not so surprisingly, the majority of women describe their bag as ‘cluttered’ (46.8 per cent), or disorganised (31.5 per cent) with some calling it downright chaotic (13.7 per cent). The quirky survey was conducted by Pilot Pen Australia.

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

GRANNY FLATS, DUPLEXES & NEW HOMES Choose a House you Like, Build the Home you Love

125 Batt St, Jamisontown - Open 7 Days 4703 4820 Dimensions, photos and floor plans are for illustrative purposes and may include optional features. Hotondo reserve the right to change plans, specifications, materials and suppliers without notice.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

LISTEN TO ‘THE WEEK’: The Western Weekender’s brand new radio show and podcast is attracting plenty of interest from locals. Listen from 8am Saturdays on Vintage FM or download the podcast at www.westernweekender.com.au.

Devastating fire has a happy ending for Gordon and Whiskey

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Victoria Bridge – Road closure

Gordon Wiggins has been reunited with his dog, Whiskey, after firefighter Antony Crowe helped take care of him

Roads and Maritime Services is inspecting Victoria Bridge over Nepean River, Penrith.

BELLE POWELL

Victoria Bridge will be closed on Sunday 18 June 2017, from 8pm to 5am.

If we are unable to carry out the closure on this night we will close the bridge on Monday 19 June 2017.

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Detours Motorists are advised to use Mulgoa Road, the M4 Western Motorway, Russell Street and the Great Western Highway as a detour. The detour may add up to 20 minutes additional travel time to your trip.

A07320

Roads and Maritime apologises for any inconvenience and we appreciate your patience.

For more information call DownerMouchel on 1800 332 660 (toll free).

Outside business hours contact the Transport Management Centre on 131 700.

For latest traffic updates visit livetraffic.com.

t was December last year when 58-year-old Gordon Wiggins was found unconscious in his burning South Penrith home alongside his two beloved dogs.

While one tragically died at the scene, Whiskey, the cheeky five-year-old Pomeranian, was returned to his very grateful owner on Monday following Mr Wiggins’ release from hospital.

Fire & Rescue NSW firefighter Antony Crowe was one of the firefighters on call the day the home caught alight.

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In a touching twist, Antony put up his hand to foster Whiskey while his owner remained in hospital.

“He’s still got some scaring on his back and a bit of a cough due to the smoke inhalation, but otherwise he’s a normal, happy dog,” he said.

“He’s quite a little character and he has the appetite of about 20 dogs. I’ve even seen him pinching food from our cat.”

While Whiskey was treated at Nepean Animal Hospital in December and made a swift recovery, Mr Wiggins spent six months in hospital recovering from burns that covered 50 per cent of his body.

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Council

Plan to fire-proof local suburbs at disaster risk ALENA HIGGINS

egetation along rural road reserves in Londonderry, Llandilo and Mulgoa may be cleared in a bid to stop future bushfires in their tracks.

Following recent blazes in Londonderry and Llandilo, Penrith Council has decided to undertake further discussions with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to develop site-specific strategies for identified roads within the entire Local Government Area (LGA).

Before the bushfire mitigation strategy was voted on, Councillor Kevin Crameri “implored” Council officers and his fellow Councillors to give the idea significant weight for the sake of people’s lives and properties and to avoid the “complete and utter chaos” witnessed in the 2001 Black Christmas Bushfires.

“Fires come from the west to the east and we have to stop them jumping,” he said during the May 22 Council meeting.

“The Christmas fire – we didn’t stop it, the ocean stopped it.

“Had we had this sort of policy, it wouldn’t have jumped from the Mountains to Penrith and we could have saved a lot of people’s homes, properties... so I think this is probably one of the most

V

important things you’ll vote on in this Council.”

Council currently undertakes a range of slashing and tree maintenance works within rural road reserves across the City.

Rural intersections are generally mown 14 times per year, while roadside verge maintenance is undertaken two times per year and as requested by the local community.

These works are undertaken to maintain lines of site for traffic, improve the amenity of the area, assist in fire management and provide an area for vehicles to safely pull over, according to a report prepared for Councillors.

The maintenance of the road reserves in Londonderry and Llandilo is undertaken in accordance with these schedules, while tree maintenance works are generally undertaken on a reactive basis.

Cr Crameri said there needs to be about a 20-metre gap between tree crowns.

“We have to take [trees] off the roads – we’re not doing any environmental damage taking 50,” he said.

“Give us an air gap so we can stop the fires.”

Earlier this year, Cr Crameri requested Council review its overall tree policy in the wake of a spate of fallen trees due to wet weather.

Councillor Kevin Crameri. Photo: Melinda Jane

Your new home and retirement lifestyle at Caddens Village New 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas releasing late July. Previous stages sold quickly. Join our Priority Register to be invited to our July sales launch.

Located just 3km from Penrith, close to shops and public transport, this pet-friendly village offers a wonderful retirement lifestyle with pool, gym, bowling green and more, all provided by a caring, Christian, not-for-profit organisation. Residential care also onsite.

Don’t delay! Make an appointment to view our display suite and explore Caddens village. Be sure to join our Priority Register so you don’t miss out on reserving a villa at the July sales launch.

Call 1300 111 278 (Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm) or visit anglicare.org.au/caddens

Caddens Village On 1 July 2016 Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) and Anglicare Sydney joined together to form Anglican Community Services, trading as Anglicare.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

L AW a n d O R D E R From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.

Good behaviour bond for man who assaulted bystander

A St Clair man who grabbed a stranger by the jaw after she accused his wife of child abuse has been handed a good behaviour bond.

Andreas Sophocleous, 38, fronted Penrith Local Court last week charged with common assault after he became defensive and violent when the on-looker intervened.

The court heard the victim and her daughter-in-law had just left a Penrith steakhouse about 8.15pm on January 25, and were chatting in the car park when the offender and his family pulled up nearby.

The victim heard a young child, aged about five, screaming and witnessed the mother yelling at the child to stop and “shut up” before grabbing the child by the arm and dragging her from the car.

Agreed facts tendered at court state the victim then saw the mother “grab the child’s arm again and twisted it with force”, causing her arm to go backwards, all while the child continued to scream.

When the female again twisted the child’s arm, the victim demanded she “stop hurting the child or I’ll call police”.

Sophocleous, who had just removed a younger child from the car, told her to mind her own business, but when she failed to comply, put the child down and lunged at the victim, grabbing her jaw, squeezing it and pushing her backwards.

He came at her again when another bystander suggested they “take a photo of the rego”, but the victim stood up to him and he “backed off”.

Magistrate Geoff Hiatt – who ordered the facts be sent to DOCS – told the 38-year-old his behaviour was “totally reprehensible” and refused his lawyer’s request to dismiss the charge given his otherwise unblemished record.

“This isn’t a matter I’d exercise my discretion in... and I am fully of the view that a conviction should be recorded,” Magistrate Hiatt said.

“If it hasn’t been referred to DOCS, then a copy of the facts should be sent,” he added.

Sophocleous, who attended Penrith Police Station the day after the incident, made admissions during a voluntary interview in which he repeatedly said “she needs to apologise to my wife”.

He was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month Section 9 good behaviour bond.

Man urged to stop driving after copping hefty sentence

Kurt Stephen Rigger has received a seven-month suspended sentence after repeatedly flouting court orders not to drive.

The 21-year-old appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with ‘driving while suspended’ and ‘driving while disqualified’.

Magistrate Geoff Hiatt noted he had already been given the benefit of a good behaviour bond for the same offence and acknowledged his motivation for driving was mostly to retain his employment as a plumber.

But he told the Cranebrook local he had to send a “very clear” message of general deterrence to the community, “but specifically one to yourself”.

“You again made it your personal choice to drive – no one else’s,” he said.

“You were abundantly aware that you weren’t entitled to drive a motor vehicle.”

He was convicted, fined $1,200 for the first offence, ordered to undertake 100 hours of community service for the second offence, and sentenced to a sevenmonth suspended sentence for the most recent offence.

He was also disqualified for a further six years.

Magistrate scathing of man’s behaviour in court

Bradley McCarthy has been given a stern talking to after displaying antics in court.

McCarthy faced Penrith Local Court last

Thursday to consent to an apprehended domestic violence order, but was called out when his court room behaviour left much to be desired.

“Is this a joke to you?” Magistrate Stephen Corry demanded, when McCarthy continued to smirk and look back at his friends in the gallery.

“Turn around,” he ordered.

Mother urged to stay off the roads or face court again

A mother-of-two has been given the chance to prove she can stay out of the driver’s seat after she was nabbed driving while suspended.

Amy Louise Lorraine Ferguson, 21, appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with two counts of ‘driving while suspended’.

The court heard Ferguson was first picked up for driving while suspended due to unpaid fines on December 9, but was busted behind the wheel again on February 23.

Magistrate Geoff Hiatt extended her some leniency, but not before issuing a warning.

“Ms Ferguson... if you fail to be of good behaviour, you’ll be called back before the court,” he said.

She was handed two good behaviour bonds, one six and one 15 months in duration.

Alleged drug dealer stays out of jail despite new offence

An alleged cocaine dealer has been handed his liberty, despite allegedly committing further offences while on bail.

Andrew Wilson is accused of being found with 8.9g of cocaine, 2.8g of meth amphetamines and $1,710 in cash just three days after being granted bail.

His lawyer argued while a custodial sentence was possible, a full-time jail term was not ultimately “probable or likely”.

“It is not automatic if convicted that he’d be looking at full-time custody,” he said.

Magistrate Geoff Hiatt agreed, saying with his lack of criminal antecedence there may be an alternative to full-time jail.

As part of his bail, Wilson is to live at a Hobart Street, St Marys address, adhere to a strict curfew and report to police three days per week.

He is due to face court again on Friday, July 28.

Seven months in jail for woman charged with range of offences

A magistrate has refused to adjourn a drug addict’s proceedings so she can research possible residential rehabilitation beds.

Magistrate George Hiatt told Shelley Kate Hoffman’s lawyer “there comes a point when you have to say ‘enough is enough’”.

“The court is of the view that this needs to proceed to sentence today because of the fail to appears,” he said.

The court heard the 31-year-old, who had tried unsuccessfully to complete the Merit program, had matters outstanding dating back to January 2016.

“How long is a piece of string,” Magistrate Hiatt quipped when Hoffman’s lawyer told him his client had been taking steps to research residential rehabilitation.

The mother-of-two was charged with a string of dishonesty offences, breach of bonds, drug possession and assault matters, including lashing out at a Kmart duty manager and threatening to stab him with a syringe when he sprung her for shoplifting.

Magistrate Hiatt accepted there were mental health and drug issues and that she had not been in custody before, but determined full time custody was the only option.

She was sentenced to seven months in jail with a non-parole period of five months.

She is eligible for release on parole on November 6, 2017.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

Londonderry: Dangerous rider charged with multiple offences

The Police Trail Bike Unit has made another arrest after receiving calls from the public about a dangerous dirt bike rider on the long weekend.

At about 12pm on Monday, June 12, police were called regarding a speeding dirt bike at Londonderry along Fire Trail Road.

As a result, the Police Trail Bike Unit attended the location where they received further information about the dirt bike rider.

Police observed the trail bike rider driving from the scene at high speeds where he performed a wheelie for between 60 and 70 metres.

The bike then entered a property on Tadmore Road, that police then attended.

At the property they found a 22-year-old male from Londonderry.

He was searched, and police located a quantity of prohibited drugs on him believed to be methamphetamine as well as a quantity of cash.

The rider was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station and his bike was seized.

He was charged with a number of offences including ‘Riding in a manner dangerous to the public’, ‘disqualified driver’, ‘supply prohibited drug’ and other traffic offences.

Penrith: Witness helps police nab suspected thief

A keen-eyed witness has helped stop thefts from Penrith, and unknowingly helped solve past thefts in the Rouse Hill area.

At about 12.30pm on Saturday, June 10, Police received a call about a man who was looking into cars at the Union Lane car park.

A description was provided to police, and when they arrived on scene, they were able to locate the man as described.

He was identified as a 29-year-old Doonside resident.

Police located a number of property not belonging to him on his person, and as a result he was arrested.

Inquiries revealed that the property located on the man were from crimes committed in the Rouse Hill area.

