Western Weekender May 22 2020 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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INSIDE No footy, no worries. Extra Time is still out today!

Penrith Emus President Gary McColl at Nepean Rugby Park. Inset: The Weekender’s coverage of the Emus being axed from the Shute Shield in 2018.

NEW LIFE FOR EMUS

President Gary McColl is all smiles after the Penrith Emus were invited back into the Shute Shield competition, two years after rugby officials axed the club. Nathan Taylor reports on page 53.

Mayor says recommended increase must go ahead despite virus

RATE RISE P TO STING

ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Council has defended its proposal to implement a 2.6 per cent rate rise for 2020- 21 during the Coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Ross Fowler (pictured) said not implementing the rate peg would mean a reduction in Council services, and putting projects on the backburner was not a viable option either as employees banking on the jobs would suffer.

“One of the suggestions was ‘don’t do it this year and catch up next year’, but you can’t catch up, once you’ve forgone it, that’s it,” he said. News of the probable rate rise sparked an angry reaction from locals on social media this week. Full story: page 18.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

An industry on Special report: From regular holidaymakers to Spe NICOLA BARTON

Empty rooms at the Holiday Inn Sydney Sy St Marys.

Agencies hit hard

Travellers in limbo

With the travel industry at a standstill, travel agencies, particularly those that are small or independent, are suffering significantly. From cancellations and refunds to the panic and rush to get people home, it’s been a rough couple of months for the Managing Director of Travel Care in St Marys, Leticia Perez, as her business faced the toughest challenge in its 28 years of operation. It’s not as simple as closing down temporarily and waiting out the crisis. “Our business has been dead since February but I still have four people I need to pay for to process all of the refunds and queries, we were so busy with people trapped overseas and were having hundreds of phone calls a day,” Ms Perez told the Weekender. “It has definitely been very bad for us financially. “I couldn’t just shut down and leave people wondering what was going to happen, we needed to be there for them.” Ms Perez said while it would be easy to give up, she will fight hard to ensure they come out the other side of the Coronavirus pandemic.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement that builds in the lead-up to a holiday. As the pandemic escalated and the borders were closed, thousands of holidays were ruined as a result. Travellers eagerly awaited a signal as to when they could potentially reschedule but with talks that travel won’t return to normal levels until at least 2023, many are left both devastated and wondering how they will re-plan their trip. 24-year-old Cranebrook resident Jasmyn Calgaro could not wait for her birthday trip to Bali in March. Excitedly purchasing travel essentials in the weeks leading up to the trip, it wasn’t until just days before their departure date that the travel ban was introduced. “I was pretty devastated to have to cancel, it was my first holiday in a long time but I understand why it had to happen,” she said. “Jetstar offered us credit for future flights, it took a few days but I can only imagine how much they were processing. “Unfortunately we have six months to use this credit but absolutely no idea when it will be ‘safe’ to travel again.” Ms Calgaro said the prospect of waiting

Sharon and Peter Bellamy with their children Connor and Charlotte in Bali.

ancelled holidays, grounded airlines and struggling travel agencies. The travel industry has borne the brunt of COVID-19’s economic impact, as the sector struggles to find the light at the end of the tunnel. With no exact timeline as to when international travel will resume, livelihoods both local and abroad are impacted. What is one of Australia’s greatest passions has now been placed in a holding pattern with no sign of when normality may resume. And what the travel industry looks like on the other side of the pandemic is also a burning question.

Travel Care Managing Director Leticia Perez. Photo: Megan Dunn. until 2023 is awful and hopes they can go for her 25th birthday instead. Qantas has indicated cheap flights are on the agenda once restrictions are lifted.

Destinations hurt It’s no secret that Australians love Bali and as an island that relies so heavily on tourism to stimulate its economy, its people, in return, love us. So as the borders freeze and plane tickets and accommodation are cancelled, the sting we feel in our pocket is hardly comparable to the struggle felt in places such as this. 50- year- old Glenmore Park resident Sharon Bellamy, like many Penrith locals, is a Bali-addict. She had to cancel her wedding anniversary trip due to the pandemic but as a whole has visited the island about 20 times. She said her heart aches for their people, who are truly hurting during this time. “The people have no income and are relying heavily on donations and charities to help feed them and their families,” she said. “I believe the Indonesian Government is offering some support, but they just don’t

have the welfare system available to them like we do in Australia.” Ms Bellamy said the best way to support the Balinese people is to visit once restrictions are lifted or, in the meantime, to donate to reputable charities.

Local hotels feel pain Whilst hotels were allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 shutdown, for many, the limited guests coming through the door made this financially unviable. For the Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys, with its neighbouring owners St Marys Rugby League Club closed, as well as a dried up market for travellers, shutting down for two months was the best decision for the business. “Prior to closing the doors on March 23 the hotel received over 2,500 room cancellations as a direct result of COVID-19,” CEO of St Marys Rugby League Club and Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys Rod Desborough said. “As a result all staff were stood down and any bookings from March 23 through to the end of May cancelled. “With JobKeeper, we were able to re- engage staff and made the decision to try and re-open.

travel agents, Coronavirus has struck at the heart of one our greatest passions â&#x20AC;&#x153;The longer a business remains closed the harder it is to open.â&#x20AC;? Staff have since been working behind the scenes to ensure the hotel opens on Monday, May 25 in line with government restrictions. Once open certain services such as restaurants, bars and the gym will remain closed until further notice. Mr Desborough said they are excited to welcome and serve their guests once again.

Regional reprieve While international and even interstate holidays are not an option at the moment, visiting regional areas of NSW will be back on the agenda from June 1. On Tuesday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro said NSW citizens will be able take recreational trips across NSW, as long as they maintain social distancing and good hygiene. Mr Barilaro said while regional NSW will welcome visitors with open arms, holidaymakers should call their planned accommodation venues and attractions to ensure they will be open and confirm their bookings before travelling.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;COVID could not have come at a worse time for regional NSW, with towns already doing it tough due to bushfires and drought and so I encourage everyone to make plans to safely and responsibly visit their favourite regional holiday destination, or discover a new one,â&#x20AC;? Mr Barilaro said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage holidaymakers to visit local businesses, enjoy local attractions and feast on the best food regional NSW has to offer, and for those not able to get away in June, to start making plans for later in the year when even more businesses will be open. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting.â&#x20AC;? A number of caravan parks and camping grounds will be open from June 1, but travellers should call ahead and confirm bookings, while travellers planning to visit national parks should check www. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for further information. The easing of restrictions means family trips for the July school holidays are back on the agenda.

the western weekender Âť Friday, May 22, 2020

hold as travel ban bites

Jasmyn Calgaro was forced to cancel an overseas trip. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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

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Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Traditions now just memories I t is inevitable that, as you go through life, things that once meant the world to you will suddenly fade into the past, no longer playing the critical role they once did in your day-to-day goingson. It happens at every level – that friend from your bridal party you now haven’t seen in years, the favourite restaurant that was once the home of every celebration, an album that helped you through a break- up, that shop that defined your teenage years. The list goes on. Some change is forced, other times it’s just the natural evolution of our lives. There is a last time for everything, but often we don’t know the occasion has arrived. Penrith is littered with memories and reflections like that, for me at least. I have no idea when the last time I visited The Card Shaq in Memory Mall or High Court Cards on High Street was, but I reckon I was at both shops every second day as a teenager. The last album I bought for $29.95 at HMV in the Plaza? No idea, but there’s a good chance it was something from Tina Arena or perhaps ‘100% Hits’. The last time I borrowed a DVD from Civic Video at Southlands, or handed over a 2-for-1 supermarket voucher at the Black Stump? Who knows. Truth is I probably stopped doing all of the above well before the shutters came down, unwittingly contributing to the ultimate demise of once treasured shops and experiences. The memory bank went further afield this week with news that George Street in the city is set to say goodbye to its major cinema complex – Event Cinemas,

Index

“The streaming generation will kill off much of Australia’s remaining entertainment and cultural traditions”

a likely victim of a recently approved towering development proposal. I immediately felt sad, even devastated, before admitting to myself that I hadn’t seen a movie there in years. But boy that place means a lot. That area of George Street has always been something of an entertainment hub, hosting a variety of cinemas and theatres over many, many decades. From the Trocadero dance hall to the Rapallo and Paramount, your age most likely determines your memories of the area and the types of entertainment on offer. By the time I started going regularly in the 1990s, three separate cinema complexes stood side by side: Hoyts, Village and Greater Union. It was far from the traditions of yesteryear, but for a teenager from the suburbs, it was a magical place. I’d go there pretty much every weekend, joining a tradition carried on by my Dad and his brother for more than 30 years – a Saturday morning train trip to the city, a quick tour of the second hand record stores, lunch and then a movie.

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Most of the time, it was an action blockbuster. From Stallone to Schwarzenegger, there was always an instant classic – at least in our eyes – waiting to be seen. We’d check the newspaper the night before for the session times, determine if lunch was before or after the movie and plan the route for the day. I outgrew it eventually, as most teenagers would, but it remains one of the great memories of my late Dad. These days, albeit just 25 years later, that trip to the city would be very different. Second hand record stores are few and far between, and that cinema strip eventually changed to house just one major multiplex – Event. Now that, too, seems destined for the memory bank. Traditions change, and so does what we deem important. There will likely be no major protests to keep the cinema; progress would likely win in the end, regardless. But it’s sad to reflect on just how much of Australia’s cultural past has disappeared in the last couple of decades, often replaced with drab buildings and skyscrapers. Sometimes, it’s hard not to lament losing parts of your life you wish you could share with your kids, or the generations to come. Progress or not, we often allow our history and tradition to become the past a lot quicker, or with a lot less thought, than we should. The streaming generation will kill off much of Australia’s remaining entertainment and cultural traditions, and while I’m all for a Netflix binge, you have to wonder if we’re all the poorer for it.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

the western weekender

Why plasma donations after Coronavirus battle are critical NICOLA BARTON

ifeblood is calling for locals who have recovered from COVID- 19 to roll up their sleeves and donate convalescent plasma, in a bid to try and help others fight the virus. 55-year- old Helen Hamilton is the first to donate at the Nepean Donor Centre after having recovered from the virus, which she contracted whilst aboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise. The cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas, sailed to New Zealand but the borders closed before they were ever able to disembark. Despite returning from the cruise early on into the pandemic, Ms Hamilton and her husband Simon chose to self quarantine, just in case. When Mr Hamilton started showing some flu- like symptoms the pair and their children were tested. However, despite being completely asymptomatic, Ms Hamilton was the only one in the family to test positive. “I never had a temperature, I had no symptoms, I wouldn’t even have gotten tested if it weren’t for my husband; I would never have known,” she said. “All that happened eventually was I lost my smell and taste and felt a little bit fatigued by the end of the day.”

A 93- year- old woman has become the 19th person to die at Anglicare’s Newmarch House after battling Coronavirus. The family of Alice Bacon confirmed she passed away at the Caddens nursing home on Tuesday morning. In a statement, Anglicare Sydney said it was saddened by the news. “Our deepest sympathies go to the resident’s family as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” the statement said. “We are devastated at the passing of this well-loved member of the Newmarch House community.” There have been no new positive diagnoses of COVID-19 in residents at Newmarch House since April 30. Anglicare said it was continuing to provide the “best care possible”.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Survivors roll up sleeves

Death toll rises

COVID hindsight Coronavirus survivor Helen Hamilton donates plasma at the Nepean Donor Centre. Ms Hamilton said she is one of the lucky ones, however the thought of how many she could have infected if she didn’t choose to self isolate is harrowing to her. Now having completely recovered, she said she felt it was her responsibility to donate her plasma, in the hope it could help others. Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that contains antibodies. Once someone has recovered from COVID- 19, the antibodies against the

virus remain in their plasma. The plasma collected will be used to treat patients in clinical trials, both as a form of direct treatment and as a medication called COVID- 19 Immunoglobulin, which may provide passive immunity against Coronavirus infections. Donations can only be made by those who have fully recovered and have been symptom-free for at least 28 days. Anyone who thinks they are eligible should contact 13 14 95.