He was charged with ‘Possess home breaking implement’, two counts of ‘goods in custody’ and two counts of ‘stealing’.

Cranebrook: Police witness man’s poor driving antics

One man made the mistake of showing off his burnout skills over the weekend right in front of police officers.

Police witnessed the 25-year-old driver do no less than four rotations in a clockwise direction.

They then stopped the driver on Sheringham Road, Cranebrook where he underwent a breath test.

He returned a positive result and as a result was taken to Penrith Police Station.

There he underwent a second test which also returned a positive result.

He was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice to appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, July 11.

He was charged with PCA offences and driving in a dangerous manner.

Cranebrook: Man charged after police find replica pistol

A man was found to have a BB gun that was designed to be a replica pistol at a home in Cranebrook last week.

At 11.10pm on Tuesday, June 6, police attended the residence for an unrelated matter. While they were there, a crime scene was established.

The occupant of the home, a 21-yearold male, returned while police were on scene. When they were looking in his room, officers saw what they believed to be a pistol. As a result, the item was seized by police.

It turned out to be an imitation pistol in the form of a plastic BB gun.

The man was charged.

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

SHOW YOU

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

Minister seeks stronger immigration powers Following on from our recent article on changes to immigration laws, our immigration law expert, Registered Migration Agent, Natalie Viet has been keeping a close eye on developments in the immigration space.

It has been reported this week that Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, with the support of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his government, are going to put legislation before Parliament to give the Immigration Minister stronger powers to override decisions made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

In particular, the proposed changes will relate to the AAT’s powers to overturn decisions by Dutton’s office to reject citizenship applications and deport people.

Minister Dutton says that the current power that the AAT has, has the potential to undermine Australia’s national interest by ignoring the Immigration Department’s advice, and potentially putting the country at risk.

The Minister is arguing that the changes would allow him and his office to identify people with a criminal record and deny them citizenship accordingly, and deport rule-breakers where necessary.

If the laws are passed, people who are rejected in their application for citizenship or, for example deported, will still be able to appeal the decision to the Federal Court or the High Court of Australia.

Minister Dutton’s push for greater

powers in this context comes from the view that the AAT is overturning decisions made by the government that are in the national interest.

One recent example is a case where Iranian refugees reportedly travelled back to their former country for a holiday.

The argument is, if they are genuine refugees why are they travelling back to the country from whence they fled?

It has been reported that the new legislation will also include extending permanent residency requirements from one year to four before people can apply for citizenship, imposing tougher English language requirements, introducing an Australian “values” test and requiring applicants to demonstrate how they have integrated into Australian society.

Immigration is at a crucial point in this country as we try to balance our rich multicultural history with the rise of political-populism and the desire of ordinary Australians to feel protected from the civil unrest that is prominent across so many parts of the world in the modern era.

If you need help with a visa, citizenship application or any other immigration issue, contact Natalie Viet from our office today.

Do you have a legal issue you’d like Daniel to address? Send an email to news@westernweekender.com.au or send us a private message on Facebook or Twitter.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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Council

Mayor and Councillors to receive handy pay increase ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Councillors’ purse strings are set to get deeper after Council continued its practice of paying its local government reps at the maximum fee level determined by the NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

For the 2017-18 financial year, Councillors will receive an annual fee of $28,950 each, while the Deputy Mayor and Mayor will receive $45,816 and $96,414 respectively – an overall increase of 2.5 per cent.

After considering economic indicators, including the Consumer Price Index and Wage Price Index, the Tribunal, which is responsible for making annual determinations on maximum and minimum fees payable to Mayors and Councillors, found that the full increase of 2.5 per cent was appropriate.

This is despite average wage growth in Australia rising to just 1.9 per cent in the last year, according to March figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

A report prepared for Councillors states it is “pleasing” that the “Tribunal has recognised the increasing complexities and responsibilities that are borne by Councillors in passing on the full 2.5 per cent increase permissible under government policy”.

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Styling Shows

Penrith Mayor John Thain However, a number of other suggestions put forward by Council, including establishing a new ‘Metropolitan Major – Growth Centre’ category and standalone Deputy Mayor fee, were knocked back.

In 2011, the NSW Government passed an amendment restricting pay increases for Mayors and Councillors to no more than 2.5 per cent per annum, which is similar to the remuneration for MPs and public sector executives.

Penrith Council currently sits within the ‘Metropolitan Large’ category, which includes Councils with a population of more than 200,000.

Our resident stylist will show you all the tips & tricks to keep your house on trend this winter.

Discover how to transform your home with a few simple steps and minimal budget!

When

Wednesday 28th June

Times

11am, 12pm, 1pm

Where

Penrith Homemaker Centre, next to Chemist Warehouse

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Register today

4737 9800 Limited Spots All registrations receive a free goody bag (valued at over $30)

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

It’s a dirty You knowlook it’s wrong

Put it in the bin.

Fines apply.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

Health

“He was told to live minute by minute�

EMILY NEWTON

illon Barnett is a 27-year-old man who has lived a life filled with adversities.

Born and raised in Penrith, Mr Barnett entered the world with a heart defect, undergoing pen-heart surgery at just 10-weeks-old.

This year he faced another challenge, diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer that had spread throughout his abdominal region.

A close friend of Mr Barnett, Georgia Stellios, told the Weekender about the traumatic experience he has had to endure as doctors struggled to treat him. “Unfortunately they were stumped.

They gave him five weeks to five months to live. Instead of living day by day, he was told to live minute by minute,� she said.

He was transferred to St George Hospital where he was placed under the care of Professor David Morris, a surgical oncologist who decided Mr Barnett’s life was worth fighting for. “He was classified as a case that was so severe, but one day the Professor said, ‘he’s 27, he’s healthy and fit, so if I don’t give it a go, then what am I here for’,� Ms Stellios recalled.

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He underwent the incredibly difficult peritoneal surgery with Professor Morris, with the visible cancer cut out, and his organs then blanketed in hot chemo.

While the operation went smoothly, he was put on to life support and remained in the Intensive Care Unit for four days.

Today he is recovering at home as he continues to fight his battle. “It was just an emotional roller coaster, he was a little bit ambivalent in the sense that he was told one thing from health specialists and then was given a little bit of light from Professor Morris,� Ms Stellios said.

This Sunday, June 18, coinciding with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Mr Barnett is holding a charity day to raise money for cancer awareness.

The day will start of with a fitness boot camp session run by local personal trainers at Jamison Park netball courts followed by a full day of flash tattoos, a BBQ, bake sale and raffle.

The funds raised at the event will go towards Red Roses, a service that helped Mr Barnett financially through unexpected medical bills, and help create a program for patients going through the same treatment.

For more about Mr Barnett’s journey, visit www.gofundme.com/fight-for-dillon.

Dillon Barnett is out of hospital and recovering from home after undergoing complex peritoneal surgery

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Going without to make a difference Devastated by the crisis in Syria, three locals are taking part in a unique project to raise vital funds EMILY NEWTON

fter feeling a compelling desire to help where they can, Glenmore Park mum of two Ruth Baker and her teammates Nicolette Gambin and Laura Manuel are gearing up to complete the Act for Peace Ration Challenge.

Refugee Week has inspired many ordinary Australians to do their part to help raise awareness and empathy of the reality that refugees face.

“The main thing was Syria particularly, the pictures we see on the news have just really troubled me for quite some months,” Ms Baker said.

“It was really that kind of feeling inadequate about not being able to do anything to help.

“It really has been confronting, it’s very big on the news, but at the same time it’s individual people’s lives, it’s children’s lives.

“I’m a mum, that’s why it’s so huge for me. I just can’t imagine how kids would grow and flourish living on rations. These children have also seen things that no child should have to deal with.”

The Act for Peace Ration Challenge encourages participants to eat the exact

A

Locals Ruth Baker, Nicolette Gambin and Laura Manuel are taking part in the Act for Peace Ration Challenge. Photo: Melinda Jane

same rations as a refugee for one week, a meagre amount of rice, beans, lentils, fish, oil and flour, and get sponsored to do it.

When she saw the food she could eat for the first time, she was shocked at how little it was.

“When you see the ration box, it is ridiculously small,” she said.

“A week’s food would fit into your handbag, so it’s terrifying.”

But for people in refugee camps, that small allocation of food is normal, and Ms Baker knew she needed to help raise awareness in whatever way she could.

“It’s just something that tugs at your heart as you’re going, ‘what can I do?’,” she said.

“I really want to raise awareness, and I really want to raise that awareness in a real way.

“When I realised that just $288 can feed a refugee for a year, which is close to as much as one weekly grocery shop for me, that was very shocking.

“Thousands of Australians are being sponsored to eat like a refugee for a week in order to provide vital food and medicine for Syrian families in Jordan.”

Ms Baker and her teammates will be tracking their journey online at www. facebook.com/hopeandhelpgpachurch.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Police

Federal Politics

Local women bond over the toughest of circumstances

Pollies team up in fight to keep volunteer organisations funded EMILY NEWTON

unding for volunteer support services is at risk, but local MPs and volunteer organisations are ready to fight for their fair share of funding.

Minister for Social Services Christian Porter is conducting a redesign of the Strengthening Communities program, which provides the only source of Federal funding for volunteer management and support services.

Member for Lindsay Emma Husar has joined Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman and Leep CEO Cecily Michaels, to ask the Turnbull Government not to turn its back on these vital community programs.

“We are very concerned that the Government will not commit to funding for volunteer management services,” Ms Templeman said.

“These organisations provide vital support to community services that rely on their volunteers – from community sporting groups, to disability and aged care services, to emergency response and more.”

Ms Templeman said the Department of Social Services has admitted they are experiencing problems with the proposed changes, saying they are

F

Barbara Wagstaff and Pauline Taylor at the Legatee local area lunch last week.

EMILY NEWTON

nce a quarter, a group of resilient women come together from across the Penrith, Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury regions for support.

At the NSW Police Legacy Legatee local area lunch, the women at the table share a special bond, having all lost someone in the blue uniform.

Pauline Taylor, from Erskine Park, lost her husband when she was just 26. She said the meetings form friendships where the women understand one another.

“You’ve all got a common link, we have

O

husbands that all wore blue uniforms and went to work one day and never came home, or became ill and passed away,” she said.

“Legacy’s motto is ‘we will remember them’, and I tell you what, that’s something that we all live by.”

Legacy supports the widows of police officers with complex issues like accompanying them to court cases, to simple tasks around the home.

NSW Police Legacy Chairman Paul Bousfield said the meetings enabled people to connect with other people in their area.

MP Emma Husar, Leep CEO Cecily Michaels and MP Susan Templeman are ready to fight for volunteer service funding. Photo: Emily Newton reconsidering their proposal to remove their dedicated funding stream.

She believes this leaves hope that there is a chance it won’t be defunded.

“What we want to do is highlight that it’s only a little bit of money, but it makes a huge difference in having an organisation that can recruit, train volunteers, distribute them and facilitate them,” she said.

The local MPs are imploring the Government to drop these changes and give the sector the certainty they need.

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

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Station parking is a nightmare

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I have made myself a promise: I won’t be voting for Stuart Ayres at the next State Election, nor will I be voting for any of the current Councillors at the next Local Government Election. As somebody who has to travel to the city each day and has no other option than to drive and park at Penrith Station, I am absolutely fed up with the state of parking at the train station. I have to leave an hour earlier than I should, just to get a park. This is time I can’t spend with my husband, my children and in my home. Even leaving at 7am means I’m parking either illegally or so far away from the station it isn’t funny.

It’s almost as if the State MP and Councillors don’t have any true awareness of the situation. Spots just get closed at random (like the staff parking that was converted to commuter parking, and is now suddenly gone) while to fix one problem (ie – the bus zone) they create another. It is a disgrace, and I’m totally fed up with Penrith. The only way it seems I can voice my true disgust in all of this is at the ballot box, and I’ll do it proudly when the time comes. I presume Mr Ayres will be happy to hand me a flyer around that time, so I’ll be sure to let him know my feelings.

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I have never been to the Triangle Park (Weekender June 2). I totally agree with Cr Aitken regarding the waste of money.

What’s this, the third time it has had

money spent on it and still nobody goes there. The money would be better spent on car parking or child care.