Anglicare Sydney CEO Grant Millard says “in hindsight”, all COVID-19 positive residents at Newmarch House nursing home in Caddens should have been sent to hospital immediately. But he says management was following a directive from NSW Health, which was focused on a ‘containment’ strategy. “Look, if I had the time again I would be insisting people who are COVID positive go to hospital,” Mr Millard told the ABC. “In hindsight that would have been my preference.” However, Mr Millard denied that the Coronavirus- related death toll would have been less had a different approach been taken.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Penrith’s delivery boom Coronavirus sends shoppers online, prompting a surge in work for local posties NICOLA BARTON

enrith’s mail delivery demand in April grew by a whopping 94 per cent in comparison to last year, as Coronavirus influenced mass online spending. With more people at home and the closure of retail stores, the strain on the postal industry was inevitable, as huge sales across the board led to residents grabbing for their wallets. The year- on- year increase for variety store purchases alone rose by 140 per cent. Liquor items saw the largest growth of 186 per cent. Staff at Australia Post Nepean Business Centre have been working around the clock to try and keep up with demand in the region. Delivery driver Donna Bamblett said it’s at least three times their usual Christmas season load. “I’ve worked with the company for 14 years and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” she said. “The volume of work has tripled you could say, it’s been very challenging for all of us with long and hard days, we’re all feeling it but we’re out there doing our best to keep up with it.

“A lot of people probably think it’s safer to buy at home than go out in public and then there are the government grants, there’s so many different reasons for it happening.” Ms Bamblett said the staff have been required to work weekends, which normally only occurs in the weeks leading up to Christmas. “Extra staff have been put on to help cope with it, we’re still not covering everything but pushing ourselves to do the best we possibly can,” she said. At the end of April Australia Post hired 600 additional casual staff nationwide in a bid to keep up with demand. A further 15 additional processing facilities were also opened. Still, staff are working long hours to get people’s purchases to their doorsteps. “We are working around the clock, doing the best we can do to get as many packages out as possible,” Ms Bamblett said. “Every driver has their van chockablock full, you can’t get another thing in, others are working 12 hour days just to try and get through this.” Australia Post has also suspended its Express Post guarantee for the time being, which promises a refund and replacement envelope for articles that don’t meet the next business day commitment.

School re-opens after forced closure due to positive test

NOTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF ABORIGINAL INTERESTS

NICOLA BARTON

WW40885

Biosis is undertaking an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for 106-228 Aldington Road, Kemps Creek, NSW within the Penrith Local Government Area on behalf of Fife Kemps Creek Pty Limited C/- Fife Capital & Stockland: Chris Demertze (Email: chris.demertze@stockland.com.au, ph: 9035 3565) The project will be assessed as a State Significant Development (SSD) under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (DECCW 2010), Biosis invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge in determining the significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or places in the vicinity of the above area to register their interest in a process of community consultation. The purpose of Aboriginal community consultation is to provide sufficient information for the assessment of Aboriginal cultural heritage values, and to assist the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in their consideration and determination of the application. For more information or to register in writing, please contact Samantha Keats – (email: skeats@biosis.com.au Address: 30 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, ph: 0439 376 720). Please note that the name of each group that registers for consultation on this project will be provided to NSW Environment, Energy and Science and the Local Aboriginal Land Council unless the group specifies that they do not want their details released.

Australia Post driver Donna Bamblett has never been busier. Photo: Megan Dunn.

REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5pm 5 June 2020

errington Public School has re- opened after it was forced to close last Thursday following a Coronavirus scare. Students resumed at- home learning while a deep clean of the school was undertaken after a staff member tested positive to COVID-19. Other staff and students identified as close contacts were advised to selfisolate for the required period of time. The school is the second to have shut temporarily in the region, after Warragamba Public School closed its doors at the beginning of the term when a student tested positive to the virus. The latest scare comes as students prepare to return to fulltime face- toface learning from Monday, with the State Government confident it’s time to phase out remote teaching. “Our Principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” said Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. “My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation. “Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have

put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions. “Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.” However, the Government admits school closures like the one at Werrington last week could become a common occurrence as the battle against Coronavirus continues. “This is going to occur frequently in the next little while, we have to accept circumstances where there’ll be a teacher or another person around the school community acquiring the virus,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. “What is important is that we act quickly, that we have a procedure in place, which we do.” Kimberley Regan’s five - year - old daughter Jolene and eight- year- old son B-jay both attend Werrington Public School. She told the Weekender she’s in two minds about their return to school. “I’m starting to really question if it’s about our safety and health or more about the government getting money back into their pockets,” she said. “At this stage, I definitely have a lot of thinking to do and take into consideration the risks that are involved. “There are many households out there that live with someone who could die from this.”

Despite restrictions easing, many pubs and restaurants are staying closed for now EMILY FESZCZUK

hile many cafes and restaurants opened their doors for the first time in months last weekend, we’ll have to wait a little longer for some of our other favourite venues to turn the lights on again. With current rules only allowing 10 people in a venue at a time, many businesses say it’s not viable to re-open, and will wait until the restrictions are relaxed further in the coming months. Iconic Penrith CBD pub The Red Cow is among those playing the waiting game. Licensee Nixon Hamilton said a variety of reasons were behind the decision to stay closed for now. “We are very keen to re- open but with the measures of 10 people maximum and application of a square metre rule and the high cost associated in running everything, it is not financially viable for us,” Mr Hamilton said. “We also want to encourage a safe environment for our community and workers and we don’t want to create a risk or be responsible for possible breaches with people gathering.” Mr Hamilton said the team will focus on other methods of delivering a pub experi-

ence to fill the void in the meantime in partnership with sister pub O’Donoghues. “I think it is great for cafes and small restaurants to open but a pub is a very different version of hospitality where people interact in groups for long periods of time which isn’t achievable right now,” he said. “For the time being we have decided to just carry on with our OD’s Express service and increasing delivery days to cater to people’s needs plus we are taking the time to do maintenance to improve before we do re-open.” Burger restaurant Downtown Brooklyn has also made the decision to only serve takeaway for the foreseeable future. General Manager Chris O’Shea said it is the best option right now. “Our table service means a one- on- one interaction so the health and wellbeing of our staff is the most important aspect for us plus it would break our hearts if a strain was to break out here,” Mr O’Shea said. “With a 150 seat restaurant that is capped at 10 people it is just not worth it with all the overheads so even though we can’t wait to have everyone smashing down burgers we will just need to wait it out a little bit longer.” The 10 person limit is likely to be doubled in the coming weeks.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Playing the waiting game

The Red Cow’s Nixon Hamilton is hoping to re-open the pub soon. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

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PUBLIC EXHIBITION Various Planning Instruments for Penrith LGA

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the western weekender Âť Friday, May 22, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

my Penrith

It’s not known who officially named Penrith. The earliest reference to Penrith can be found in the 1819 journal of three Frenchmen – MM. Jean Rene Constant Quoy, Charles Gaudichaud and Alphonse Peilion. They refer to a military depot at Penrith. It’s not known if the name was used earlier.

ills has just launched its 45m Pale Eucalypt Medium Rotary Clothesline, with a retail price of $290. The Hills brand started in 1945 with the launch of the iconic Hills Hoist and is famed for its strength and durability. It quickly became a mainstay of the Aussie backyard. The Hills clothesline range maximises your need for drying space whilst ensuring ease of use and installation! The Hills 45m Pale Eucalypt Medium Rotary Clothesline features an extra thick galvanised and powder coated steel structure with engineering grade plastic parts. It has an ergonomic winding handle that smoothly raises the head of the clothesline up to 420mm and the head glides from the folded to open position using an extremely easy to operate push button mechanism. The clothes line is prewired in the box with three simple installation steps and ground socket included The Weekender has one clothes line to give away. For your chance to win, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Hills’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, May 28 and the winner will be notified by email. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/20/05506. Terms and conditions are available at our website or reception.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

Fun fact Friday

Among those making the most of their extra time at home during the Coronavirus pandemic is local resident Mary Cummings. Mary is doing what she can for others during these difficult times. She loves stitching and has already made 115 skirts for children in third world countries. Mary says it gives her great pleasure imagining the children trying on the skirts with frills, bows and butterflies. “It makes me happy to make other people happy,” Mary said. Well done Mary, and congratulations to all those doing something for others during this time.

Despite Penrith being a Coronavirus hot spot, almost half of residents haven’t downloaded the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app, according to a Weekender poll. Almost 5,000 people have responded to the poll on Facebook, with 47 per cent saying they haven’t downloaded the app, seen as a critical tool in Australia’s fight against COVID-19. Some commented that they downloaded the app but have since deleted it, because it was “useless” and “didn’t work”. The app is available for download on most smart phones.

Dose of Dorin

Lily Darby

Kingswood

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Product of Italy. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Percy Plunkett. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Emu Hall. FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? The Rock Lookout, Mulgoa. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The tightness of the community, how everyone knows each other, and of course the amazing river walk view. WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? Every person who lives here has walked around the river at least twice.

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

wwpenrith

westernweekender

The forgotten link: Fatality on River Road leads Leonay residents to call for action EMILY FESZCZUK

recent fatality on River Road has reignited a push for increased pedestrian safety. Residents are petitioning for an extended path at the southern end of the busy road into Leonay. Leonay resident of 44 years, Peter May is one of those who have contacted Penrith City Council after he witnessed the tragic accident on April 28. “My wife and I walk there every day and it has always been a safety issue with people being forced to walk on the edge of the road with prams and bikes yet the other end has guttering and paths which is such a success,” Mr May said. “I walked past the lady that day and within seconds she was gone and it really is a duty of care from Council, they talk about different projects but this needs to be a priority before another death.” A Penrith City Council spokesperson said Council is reviewing options for a pathway beyond the M4 Motorway but did not give any firm commitment. “Council officers have been liaising with Police and Transport NSW while we await further details of the incident,” the spokesperson said of the recent fatality.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Push for improved safety

Leonay residents Peter May and Karen McKeown are pushing for improved safety on River Road. Photo: Megan Dunn. “All serious accidents are subject to review with Council looking closely at the road environment and driver behaviour, the review recommendations will further inform the extension of the pathway in preparation for future funding.” Deputy Mayor Karen McKeown is among those backing the calls for increased safety.

“I have been a resident for nearly 33 years so I know there has always been a need for a proper path as it is unsealed, no curb or guttering and people are forced to walk on the road or uneven grass which is unsafe,” Cr McKeown said. “There is an issue of speeding along River Road and insufficient speed calming devices so I am working for that as well

and an extension of the existing path right up to Leonay Parade which just makes sense and I won’t be letting it go until it’s done.” Other residents have started a survey to submit to Council with possible measures to be implemented to protect the community. Visit the petition at www.bit.ly/3fIDSGl.

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From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.

Man gets “big wake up call” following fresh arrest

A convicted criminal caught with a lock picking kit and wrecking bar in St Marys has been handed an 18-month good behaviour bond. Peter John Daley faced Penrth Local Court via video link last Thursday after winding up back behind bars when he breached his parole. The court heard Daley was arrested on May 6 at Glossop Street, St Marys when police, there on another matter, witnessed him acting nervously in his car and became suspicious. A search of the vehicle uncovered the lock picking kit, wrecking bar and a blackcoloured glove. The court heard Daley had been released in October 2018 after serving a six-year stint behind bars. “Given his record, it was stupid of him to have those items,” his lawyer conceded. She said Daley, who was on supervised parole at the time, had secured employment as a removalist for the past 13 months, adding he had not re-offended since he had been out, apart from the fresh matters. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen noted Daley’s criminal record spanned 40 pages and began in 1983, saying he had been to prison “many times”. He listed the “worst” offences, which include armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, firing a firearm into a building, possessing a loaded firearm, selling an unregistered pistol as well as drug possession. However, he took into account the police were there on a different matter, that Daley “owned up” to the officers straight away and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He also acknowledged that Daley had been bail-refused since his arrest and was at risk of having his parole revoked and going back to jail to October 2021. “Hopefully you’ve learnt a hard lesson,”

Magistrate van Zuylen said, after being “persuaded on this occasion” to penalise him with a bond. “This has been a big wake up call for me,” Daley said, wiping away tears. He was also convicted of unlicensed driving.

Jail next step if man doesn’t comply with new orders

A man who completed just 16 hours of a 100-hour community service order has been re-sentenced. Leigh William Franks faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday and told the court he failed to complete the work because he “snapped” his shoulder. “I should have contacted them but I didn’t,” he said of advising Community Corrections. “I was in bed, injured.” But Magistrate Brian van Zuylen said that was no excuse. “You have a phone, don’t you?” he demanded. “All you had to do was call them and provide a medical certificate.” Magistrate van Zuylen laid out the alternative – doing 168 hours per week in jail – suggesting he do the math. The court heard Franks was ordered to undertake community service work after he was found in possession of a knife and drug paraphernalia. He was re-sentenced to an 18-month Community Correction Order with a specific condition that he not carry a knife or any other prohibited weapon. “You’re warned of a prison sentence,” Magistrate van Zuylen told Franks if he did not comply.

Man caught with drugs at club explains absence from court

A man allegedly caught with an illicit drug at a club on Mulgoa Road, Penrith has sought to annul his conviction. Shaun Michael Talent appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday after he was convicted and fined in his absence.

The court heard Talent was allegedly nabbed with a restricted substance on December 20, 2019. He first sent a letter to the court advising them he would be overseas on the date of his first court appearance. However, he failed to turn up to court on the adjourned date where he was convicted and fined. Talent told Magistrate Brian van Zuylen he had been down on the South Coast helping with the bushfire clean up effort at the time. He indicated he would likely plead guilty to the charge but wanted to get a solicitor to represent him. His matter was adjourned to June 11 for plea or mention.

Man gets reprieve from magistrate after bond breach

A man who failed to comply with the supervision component of his bonds, after he was sentenced for a road rage incident in Jamisontown, has been let off. Poutasi Tutaia received a warning when he faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday after breaching two good behaviour bonds. Tutaia told Magistrate Brian van Zuylen he had an appointment to see a psychologist that day to begin addressing his anger management issues, but Magistrate van Zuylen questioned why he didn’t go to see Community Corrections at the beginning when he was supposed to. “You were dealt with leniently,” he said. Magistrate van Zuylen took into account Tutaia was now complying and concluded not to take any action on the breach of bond. However he declined to delete the supervision component altogether, warning Tutaia he could be re-sentenced, with penalties including jail time on the table. The 22-year-old was sentenced for ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’, ‘common assault’ and ‘damage property’ in February after attacking two people. At the time, he was handed two good behaviour bonds and fined $200.

Program success results in dismissal of drug matter

The benefits of completing the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program have been demonstrated once again. A man had his drug possession matter found proved but dismissed after completing the program. When the man faced Penrith Local Court for sentence last Thursday, he said the program was life changing. “I’m on the path of being better, being a better person and having a better life,” he said. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen praised the man, who was able to complete 13 out of the 16 appointments, even amid COVID-19. “You’ve reduced your intake of cannabis and improved your long term mental health,” he said. He was convicted with no further penalty.

Man who drove without licence given benefit of the doubt

A man busted driving while disqualified seven days before his suspension expired has been given the benefit of the doubt. Jacin Phillip Carr-Cook appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday and told Magistrate Brian van Zuylen he “really did believe” he had his licence back. Magistrate van Zuylen told him a disqualification permanently cancels his licence, and he cannot drive again until he goes to the licencing authority to reapply and get a valid licence. He warned Carr-Cook there were hundreds of people sitting in prison “who don’t think the road rules apply to them”. He was handed a Conditional Release Order without conviction for 12 months. Get more court and police news online at www.westernweekender.com.au or follow us on Facebook (facebook. com/westernweekender) or Twitter (@ wwpenrith) for news as it happens.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

L AW a n d O R D E R

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

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY NICOLA BARTON

Llandilo: Lucky escape for family after house fire

Police are warning residents to be vigilant this winter after an accidental house fire in Llandilo. About 8.40pm on Tuesday, May 12 the occupants and their child were at their Terrybrook Road home when the TV turned itself off. The male homeowner went outside and checked the mains but the meter box circuits kept tripping the circuit breaker. When he returned inside, his wife had noticed a small black mark above the built-in fireplace. He ran outside to see smoke coming from the roof and immediately the family evacuated and called triple zero. NSW Fire and Rescue arrived and extinguished the fire, at this stage flames were seen to be coming out of the roof near the chimney flue. The fire had spread throughout the ceiling and roof cavity. Investigators established the cause of the fire to be accidental and that it originated from within the wall near the fireplace. A significant amount of damage to the property occurred.

Emu Plains: Driver shouldn’t have been behind the wheel

A man has been charged after he was caught speeding with a suspended licence in Emu Plains. Just before 7am on Thursday, May 14, police were patrolling the Great Western Highway, Emu Plains, when they spotted a vehicle travelling well above the speed limit. As police attempted to catch up with the vehicle it is alleged he made numerous attempts to evade them, including travelling through a red light. The vehicle was eventually stopped after a short pursuit. Police had a conversation with the driver, a 21-year-old, Winmalee man, who produced his NSW Class C digital driver

licence which was endorsed as demerit point suspended. The man was issued a number of traffic infringement notices in relation to speeding and red-light offences. Police conducted further checks that confirmed the man was suspended until Tuesday, June 9. He was charged with ‘drive motor vehicle while licence suspended’ and is to appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 27.

South Penrith: Police nab two local drink drivers

Two men were charged last weekend after they were caught driving under the influence in Kingswood and South Penrith. Just before 10pm on Saturday, May 16 police were patrolling Jamison Road, Kingswood when they stopped a vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 47-year-old South Penrith man. The man was subject to a breath test, which proved positive. He was arrested and conveyed to Penrith Police Station for further breath analysis, which returned a positive reading of 0.165. The man’s licence was suspended and he was charged with ‘drive with high range PCA’ to appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 20. About 12.15am the next day on Sunday, May 17 police were patrolling The Northern Road, South Penrith when they pulled over a 45-year-old Glenmore Park man. The man was subjected to a breath test, which proved positive. He was arrested and conveyed to Penrith Police station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.085. His driver’s licence was also immediately suspended and he was charged with ‘drive with middle range PCA’ to appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 6.

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

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Why the property market is returning to normal searches and zoning certificate for sale contracts. Disbursements differ from property to property, but generally speaking cost a few hundred dollars for both the purchase and the sale. These costs are payable in addition to your conveyancing fees, but we are going to cover them for you. This means you are getting a discount of up to 30 per cent! Our conveyancing fees are all inclusive, so you know what you are paying from the start. Unlike other practices we do not expect to be paid until your transaction settles. This means you are able to pay us from your loan proceeds (if you are buying a property) or your sale proceeds (if you are selling) and you don’t have to pay any money upfront. There are a few terms and conditions, but we are making this offer available to as many people as possible to encourage people to get back into the market and give our city the boost it needs. A single property transaction has an enormous economic multiplier. The solicitor or conveyancer for each of the parties generates revenue, as does the purchaser’s mortgage broker, the pest and building inspector who provides a report to the purchaser, the real estate agent, the photographer who takes photos of the property, the local paper who generates advertising revenue from the listing, and a whole range of other local businesses like removalists, cleaners, and more. A strong property market makes for a strong community.

We would be kidding ourselves if we said that activity in the property market had not slowed down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, however as the country starts to reopen, albeit with caution, we are seeing plenty of optimism returning to the market. It was perfectly understandable that some buyers and sellers paused temporarily to assess the landscape in the last couple of months before deciding to buy or sell. However, off the back of the reintroduction of open homes and auctions, the easing of restrictions and the reopening of the economy as well as kids returning to school, things are getting back to normal. We have been talking to our clients, real estate agents and mortgage brokers who are all saying that they have been able to integrate social distancing into their businesses with ease and that it is the “new normal”. While it is important that as a community we don’t become complacent, it is great to see industry getting back on its feet. To celebrate we are offering a special on conveyancing services for a limited time. We are going to pay for the disbursements in your property transaction up to a maximum of $500. Disbursements are unavoidable extra costs you have to pay in property transactions for things like council and water rates reports (if you are buying a property) and documents like title

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Why ancient trees will go Mulgoa Road widening forces culling of trees, but dozens of homes to be saved NICOLA BARTON

ocal conservationists believe the plan to remove ancient Greygum trees on Mulgoa Road has been rubber stamped without proper consideration of its ecological impacts. Due to widening of the road, about 50 mature gum trees on the western side between Blaikie Road and Wolseley Street will be removed. Some of the trees are estimated to be about 200- years- old and are home to an array of local wildlife. Environment activist Lisa Harrold has been at the forefront of the campaign against the removal and spent the past 12 months meeting with the RMS and other stakeholders to plead they be spared. Ms Harrold said she was never notified when the project received planning approval and was outraged to see the trees remained in the firing line. “I thought wow, what is that, just an exercise in stakeholder management? Let’s have 50 meetings, confuse them all, draw some extra lines on the map and then go back to the original plan,” she said. “When people see the cherry pickers come and the visual impact of those trees being massacred, that’s when the broader

Environmental conservationists Wayne Olling and Lisa Harrold. community will become outraged but it’s all too late.” About 50 mature trees will remain, with the State Government looking to develop a tree canopy replacement plan for those lost. “That’s not a solution for us, it is embarrassing that they are taking out these habitat trees with 270 odd hollows and telling us that the birds can now go live in the Blue Mountains,” Ms Harrold said. “Habitat hollows are the equivalent

A bird spotted in one of the trees.

of affordable housing, there’s not much around and you can’t just say to 200-odd birds you’ve got to go find a new house, all the hollows available are being used by somebody else.” However, if the trees were saved, up to 29 properties on the eastern side of the road would need to be acquired. State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres defended the move, saying the interests of homeowners had to be considered in the final decision about how to move forward.

“While organised environmental groups have the capacity to make lots of noise it was important to ensure homeowners where also given a voice in this decision,” he said. “Without this road being widened our community will face increasing gridlock for decades. “Large infrastructure projects like the widening of Mulgoa Road have many tough decisions associated with them and this is a good example.”

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new service station with three food and drink premises has been slated for Orchard Hills. Proposed for the intersection of Mamre Road and James Erskine Drive, the mixed-use development aims to provide new amenities for several local suburbs. “The new development will provide valuable services and convenient facilities for residents living within the Orchard Hills, Erskine Park and St Clair areas, employees within the locality, and motorists travelling along Mamre Road,” supporting documents show. “The proposal is considered to be in the public interest as it will deliver a number of public, social, economic and environmental benefits with minimal adverse impacts.” Works include constructing a service station, with convenience store and separate diesel fuel canopy, and construction of three takeaway food and drink premises – two integrated single-storey premises and a standalone food and drink tenancy with drive-thru facility. The service station and drive- thru outlet are proposed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A slip lane off Mamre Road at 14a Distribution Drive, which feeds directly to the site, is also planned.

“This slip lane is proposed to alleviate potential future traffic congestion on the estate roads by providing direct access to the site, and offers a safe alternative to access the service station site that would not be possible from the proposed future intersection,” supporting documents attached to the Development Application (DA) state. This interim intersection and the adjoining access road described in the DA are subject to final design approval by Transport for NSW. The 12,070sqm subject site and the nearby industrial developments form the Mamre Road West Precinct. “The immediate surrounding land is primarily characterised by industrial developments which have already been recently approved around the site, and construction has begun,” the DA states. “Those developments are occurring predominately to the south of the site, while to the north of the site is a residential dwelling. “Mamre Road is directly east of the site, with the Erskine Business Park adjacent to the site.” The DA was lodged with Penrith Council earlier this month and is currently under review. If successful, the new development, which will also feature 106 car spaces, is expected to cost $5.2 million to complete. No tenants for the project have been revealed.

the western weekender Â» Friday, May 22, 2020

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Friday, May 22, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Rate rise set to go ahead Exclusive: Why pressures of Coronavirus won’t stop Council’s planned increase ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Council has defended its proposal to implement a 2.6 per cent rate rise for 2020-21 during the Coronavirus pandemic. In an exclusive interview with the Weekender, Mayor Ross Fowler highlighted the ramifications that would flow if Council fails to apply the standard 2.6 per cent rate rise set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. “One of the suggestions was ‘don’t do it this year and catch up next year’, but you can’t catch up, once you’ve forgone it, that’s it,” he said. “So you’re that percentage behind your costs in perpetuity because you’ll never get the 2.6 per cent back unless you have a special rates variation.” Cr Fowler said not implementing the rate peg would mean a reduction in Council services, and putting projects on the back-burner was not a viable option either as employees banking on the jobs would suffer. “And I think the whole purpose of the government and stimulus is to create work opportunities, and Council’s capital program, which is, from recollection, about $300 million over the next few

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler in Council’s chambers. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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years, is part of that stimulus program,” he said. He also justified Council’s decision to keep its current rating system, which has come under fire from rural ratepayers who want a base rate to provide a fairer spread. Council currently applies an ‘ad volorem with a minimum amount’ rate structure, which means rates are predominantly based on the land value of the property as determined by the NSW Valuer- General every three years. “There’s no more equitable way to do it than the system we have got now, given the methodology we’re allowed to use by the State Government,” Cr Fowler said. He said implementing a base rate would hurt a “significant number” of Council’s 76,000 ratepayers, with about 20,000 property owners, 4,000 of whom are pensioners, being negatively impacted. Council has written to the State Government seeking the deferral of new land valuations, which are due to come into effect on July 1. It also requested a more realistic increase to the pensioner rebate, currently capped at $250. “It’s a difficult task, rates. We’re more or less the servants in the exercise, not the masters,” Cr Fowler said. Council’s draft 2020-21 Operational Plan is on public exhibition until June 1.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Social distancing rules apply to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and save lives in our community. Please keep a 1.5 metre distance from people, don't shake hands or exchange physical greetings. Always cough or sneeze into your arm or use a tissue and put it in the bin straight away.