RON RICHTER, VIA EMAIL

Ghost town in Penrith CBD Never use the Triangle Park. Never see anyone using it. I’m a Penrith resident who often goes by there. Waste of money in the first place.

DAVID SCOTT, VIA EMAIL

Message is loud and clear It is very reassuring to have read your message (Editor’s Desk, Weekender June 9). It’s loud and clear, think before you act, but also to research before you think.

I’m devastated by the pain and suffering people have gone through during the recent wave of terror attacks across the globe. I’m baffled; why would “Muslim” terrorists carry out such horrific attacks at this time of the year? It’s the month of Ramazan according to the lunar calendar; which Muslims follow. All the Muslims across the globe are fasting from dawn till dusk. It means no food or water for the whole day (unless you’re sick or travelling). It also means, no anger, no swearing, no arguing, no cursing, no fighting for the whole day. Muslims are also not allowed to fight, declare war, or attack during this whole month. Rather they are to be more charitable, kind and compassionate for the entire month.

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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Time to put household remedies on ice National Burns Awareness Month aims to bust treatment myths and educate locals on quick responses EMILY NEWTON

n winter, the rate of minor burns rapidly rises as we plug in our heaters and boil the kettle more often.

But new research has revealed that the majority of Australians are treating their burns incorrectly, and actually making them worse.

Nurse Practitioner at Nepean Hospital Robyn Totenhofer said that some home remedies passed down through generations are doing more harm than good.

“When you get a burn, you do 20 minutes of cold running water,” she said.

“Do not put any ice on it and do not put butter on it. They actually cause the burn to become worse.”

While 88 per cent of Australian burns sufferers understand it is important to treat a burn immediately, two in three are still turning to home remedies for treatment.

National Burns Awareness Month is aiming to bust burn treatment myths as there are still too many misconceptions on treating household burns and scalds.

Ms Totenhofer said winter brings many children to Emergency after they’ve put their hands where they shouldn’t be.

I

“You need to be aware of where your children are, and if you have a heater whether you need to put a screen in front of it,” she said.

And if you’re celebrating near a fire and burn yourself, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and treat the burn with cool, running water.

“If alcohol is involved people sometimes take an extended time to come to the Emergency Department with sometimes quite nasty burns,” Ms Totenhofer said.

“If you don’t do good first aid, and you don’t put a dressing on, then the burn will get worse and take longer to heal.”

Scalds from a spilled cup of tea or coffee can cause significant damage, especially if it has landed on your lap.

“Taking garments off is a big thing because that holds the heat against your skin, a lot of garments have synthetic materials that can stick to your skin if you don’t take it off,” she said.

To best treat a burn, remember to ‘remove, cool and cover’.

Remove yourself from any danger and remove any garments from around the burn area, cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes, and cover the burn with a clean dressing. If serious enough, visit your local hospital.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Health

Despite what your grandmother may have passed down, Nurse Practitioner Robyn Totenhofer said the best treatment for burns is 20 minutes of running water.

Photo: Melinda Jane

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

New bus shelter During April and May, Council installed a new bus shelter at 68 Derby Street. The new shelter sits next to the original shelter, which will remain in place. The existing signage and bus stopping point will also stay the same.

This shelter is a new design, which will provide greater protection from the summer heat, and will hopefully form the blueprint for wider application in Sydney and beyond.

Council staff will monitor the new shelter and gather feedback from users, to evaluate the new design compared to the standard bus shelter.

The new shelter was designed as part of the innovative Climate Adapted People Shelters (CAPS) project. The project challenged participants to come up with an innovative, smart, climate adapted design for bus shelters in western Sydney.

This initiative is part of Council’s ‘Cooling the City Strategy’. Western Sydney can experience extreme tem-

peratures and this strategy is working to cool the city and improve the liveability of Penrith for our community.

The strategy identifies bus stops as one of the places where the community is likely to be most vulnerable to heat, especially in priority hotspot areas across the city. The location of the new shelter is one of these priority hotspots.

The CAPS project is a partnership between Penrith, Parramatta, Ashfield and Canterbury Councils, along with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, U.lab and Centre for Management & Organisation Studies, the NSW Climate Adaptation Research Hub and the Institute for Culture and Society at Western Sydney University.

It has also been assisted by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, and supported by Local Government NSW.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Education

Music

Lucky Glenmore Park student to get first hand look at history

Tyler hits a high note with successful tour overseas EMILY NEWTON

H Glenmore Park High School student Lachlan Thuaux was congratulated by State Mulgoa MP, Tanya Davies EMMA KOCBEK

Year 11 Glenmore Park High School student will embark on the trip of a lifetime, to learn more about the ANZAC legend.

Lachlan Thuaux will further his love of history through a visit to significant Australian battlegrounds on the Western Front as one of the successful recipients of the 2017 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship will give Lachlan the opportunity to build on his historical passion for World War I.

A

24

aving recently returned from a whirlwind education tour in Europe, 20-year-old Tyler Wilkinson has been chasing his dreams since first picking up the trumpet as a child.

“I’ve been playing trumpet since Year 4 and it’s just been something I’ve always loved,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“I couldn’t imagine studying anything else. It was just one of those stories where they needed more trumpet players, so it was one that I played.”

Since beginning as a student at Blaxland East Public School, and continuing through his education at Penrith Anglican College, he has never stopped playing the trumpet.

Now a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Mr Wilkinson visited the musically and culturally significant cities of Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Salzburg and Berlin, performing in standalone concerts as well as in a combined concert with the Berlin Youth Orchestra.

“One of the biggest highlights was seeing what the music was like there,” Mr Wilkinson said.

The first international tour of the Orchestra in over 10 years, he described the journey as “musically enriching” as he saw performances he had previously

“I love the study of history. It provides us with a stronger, deeper understanding of who we are, and also of the complex issues our country and our world faces today,” he said.

“This opportunity is beyond anything I could have imagined and it is a journey that I have always had a strong interest in doing.”

Lachlan will be one of 22 students from across New South Wales heading on the trip.

The 12-day tour, which includes significant battlefields in Belgium and France, will give the students a rare insight into Australia’s wartime history.

Tyler Wilkinson hopes he can pay it forward and inspire and mentor someone playing the trumpet only watched on YouTube. Currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Mr Wilkinson said his dreams would not have been achieved without the support of his schools and mentors while growing up in the lower Blue Mountains and Penrith.

The Sydney Youth Orchestra now has an orchestra based in Parramatta.

For more information or to arrange an audition, visit www.syo.com.au.

WW28516

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

OPERATION BOUNCE BACK DID YOU KNOW 70% OF LATE MODEL VEHICLES ACROSS AUSTRALIA WERE STOLEN WITH THEIR OWN KEYS? As part of Operation Bounce Back Penrith City Council will be talking to the community about protecting themselves from becoming a victim of motor vehicle theft.

Visit us at one of our pop-up stalls where we will be sharing information with residents between 10am and 12noon.

June 21 Glenmore Park Shopping Centre, Town Terrace, Glenmore Park June 28 Nepean Village, Station Street, Penrith July 5

St Clair Shopping Centre, Endeavour Avenue, St Clair

For simple steps on safeguarding your keys and car visit carsecuritybeginsathome.com or a Council officer on 4732 8028

Operation Bounce Back: An initiative of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council and Penrith City Council.

WW28583

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

25

Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

Cold weather prompts urgent need for clothing donations

Gai Hawthorn, Bert Bronkhorst and Anita Anita are calling for the community’s help EMMA KOCBEK

ith the temperature dropping and winter creeping in, Penrith CBD Corporation has launched its annual Homeless Winter Appeal.

This year’s appeal, #ProjectWarmth, has Penrith CBD Corporation working with ANZ Bank and Wentworth Community Housing to provide winter clothing to those who are facing the colder weather without a house to go home to.

The appeal is asking Penrith businesses and the wider community for donations of quality winter clothing.

W

WW28569

PRODUCTION OF

CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn stressed the importance of the appeal and encouraged people to donate.

“Socks are a big one, we’re really keen for socks. Those sorts of things always help,” she said.

She also encourages people to donate children’s clothing when they can, as well as adult sizes, because “kids need beanies and scarves and jackets as well”.

The appeal will run throughout June and July and clothing bins will be situated in a variety of locations in Penrith including ANZ Bank, MP Stuart Ayres’ office and MP Emma Husar’s office.

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Tracie Duclos Telephone: 9673 2100 Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential - School Canteen Tender” and sent to: The Principal Werrington County Public School John Batman Avenue Werrington County 2747 Tenders close 3pm on Monday, 26th June, 2017 A tender visit and briefing session is planned to be held in the near future.

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There’s no better place to see how dogs can make your life so much better than at Dogs NSW’s Dogs on Show at Orchard Hills this Saturday, June 17.

Dogs NSW is holding its annual Open Day and extending the public an invitation to be a part of all the fun sports and activities one can enjoy with their canine friend.

“Dogs on Show is a fabulous day out for all dog enthusiasts as a fun, free day out for the entire family,” President of Dogs NSW, Lynette Brown said.

“The festivities provide something for everyone to enjoy, and the day offers advice to those unsure about what type of dog would best suit their lifestyle or growing family.”

The event will showcase a Championship Dog Show plus demonstrations in agility, obedience, dances with dogs, junior handling, retrieving, sledding and drafting.

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racing, herding demonstrations and earthdog trials, as well as a colourful Pageant of Breeds.

“The annual Pageant of Breeds involves dog lovers dressing up in the traditional clothing of their breed’s country of heritage,” Ms Brown said.

“It is a fun way of celebrating the unique heritage, diversity and predictability of purebred dogs.”

A kids’ corner will also be set up with face painting, along with a fun dog-related colouring competition where the children can win some great prizes.

“Dogs are a great part of the family and it’s important for children and dogs to learn to be good companions to each other,” Ms Brown said.

Dogs NSW promotes responsible dog breeding and other canine activities.

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There is free admission and parking on site with plenty of food and refreshments available.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

BUSINESS H Have you made ridiculous goals? ri

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hen you read the title of this article, you would be forgiven for thinking that the ‘correct’ answer to the question is ‘of course not!’. But I am going to suggest something a bit radical to all the business owners out there: perhaps you should make some ridiculous goals.

We all know the saying ‘Aim for the stars and maybe you’ll reach the sky’.

Which means, aim higher than what you think is realistically possible and worst case scenario, you will still have achieved something beyond what you thought possible.

There is merit in doing this from the perspective of looking at the outcome: you essentially always ‘win’ if you aim higher. But I think there’s another valuable reason to aim for seemingly ridiculous goals. In choosing a goal like this, you are training your brain to stretch and think outside your usual box. You are giving your brain permission to think in ways it has never done before, so that what was impossible previously, is now possible.

Any successful sports person will tell you how big they dreamed before reaching their goals. And those dreams would not have matched their current reality of what they were physically able to do.

But having an audacious goal (“I am going to win a medal at the Olympics”) spurs them on in the day-to-day training of their body, and alters their mindset.

So too in business. We can easily get stuck in a rut of ‘same old’ thinking and expectation.

There is another version of the ‘aim for the stars..’ quote which goes like this: “When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either” (Leo Burnett). This reinforces the need to ‘think big’. If the goals you set for yourself or your business are no greater than your current situation, the best case scenario is that you end up in the same place. But the worst case scenario is that you end up with less than you aimed for. You’ve got nothing to lose by aiming for ridiculous goals. Indeed it’s the way every successful and inspiring person has achieved the impossible.

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any small businesses are initially set up as a sole trader.

This structure is the simplest, quickest and cheapest to set up. However it is not always the right long-term structure, and often not because of Limited Liability. Set up does not need to be ‘set and forget’, and if change is required, the new financial year can be good timing.

Business to Business (B2B) If you are a service provider and deal with other businesses, then operating under a company structure can have many benefits.

Over the years the ATO and Fair Work have tightened their rules about what constitutes a contractor versus a “deemed employee”, and in ATO terms you may be surprised that as a sole trader, that two or three half days a month could see you deemed an employee of your client.

An easy way to avoid this complication is to use a company structure, and contract between the company and the other business for services.

GST Registering for GST allows you to issue a

Tax Invoice rather than an Invoice, which is considered a must by some companies.

You can register for GST under any structure, and although compulsory once your turnover hits $75,000 per annum, you can voluntarily register at any time.

Changing from a sole trader to a company There are checklists available that explain the process of setting up your new company, and transferring your existing business over.

Other structures There are other structures such as a partnership and various forms of trust that can be utilised, but they are of use more in special cases, when a relationship needs managing or tax advantages can be had.

Seeking advice Our business advisors can run through options with you, so you are armed with the right information to approach formal advisors such as accountants and lawyers to ensure the structure is right for your business going forward, and changes minimise any tax obligations.

Feel free to set an appointment with us.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

MATT'S rest week » Matt Moylan is celebrating his 26th

birthday today (June 16) with some much needed time off. Moylan was named in an extended Blues squad by coach Laurie Daley on Monday night, but after going through the team medical has taken the rest of the week off to recharge the batteries after a busy start to the year. He’ll rejoin the Blues in the days leading up to Origin II on Wednesday night. On a side note, here’s a bit of quirky birthday trivia for you – on the day Moylan was born in 1991, the Panthers got on top of arch rivals Parramatta 20-14 in a tight match at Penrith Park.

» It seems one of sport’s glamour

relationships has come to an end with Panthers forward Trent Merrin and surfer Sally Fitzgibbons reportedly ending their engagement. While the pair seemed like a natural fit (despite the ongoing joke about Merrin punching above his weight), it’s likely that the time apart has just proven too much for the pair. Merrin is stuck in Sydney for much of the year given his NRL commitments while Fitzgibbons spends plenty of time overseas with her surfing career.

» There’s an interesting rumour doing the rounds in relation to Fox Sports and some cost cutting measures being planned for next year. I’m told that Fox is considering basing their production teams back in a studio, instead of at the ground when broadcasting live NRL matches, and perhaps other sports too. Currently, replays and key broadcast elements are handled from an outside broadcast van located at venues, but it’s a very expensive exercise.

While commentators and camera crew would remain at grounds, the plan is for everything else to be handled from a central studio location back in Sydney. What it means for the quality of the broadcast is unknown, but a few broadcast purists aren’t happy about the possible change.

» If Te Maire Martin is going to find

another club before June 30, time is very much ticking. The Warriors recently went

cold on a deal that would have seen the 21-year-old cross the ditch before the player transfer deadline. There’s absolutely no doubt that Martin isn’t part of Penrith’s future plans, especially with Matt Moylan proving he has what it takes to play five-eighth. Martin is desperate to play first grade, especially given the impact he made last season, and according to The Daily Telegraph even went as far as personally phoning clubs in recent weeks.

If a deal can’t be struck by June 30, expect Martin to play out the season in reserve grade and find a new home in 2018.

Matt Moylan turns 26 today.

Photo: Megan Dunn

» There’s a few rumours doing the

rounds suggesting that centre Peta Hiku is on the verge of packing his bags for a stint in the UK Super League.

» Penrith’s last minute heroics against

Canberra last weekend helped net one punter an incredible $48,750 payout. The daring gambler had a $75.00 multi that required Jordan Rapana to score the first try, and the Panthers to win by 12 points or less. He backed it up by having Kyle Feldt as the first try scorer in the Cowboys v Eels match, with North Queensland needing to win by 13+. He managed to pull it off, but he must have been ready to tear up his ticket when the Panthers were down by 20-12 with less than two minutes remaining.

» Reagan Campbell-Gillard picked up

limited game time but it seems pretty obvious that he’s not impressing the people that matter just at the moment despite an impressive early-season debut.

a charge out of last week’s win over Canberra, but won’t spend any time on the sidelines. He has pleaded guilty to a Grade 1 Careless High Tackle on Josh Papalii in the 70th minute, but has been hit with a monetary penalty only.

» The Panthers are keeping a close eye on

» James Fisher-Harris is due to return

from injury for next weekend’s match against the Cowboys and you can be pretty certain that he’ll replace Viliame Kikau on the bench. While Kikau has re-signed with the club, he spent only 10 minutes on the field against the Raiders and only nine minutes on the park against the Bulldogs. I’m not sure what’s behind the

Isaah Yeo, who while enjoying a breakout season for Penrith continues to struggle with an ankle injury. He was back in a moonboot almost straight after the side’s win over Canberra last Saturday and is clearly struggling with the niggling problem on the field during matches. Coach Anthony Griffin said the bye has come at the right time as the club’s medical team continues to manage the injury.

» Penrith’s link to the Lebanon team

for this year’s Rugby League World Cup continues, with club legend Brad Fittler appointed the side’s coach. Fittler replaces former Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who had to pull out of his commitment to coach the team after picking up a contract at Wests Tigers.

» An average audience of 254,000

watched the Panthers play Canberra on Fox League last Saturday night. That’s an excellent result for the great community of Bathurst, with plenty of promotion for the city quite visible during the broadcast.

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hen Penrith captain Matt Moylan made the switch to five-eighth a fortnight ago, many Panthers fans were excited at the prospect of seeing rising fullback Dylan Edwards back in the NRL again.

Having only played a handful of first grade games since debuting against Cronulla last year, Edwards returned to the NRL against the Bulldogs in Round 13 with an eye on making that number one jersey his own.

Full of potential and seemingly wasted in reserve grade, many rival clubs, including the Wests Tigers, were sniffing an opportunity to steal the young Panther away from the foot of the Mountains.

Speaking with Extra Time, the 21-yearold said he remains focused on playing the rest of the season for Penrith in the top grade.

“I had heard the reports [of other clubs’ interest] but I’m happy here at Panthers

and I just take every week as it comes,” Edwards said.

“I just have to keep playing week to week and, if I keep playing well, hopefully I can keep my spot. If not, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Regarded by fellow teammates as one of the fittest players at the club, Edwards trained the house down during the preseason to impress coaching staff.

After earning just one NRL call up in 2016, Edwards was determined to get back in the mind of coach Anthony Griffin.

“I’ve always tried hard at training and my goal in the off-season was to play more first grade this year, that was my main motivation,” Edwards said.

“I thought I’d try and leave it all out there and force my way into the side.”

Edwards was born in the NSW country town of Albury in 1996 before moving north to Dorrigo at a young age. He was signed by the Panthers in 2012 and spent the 2013 season in Penrith’s SG Ball team.

In 2015, Edwards was a member of Penrith’s premiership-winning Holden Cup side, and was named in the NYC Team of the Year last season.

Despite being clearly good enough to

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

FEATURE

Dylan Edwards has been outstanding for Penrith this season. Photo: Melinda Jane play regular first grade, the former Gloria Jean’s Coffees barista said he wasn’t frustrated with having to wait his turn.

“I was happy to wait. Whatever happened I didn’t really mind, I just had to wait my turn,” Edwards said.

“It wasn’t frustrating at all… I just had to wait for Hook to give me a tap on the shoulder to get back in there.

“I was just trying my best to be ready for the NRL, that was my goal in reserve grade.”

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

Time for Blues to begin their era of Origin dominance

JAMIE SOWARD

W

ith the second State of Origin well and truly upon us, Queensland mimicked New South Wales earlier this week by picking 17 players who are all in form.

Billy Slater’s back after two years, Johnathan Thurston (pictured) returns from injury and there’s even a bunch of young guys in Coen Hess, Tim Glasby and Jarrod Wallace all set to make their debuts.

Unfortunately for Blues fans, there is no one in that Maroons side selected on Monday that you can say is out of form.

I think Origin II in Sydney next week will be a lot more challenging for NSW as the Maroons have selected a much more formidable side, a side that’s a lot more threatening than what they produced in Origin I. However, in saying all of this, the Blues have a massive opportunity they can’t let go.

Queensland want people to feel sorry for them because they’ve had to make seven changes but, the real fact is, Queensland have dominated NSW for such a long time that the Blues need to be ruthless

on Wednesday night. They need to go out there, step on their throats and put the series to bed.

In 2014, when the Blues last took out an Origin series, they won it all in the first two games. However, they were unfortunately beaten by Queensland in Game III and haven’t won a series since.

I’d really like to see NSW clean sweep those pesky Maroons this time around and start their own era of domination.

I don’t care how they get it done, I just want to see NSW go out and win.

The 17 players picked for Game I are back for Game II, not only because they did the job up in Brisbane, but because they are all still in form.

I believe every NSW fan, like me, woke up after Game I wishing the Blues could play that well for the next five years because all our players are still relatively young.

It certainly was a nice feeling following Origin I but NSW can’t let the opportunity slip.

I really can’t wait for this Wednesday night; it’s going to be a great game. NSW have a real opportunity to start something special, perhaps a dynasty.

In my column a few weeks back I tipped

the Blues to win the series 2-1 but my score prediction for Origin I was way off – I don’t think anyone would have tipped a carve up like that!

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

Brought to you by

I’m going to tip conservatively once again for Origin II and I think the Blues wrap up the series with a 20-12 win.

Enjoy the game!

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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2 Roosters

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310

228

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3 Sharks

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4 Dragons

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7 Cowboys

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1

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8 Panthers

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6

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284

253

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9 Eels

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7

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7

0

258

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10 Raiders

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8

0

316

270

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11 Warriors

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6

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274

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12 Bulldogs

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247

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4

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278

346

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182

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Saturday, June 17 5.30pm AAMI Park Saturday, June 17 7.30pm Southern Cross Group Stadium Sunday, June 18 4pm ANZ Stadium

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

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IS THIS YOU?

FOR THE LATEST PANTHERS NEWS AND UPDATES, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WWPENRITH

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If it is, you’ve won a $100 JB HiFi voucher thanks to Penrith Homemaker Centre. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 016 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Jamie Soward / Brenton Speed SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Miracle comeback in Bathurst could be the start of something special

brenton Speed

P

enrith fans should be forgiven for wearing out the rewind button on their Foxtel remote this week, to re-watch those last two minutes of that dramatic win over Canberra in Bathurst.

And why wouldn’t you?

At the end of each year, when you see a club go on to success, you always ask yourself what was the turning point in their season.

For Penrith, there’s every chance it’ll be that period between the 78th and 80th minute in Bathurst against the Raiders back in Round 14.

Following that almighty comeback, the Panthers now sit safely inside the top eight and look a much stronger side with Josh Mansour back in the fold and Matt Moylan at five-eighth.

For the Panthers, they now know that they’re never out of a contest and can win any game of football no matter what the situation is.

Who would have thought that a trip out to beautiful Bathurst for a home game would give a team so much confidence, despite trailing by eight points with two

minutes remaining and plenty of fans heading for the car park.

I’d also like to make special mention of Panthers young gun Dylan Edwards, who has been terrific at fullback these last couple of weeks.

He may have only played a handful of games in 2017 but he’s really given Penrith an x-factor.

Edwards comes across as a real intelligent footballer, who makes things happen. And with Matt Moylan now in the halves, the 21-year-old Dorrigo product – who is averaging 187m per game – gives the Panthers plenty of attacking options.

Speaking of Moylan, how good is he going at the moment?

The NSW Origin reserve was pivotal in that last few minutes, setting up both of Penrith’s tries. You can tell he’s taken true ownership of this team now and he really pulled them out of the fire the other night.

Putting Moylan in the halves is a massive play by coach Anthony Griffin but, what it also does, is allow Edwards a spot in that starting 13 and that’s huge too.

Dylan Edwards may be not be on everyone’s radar just yet but by the end of the year, everyone will know his name.

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The Weekender’s front page in 1992 TROY DODDS @troydodds

T

he front page of the June 26, 1992 edition of The Western Weekender said it all: “Penrith mourns”.

Less than a year after the euphoria of the club’s first premiership, the Panthers were devastated when young star Ben Alexander was tragically killed in a car accident on June 21, 1992.

20-year-old Alexander may have been playing in the shadow of his brother Greg, but he showed plenty of talent in his own right – and had clocked up 36 games for the club by the time the midway point of the 1992 season had rolled around.

On June 21, 1992 the Panthers defeated Easts 23-10 and a function was held at

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

BLAST FROM THE PAST

PANTHERS 28 RAIDERS 22

flocked to St Nicholas Church to bid farewell to Ben Alexander. Nearly 700 people crammed into St Nicholas for the Requiem Mass while an estimated 4000 others spilled out of the church grounds onto High Street to listen to the mass by loud speakers”.

The Weekender reported that moving eulogies to Ben were read by Joe Zarb, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Ron Mulock.