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water. All travellers returning to Australia are now required to go into quarantine for 14 days in the city where their international ﬂight lands. Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people. For more information on Coronavirus visit www.australia.gov.au You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If I can be of assistance, please contact my ofﬁce. WW40930

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Firefighters fear dangerous winter NICOLA BARTON

he summer bushfires, a global pandemic and now the dangers of winter. The challenges just keep coming for emergency services, with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) last week demonstrating just how quickly a living room can be consumed by fire. The chilling example launched FRNSW’S winter safety campaign. Within minutes the room was completely engulfed in flames, sending an important message to families who may be spending more time at home in the colder months. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, who attended the demonstration at Londonderry, acknowledged the hazard fatigue the community may be experiencing but said it is no time for complacency. “We’ve had a community that’s gone through a pandemic, bushfires, in March we had serious storms and of course the ongoing drought has created this notion that when you’re at home you are safe but what we have seen today is that you’re not necessarily safe at home,” he said. “Firefighters spent a tumultuous

summer protecting NSW residents from the fires raging outside the home, but now is the time for residents to take care, listen to the experts and ensure your families are protected from the dangers inside the home. “The COVID-19 pandemic has also seen many people rightly using more hand sanitiser, but they must be reminded that sanitiser contains flammable alcohol and they must ensure their hands are completely dry before coming into contact with a naked flame.” As part of the Winter Safety Program, FRNSW will be digitally opening their doors for an open week where people can learn how to protect their home. “This Open Day, our firefighters will walk you through how to check your smoke alarms and help you come up with a fire escape plan via Facebook Live,” Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said. Mr Fewtrell said winter is the time when they see an increase in residential house fire related fatalities. “Don’t put your family at risk this winter, check that all your appliances are switched off and ensure that open fires have been fully extinguished. If we all do our bit to minimise the risks in our homes, we can all stay safer together,” he said.

Mayor’s News

RECRUITMENT SERVICES

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Do you need casual or permanent staff? Or are you looking for work?

We’re a city in progress Council has a range of projects on exhibition that we are asking you to provide feedback on. Right now, we are asking for your input on our Operational Plan, Planning Instruments, the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct and the Youth Action Plan. These are important issues that will shape the future of our City while delivering local outcomes in your suburb. Penrith is a city in progress. As we grow and change, we want to make sure we are also a city for everyone, and that the things that make Penrith a unique and wonderful place to live, are protected and enhanced. There’s no doubting Penrith is a great place to live – and will get even better as we continue to work together in delivering our city of the future. But we need your input to make sure we can meet the needs of residents and the community. One of the ways you can tell us your ideas is through our Your Say

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Firefighters extinguish the demonstration blaze at Londonderry. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Penrith website. This site is specifically designed to allow you to have a real conversation directly with Council so your voice is heard. Registering to use Your Say Penrith is easy, and once you’ve registered, you’ll have access to all the projects open for community input and feedback. Register now at yoursaypenrith.com.au. We also hold community forums and workshops, which are a great way for you and other community members to share your thoughts with Council and help us shape our City. All the information about how you can connect with us is available at yoursaypenrith.com.au and we also advertise what we’re doing through the local newspapers and via our Facebook and Twitter pages. Have your say, by providing feedback on the issues that affect you. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week.

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Keep up to date with all the local breaking news, sport and more by ‘liking’ us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/ westernweekender

Shock and sadness as veteran local firefighter dies on duty EMILY FESZCZUK

he Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Fire and senior firefighter, Mark White, has passed away suddenly. Mr White was the longest serving firefighter at St Marys Fire and Rescue, serving the community for over 40 years. Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, offered his sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr White, who passed away while on duty on Tuesday night. “He spent most of his life helping others and his passing will leave a big mark on the firefighting community for years to come,” Mr Elliott said. Rotary member Ross Hutchison said he will remember Mr White as a real life superhero. “I worked very closely with Mark on a number of occasions for events and he was such a magnificent man who stood up for what he believed in,” he said. Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said Mr White’s passing was a devastating loss for his family and the wider community. “His passion for the Museum of Fire is legendary and his commitment to community safety has left an indelible mark on countless young people across NSW,” he said.

Preliminary works have begun at the Mulgoa Rise Primary School site in Glenmore Park. The State Government announced in February 2019 it would build the state-ofthe- art school, which will accommodate up to 1000 students. “Surveyors are currently conducting preliminary survey work at the site of the Mulgoa Rise Public School,” Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies confirmed. “The community will be advised when official building works are due to commence.” The school will be built on vacant land bordered by Forestwood Drive, Darug Avenue and Deerubbin Drive. A new shopping centre, ‘Glenmore Village’, is also slated for vacant land neighbouring the site. The project is due to be completed in time for the 2023 school year.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Museum CEO passes away

School work starts

Spitter charged

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres with Museum of Fire CEO Mark White.

A teenage boy will appear in court next month after allegedly spitting at a train guard at Werrington on Tuesday. About 7.55pm, a train guard was working on an eastbound train when the teenager alighted the train at Werrington Railway Station and stood on the platform. As the train was leaving the platform, the teenager allegedly leant forward and spat at the train guard who was standing within the open door of the guard’s carriage. The 17- year- old was later arrested and charged with ‘common assault’.

Web speed still a concern For some Glenmore Park residents, fast Internet connectivity remains a struggle ALENA HIGGINS

he “haves and have nots”. That’s how Glenmore Park resident Robert Rigby describes the NBN divide that exists within the suburb. While the newer areas of the estate have fibre, residents in Stage 1 have copper, delivering what Mr Rigby says is a “second rate” Internet connection. “With the technology we’ve got, it’s 40Mbps second, which for a lot of people is going to sound like a lot, but when you’ve got five people at home working and studying, we’re finding we are getting continuous drop outs,” he said. “Whereas the people who live over in Mulgoa Rise, they’ve got fibre and they get 100Mbps all day everyday.” Mr Rigby says he shouldn’t have to fork out potentially thousands of dollars for an upgrade. “Why should I pay for infrastructure to be built that I don’t own?” he said. “If I spend money on their network, they get the advantage, I can’t take it with me if I move. It’s stuck, it’s there, and it’s their infrastructure for them to make money off.” Mr Rigby is calling on the Federal Government to step in. Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh encour-

aged residents experiencing issues to contact her so she can advocate on their behalf. “If we had followed an ‘all fibre’ approach, there would be at least 3.5 million fewer homes and businesses not able to use the NBN access network which would negatively impact the ability for many people to work and study from home,” she said. “However, people do need consistent and reliable connections to be able to effectively work from home.” She said the NBN roll-out across Lindsay is 99 per cent complete and “like all electorates across the country, uses a mix of technologies that make the most technical and economic sense to provide broadband services”. “The NBN has been designed to meet the Federal Government’s Statement of Expectations and provide wholesale download speeds of at least 25Mbps to all eligible Australian premises, and at least 50Mbps to 90 per cent of fixed line premises by 2020,” she said. “If this isn’t happening, I want to know so I can work with the Minister for Communications, NBNCo and our community to resolve this.” What issues have you had with the NBN? Tell us by emailing Alena.Higgins@ westernweekender.com.au.

Robert Rigby is unhappy with Internet speeds in Glenmore Park. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

SNIPS AND SNAPS STAY FIT AND CLEAN UP THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: GET PLOGGING NOW Clean Up Australia is calling on Australians to step up, step out and start plogging, with registrations for its PLOG-A-THON now open. Plogging is the combination of two words – “jogging” and the Swedish phrase for pick up, “plocka upp”. It means you keep up your fitness and make a difference – all while maintaining your social distance. And no, jogging is not mandatory – plodding, hiking, paddling is totally fine! How energetically you

participate is entirely up to you – the important part is picking up rubbish as you go. The Clean Up Australia PLOG- A- THON is set to be the country’s biggest plogging event and is, according to Pip Kiernan, Chairman of Clean Up Australia, the ideal way to get essential exercise while cleaning up.

“We’re conscious that Australians are going a bit stir- crazy with the lockdown and yet we’re creating more waste than ever, so plogging is a great way to get out safely in your local area and do something for the environment,” she said. The PLOG- A- THON will take place until the end of August.

TO GET FITTER AND HELP KEEP THE AREA CLEAN, VISIT WWW.CLEANUP.ORG.AU

FOOTY BET

Days after the announcement that the 2020 AFL season will resume on June 11, one TAB punter has plonked a $5,980 wager at $26 on Essendon to win the 2020 premiership. The customer in question will collect $155,480 if the Bombers claim their first flag since 2000 when they accounted for Melbourne. “The bet of $5,980 at $26 on Essendon to win this season’s premiership is the biggest wager on any team to win the 2020 flag, which includes the period before the Coronavirus-enforced shutdown,” TAB’s Trent Langskaill said. Smart bet or foolish risk?

NEW BOSS

MORE CONTENT Foxtel will next week release details of its new streaming service as it tries to tackle the ever- growing popularity of services like Netflix and Stan. The new service, rumoured to be called Binge, will feature a wide range of entertainment content. It’s understood Foxtel is trying to secure customers not currently using its traditional pay TV services. “The launch will be another milestone in the Foxtel Group’s strategy to transform ourselves and bring our unparalleled catalogue of entertainment and sports to even more viewers in Australia,” said Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany.

MYSTERY OVER SLOT

PENRITH’S BIG WINNER IS THRILLED A Penrith woman has declared her recent $100,000 Lucky Lotteries win as a godsend, after her husband’s hours were cut back at work due to COVID19. The woman won the guaranteed first prize of $100,000 in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10375. The happy woman is looking forward to using her prize to pay off her mortgage. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her winning entry at High Street Lotto, 447 High Street, Penrith. “I was with my husband and we were so happy!” the woman said. “This is a godsend for us. It has come at the most amazing time.”

Mark Levy will host the 2GB drive program from June, while the network searches for a permanent replacement for Ben Fordham. Fordham will host 2GB breakfast from June 1, replacing the legendary Alan Jones who will retire from radio on May 29. The rumour mill is in full swing in the halls of Nine Radio, with talk that Levy (pictured with Ray Hadley) is an option to permanently host the program, though that would throw the Continuous Call Team and Wide World Of Sports into programming chaos as Levy currently hosts both programs. Other names talked about include Chris Smith, who is currently hosting weekend mornings, and Jason Morrison, who hosted the shift for some time prior to an ill-fated switch to 2UE. Nine has plenty of talent on its books, which means the replacement for Fordham could come from its TV or newspaper stocks. Meantime, 2GB has confirmed it won’t be taking the new breakfast show national, allowing Fordham to focus on Sydney. Neil Breen will host a new-look 4BC breakfast program in Brisbane, leaving his current role with Nine’s TV product.

NEW RED LIGHT CAMERA

SAFETY IMPROVEMENT

THE OZ’S FIRST FEMALE EDITOR National broadsheet newspaper The Australian has appointed a female editor for the first time in its long history. Michelle Gunn was appointed last Friday and will oversee both the weekday and Saturday editions of the newspaper. “I see it as a tremendous opportunity because, as its best, The Australian is the equal of any paper in the world,” Gunn told The Australian’s Media section. The 50- year- old takes over from John Lehmann.

LEVY TO HOST 2GB DRIVE

“God bless you, Fred Willard. You sure did make us laugh.” JASON ALEXANDER ON THE DEATH OF TV FUNNYMAN FRED WILLARD

Road safety in Claremont Meadows will receive a welcome boost with the installation of a new redlight speed camera at the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Werrington Road. Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation, Tara McCarthy said the new camera will target redlight running and speeding from Friday, May 22.

“We know that running red lights can lead to serious T bone crashes or vehicles crashing into pedestrians,” she said. “Around 60 per cent of red - light speed camera offences are from people running red lights so we are addressing this problem head-on.” In the five years from 2014 to 2018, 14 crashes occurred at this intersection and 13 people were injured, two seriously.

“Preliminary data shows road crashes claimed the lives of 352 people on NSW roads last year with speed the biggest killer and these redlight speed cameras will help to reduce risk in Claremont Meadows,” Ms McCarthy said. “The new camera will help to improve road safety at this busy intersection in Claremont Meadows. The Great Western Highway is an important commuter and freight route.”