The weekend after Ben’s accident, the Panthers defeated Western Suburbs.

John Carwright is believed to have told his teammates who took the field that day: “You remember some wins more than others, but if you win today you will remember it for the rest of your life”.

Many stories, myths and theories surround what happened on that night 25 years ago, but the only thing worth taking out of the tragedy is that rugby league lost a rising star, and the Alexander family lost a brother and a son.

the club afterwards to present the players with their premiership blazers from the previous year.

Ben Alexander had been dropped to reserve grade a week prior to the Easts game, and was not keen to stay at the function. He and some mates decided to visit a nightclub in the area, but on the way, Ben was tragically killed at Colyton.

Greg Alexander, Mark Geyer and others rushed to the scene of the crash, as did then-CEO Don Feltis who was informed of the accident via phone.

The death of Ben Alexander shattered the Alexander family, his teammates, the community and the Penrith club as a whole. Looking back through the eyes of history, it would take nearly a decade for the club to fully recover from the tragic events of June 21, 1992.

The Weekender’s June 26 edition reported: “Penrith came to a virtual standstill yesterday when thousands

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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tr ivia 1. In what country town was Isaah Yeo (pictured) born?

2. In what year was a State of Origin match played in California?

3. Who has scored the most tries for New South Wales in State of Origin history?

4. How many Origin games has the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted?

5. Who is the current coach of the Wests Tigers?

ANSWERS: 1. Dubbo 2. 1987 3. Michael O’Connor (19), 4.

Four 5. Ivan Cleary

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 16, 2017

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Silly laughs that never get old

Y KATE REID

ulefest in the Blue Mountains brings with it many traditions.

One such tradition involves three men, a stage and a whole lot of laughs.

‘The Goon Show Live!’ has become a staple of the Katoomba entertainment scene, having been performed each winter for six consecutive years.

Based on the classic British radio comedy, which inspired comedy greats

like Monty Python, ‘The Goon Show’ introduced audiences to the genius of Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Harry Secombe.

Returning to the stage in the role of Spike is Cranebrook-based actor Robin Queree, who grew up with ‘The Goon Show’.

“I’ve been a big fan of ‘The Goon Show’ since I was a little fellow, it’s basically what got me into acting because I used to love all the voices,” he said.

“I used to lay in bed on a Sunday night and listen to it on the radio.”

It’s the show’s affinity for silliness that held his interest throughout adulthood, a passion that remains today.

OF THE WEEK

“I love the stupidity of it, it’s comedy of the absurd,” Robin laughed.

“Spike Milligan just took the mickey out of everything, all the British establishment. Plus the language is just wonderful, the absurdity of the English language as he [Spike] points out is just brilliant.”

This year audiences will get an extra special Yulefest treat with the addition of a ‘lost’ episode, which was the Goon’s contribution to BBC Radio’s annual ‘Christmas Crackers’ broadcast.

No doubt the lost Christmas episode will be a hit with the show’s fans, who have helped sell out ‘The Goon Show Live!’ shows across NSW. “Our audiences are basically old guys

like me who used to listen to it on their little radios back when they were kids,” Robin laughed.

“A lot of them know the lines off by heart, so we sometimes have the audience saying the lines before we do.”

This year’s show will also include ‘A Bucket of Goons’, where the audience will be given the chance to choose from one of three shows they would like to see performed live.

‘The Goon Show Live!’ will be on at The Metropole in Katoomba every Saturday night in July, plus a special afternoon tea and show on Sunday, July 23. Ask about the dinner and show tickets. To book, visit www.goonshow.com.au.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

SAT 15 JUL

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This international hit show brings you the iconic bands of the 20th century including: The Jackson 5, Backstreet Boys, Take That, Human Nature, The Bee Gees, The Beatles, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

WW28339

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Take a ride back in time

Step out to the theatre KATE REID

I

t’s all about the ladies at the Evan Theatre this Saturday night when The Starliners present ‘Girl Power from the 60s’.

This eight-piece band, fronted by three talented female vocalists, will entertain audiences with hits from some of the 60s’ most iconic artists including the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, LuLu, The Crystals, Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore and many more.

With beautiful vocal harmonies, and the talents of four musicians who combined have more than 150 years of

experience, this is sure to be a delight for anyone who loves the music of the 60s.

The show will be accompanied by a delicious two course dinner, making this the perfect night out.

Grab your tickets now!

The Starliners present their dinner show ‘Girl Power from the 60s’ at the Evan Theatre on Saturday, June 17.

Meals will be served from 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Dinner and show is $40 for members and $50 for visitors.

Show only is $20 for members and $25 for visitors. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.penrith. panthers.com.au or call 4720 5555.

KATE REID

D

elve into the dramatic lives of a group of amateur dancers when Ruby Productions brings ‘Stepping Out’ to the stage next month.

In this hilarious comedy, a group of working class amateur dancers are trying to gain control of their two left feet in a low-rent North London dance studio.

Former professional chorus girl Mavis is in charge of teaching the beginners the dance skills they need to get them through an upcoming recital.

But while she sets them up on the road to success, she must also manage the

many dramas of this motley but lovable crew on their way to triumph at their recital.

‘Stepping Out’ is based on the 1984 play

by Richard Harris, which was produced on the West End in London.

Grab your tickets now to support our local talent with this hilarious and entertaining evening at the theatre.

‘Stepping Out’ will be on at the John Lees Centre in Penrith on Saturday, July 1, 8 and 15 at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $20-$25. To book tickets, visit www. trybooking.com/276670 or call 4735 5422.

For more information on the upcoming show as well as future shows, visit www. rubyproductions.com.au.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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WW28610

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

OUR EDITORIAL COMMITMENT TO

Powerful theatre

At The Western Weekender, our commitment to independent, local journalism has never been stronger.

You can trust Penrith’s biggest on the ground reporting team to deliver the news that matters.

Support truly independent journalism. Advertise with The Western Weekender.

Tell your friends.

SPREAD THE WORD! Want to advertise?

Email sales@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998

Y

What’s on at your Club KEMPS CREEK SPORTING & BOWLING CLUB LTD 1490 Elizabeth Drive Kemps Creek NSW 2178 | (02) 9826 1375 www.kcsb.com.au | reception@kcsb.com.au | Find us on Instagram @kempscreeksportingbowling

WW21791

ou probably recognise Deborah Mailman from her performances in ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’, ‘The Sapphires’ and ‘The Secret Life of Us’.

But before she became the loved Australian performer we know today, she and Wesley Enoch wrote ‘The 7 Stages of Grieving’ after the death of his grandmother in 1955.

20 years on, the grief and history the drama draws on makes it a powerful Australian classic on reconciliation and hope. Chenoa Deemal is the star of this one woman show and leads the audience through tears and laughter as ‘The 7 Stages of Grieving’ unfolds.

The show avoids lecturing when weaving its stories – rather, it relies on empathy, wit and observation to portray going to war, family funerals, watching the ‘sorry’ marches across bridges, death in custody and stolen children.

Tragedy and celebrations are intertwined with modern references throughout the show which is what makes ‘The 7 Stages of Grieving’ so compelling and sure to hit an emotional chord.

‘The 7 Stages of Grieving’ will be on at The Joan in Penrith tonight (Friday, June 16) at 7.30pm and Saturday, June 17 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are $50-$55.

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

“It’s nice

“

EMMA KOCBEK

WW28612 Got a news tip or story?

Email news@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998

out here

’

WW23166

49

Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT

$20-$50, 7pm 4720 5555 Marty’s Place – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 The 7 Stages of Grieving – The Joan $50-$55, 2pm and 7.30pm 4723 7600 M7 – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 The Frocks – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Goldner Quartet – Blue Mountains Theatre $25-$52, 7.30pm 4723 5050 Hot Boogie Nights – Blacktown Workers Club $10-$15, 8pm 9830 0600 Blake Tailor – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 Black Label – Overlander Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4730 2955

Friday, June 16 Acoustic Soloist – Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Friday Night Lights – The Joan Free entry, 5.30pm 4723 7600 Social Darts – St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Mary’s DJ – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 Playing all the latest hits!

The Frocks – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Boys Light Up – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Stephanie Lea – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8pm 9625 5500 The 7 Stages of Grieving – The Joan $50-$55, 7.30pm 4723 7600

Sunday, June 18 They Call Me Bruce – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4721 5764 Matchbox Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Imogen Clark – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 3pm 4577 3050

Malek Jandali: A Syrian Symphony for Peace Blue Mountains Theatre 4723 5050 Friday, June 16, 7.30pm, $42-$44

Lorenzo Rositano & Friends Riverside Theatre, Parramatta 8839 3399 Sunday, June 18, 3pm, $36-$45

Social Darts – St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Take on your mates!

Mary’s DJ – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 The Bootleg Beach Boys – Rooty Hill RSL $50, 8pm 9677 4916 Damage Inc – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Endless Summer Beach Party – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Lenny Duff – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Frame of Mind – Riverside Theatres, Parramatta $25-$62, 8pm 8839 3399

Mike Hallam Hot Five – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764 Prepare those singing voices!

Think Pink – Evan Theatre $25.50, 8pm 4720 5555 Simon and Garfunkel The Concert – Rooty Hill RSL $30+, 8pm 9677 4916 Westside Performing Arts Half Yearly Display – The Joan $20-$30, 2pm 4723 7600 Toxic Dolls – St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Shaylee Wilde – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Celine Dion Tribute Show – Blacktown Workers Club $10-$15, 8pm 9830 0600 Frame of Mind – Riverside Theatres, Parramatta $25-$62, 8pm 8839 3399 Soundproofed Penrith RSL 4728 5200 Saturday, June 24, 9pm, Free entry

Saturday, June 24 Pearl The Janis Joplin Show Blue Mountains Theatre 4723 5050 Saturday, June 24, 8pm, $35

Sunday, June 25 Skyz The Limit – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

Bernadette Robinson in Calling All Angels – Riverside Theatres, Parramatta $39-$54, 4pm 8839 3399

Saturday, June 17 Laurie Bennett – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764 The Starliners Dinner Show – Evan Theatre

Live soloist – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4721 5764 60s Chartoppers – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200

Friday, June 23

Submissions

Acoustic Soloist – Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Friday Night Lights – The Joan Free entry, 5.30pm 4723 7600

Submit your gigs to our What’s On guide via email to kate.reid@westernweekender.com. au or private message us on Facebook.

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Nepean Evening VIEW Club 3rd Monday of each month 4735 4982 Jordan Springs & Surrounds Women’s Community Group JS-WCG@outlook.com Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4733 8926 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 Wives of Vietnam Vets Group High Tea • June 22 at 10am 0418 253 199

Celebrating an American icon The Penrith Regional Gallery is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of United States President, John F. Kennedy with the photographic exhibition ‘American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times’. This Sunday from 2pm to 5pm visitors can learn more about this period in American history with the free public forum ‘Black American Civil Rights, and Jacqueline Kennedy, First Lady and Fashion Icon’. For more information, see www.penrithregionalgallery.org.

Sunset Station Singers Singing group needs new members • 0425 223 113

S

OR I N E S FOR

S D I K R FO

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120

Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

From Wiggles to animals!

Collectors unite at Panthers

Join ex-Wiggle Murray Cook for an introduction to the orchestra with the children’s concert ‘Carnival of the Animals’ at The Joan this Sunday.

The Penrith Dolls, Bears, Craft & Collectables Show will be on this Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the Convention Centre at Panthers.

HANNAH, HWNS customer

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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crossword ACROSS 1. Rectangular courtyard 4. Fruit worms 8. Avert, ... off 11. Drench 13. Cardiac organ 15. Frostier 17. Yuck!

18. Parachute fabric 20. Writer, Edgar Allan ...

21. Buff alo 24. In a spoken voice 27. Actress, ... Adams 28. Khartoum is there 30. Torment 31. Famous soft drink 33. Dissimilar to 34. Snooze 35. Phoned 36. Chore 39. Distribution centre 42. Brown pigment dye 44. Solar bodies 45. Threads 46. Interior wall moulding,.. rail 48. Ballroom dance 49. Rule 50. Unchanged (2,2) 52. Female 54. Content 55. Infi del 56. Plague insect 57. Ages 60. Chinese city, ... Kong 62. Wanted for 65. Truncheon 67. Bonnie’s crime partner 69. Wallow 70. Farmyard eggproducer 72. Seek damages from 73. Garb 75. More recent 77. Flavour enhancer (1,1,1) 79. Vestige 81. Uncertainties 82. Coat collar part 84. Poke 85. Lovers’ meeting 86. Corrode 87. Firmly embedded (43) 88. Infl ated promotion

DOWN 1. Clever retort 2. Bye! 3. Buck’s mate 4. Army dining room 5. Raucous rock music style 6. Available (2,4) 7. Scat!

8. Drily humorous 9. Geography reference volume 10. Declare untrue 12. Non-rural 14. South American mountains 16. Country, ... Rica 19. Leaves out 22. Coves 23. Cowgirl heroine, Annie...

25. Song’s words 26. Towards the top 29. Underground shelters 32. House animal 35. Shiraz or merlot (3,4) 37. Sidestep 38. Wailing (sound) 40. Undo (trousers) 41. Long claw 42. Actor, Ryan ... (1’4) 43. High-ranking lords 44. Murdered 47. Ashen, ... pale 51. Cat’s milk dish 52. Thin biscuits 53. Small lump 54. Burble 58. Transpire 59. Crafty 61. Health worker 63. Attached 64. Hope 65. National head count 66. Before expected 68. Puts pressure (on) 71. Drain (glass) 72. Magi’s guiding light 74. Looked at 76. Electricity unit 78. Mirth 80. Percentage 83. Volcanic particles

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

52

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Ê Foxtel has launched a brand new streaming service to replace Foxtel Play called Foxtel Now. Featuring over 16,000 titles, Foxtel Now is currently available on PC/Mac via the Google Chrome browser, Telstra TV, iOS and Android mobiles and tablets, and Chromecast with additional devices updated in the coming months.

Genre bundles vary from $10 to $29 per month.

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Ê The recently rebooted ‘24: Legacy’ has been cancelled by Fox in the US. However, it’s not all bad news for the once-hit franchise with producers already looking at continuing the franchise with an anthology. Unfortunately, original star Kiefer Sutherland is busy with ‘Designated Survivor’ which was renewed for a second season. Ê Foxtel will launch a new series on LifeStyle titled ‘Common Sense’ next month. From the creators of ‘Gogglebox’, ‘Common Sense’ reveals what the country really thinks of the news. A cast of diverse friends and co-workers from across Australia will comment freely on the week’s news, current affairs, and culture from their favourite meeting spots and places of work. ‘Common Sense’, which launches at 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 5, will also premiere on Channel Ten the following night.

MY KITCHEN RULES UK LIFESTYLE FOOD EARLY JULY

Fans of ‘Family Guy’ and ‘American Dad’ will be happy to know that new episodes of the popular animations are returning to 7mate on Thursday, June 29 from 9.30pm.

UK’ will screen on Lifestyle FOOD in early July. The UK version is presented by two legends of British cuisine, restaurateur/ chef Michael Caines and cook/food writer Prue Leith. It airs weeknights from Monday, July 3 at 9.30pm.

Ê ‘Sharknado 5: Global Swarming’, which includes scenes filmed in Australia, will air on SyFy on Monday, August 7. Ian Ziering and Tara Reid return along with Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson from the ‘Today’ show.

Ê If you’re keen on comparing the British version to our own, ‘My Kitchen Rules

Ê Season six of ‘New Girl’ begins on ELEVEN at 8pm on Friday, June 23.

Ê Netflix has axed futuristic mythology drama ‘Sense8’ after two seasons.

Ê

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Above:

Networking was the name of the game at the Blue Mountains Business Expo last week

Below:

The wet weather of late certainly hasn’t dampened the party atmosphere at the Peachy

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MUSIC Lorde

Melodrama In 2013 a teen from New Zealand performing under the pseudonym Lorde shook up the pop world.

This week the talented musician will follow up her Grammy Award-winning debut with the release of the much anticipated sophomore album ‘Melodrama’.

Fans got their first taste of the 20-yearold’s new music with the release of the dance pop track ‘Green Light’, followed by singles ‘Sober’, ‘Liability’ and ‘Perfect Places’.

From those first small tastes of ‘Melodrama’ it appears Lorde – aka Ella YelichO’Connor – is on track to once again cement her position as a refreshingly unique voice on the pop scene.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

OUT NOW WON T UO

DVD T2: Trainspotting Rated R

20 years ago ‘Trainspotting’ made its mark as a cult classic.

This month the black comedy drama is back with the release of the long-awaited sequel on DVD and Blu-ray.

‘T2: Trainspotting’ is set 20 years after the events of the first film with the return of all your favourite characters.

When Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to Scotland he reunites with his old mates Spud (Ewen Bremner), Begbie

(Robert Carlyle) and Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller).

While much has changed, there’s plenty that’s stayed the same. There’s sorrow, joy, friendship, hatred, love, fear, vengeance, diamorphine and loads of self-destruction.

Following up a cult classic is never easy, but according to reviews it seems that ‘T2: Trainspotting’ has managed to do justice to the beloved original.

‘T2: Trainspotting’ is out now!

CINEMA Despicable Me 3 Rated PG

Gru and his team of lovable Minions are back on the big screen this week with the release of the latest flick in the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise.

This time Gru (Steve Carell) and his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) must face off against a new foe, Balthazar Bratt (South Park co-creator Trey Parker), a former 80s child star who is hell bent on world domination.

As Gru and his companions attempt to stop Bratt he comes face to face with his long-lost charming and much more successful twin brother Dru (Steve Carell), who wants to team up with Gru to take down Bratt in one last heist.

The ‘Despicable Me’ franchise has

become box office gold since the first film made its way onto the big screen back in 2010.

It has also spawned the 2015 spin-off film ‘Minions’, which capitalised on the popularity of Gru’s lovable yellow sidekicks.

With plenty of laughs for kids and adults alike this is the perfect flick if you’re looking for a fun family-friendly outing to the cinemas.

Don’t miss it!

‘Despicable Me 3’ is currently screening at Hoyts Penrith in the Westfield Penrith complex. For more information on session times, visit www.hoyts.com. au.

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YŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͕ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶĂů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ůŝŬĞ ŽƌĞĞŶ Z ŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ; Z Ϳ ŝƐ Ă ůŽĐĂů ůƵĞ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƵŶĚĞĚ ŽǀĞƌ ϱϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ĂŐŽ͘ zŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ǁŝůů ĞŶĂďůĞ Z ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ĂƐƐŝƐƚ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƐŚĂƌĞ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚƐ ŽĨ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůƵĞ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ͕ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ůŝŬĞ ŽƌĞĞŶ͘ ŽƌĞĞŶ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ŽǁŶ ƐLJŶĚƌŽŵĞ ůŝǀĞƐ ŝŶ Ă Z ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟŽŶ ŚŽƵƐĞ͘ ŽƌĞĞŶ ůŽǀĞƐ ƐƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ ŚĞƌ ƟŵĞ ƉĂŝŶƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĚŽŝŶŐ ĂƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĂŌ͘ dŚƌŽƵŐŚ LJŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŽƌĞĞŶ ĂŶĚ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌ ŶĞĞĚƐ ĐĂŶ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ƚŚĞ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ƐŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ƚŽ ĞŶũŽLJ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƵƐ ƚĂŬĞ ĨŽƌ ŐƌĂŶƚĞĚ͘ Z ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŶĞĞĚ͕ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟŽŶ͕ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĐƟǀŝƚĞƐ ďƵƚ ŵŽƐƚ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚůLJ͕ ĨƵůů ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůŝĨĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďƌŽĂĚĞƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ ƚŚĂƚ͕ Ăƚ Z ͕ ǁĞ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŝǀĂĐLJ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ŶŽƚ ƌŝŶŐ LJŽƵ Ăƚ ŝŶĐŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶƚ ƟŵĞƐ ŶŽƌ ĂĐĐŽƐƚ LJŽƵ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞĞƚ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ŽƵƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ŶĞĞĚ LJŽƵƌ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŝĨ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ƚŽ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƵŶŵĞƚ ŶĞĞĚ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ͕ ƐŽ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ͕ ŶŽ ŵĂƩĞƌ ŚŽǁ ůĂƌŐĞ Žƌ ƐŵĂůů͕ ǁŝůů ŵĂŬĞ Ă ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ͘ Z ŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ ŝƐ Ă ŶŽƚͲĨŽƌͲƉƌŽĮƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ dĂdž KĸĐĞ ĂƐ Ă WƵďůŝĐ ĞŶĞǀŽůĞŶƚ /ŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶ͕ ƐŽ LJŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ ŝƐ ƚĂdž ĚĞĚƵĐƟďůĞ͘ dŚĂŶŬ LJŽƵ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ support.

ŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĂĐĐĞƉƚĞĚ ŽŶůŝŶĞ www.daredisability.org.au

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PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The New Moon signals it’s time for a brand new domestic chapter. So family should be your number one priority. Your motto is from actress Meryl Streep, “My family really does come first. It always has and always will”. You’re keen to jump in and act with lightning speed on the weekend, but others may need some time to adjust. Smart Rams will aim to get the balance right between being spontaneous and thinking things through.

your horoscopes

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Courtesy of Venusian and Neptunian vibes, it’s a wonderful week to embrace your Bullish creativity! Be inspired by singer Carly Simon, “There’s always a creative side to me, even when it’s quiet musically … like painting or decorating or planting a garden”. But consider the consequences of what you do and say.

If you act with haste, you could find yourself deep in a disagreement.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Tuesday’s Mercury-Uranus connection is terrific for brainstorming innovative ideas, which could lead to a stunning lightbulb moment! Your creativity and communication skills are firing on Wednesday, but there’s also a tendency to scatter your energy all over the place.

So pace yourself. Then Friday night’s New Moon shines a spotlight on money matters. If your finances are a mess, you need to develop some fiscal skills fast.

Joanne Madeline Moore

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Weekly posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

It’s a fantastic week for Crabs! Mercury moves into your sign when you’ll feel more rational and less moody than usual.

The week will certainly progress better if you are more proactive, and less reactive.

And it’s the perfect time to enrol in an educational course or complete a study project. The New Moon’s in your sign on Friday night so it’s a wonderful weekend to make a wish or start a personal project.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Stop wasting time trying to control people and situations. Wonderful opportunities are around, but they’re not immediately obvious. They are hidden in unexpected places, waiting for you to discover them.

Theatrical Lions love to be centre stage but – at the moment – some of your best work is behind the scenes. Others may not notice what you’re doing this week, but your efforts will be well-rewarded in the weeks and months to come.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week sassy Sagittarians can expect a fresh start involving loot or lust, as the New Moon activates your joint finances and intimacy zone. It’s also a fabulous time to research a subject that has always fascinated you. But those around you can expect some boisterous behaviour from yours truly on the weekend, when Mars and Jupiter amp up your rash and restless side. So try to burn off excess fiery energy via vigorous physical activities.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Don’t let vague worries do your head in Virgo. Stressing about things that might happen is not the sensible way to go. This week the Sun and Mercury encourage you to stop worrying and start doing.

Concentrate on positive changes you can make right here and right now. Plus aim to be more proactive about appreciating (and protecting) your neighbourhood and local environment.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Venus sends a lucky break via social media or community connections. So get networking and make the most of any fortuitous opportunities that come your way. Mercury shifts into your relationship zone so, from Wednesday onwards, you’ll be more inclined to keep the lines of communication open. Coupled Capricorns – strive to be more kind and considerate towards your partner.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Venus and Neptune favour romance, friendship and fun on Tuesday and it’s also a terrific time to socialise with colleagues, as you mix business with pleasure. Librans are clever and capable but are you confident enough for big time success? The New Moon’s in your career zone, so step up and assume a leadership role. Your deft diplomatic skills are needed on the weekend, when someone is spoiling for a fight. Be the peacemaker.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

It’s time to be mentally and physically active Aquarius! Tuesday’s MercuryUranus connection favours fresh solutions, spontaneous shenanigans and tackling old problems in innovative new ways. And, with the New Moon and Mars activating your wellbeing zone, hurry up and incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. How about joining a local gymnasium or sporting club? At work, take the stairs rather than the lift.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

The New Moon boosts your brain power so it’s time to read, research or study something new. Planning your next business trip or weekend escape is also a good idea. With peacemaker Venus in your partnership zone, do your best to smooth over problems with a loved one or cranky colleague. As the week progresses, relationships will become much more intense.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

your

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Do you underestimate and undervalue your creative talents? This week Venus, Neptune and the New Moon all encourage you to express your creativity for all the world to see. Don’t be shy! It’s also a wonderful week to enjoy a romantic interlude with your partner, fix a floundering friendship or find a fabulous new love. But don’t sit around waiting for Cupid’s arrow. You need to be proactive.