Brought to you by…

SPECIAL EDITION

THE DECIDERS

Flashbacks and fresh takes: A look back at Penrith’s three Grand Finals

LESSON LEARNED

MG’S MEMORIES

ON THE BUSES

How the heartbreak of 1990 shaped Penrith’s destiny

Mark Geyer reflects on the magic of the 1991 decider

Craig Gower offers fresh insight into the 2003 win

PAGE 25

PAGE 27

PAGE 31

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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LESSONS LEARNED: FIRST DECIDER SET PANTHERS UP FOR THE FUTURE

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 22, 2020

1990 Grand Final

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Barry Walker, David Greene and Col Bentley during the 1990 season. Photo: Panthers Men In Black.

efore glory, there was heartbreak. It doesn’t get talked about often when reflecting on Penrith’s past successes, but the 1990 decider has a special place in club history. It was the first time the Panthers had qualified for the decider, coming after a decade in which the club finally started to become a serious Finals contender. Penrith would start their 1990 campaign with Phil Gould, who had already enjoyed Premiership success with Canterbury two years prior, in charge as coach. Despite some teething issues throughout the season, the club’s acquisition of Gould was deemed a masterstroke after the Panthers won 10 of their last 13 matches leading into the Finals. In the Qualifying Final, Penrith disposed

of Brisbane with ease to set up a Semi Final berth with defending Premiers Canberra, for a place in the 1990 Grand Final. After 80 minutes of thrilling action, the result still couldn’t be decided with scores level at 12-all. If Penrith were to reach their maiden Grand Final after 24 years, they’d have to find another gear in Extra Time. Fortunately, they did just that – blitzing the Minor Premiers in overtime to win 30-12. Gould tried to restrict the celebrations in the sheds post-match, wanting to ensure that the players understood the job was far from done. However, back at the licenced club later that evening, the Penrith district partied long and hard. The city came alive during the two weeks prior to the decider, which made

it very tough for Gould who was trying his best to keep his troops grounded and distraction-free. “We had civic receptions and street parades and all this other fanfare that took our mind off the game,” forward Mark Geyer remembers. “Once we got to the Grand Final we realised it was a bit like Origin, it was a different game. It was life and death. “Canberra were just more intense and had been there and done it all. We didn’t handle it.” The 1990 decider was cursed for an inexperienced side from the outset. The reserve grade decider went into Extra Time, forcing the main event to be pushed back 30 minutes. Many believed this rattled the young

Panthers and gave the experienced Green Machine an advantage before a ball had even been kicked. When play finally got underway, the Panthers started strongly but it was Canberra who jumped out to a 12-0 lead. Penrith did hit back with a double of their own, and would trail by just two points at half-time. The Raiders edged further in front in the second half to lead 18-10, but Penrith still had some fight in them with Greg Alexander crossing late. Time and lack of big match experience got the better of the Panthers in the end, and they would lose their first Grand Final 18-14 despite both sides scoring three tries apiece. – Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

1991 Grand Final

HISTORY MADE WITH FIRST TITLE T

he front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’. Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’. It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim. After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier. So many things went against Penrith in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game. At half- time, with his side down 12- 6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players. Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?” The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game. Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in. Greg Alexander potted a 38 metre field goal that would give Penrith a 13- 12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game.

Back in the dressing room, the Panthers celebrate the 1991 Grand Final victory. The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line drop- out, the short restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try – magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead. “They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later.

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Just a few days away TEAM!! Wow. Are we excited? Stay pumped Panthers. Focus on the goal of WINNING.

“It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.” Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic. A huge blow- up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club. A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One.

One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize. “Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” he said. – Troy Dodds

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 22, 2020

1991 Grand Final

IN PENRITH, DREAMS DO COME TRUE “30 years is a long time in anyone’s life and a lot has happened in everybody’s life who played in that game let alone just the Panthers players,” Geyer said. “We’ll get together I think. Something will be planned for the 30th anniversary of the first victory that Penrith ever had.” Geyer knows, however, how close Penrith came to losing the 1991 decider. Anyone who watches the replay back recognises just how good Canberra were, particularly in the middle part of the match. “We let our emotion get in front of our ambition and the things we were doing well in the first 20 minutes we got away from. All of a sudden the Raiders went bang, bang and it was 12- 6 at half- time,” Geyer said. But it was clear in the sheds at the break that Penrith weren’t going to be losers. “Royce Simmons made a passionate plea to us at half-time and Gus was more animated than usual about the cause. I think deep down we knew we were in a situation where we could win this one more than the year before... we were the best team in the comp all year and it would have been a crying shame if we’d lost back to back,” Geyer said. The rest is history. – Troy Dodds

The front page of the Telegraph Mirror the day after the Grand Final.

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hen was the last time Mark Geyer watched the historymaking 1991 Grand Final? “About three weeks ago,” big MG says with a chuckle. The timing is purely coincidental. Geyer sat down to watch the game when Fox Sports broadcast it with new commentary as part of its Fox League Classics series. “The good part about it is the result doesn’t change,” Geyer said. Geyer played a key role in the 1991 decider, won 19-12 by Penrith – the club’s first premiership. Sin- binned in the second half, Geyer came back like a man possessed and dominated the battle up front. The vision of him taking a short drop-out and setting up Royce Simmons for a crucial try in the corner is iconic, and embedded in the memory of every Panthers fan. “I still get goosebumps,” Geyer tells Extra Time, reflecting on his recent re-watching of the game. “I always remember how bad it was the year before. “I think that’s why we were so jubilant after we won it.” Next year will be the 30th anniversary of the Grand Final that will forever mark the day Penrith grew up, not just as a football club but as a city.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender â&#x20AC;˘ extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 22, 2020

A GRAND NIGHT IN PENRITH HISTORY P

enrith’s 18- 6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in club history. Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs. It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took. But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime. The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still talked about to this day. Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his twotry performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort. Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up

Members of the 2003 Grand Final team, many with kids of their own, gather at Panthers Stadium in 2016. Photo: Megan Dunn. the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters. “We’ve been here through the bad times, and that’s what makes it so special,” he said. Interviewed by Channel Nine’s Andrew

Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”. Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and

thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets. Most recently, the team got together for a reunion in 2016. – Troy Dodds

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

2003 Grand Final

PRIDDO’S MOMENT OF BRILLIANCE T

o go right or left? That was the question champion Panthers hooker Luke Priddis pondered before he put winger Luke Rooney over for his second Grand Final try, sealing Penrith its first NRL Premiership since 1991. With his side leading the Roosters 12- 6 and the clock winding down, Penrith were on the attack 11 metres out from the tryline. Priddis, fresh from scoring his own try just minutes earlier, is at dummy- half following a sensational charge from prop Martin Lang. He turns his head right and sees his halfback and skipper, Craig Gower, in prime position for a field goal directly in front of the posts. Instead Priddis had another, perhaps riskier, idea – completely fooling the Roosters and his very own teammates in the process. He picked the ball up, scampered to his left before throwing the perfect cut out pass to Rooney on the wing for the matchwinner. Speaking with Extra Time nearly 17 years later, Priddis said his decision to go left instead of right could’ve backfired immensely but he’s relieved it didn’t. “I was probably the only one that knew

Luke Priddis with the premiership trophy in 2003. I was going to make that play. We were setting up for the field goal but I saw the opportunity and took it,” he said. “I’d formed a strong partnership with Roons (Luke Rooney) all season. The blokes on the short- side always knew

their role when I was the hooker – they were trained to stay aware.” Less than a minute before Rooney’s second try, Gower attempted a field goal from 30 metres out but it was charged down by Roosters forward Mick Crocker.

When Penrith retrieved the ball back, Priddis contemplated going to Gower for a second shot at goal. “Gowie was practicing field goals all week at training and never really hit one, so I wasn’t confident he was going to put it over,” he laughed. “I’m sure if I passed it to him he may have slotted it, I guess we’ll never know. I still think mine was the bigger percentage play.” Priddis would go on to win the Clive Churchill Medal for his incredible performance – the only hooker in rugby league history to win the coveted award. The now 43- year- old said his instincts well and truly paid off that night. “I suppose there’s too many players these days that don’t take their own instincts into the play and get very robotic,” he said. “When you make the call and get it right, you get all the glory. If you don’t, you cop the flack.” So, what was Gower thinking when Priddis chose to go left instead of right? “Don’t worry I wanted to give him a huge spray but that’s the thing about the game – you come up with the right plays at the right time and you take your opportunities,” Gower said. – Nathan Taylor

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 22, 2020

2003 Grand Final

LOCAL BUS DRIVER SAVES THE DAY J

ust when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the 2003 NRL Grand Final… think again. Premiership - winning captain and Panthers legend Craig Gower has revealed an incredible tale about how he and his champion teammates convinced a local bus driver to change his route, to help get them to a fan meet and greet the next day. Following Penrith’s 18- 6 triumph over the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, October 5, players returned to Panthers Leagues Club as heroes later that night with around 10,000 people cramming in to celebrate with the team. Ryan Girdler shrugged off his calf injury from a few hours earlier and was spotted crowd surfing, while ecstatic supporters were climbing over furniture and each other just to get a glimpse of the players. But did you know there was an after party after the after party? “Following the celebrations at the club we didn’t go to bed, we ended back up at my mate’s house in Werrington – there were about 60 blokes back there,” Gower told Extra Time. “The club gave us some alcohol to take with us because they didn’t want us going all crazy inside the club.”

The next morning (or was it?) was when things got really interesting for Gower, his bleary- eyed teammates and a local bus driver. We’ll let Gower take things from here. “The next morning we were on Greenbank Drive in Werrington when we hailed a Westbus down,” he revealed. “This bus was en route going to Werrington Station and I said to the bus driver ‘you’ve got to take us to the pub, we’re running late’. He said ‘I can’t, I’m en route’. I said to him ‘mate you’ll be right I promise you, you won’t lose your job’. “So, we all got on the bus – the whole team – and he drove us back up to the Pioneer pub before we had to go to the ground to meet all the fans.” Gower, who was 25 at the time and sporting a busted eye from the game, said the team weren’t charged a fare and there were no other passengers on board. “We didn’t have to pay, we all just jumped on. The driver was a champion bloke,” he said. “There was no one on the bus at the time so it worked out well. The driver said ‘OK boys, let’s go’. It was pretty cool. “I don’t know if the driver knew who we were, but he was just a Good Samaritan that looked after us.”

Former Panthers captain Craig Gower in 2016. Photo: Megan Dunn. However, post Grand Final celebrations may have gone on a bit longer than the now 42-year-old can recall because keeneyed fans would remember that the meet and greet at Penrith Stadium actually took place on Tuesday, October 7 and not the

next day (Monday, October 6) like Gower thought. But he helped deliver Penrith its second NRL Premiership, so we’ll let him get away with that one. – Nathan Taylor

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

IVAN BACK IN TIGER TOWN !

It’s safe to say Ivan Cleary didn’t expect to be back in the home coach’s box at Campbelltown Stadium any time soon, but strange times call for unique solutions. The former Wests Tigers coach will call Campbelltown home again, with Penrith to host games at the venue until at least Round 9. It’s understood Panthers Stadium was considered to be a host venue, but the NRL eventually settled on Campbelltown Stadium, Bankwest Stadium and Central Coast Stadium to house the Sydney clubs.

Nathan Cleary arrives at training on Monday.

Isaah Yeo arrives at training on Monday.

It’s good to see the players still in good spirits despite the very different situation they find themselves in at present. On Monday, players arrived at the Rugby League Academy in dress-up – adding a bit of Hollywood and international sporting flair to the day’s work. Some of the best were posted on Instagram. I’m told James Fisher-Harris spearheaded the fun idea.

Could Panthers captain James Tamou be heading to England next year? Stories emerged this week that the 31-year-old was in the sights of Super League club St Helens. Penrith’s General Manager Matt Cameron was remaining tight-lipped when asked about the rumours on Tuesday. “I did see that article and James is off-contract at Panthers this year but we don’t comment publicly on recruitment and retention matters. James has been fantastic and has really grown as a leader the last couple of years and assumed that role of team captain really well,” Cameron said.

Last week I told you about Paul Kent’s reporting on the Nathan Cleary saga, and suggestions that Cleary had not been at home when his infamous TikTok video was recorded. Kent was wrong, and The Daily Telegraph quickly changed his story online and caught it in time for the major print run. Now, the ‘NRL 360’ co-host has apologised. In a column last weekend, he said: “It was wrong. The story was caught and corrected but not before it was online for an hour and hit the first edition. So I apologise.”

Fox League will return to normal programming next week, with ‘NRL 360’ to spearhead its restarted coverage of rugby league at 6.30pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. ‘Fox Theatre’ will air at 7.30pm on Monday, ‘The Fan’ continues on Tuesdays while ‘The Matty Johns Podcast’ is back on Wednesday before Fox airs all eight Round 3 games live next weekend. Matty Johns’ Thursday and Sunday programs also roll on, while ‘The Big League Wrap’ is back Sunday nights from 9.30pm.