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

your

money

Superannuation changes are just around the corner Getting the right financial advice is important when it comes to super changes, which come into force next month....

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

In last year’s Budget one of the many superannuation changes was to introduce a maximum allowable allocated pension of $1.6 million.

This does not mean you are unable to save more than $1.6 million to provide for your retirement, it does however limit how much you are able to have in the taxfree pension environment.

These rules come into place for next financial year.

Those with in excess of $1.6 million in allocated pension are required to rectify this before July 1 2017 and decrease funds in pension phase (this will be known as retirement phase as of July 1).

There will be a six month grace period providing the excess is less than $100,000.

After this period, those in excess of the cap will see notional earnings taxed at 15 per cent in the first year and 30 per cent for subsequent breaches.

Those who are currently over the cap have two options.

They are able to switch excess funds back to accumulation phase (which will see earnings taxed at 15 per cent) or

remove funds from the superannuation system entirely. We encourage those in this situation to seek advice on which is the most appropriate option.

An area which has created some confusion is the treatment of unfunded pension schemes, mostly defined benefit pensions usually associated with the old government super schemes.

These are being valued at 16 times the annual pension ($100,000 annual pension will be the cap limit).

As these defined benefit pensions are generally non-commutable, the excess will be treated differently.

50 per cent of the income above $100,000 will be added to taxable income

and then taxed at Marginal tax rates.

Funds in Non Commutable allocated pensions (also known as NCAP and Transition to Retirement pensions) will not count to the cap. It should also be noted that, as of July 1 2017, earnings in these pensions will be treated the same as superannuation and taxed at 15 per cent for income and 10 per cent for capital gains.

Currently earnings are the same as funds in pension phase and are tax free.

If this legislation is likely to affect you, we strongly recommend getting advice, as the best option to take depends on a number of factors and will differ on a case-by-case situation.

I was the gracious recipient of an award last Friday at the Women With Altitude awards luncheon. The Brave Inspiration Award.

It was an honour to receive and an honour to be part of an inspiring community that is Women With Altitude.

Thank you Andrea Turner-Boys and the ladies of Women With Altitude for your continued support.

Thank you all!

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For further information please contact: Towns Conveyancing Ser vices 02 4731 2483 kristi@townsconveyancing.com.au www.townsconveyancing.com.au

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health

The ins and outs of bunions: How you can prevent them

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

your

A common misconception most people have is that a ‘bunion’ is a growth on the big toe, but in reality a bunion is just one sign of a complex underlying structural deformity that can result in pain...

Benjamin Bishop Podiatrist OnePoint Health 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

Medically, bunions are known as ‘Hallux Abducto Valgus’, which simply means that the big toe (hallux) moves towards the second toe resulting in somewhat of a dislocation of the big toe – giving the ‘bony bump’ appearance.

This causes the foot to become broader, as well as reducing the function of the big toe joint.

Ultimately, this leads to discomfort and early degenerative changes (arthritis) in the joint.

Signs and symptoms of a bunion besides the obvious deformity can include: • Pain and swelling • Burning, tingling or numbness at the surrounding area • Thickened skin at the base of the big toe • Reduced big toe range of motion • Difficulty wearing footwear Causes of bunions Bunions typically develop when the

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

Being confident, having the right attitude and preparing to the best of your ability are keys to successful study....

Last week we considered the pros and cons of homework. This week we look at ways to maximise the benefits of home and school study. There are two situations where the student studies: 1. Classroom study Some of the most effective study is done in the school classroom, with your teacher.

Prepare for each class: • Re-read the previous lesson information • Approach each lesson with a positive attitude • Have an expectation that your teacher can assist you to be successful • Avoid places and people in class who might distract you • Be an active listener – take notes, make a sketch, draw, and stay focused • Always ask questions if uncertain or unclear on important points 2. Classroom study in the security of your home or dormitory Be organised – study time should

be study time, not time wasted in a frustrated search for materials and workspace.

Theory books for all subjects should be considered.

These books should contain a bare outline of all the topics to be studied in summary form and direct the student to where further information on the topic can be found if needed.

Each school day is not complete until the notes etc. generated for that day have been collated and filed. Take ownership of your notes by personalising them in your own words. This aids memory retention.

Develop a day sheet to keep track of routine tasks and special needs; a day planner is an excellent idea.

Organisational skills are a state of mind and there are simple techniques that can be learnt that will actually reduce the number of study hours required and produce better results.

Goal setting Happy students are far better learners.

The secret of happiness is to “be happy” and this state of grace most often happens when you are working towards some defined goals.

Your goals may change as you progress through school but you should always have goals targeted for your progress.

Next week we will discuss goal setting in more detail.

pressure of weight-bearing and walking is unevenly spread across the foot. The result of this uneven distribution is often due to joint instability and deformity, which can be caused by poor footwear choices like high heels or tight ill-fitting footwear.

Those with a family history of bunions should be aware that it is the foot type prone to bunions that is passed down (i.e. ‘flat feet or rolling in’), not the bunions themselves.

Preventing bunions Once developed, there are no effective treatments to get rid of bunions completely, other than surgery.

However, there are plenty non-surgical approaches we can use to slow or prevent

the progression of bunions. The earlier the treatment, better the outcome.

Patients should aim to have appropriate footwear and avoid shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels and, if you have flat feet (‘roll-in’), be sure to wear supportive shoes. If necessary orthotic therapy may be an avenue to discuss with your podiatrist.

Pain management for bunions Padding, strapping, splinting and orthotics aim to reduce pain levels while also improving function.

Simple yet effective, icing the area can also reduce pain and inflammation. Pain medication can be discussed with your GP but ultimately these won’t solve the issue.

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Suite 9, Allen Arcade 140-142 Henry Street, Penrith Ph Rob 4722 3072 www.mastercoachingpenrith.com WW28196

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

your

Despite our love of the sun, our vitamin D levels are low

food

We’re not getting enough vitamin D, but there’s plenty of ways to close the gap without having to head out into the sun...

Kate Reid Nutritionist kate.reid@ westernweekender.com.au @kate_reid6

We may be a sunburnt country, but unfortunately one in four of us are still not getting enough of the ‘sunshine vitamin’, otherwise known as vitamin D. Recent research from the Curtin University found that the southern states of Australia have the highest rates of deficiency, with almost one in three not getting enough of this important nutrient.

While we can generally get the recommended levels of vitamin D from safe sun exposure, we’re getting less sun than we used to for a number of reasons, including spending more time indoors than our ancestors, particularly during the colder months.

According to Curtin University researcher Rachel Chean, certain groups are at higher risk than others.

“People at risk of vitamin D deficiency are those who spend a lot of time indoors or who wear clothes that prevent sunlight reaching the skin, elderly people, those with naturally darker skin, and breastfed babies of mothers who have low levels of vitamin D,” she said.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that aids in calcium absorption and may also play a role in immunity against viruses and bacteria.

Without enough vitamin D there’s a greater risk of developing soft, thin and brittle bones, which can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness.

It’s not all doom and gloom though.

During winter we can help compensate for a lack of safe sun exposure with vitamin D rich foods.

Oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, are the best sources of vitamin D, with new research showing that 100g of white fish, such as barramundi, hoki, basa and king dory, can also provide around half

the recommended vitamin D intake for Australians aged between one and 50 years.

Eggs are another excellent source of dietary vitamin D, with two large eggs providing the daily adequate intake.

For those who don’t eat animal products, you can also get a significant amount of vitamin D from mushrooms.

Keep an eye out for ‘Vitamin D mushrooms’, which have been exposed to sunlight during production.

There are also fortified options in products like milk.

If you think you may be at risk of deficiency look out for brands that have added vitamin D.

WINE LIST

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t’s a question I’m asked often enough to make it worth pondering. Is a wine that costs twice as much as another necessarily twice as good?

A couple of wines that lobbed on my desk last week provided the near-perfect basis for such a comparison — two reds, both from the same winemaker, produced from the same area and from the same grape variety, but one priced at $30, the other at $18.

In the $30 corner stood the Chapel Hill 2015 McLaren Vale Shiraz (pictured).

Its opponent, weighing in at $18, was the Chapel Hill 2016 The Parson Shiraz, also made by Michael Fragos from grapes grown at McLaren Vale.

I’d probably rate the $30 wine at about 18 points, awarding it a high silver.

It’s a lovely, richly flavoured, mouth-filling dry red with a great depth of complex flavours.

To say that the $18 wine was only a little over half as good would mean scoring it about 11, but such a score would indicate a wine that was seriously faulty.

In fact, I’d probably score the cheaper wine at about 15-16 points.

So, the answer to the original question is a definite ‘no’.

A wine that costs twice as much as another isn’t going to be twice as good, but it should definitely be better.

What price range do you aim for when it comes to a good bottle of wine? Let us know by sending an email to news@westernweekender.com.au or send us a private message on Facebook.

JOHN ROZENTALS

religion

When you believe in Jesus, you believe in the truth

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

your

Plenty of people say Jesus is a myth, despite all of history’s evidence...

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

You don’t have to look hard to find people who still think the message about Jesus has more in common with myth and legend rather than reality. Perhaps even you, as you read this now!

It is amazing how despite all the evidence, even outside of the Bible, which tells us that Jesus was a real living person who breathed and walked this earth, that some people continue to dismiss Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as silly superstition.

And it is interesting how this is no new thing!

Almost from day one Christian people have had to defend themselves from those who think that believing in Jesus is like believing in fairies at the bottom of the garden.

Take for example the Apostle Peter’s second letter in the New Testament.

Nearing the end of his life, Peter wrote to his Christian brothers and sisters urging them to persevere and continue in their faith and trust in Jesus. Why? Because Peter reminds his readers, “we did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty”.

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This dear little boy has been at the shelter 3 weeks now and he is waiting to meet his new family. He is only a baby and has his whole life ahead of him to give all the love and affection he can to his owners.

Peter saw and heard Jesus.

Peter saw Jesus die on a cross and Peter saw Jesus alive again three days later.

Peter saw Jesus ascend into heaven and he heard Jesus promise that he would return.

Peter himself had experienced the difference knowing Jesus makes to your life.

Knowing this, Peter urges his readers to continue with Jesus and not to forget the significance of who Jesus is and what he has done.

How good it would be for you to check out Jesus for yourself so you too can experience this difference Jesus makes.

Have a fantastic week and I’ll see you in next week’s paper!

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61

Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

AUTO

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

M

TOYOTA

Strong May shows market is strong

arket leader Toyota has recorded its best May sales in five years, delivering almost 20,000 new vehicles to its Australian customers last month.

Toyota’s tally of 19,876 new-vehicle sales represented the company’s most successful May since 2012 and a gain of 15.6 per cent over the same month last year.

Toyota outsold the combined total of its two nearest rivals and its share of the Australian new-vehicle market exceeded 19 per cent.

Coincidentally, HiLux and LandCruiser Prado sales were also at the highest May level since 2012 while demand for Camry was stronger than for any May in the past 11 years.

Toyota dealers have now delivered 84,480 new vehicles in 2017 – an increase of more than 4,200 vehicles or 5.3 per cent over the same period last year.

Reigning sales champion HiLux extended its lead in the 2017 title race, topping the May sales charts with more than 4,150 sales. Its year-to-date total has passed 17,900 vehicles, a gain of 8.2 per cent.

Corolla also strengthened its position as Australia’s best-selling passenger car with May sales that increased its sales advantage to more than 1,000 cars. In addition to HiLux, Camry, Corolla and Prado, Toyota also had segment sales leaders in LandCruiser wagon and HiAce.