I’m told the staff at Big League are

extremely doubtful the magazine will return next year, after it was officially shelved for the rest of 2020. It’d be a shame to lose the publication, which provides a largely positive coverage of the game and has been around for a century. But the NRL’s cost cutting (head office pays News Limited to produce the publication) combined with the current print landscape makes the path to returning a very difficult one.

The TAB has installed Penrith as favourites for next weekend’s clash against Newcastle, despite Nathan Cleary

being stood down. The Panthers are $1.67, while Newcastle are $2.20. Meanwhile, the Panthers are $13 to win the premiership. Canberra remain the competition favourites at $5.00.

With so many major sports around the world on hiatus, the NRL will be beamed into more international lounge rooms from next weekend. Sky Sports UK will now broadcast all eight NRL games in Rounds 3 and 4 live, while France’s BeIN Sports has increased its coverage to four live games per weekend. ESPN is believed to be looking at taking the NRL in the US.

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winning try, being two of them. Let’s also not forget Balmain coach Warren Ryan benching gun forwards Steve Roach and Paul Sironen just before extra time. Enough said!

ith the 2020 rugby league season only one week away, I thought it might be interesting to list my top five Grand Finals of all time. How did I rank the games? Let’s go through each selection with a short explanation.

4. Newcastle Knights 22 def ManlyWarringah Sea Eagles 16 (1997). Now this match will be long remembered for Knights winger Darren Albert scoring the premiership winning try with only seconds left on the clock. However there’s no doubt the hero of the game was 23- year- old halfback Andrew Johns who set up that memorable try and played champagne football despite coming into the game with broken ribs and a punctured lung.

1. Penrith Panthers 19 def Canberra Raiders 12 (1991). Even if you’re not a Panthers fan this game was an absolute cracker. A close scoreline throughout the match, the sin-binning of firebrand Mark Geyer, a terrific try saving tackle from Mal Meninga, a try double to retiring Penrith hooker Royce Simmons and a clutch field goal by Brandy Alexander made this Grand Final compelling viewing. The fact that it was also Penrith’s maiden premiership after 25 years made the victory that much sweeter. 2. Penrith Panthers 18 def Sydney Roosters 6 (2003). From the cellar to the penthouse in 12 months, Penrith defeating the 2002 Premiers was quite simply a modern day coaching miracle. Panthers coach John Lang had to bite his fingernails for the majority of the match as both sides traded blows on a wet and windy night. The Roosters were no pushovers and they fought hard but some individual pieces of brilliance by Scott Sattler, we all know

Penrith coach Phil Gould with the 1991 premiership trophy. what he did, and hooker Luke Priddis (Clive Churchill winner) in the end proved the difference. 3. Canberra Raiders 19 def Balmain Tigers 14 (1989). The first Grand Final to

go into extra time was one for the ages. It literally had everything. Tigers hooker Benny Elias’ field goal bouncing off the uprights and Raiders forward Steve Jackson coming off the bench and then busting tackle after tackle to score the match

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 22, 2020

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My top five Grand Finals of all-time

5. North Queensland Cowboys 17 def Brisbane Broncos 16 (2015). The game was close throughout but it really came to life when the Cowboys scored an equalising try by Kyle Feldt in the corner with the fulltime buzzer going off in the background. Jonathan Thurston’s agonising failed conversion to win the game was matched only minutes later when Broncos half Ben Hunt dropped the ball from the kick off in extra time. One minute later Thurston would not be denied and he nailed the premiership winning field goal from right in front.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Getting a laugh out of life ilarious bloke next door, Troy Kinne will have you laughing your way into the week ahead. His 10 TV show, ‘Kinne Tonight’ returns on Monday for a second season of home grown antics. Filming as the Coronavirus crisis hit, Troy said humour is so important right now. “This is the first time as a comedian I have felt obligated to make people laugh but I like the pressure as I almost feel like a superhero making people forget for a while,” he told the Weekender. “Everyone is worried and the word safe is everywhere so we have upped the ante on purpose to give people a release and to let them just enjoy the cheekiness of it all.” Proving to be cheeky from a young age, Troy said he had always wanted to host his own show. “My favourite thing in high school was a D- grade sketch show and while I was on a school trip to Ayres Rock I stole the school video camera to record sketches with my friend so everyone had to watch the footage,” he said. “I sometimes feel guilty that I don’t do

stand-up as much but this has been the dream since Year 10 and I started doing comedy to find people who had a passion for recording like me.” Putting modern life under the microscope, Troy said he is always trying to make the show relatable. “You have to keep your finger on the pulse then find the little intricacies people do but now I am 42 I am starting to feel I am getting older and losing touch with what’s cool,” he said. “Luckily the other director, Max, is about 10 years younger than me, so tells me about TikTok and all these things.” Joined by a crew of comedians, Troy said it is organised chaos where everything is fair game. “It is a lot of fun but there’s definitely implications because you have a list of things to film in a race against the clock so I purposely avoid Natalie Tran or Dave Thornton so we can chat while filming instead,” he said. “You then have a room full of comedians all talking over each other trying to be funny, but it really is worth it for all the great content and laughs that we get to share.” If you are ready to laugh so hard you’ll leave ‘skit’ marks, you may just have to tune in. Troy Kinne’s ‘Kinne Tonight’ is on Mondays from May 25 at 9.30pm on Channel 10.

#InThisTogether Tips for your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19

Keep kids communicating let children know it is ok to be worried, and talk it out

Reach out to those who may not have connections

Seek Support it’s ok to not feel ok

Get Sweaty exercise is great for your mental health

Routine Helps create a new daily routine

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(02) 4722 2998 | westernweekender.com.au If you need to talk, these free support lines are here to listen 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 or headtohealth.gov.au

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

At the movies... Dumb comedy has its moments THE WRONG MISSY ++ 1 hour, 30 minutes EMILY FESZCZUK

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‘The Wrong Missy’ is a cringe worthy movie that shows sometimes mistaken identity works out for the best. Tim (David Spade) meets Melissa (Molly Sims), the woman of his dreams. When he invites her to his work retreat in Hawaii, he makes a terrible mistake of messaging his nightmare blind date Missy (Lauren Lapkus) instead. This movie is one you really need to push through due to how overthe-top and awkward some of the scenes are. Lapkus is meant to be a complete psycho and she commits to the character so much, which

she needs full credit for, but it may make you want to stop watching. It can be a struggle however if you persevere you will be rewarded with a sweet overall story. With a cast including Sarah Chalke, Nick Swanson and Rob Schneider, there is never a dull moment. While Adam Sandler’s name isn’t on it, it is a Happy Madison production and follows the somewhat predictable dumb comedy formula. Despite its wrongs, it features a great location, gross gags and genuine laughs here and there. It is a decent movie for what it is, and will help you kill time during isolation.

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Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Ê Following another sensational season of ‘LEGO Masters’, I can confirm the show will definitely be returning next year with producers already on the hunt for contestants. If you think you have what it takes to blow Brickman’s mind, you can register your interest by visiting esgau. etribez.com/a/esgau/LEGOmasters3/welcomeInterest. Ê 10 has pulled the pin on Pilot Week this year following the widespread industry shutdown due to Coronavirus. The second season of ‘The Amazing Race Australia’, a domestic version, is also on life support for obvious reasons but 10 hasn’t ruled it out just yet. Ê 10 comedy series ‘Kinne Tonight’, which is actually a Pilot Week success story, returns this Monday, May 25 at 9.30pm. Comedian Troy Kinne, and his gang of comics, will once again put the intricacies and idiocrasy of modern life under the microscope. Ê SBS docu-reality series ‘Filthy, Rich and Homeless’ will return in June to screen over three consecutive nights.

MAY 25 9.30PM KINNIE TONIGHT, TEN

JUNE 9

8.30PM

FILTHY, RICH AND HOMELESS, SBS

The third season will feature Dr Andrew Rochford, Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne Arron Wood, restauranteur Pauline Nguyen, comedian Ciaran Lyons and model Ellie Gonsalves. All will swap their privileged lifestyles for experiencing 10 days of being homeless in NSW. The three-part series premieres on Tuesday, June 9 at 8.30pm.

Ê A number of shows have been renewed in the US including ‘American Idol’, ‘NCIS’, ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, ‘Bull’, ‘FBI’, ‘FBI: Most Wanted’, ‘SEAL Team’, ‘The Unicorn’, ‘MacGyver’, ‘The Neighbourhood’, ‘SWAT’, ‘All Rise’ and ‘Magnum PI’. However, there several titles that have been given the axe including ‘Man with a Plan’, ‘Tommy’, ‘Carol’s Second Act’ and ‘Broke’.

Ê If you love new Aussie drama ‘The Secret She Keeps’, 10 Play has added an online companion series for fans. ‘Uncovering Secrets’ features Hazem Shammas as a criminal psychologist piecing together the case in three four-minute episodes. Ê The highly anticipated ‘Friends’ reunion is still going ahead, however fans will have to wait until later this year to see it. Rather than film it on Zoom, producers would rather wait and do it in front of a live studio audience. I mean, we’ve waited this long… Ê FOX Showcase comedy ‘Dave’ has been renewed for a season second. The series stars Dave Burd as a neurotic rapper, who has convinced himself that he’s destined to be one of the best rappers of all-time.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

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

Crossword ACROSS 1. Pile 4. Facial hair 8. Singer, ... Cass 11. Scottish musician 13. French saint, Joan ... (2,3) 15. New England state 17. Fairy 18. Rice wine condiment 20. Army manoeuvres 21. Theme 24. Telecommunications company 27. I have (1’2) 28. Blood sample container 30. Of warships 31. Excel 33. Blunder (4-2) 34. Flora & fauna 35. Cry weakly 36. Puts 39. Incidental comments 42. Hearth ﬂ akes 44. Baby Spice, ...Bunton 45. Tennis 40/40 46. Fire (from workplace) 48. FM receiver 49. Claw 50. Sickly-sweet 52. At an advantage (32) 54. Flexible stick 55. Predatory bird 56. The P of PTA 57. Information 60. Actor, ... McGregor 62. Of length 65. Problem 67. Metric unit 69. Stared 70. Magniﬁ ed map section 72. Decimal number 73. More eccentric 75. Holy city 77. Pester 79. Attach (3,2) 81. Flow away 82. Spy writer, John le ... 84. Follow 85. What he said 86. Surrender (land) 87. Leaves workforce 88. Spiky plant, ... vera

DOWN 1. Modern man, ... sapiens 2. Foolish 3. Grenade trigger 4. Parcel up 5. Polar covering 6. Long Eastern garment 7. Cake, Swiss ... 8. Medical imaging technique (1,1,1) 9. Bitter (taste) 10. Agnes Grey author, ... Brontë 12. Flower segment 14. Liaison 16. Spoil plan, upset the ... cart 19. Tusk material 22. Grease star, ... Newton-John 23. Case-hardened 25. Go by (of years) 26. Two-door cars 29. Muslim 32. Israel’s ... Aviv 35. Tied the knot 37. Leg/foot joint 38. Hires for job (5,2) 40. Preserve (meat) 41. Paris waterway 42. Be naughty (3,2) 43. The Devil 44. Decree 47. Gallops slowly 51. Told good story 52. Longevity (3,3) 53. Street march 54. Irish 58. Equipped with guns 59. Restart shortcut, Ctrl+...+Delete 61. Church table 63. Restraining chains 64. Bloodiest (steak) 65. Club participant 66. Make into law 68. Terminated 71. Register (to vote) 72. Dusting powder 74. Antlered beast 76. Scoundrels 78. Actor, Richard ... 80. An individual 83. Instantly, ... glance (2,1)

Last week’s solution

Sudoku brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

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S T

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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

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

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

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

Theme: ANNIVERSARIES ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATE CRYSTAL DATE EMPLOYMENT GOLD HISTORICAL MILLENNIAL NATIONAL OFFICIAL PAST PLATINUM QUADRENNIAL RECURRING RUBY SAPPHIRE SEPTENNIAL SILVER SPECIAL DAY TRIENNIAL Last week’s Word Search solution

USA in basketball at the Olympics. How many gold medals did he win? 5. What is the title of the recently released Netflix documentary series on Jordan? 6. What number did Jordan wear for the majority of his career?

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Test your knowledge about Michael Jordan in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. How many NBA championships did Michael Jordan win with the Chicago Bulls? 2. With which club did Jordan make a comeback in 2001? 3. In what year was Jordan drafted into the NBA? 4. Jordan also represented the

ANSWERS 1. Six 2. Washington 3. 1984 4. Two 5. The Last Dance 6. 23

Trivia Quiz

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Penrith’s most comprehensive coverage of local news – in print and online at westernweekender.com.au

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Str8ts & Wheel Words brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

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TEST YOUR BRAIN Str8ts How to beat Str8ts Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, e.g. [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed. You can find more help and strategies at www.str8ts.com along with more puzzles, Apple apps and books.