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Celebrating a special sporting family p.70

Giant expectations

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

Sport

GREAT HONOUR

Giants Netball celebrate after advancing to the Super Netball Grand Final. Photo: Narelle Spangher, Netball NSW NATHAN TAYLOR

fter teetering on the edge of elimination during each week of the Finals, Giants Netball are officially through to the inaugural Super Netball Grand Final.

The Giants put together a formidable performance to overcome the Melbourne Vixens 65-57 in last weekend’s Preliminary Final, and will now take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning in this Saturday night’s blockbuster decider in Brisbane.

A

It was a full-court effort from the Giants who went into the final quarter with a commanding 13-goal lead to set up the win over the minor premiers, who came back strong in the final few minutes.

Despite their late game fade, Giants head coach Julie Fitzgerald had nothing but praise for her side.

“I’m rapt, I thought they played very, very well tonight,” she said after the game.

“I really don’t mind [that we faded late]; I think we knew we had the game won and we were a little bit exhausted from putting in a massive effort in the first three

quarters. We knew that to play the Vixens we had to be on our game the whole time.

“The Vixens really start games well, which traditionally isn’t something that we have, but we’ve started to improve in that area and it was great to see us get that good start we’ve been working towards, but also to push on with the rest of the game.”

History will be made this Saturday night when the Giants battle the Sunshine Coast Lightning to become the inaugural Super Netball Premiers.

It will be the third time the two sides will

meet in 2017, with both the Giants and Lightning claiming a one goal win over the other.

The Giants took first blood in Round 4 when they finished 55-54 victors at the University of Sunshine Coast, before the Lightning reversed their fortunes with a 56-55 victory in Round 14.

With the Lightning well rested after having last weekend off, the Giants will need to be at their very best to match it with their opposition.

The Super Netball Grand Final will be shown live on Channel Nine from 7pm.

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67

Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Meet The President

Proud history puts tennis in the frame The Nepean District Tennis Association has a long, varied story in Penrith, and its President is hopeful it The NDTA has changed its operating business model over the last 10 years, and its finances have been put on a more businesslike approach, whereby we now have 18 people on the weekly payroll, full-time CEO, full-time tennis coaches, complemented with part-time coaching staff and pro shop staff, and we operate seven days per week.

My role is to ensure the lines of communication are kept open with all our stakeholders including Penrith City Council, Councillors, State and Federal members, Tennis NSW and Tennis Australia, so that we are able to deliver our many programs across the Penrith LGA as well as manage what is, after all, a community asset on behalf of our landlord Penrith Council.

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Weekender’s Meet The President series introduces you to the people in charge of our local sporting clubs. This week, we chat with Nepean District Tennis Association President Dennis Sales...

How long have you been the President of Nepean District Tennis Association (NDTA) for?

I became President in 2013. NDTA is the second oldest sporting organisation still operating; the only club more senior to NDTA is the Penrith Cricket Club. NDTA officially commenced in 1923, there were no town courts back then and competitions were played on private tennis courts.

How long have you been involved with tennis and what were your previous roles?

I began playing tennis as an eight-yearold, growing up in the days when people had backyards large enough to accommodate a tennis court. In the street that I grew up in (Preston Street, Jamisontown), it had three private courts including my parents’ court. The court surfaces were either loam or ant bed, so the courts took a fair amount of maintenance keeping the

Nepean District Tennis Association President Dennis Sales. Photo: Melinda Jane grass and weeds out. I joined the tennis committee on a temporary basis in 1995, to fill a casual vacancy as the then Treasurer retired (after a very long stint) and moved to Port Macquarie to enjoy his retirement.

And so began my involvement on the management committee as Treasurer for 15 years.

Explain what your current role entails?

Tell me about your tennis background, how did you fall in love with the sport?

I grew up in the days when Australia had dominance in the tennis world with the likes of Sedgman and McGregor, followed

by Hoad and Rosewall, Emerson and Fraser, Newcombe and Roche.

Private tennis courts were also very common, so it was always easy to find a hitting partner and tennis was played all over the district.

St Stephen’s Church had two tennis

ln times of crisis, you can give Please donate now salvos.org.au | 13 SALVOS 68

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the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

for a bright future will continue to grow alongside a bustling Penrith courts behind it and regularly entered teams in NDTA competitions.

What are some of the challenges/issues facing tennis locally?

With the business model we have adopted, changing weather conditions seriously impede our ability to deliver our programs, and keep presenting new challenges to the management and Board.

If you could improve one area of your sport on a local level, what would it be?

The creation of an indoor tennis arena to cater for all conditions.

Are you happy with the amount of Government funding NDTA receives or could you do with more financial help?

Happy is not a word I would use but I do understand that tennis is competing against many sports for the same scarce resources.

To be fair to Penrith Council, the State Government and Tennis Australia, all parties have been generous in their support in recent times.

We have plans to grow the sport into an activity worthy of a regional city as is planned for Penrith, and we need to be part of that plan.

There are plenty of success stories about tennis in the Weekender, what is one thing you’re most proud of?

The recent upgrade of the court surface to grand slam standard, due in no small part to our stakeholders, Penrith Council, the State Government and Tennis Australia.

How many registered members does NDTA currently have and how do you plan to grow the game?

We have 10,000 registered members – we are far and away one of the success stories in the tennis world when many centres are closing or struggling to survive.

To be able to grow the game we need better/improved/modernised facilities and a further 14 courts.

Looking into your crystal ball, where do you see tennis locally in five years’ time?

I would like to think that the present facility is just a stepping stone along the way to building a modern complex of say 30 courts (10 clay, 10 hardcourt and 10 synthetic grass) complete with a stadium capable of hosting Federation and Davis Cup events along with other high end money tournaments that are in line with the city’s expectations fitting of a regional city in the western area of Sydney.

Tennis remains a popular sport in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane

The Week - Podcast Now reading your favourite local newspaper is just the beginning.

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New edition available every Saturday from 9am at westernweekender.com.au.

Also hear the show on Vintage FM from 8am Saturdays.

Contact us today sales@westernweekender.com.au • (02) 4761 3225 WW28180

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Friday, June 16, 2017 « the western weekender

Sport

Sporting family’s passion for Penrith Ausburn Reserve pays tribute to seven generations of the Ausburn clan and their dedication to our city NATHAN TAYLOR

ne of Penrith’s hardest working families – the Ausburns – have officially been recognised by Council with a popular Emu Plains reserve named in their honour.

Located on Nepean Street, Ausburn Reserve recognises one of Penrith’s pioneering families – a key group of people who led the growth and development of the city we know today.

When John Ausburn arrived in the mid1800s, Penrith was a very different place.

Spanning 150 years, the Ausburn family dabbled in just about everything but were particularly famous for their dedication to sport in the local area.

John’s son, Ernest ‘Ken’ Ausburn, attended Penrith High School and was very enthusiastic in his support for the local community. He would often encourage his workmates at the Munitions Filling Factory in St Marys to make donations to the school.

In recognition of Ken’s generosity, the school established the Ken Ausburn Trophy, a perpetual award for the best and fairest rugby league player.

Ken was a major part of Penrith’s growing

O

The extended Ausburn family gathered at Ausburn Reserve in Emu Plains for the ceremony rugby league community and was a foundation and long-term committee member of Penrith Panthers Rugby League Club.

At the time of Ken’s unexpected passing in 1976, he was Chairman of the Board at Panthers.

But the Ausburn family’s sporting connections don’t quite end with rugby league.

Ken’s brother, Sidney ‘Bob’ Ausburn, was a member of the 1939-40 lightweight fours rowing team, which secured Penrith’s first

State Rowing Championship. The win set the scene for the growth and development of rowing in our city.

Bob was also a life member of the Nepean Rowing Club, and a regular at the venue until his passing in 2014.

During the recent plaque unveiling ceremony, Ken and Bob’s sister Winsome ‘Bonnie’ Turner travelled all the way from Taree to witness the important family occasion.

Bonnie’s son Bruce Turner, a modern day

Penrith local, made the initial submission to Council for his family to be recognised.

Speaking at the ceremony, Penrith Mayor John Thain praised the Ausburns for their incredible contribution to Penrith.

“On behalf of Council and our community, I’d like to thank all seven generations of the Ausburn clan for the part they’ve played, or are playing, in our city,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to be able to acknowledge the family’s contribution to Penrith by naming Ausburn Reserve in their honour.”

Around the grounds

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NETBALL: The Panthers Opens team remain winless after three rounds, going down to the Manly Warringah Sapphires 58-48 in Round 3 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers Under 20’s team continued their winning ways, defeating the Sapphires 64-51. Both teams will take on the UTS St George Sparks in Round 4.

AUSSIE RULES: After enjoying last weekend off due to the Queen’s Birthday holiday, the Penrith Rams will return to action this Saturday against the Manly Warringah Wolves.

Meanwhile, the Auburn-Penrith Giants will also return to the field this Saturday against the Newtown Breakaways.

NETBALL: The Penrith Netball Association’s U17 Championship team has finished fourth at last weekend’s Netball NSW State Championships in Baulkham Hills. The Penrith Netball girls were on fire during the first two days of the prestigious tournament but fell just short on the final day.

Manly Warringah were crowned winners of the U17 Championship division while Wagga Wagga finished runners-up.

AFL: The GWS Giants have suffered a heartbreaking 71-70 defeat at the hands of Carlton in Round 12 last weekend. The one point loss sees the Giants slip to second on the AFL ladder. The Giants will enjoy a welldeserved bye this weekend before attempting to bounce back next week against Brisbane.

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70

RUGBY: Penrith’s Round 11 clash against Northern Suburbs was postponed due to the wet weather. It’s understood Emus officials decided to postpone the game because of water logged fields at Nepean Rugby Park.

A new date for when the game will be played will be announced shortly.

This Saturday afternoon the Emus will travel to Pittwater Rugby Park to battle Warringah.

WW27453

AFL: GWS defender Adam Kennedy has signed a three-year contract extension that will see him remain a Giant until the end of 2020. The 24-year-old, who is sidelined due to a devastating season ending knee injury, is the latest in a long list of Giants players to extend their contracts with the club.

BASKETBALL: After enjoying last weekend off, the Penrith Panthers Division 1 Youth League Men’s team will return to the court this weekend.

Penrith will play a double header against the Blacktown Storm on Saturday before taking on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Penrith’s Division 1 Youth League Women’s team will also return to action when they face the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Saturday.

Submissions: Tweet us @wwpenrith.

the western weekender » Friday, June 16, 2017

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Sport Giving back to football

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occeroos legend Archie Thompson visited Penrith last week to launch a brand new grassroots rewards program specifically for the Nepean Football Association.

The Caltex Club is a rewards program that supports grassroots clubs with valuable equipment and unique Socceroos experiences for clubs and their members to enjoy.

By pulling in at your nearest Caltex, you can turn an everyday purchase into real rewards for your local soccer club.

Every time you spend $20 or more at Caltex, points are rewarded to your club of choice.

After registering your proof of purchase online, every receipt adds to your club’s Caltex Club rewards tally. As your club progresses, they will receive equipment and experiences to enjoy.

Speaking with the Weekender, Caltex Club ambassador Thompson said it was a fabulous and unique initiative that he was proud to be a part of.

“I think it’s an amazing initiative that Caltex has taken to help grassroots football,” he said.

“I still play football in Melbourne in the

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NPL2 competition and it’s grassroots level.

I know how hard it is for local clubs to find money for equipment – things I’ve taken for granted over the last 20 years, a lot of these clubs don’t have.”

After retiring from the A-League in 2016 following a successful career with Melbourne Victory, the 38-year-old signed with NPL2 club Murray United in Albury-Wodonga.

Thompson admitted it was a shock to the system, going back to the grassroots level after so many years in the big time.

“As a professional player, you’re in a bubble. You don’t really know what’s going on at these grassroots clubs until you’re actually playing with one,” he said.

“Grassroots clubs are crying out for better facilities and equipment like bibs and cones – it’s simple things like that.

“I’ve taken many of those things for granted over the years. That’s why this Caltex Club rewards program is so important to get behind.”

Thompson’s visit to Penrith last week was the first for the 54-game Socceroos star in many years. He revealed that he once played a State League game at Jamison Park while playing with Bathurst 75 FC. For more information on the Caltex Club, visit win.caltex.com.au.

Socceroos legend Archie Thompson was in Penrith last week launching the Caltex Club rewards program. Photo: Nathan Taylor

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