Wheel Words Create words of four letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the middle letter. Do not use proper names or plurals ending with S. See if you can find the nine letter word using up all letters 15 Good

20 Very Good

25+ Excellent

Last Week’s Solution

Band member runs away

Hannah Mulholland (pictured left) has announced her shock departure from country music trio Runaway June. Mulholland along with Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne formed the group in 2015 and have enjoyed success, with their single ‘Buy My Own Drinks’ becoming a top five country radio hit. “It’s with great respect and love that I must announce my departure from Runaway June,” Mulholland said. “We have spent five years chasing dreams, climbing mountains,

conquering things we never imagined possible, and having lots of fun along the way. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had, and all of the amazing people I have met along the way.” Following Mulholland’s departure, Runaway June revealed on country music radio show ‘The Bobby Bones Show’ that Natalie Stovall would join the group, opting against a plan to turn Runaway June into a duo. Runaway June was scheduled to visit Australia for the first time this year, prior to Coronavirus hitting.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

WEEKENDER LIVING PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

HOROSCOPES GEMINI BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE DAILY POSTS AT WWW.BOHOASTRO.COM TWITTER @JOMADELINEMOORE © JOANNE MADELINE MOORE 2020

AQUARIUS

PISCES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Venus is still reversing through your home zone. So plenty of tact and patience are required, if you want to get through the week with less family friction and domestic drama. If something isn’t working out, then jump in and try to fix it. With Mars marching through your sign there’s never been a better time to be proactive. Ralph Waldo Emerson: “An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory”.

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Monday’s Mars/Uranus connection revs up your spontaneity, enthusiasm and motivation. So make sure you channel all of that fiery energy into an appropriately positive and productive project. And is it time to patch up a festering problem with a relative or neighbour? Think carefully before you speak though! Hasty comments will just inflame an already sensitive situation.

TAURUS

CANCER

LEO

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

With Venus in retrograde mode, have you got your head in the sand? If you avoid dealing with an important issue then expect more problems. It’s time to face the reality that a financial situation needs to be completely recalibrated or a major relationship has to move in a radical new direction. As Jamie Oliver said: “People hate change, until the pain of not changing is worse than change itself”.

Are you feeling stressed? Help is at hand. There is peace and quiet to be found via meditation, contemplation, creative visualisation, yoga, chanting or tai chi as you slow down and listen to your inner voice. As teacher Marianne Williamson said: “Ego says – once everything falls into place I’ll feel inner peace. Spirit says – find your inner peace and then everything will fall into place”.

When it comes to your career (or lack of career) are you disappointed and disgruntled? You’re impatient to make changes but don’t underestimate the value of examining people and situations in a more careful, considered and creative way. This week the devil is definitely in the detail as you slow down, don your detective cap and have a serious secondlook.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

SPECIALISING IN

Venus continues its backward trajectory through your aspirations zone. So you’re in the box seat for some major procrastination. But is that such a good idea? Do your best to be creative and determined. You can expect some setbacks and disappointments but so what? Don’t use it as an excuse to just give up. As Clint Eastwood said: “If something doesn’t come up the way you want, forge ahead”.

Other people will continually surprise you with their unpredictable antics, so don’t lose sleep trying to work out where they are coming from. And avoid being a cynical Scorpio who sabotages relationships. Nurture and cherish your close connections. If you’re unhappily single, keep pursuing your dream of finding your soul mate. Stevie Nicks: “I live in the realm of romantic possibility”.

BEER BREWING  ................................................................... DISTILLING  ................................................................... CIDER AND SOFT DRINKS  ................................................................... CHEESE MAKING  ................................................................... YOGHURT AND KEFIR  ................................................................... TOFU  ................................................................... SAUSAGES SMOKING CURING  ................................................................... COFFEE ROASTING  ................................................................... FOOD PRESERVING  ................................................................... AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FOODS  ................................................................... CHOCOLATE MAKING  ................................................................... WINE AND MEAD MAKING  ...................................................................

Do you feel as if you’re stuck in the re-run of a B-grade movie? Are current plans being derailed and future prospects looking dodgy? The planets are urging you to revise, review, reconsider, recycle, reuse and repurpose. Family and friends are also acting like a mirror as they reflect back aspects of yourself you don’t want to see. So you need to listen and learn with an open mind and a loving heart.

This week the Sun, Venus and Mercury are all moving through your sign. So you’re keen to tackle things at a lightning pace as you solve a puzzle, multi-task like a pro, study, travel, teach or just chat up a storm. With Venus in retrograde mode, it’s also a good week to forgive someone and let go of a grudge that’s been weighing you down. Then you’ll feel lighter and less encumbered by past problems.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

When it comes to close relationships, shift into take-charge mode. Mars and Uranus encourage you to keep the partnerships that are working well or have plenty of potential. But is it time to turf a lover who’s been letting you down? Or part ways with a business partner who’s not pulling their weight? Or finally discard a friend who doesn’t really have your best interests at heart?

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Don’t take good health for granted. Be proactive about making positive lifestyle choices, and prioritise time for regular exercise and nutritious home-cooked meals. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “The first wealth is health”. Is a close relationship going through a bumpy patch? Mercury moves into your partnership zone, which encourages you to keep the lines of communication open.

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Aquarians love to rock the boat and ruffle a few feathers. This week proactive Mars connects with radical Uranus so – if you must be a rebel – make sure you’re a rebel with a worthy cause. Saturn is reversing through your sign, so any changes must be made slowly and surely with plenty of thought and careful consideration. For extra inspiration, look to amazing role-models who thrive on helping others.

ARIES

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

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What to do if your furry friend gets cat flu and how it’s diagnosed

A rant from a physiotherapist

ou are not your MRI, a letter from a physiotherapist to future patients. Across the nation, physiotherapists and other health care practitioners are trying to help their patients get better. When meeting a new patient, I typically start my consult with the question “what can I help you with”. What I am looking for: Some form of pain or difficulty you are experiencing and how I can help you. What I often receive: a bag waved in my face with x-rays and MRI’s from the 1970s. Why is this an issue? If there is damage on the scan, shouldn’t it be fixed? A great question however the body is more complicated than that. For the most part, imaging (x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT etc) is practically useless without comparing it to your presenting complaint. The truth is, it’s normal to have damage or ‘signs of use’ on the inside and experience no pain at all. We can expect grey hairs and wrinkles to occur with time, it’s ridiculous to think that this doesn’t also

occur on the inside of our body. Consider it aging on the inside, signs of a good life. The funny thing about pain is that you cannot always see it. Imaging is exactly what it says it is, an image. The truth is, there are lots of things images can’t see. Consider taking a photo of someone to guess what they’re thinking, impossible. What I want to do is listen to you about your problem, your pain. From here we can effectively determine whether it correlates with any findings on scans you may have brought in.

eline respiratory disease (also referred to as cat flu), is a common disease seen in unvaccinated cats. It can affect cats of all ages but tends to be particularly severe in kittens and purebred cats. Cat flu is highly contagious and can spread from one feline friend to another via eye, nasal or mouth discharge. Contaminated food or water bowls can also be a source of the spread of disease. There are several viruses responsible for cat flu. Most have a targeted vaccination. However, the majority of cases will be caused by one of two viruses, Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). What are the signs of cat flu? The clinical signs of cat flu are similar to colds and flu in people. Symptoms include: sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers. Some infected cats don’t show any clinical signs and are known as ‘carrier cats’. A carrier is only infectious to other

cats when they are shedding the virus, which may be continuous or intermittent. If the carrier is stressed, shedding of the virus will be increased. Nothing can be done to change the carrier status of cats. All cats that have had cat flu should be considered potential carriers. How is cat flu diagnosed? Diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs and physical examination of the feline. Occasionally, a swab may be taken from the cat’s mouth for viral culture and sent off to a laboratory for identification and confirmation. How is cat flu treated? The treatment of cat flu can vary depending on the cause. Treatment is usually only symptomatic relief that includes keeping the nose and eyes clear and clean. Antibiotics are often used to control secondary bacterial infections, and mucolytics are given to reduce the thickness of secretions and help cats breathe easier. Dehydration can occur as the disease worsens, so it is important to encourage eating and drinking.

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utting your cleaning time in half starts with a system. Clean your house in the same order every time Work in one room at a time, starting and finishing at the same spot in a room so that you don’t waste time running back and forth. Keep consistent That’s the whole premise. You do the same thing every time you clean, so it is a routine. The routine is the method, and that is an inherently better way to clean because the speed comes from the method instead of from hurrying. You really can clean your house in half the time. It’s not a gimmick! Have all the tools and cleaning products you need at arm’s-reach Don’t waste time walking back and forth to the cabinet under the sink! Wear an apron to fill the pockets with your cleaning tools. You don’t need large

bottles of cleaner – pour the cleaners into small spray bottles that are easy to carry. You can also place your supplies in a caddy or a bucket to stay organised and save time. If you hired a carpenter and he went up and down a ladder every time he needed a nail, he’d never tolerate it, he would want to have everything with him. You can do the same with cleaners!

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Short term gain could result in long term pain when it comes to Super

e are all aware of the economic damages associated with COVID- 19, and one option that the Government has made available to us is to access our Super. It will definitely be necessary for some people to do this; many are out of work or their business income is severely reduced and they have financial commitments and need to survive. In some circumstances accessing Superannuation will be necessary. But this decision shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken lightly, and counter intuitively, the younger you are the greater the impact. Compounding interest is powerful, $10,000 or $20,000 withdrawn now will reduce the balance at retirement by considerably more. The younger you are the bigger the difference. If you have your Superannuation invested in the growth portfolio (which is typical to those under 50), a 21- year- old withdrawing $10,000

will reduce their retirement income by approximately $105,000. A 30-year-old will have approximately $63,000 less and a 40- year- old will be $37,00 worse off at retirement. There are long-term consequences for accessing your Super and this should not be viewed as a free hit. If your situation requires you to utilise this option to get through this period, we advise trying to â&#x20AC;&#x153;catch upâ&#x20AC;? once your situation returns to normal. We encourage, for those that can, to look at making additional contributions to reverse the long-term effects. A few clients have asked about withdrawing funds to pay off the mortgage. In most cases this will result in you being worse off. In the long-term the Super returns you are forgoing will exceed the interest costs you are saving. Furthermore you will always prioritise your mortgage repayment and will ensure that under almost

all circumstances it will be paid. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily prioritise your Superannuation in the same way, and may not replace the withdrawn funds when your situation allows. Strategies around utilising this early access of Superannuation to make other opportunities available may be appropriate. Under certain circumstances, such as using this to jump the deposit hurdle for a residential property, these strategies may be worthwhile. However you should seek advice to ensure that it will put you in a better position in the long-term. Using this option to clear a credit card or other high interest debt will be appropriate for some, but not all, seeking advice is advised with this strategy. The Government has set limits on what can be charged for advice on Superannuation release, so this advice is cost effective. Before you withdraw, make a call. See you next week.

the western weekender Âť Friday, May 22, 2020

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BUSINESS Why your business should have a presence on TikTok Katina Beveridge // Digital Business Solutions Advisor Western Sydney Business Centre | 4721 5011 | reception@wsbusiness.com.au

ikTok is the social media of global lockdowns. In a span of more than three years after it was launched, this platform now has more than 800 million active users around the world, securing the ninth most popular spot for social media. It had more than 1.5 billion downloads on the App Store and Google Play in 2019. What Is TikTok? TikTok is a short-form video platform where users can create and share entertaining short videos. The social network is designed for quick-cut videos, usually around 15 to 60 seconds long, accompanied by short clips of upbeat music and entertaining visual effects. The format is basic: the users post videos of them dancing and singing, doing funny stunts, or just talking to the world. It is more of an entertainment platform rather a lifestyle platform, which makes it perfect for curing boredom caused by the global lockdown. With the consumer behaviour changing and more people spending time watching engaging and entertaining content, more and more brands are

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

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launching their own game on TikTok. Here are some of the reasons why you should include TikTok in your social media strategy now: Low competition Right now, there are very few brands that are active on TikTok. Taking action now means that your brand will be one of the first brands in your category to become established on TikTok. You can play around with the genres to figure out which type of content gets the best results for you. Anyone can create content You don’t have to be an influencer to have influence on TikTok, which makes this platform perfect for small and medium businesses. As long as you have an established audience and create content regularly, your brand will be exposed to new audiences regularly. Create viral content TikTok has one of the highest engagement rates, which is 15 per cent, compared to other platforms. Some campaigns see a 50 per cent increase in shares while others show an increased overall views per month.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

PENRITH CITY LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2020

BUSIN L E CA

Awards to go ahead

2020 2 020

ARDS

his year’s Penrith City Local Business Awards program will go ahead despite the current COVID-19 health crisis. Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe said the program would proceed on schedule, with the only change being the delay of the presentation evening until the end of the year. “I have no doubt everyone is experiencing the stress of uncertainty during this unprecedented and challenging time,” he said. “All of us at Precedent Productions extend our thoughts to those of you who are doing it tough. “Now, more than ever, small businesses and their staff in the Penrith City area need the support of their community. “These are extremely challenging times for every member of our community, and the number one priority for all of us is to listen to the regulations being put in place by government at all levels and heed the advice of our health professionals. “We also need to support each other physically and emotionally in any way that we can, in particular keeping in touch with friends, neighbours and relatives (especially the elderly) via phone or email. “Business owners and workers everywhere are naturally concerned for their health as well as their livelihoods. “But in more than 35 years of running

Online nominations are now open for the 2020 Penrith City Local Business Awards!

www.thebusinessawards.com.au

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Scan the QR code to vote for your favourite business today!

the Local Business Awards I have come to learn that Australians are courageous, resilient, resourceful and community spirited people. “We can and we will get through this by sticking together.” Mr Loe said the Local Business Awards had always provided a morale boost to businesses and their staff by allowing the community to show their appreciation and support for their hard work and dedication. “You will still be able to nominate and vote for your favourite local businesses in this year’s awards,” he said. “The only difference is that the awards ceremony, where we announce the winners in each category, will be held at the end of the year when this crisis is, hopefully, behind us. “Until then, I urge residents of the Penrith City community to show their support for the local businesses and their workers, who deserve a boost now more than ever. “Finally, allow me to stress that by being positive and supporting each other as local businesses we can influence how we make it through this period. “Please make an effort to ‘Shop Local, Buy Local’ wherever you possibly can, and ensure a local business benefits from your trade.” For more information about the Penrith City Local Business Awards program, call 8363 3333 or visit www. thebusinessawards.com.au.

The Weekender’s Troy Dodds with winner Justine Milne at last year’s event.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Bella Dental Penrith – Health Improvement Services What did winning mean to you? Winning this award means that we are achieving our purpose. Our biggest goal is to make a difference to the lives of people in our community. To improve the confidence of people by enhancing their smiles, ensuring a healthier dental future for our younger patients, and being a comforting place for those in need.

Why do you love the local business awards? It brings out the leading small businesses in our community to be recognized for the excellence they bring to the community and to be able to put faces and names to those businesses.

What is your message to your customers?

4722 6300 | belladentalpenrith.com.au Shop T12, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith

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Thank you for your continued support, we couldn’t do it without you and with your continued support we will be able to keep providing you all with the same warm, caring and personal service that you have come to know us for. We are looking forward to many more years of looking after you all.

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital – Pet Care What did winning mean to you? Winning means so much to me and the team. It reminds us that our clients are important and that they voted for us in the first place. Without our clients, we would not have the business that we have.

Why do you love the local business awards? It is a great opportunity to remind our staff that our clients care about us as much as we care about them. It is also so much fun to go out as a team and build a pyramid (for the photo of course). It is also rewarding to see our clients attending the awards dinner, so we can support them as much as they support us.

What is your message to your customers?

4736 2027 | www.orchardhillsvet.com.au 49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

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Thank you to our fantastic clients who support us. We have a great team that have the same philosophy as me – ‘We do not work a day in our lives, because we love our jobs!”

edUcatered – Education Service What did winning mean to you?

Winning last year was an absolute privilege. It was a wonderful way to be acknowledged for how hard we have worked to provide a personalised educational service to the Penrith area and celebrate our achievements thus far. We were so grateful to be included in the education services category with some wonderful businesses; when we were named as the Outstanding Education Service for 2019 it felt like such an honour.

Why do you love the local business awards?

We love the local business awards because it is a celebration of the many contributors to our local community. People lift each other up and celebrate in a united way, with a little bit of fun thrown in. When you win a Local Business Award, it is a great opportunity for potential customers to identify that you provide a quality service and commitment to the community.

What is your message to your customers?

0423 231 677 | educatered.com.au

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Thank you to all our edUcatered families for supporting our small business. We love what we do and wouldn’t be able to do it without our beautiful families.

Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Elders – Real Estate What did winning mean to you?

Winning the Local Business Awards was such an honor for our team. We can’t thank our locals enough for supporting us! We try to get involved and give back to our community as much as we can through participating in regular giveaways and competitions, and we like to keep everyone informed on the property market through regular video updates on our social channels.

Why do you love the local business awards?

We love the LBAs because it gives all of our local businesses a chance to be recognised for their hard work and dedication. As a local, family-owned business, we understand the planning and daily tasks that go into managing a business and creating a warm culture within our team. We believe these awards do such a great job of highlighting the hard work that we all do.

What is your message to your customers?

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We want our customers to know that we work around the clock to ensure your greatest asset is being carefully looked after. Whether you are selling, leasing your home, or buying - our professional staff are here to guide you through the process seamlessly. For over 180 years Elders have survived the Spanish Flu, The Great Depression, 2x World Wars, SARS Bird Flu, GFC, and now Coronavirus. Our success isn’t based on luck but based on building a solid foundation and great relationships. As winners of Canstar Blue and the 2019 Local Business Awards, we ensure you can count on us to sell or lease your home.

4732 5055 | penrith.eldersrealestate.com.au | 348 High Street, Penrith

Emu Florist – Florist What did winning mean to you? It was wonderful to receive the award as acknowledgement or the entire teams efforts and dedication.

Why do you love the local business awards? It is a great opportunity to show case your business and staff and to be awarded is wonderful way to reward our staff for their efforts and the long hours and dedication of the entire team.

What is your message to your customers?

4735 1106 | emuflorist.com.au Shop 6, Lennox Village, Cnr Pyramid St & Great Western Highway, Emu Plains

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I take this opportunity to thank our customers and the greater community for their ongoing and amazing support of our business. We are blessed to have our business within such a wonderful community.

Milnsbridge IT Services – Specialised Business What did winning mean to you? We were elated with our win in the ‘Specialised Business’ category at the 2019 Local Business Awards, especially being in such a tough category with a number of high profile local business represented. Winning truly validated all the years of hard work our team have put in and continue to put in day in and day out.

Why do you love the local business awards? We love the Local Business Awards for putting on a fun night for the community to come together to celebrate and recognise local businesses.

What is your message to your customers? We would like to give a huge thank you to our customers in the local community and beyond for continually supporting us. We love providing our customers with the best managed IT services.

1300 300 293 | milnsbridge.com.au | 5 Pullman Pl, Emu Plains WW40856

What did winning mean to you? Winning for me was the result of our entire team’s efforts paying off. The result of leaving nothing to chance. The result of putting in as much effort as we knew how. Winning the trades and services category of the 2019 business awards was an award for my team for being the best they could be. For us, everything we do is focused around our customers, so It was nice to have a night just about our team and the efforts they put in.

Why do you love the local business awards? I love the local business awards because it truly brings out the best of locally owned Penrith businesses. The business awards are a time to appreciate and celebrate the efforts of local businesses that go into making Penrith a great place to live, play and learn, and I love that.

What is your message to your customers?

1800 20 29 30 | www.penrithsolar.com.au | 5 Johnson Place, Cranebrook

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To our PSC family, thank you for choosing us to deliver the greatest renewable energy experience possible and for trusting us to do the best work that we possibly can. We appreciate you.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

Penrith Solar Centre – Service & Trade

Prouds The Jewellers – Jewellery Store What did winning mean to you? We have a fabulous team here at Penrith Prouds who are dedicated, passionate and committed to providing great customer service. It means a great deal to us all to have our efforts recognised by our customers.

Why do you love the local business awards? The local business awards, brings our community together in celebration to acknowledge our successes.

What is your message to your customers?

4732 1218 | www.prouds.com.au | 585 High Street, Penrith

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A special thank you to all our valued customers who voted and continue to support us.

Trim’s Fresh – Fruit & Vegetable Shop What did winning mean to you?

It was an honour to win the award. Our staff work really hard and do their best every single day to provide outstanding customer service. It’s very rewarding to know our customers really appreciate our staff, and to know that Trims’s Fresh is providing the local community with high quality and great value fresh produce.

Why do you love the local business awards?

We are a local family owned and run store, our staff are local and our customers are local, so it’s very exciting and a real buzz for our customers and staff when we’ve been nominated and even more so when we’ve won. Our staff also really enjoy getting a night together to celebrate the recognition at the awards dinner.

What is your message to your customers?

4732 3758 | e: info@trimsfresh.com.au | Shop 22/585 High St, Penrith (Westfield)

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Thank you so much to all of our customers for supporting our family business week after week and for voting in the local business awards. We stand by our motto, if you are happy please continue to tell others, if not, please tell us.

Zoo Fitness – Fitness Services What did winning mean to you? It was a beautiful shock to win for the 3rd year in a row but just confirmed to us that we were on the right track in what we set out to do.

Why do you love the local business awards? The great work of the people of Penrith is always worth celebrating and acknowledging.

What is your message to your customers?

4744 2020 | zoofitness.com.au | 15/241 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

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Your love and support during this crazy, hard time will never be forgotten and we will always strive to give you back a place to feel fit, happy and safe.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

SPORT

AFL RETURNS

Giants ready for season to restart p.55

Penrith Emus President Gary McColl has worked hard to return the club to the Shute Shield.

Back from the dead NATHAN TAYLOR

xactly one year since the Weekender revealed their desire to return to the Shute Shield, the Penrith Emus are officially back in business. Like a phoenix – or Emu – rising from the ashes, the Penrith Rugby Club announced last Friday night that they had accepted an invitation from Sydney Rugby Union (SRU) to compete in the 2020 competition. Following a two-year hiatus the Emus will finally return to the field once the competition start date is agreed upon by the SRU and NSW Government.

The Emus were turfed from the Shute Shield in 2018 and declared an embarrassment to the league; however plenty of hard work and determination behindthe- scenes over the last 24 months has ensured their return. One of the driving forces behind their comeback, Emus President Gary McColl said the club was “delighted” to accept the SRU’s invitation to compete in an abridged competition this year. “Our re- entry into the competition is just our first step into the growth and development of not only the club but rugby in western Sydney as well,” he said. “A lot of hard work has been under-

taken by the club since we last competed in 2018, for example our Board of Directors have met every single month during the hiatus working towards this moment. “However, we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. The hard work is being done and there’s an enormous amount to do. We are not looking at coming back just to exist; we are coming back to be competitive and to get rugby back on the map for the young men and women of Sydney’s west.” Team training has resumed at Nepean Rugby Park and the club has already hired a coach to lead them into the future in respected mentor John Muggleton.

“John is a western Sydney man and has returned from a stint with Toyota in Japan where he was an assistant coach to Jake White who won the 2007 Rugby World Cup as coach of South Africa,” McColl said. Muggleton, who is the Emus’ seventh head coach in nearly a decade, said he’s ready to tackle one of the most challenging jobs in Australian sport. “There’s no question Penrith has a lot of work to do. However I have been encouraged by how the club has worked at improving its standards behind- thescenes and I am very much looking forward to developing a side that will be more than competitive,” he said.

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Friday, May 22, 2020 « the western weekender

Members asked to show Panther pride Story continued from » p. 56 Panthers General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron said pledging your membership will help define the Panthers club that emerges from the devastating COVID-19 crisis. “We are fortunate to receive a grant from the NRL each year but there is also a lot of money that comes into the club through sponsorship, membership and ticketing, which we are heavily dependent on,” he told the Weekender. “These pledges will certainly help in sustaining some of the things we are doing with our first grade football program as well as the great development pathways we have at Panthers.” While making the pledge may be viable for some members, the club understands that others won’t be able to take part due to various financial stresses they may be experiencing themselves. “I think it’s a very personal decision for people to make and we’d never put that expectation on people,” Cameron said. “As a club we understand members may not be able to make the pledge and we sympathise with those people because we are hurting too.” For more information on the initiative or to pledge visit www. penrithpanthers.com.au.

SPORT

Upgrade kicks off Silver lining as shutdown allows fast-tracking of renovation NATHAN TAYLOR

wo years’ worth of much-needed renovations will now be completed in less than six months according to Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRSC) General Manager Luke Hepburn. While the Coronavirus shutdown has decimated sport across the country, the popular Cambridge Park- based centre has used the hiatus to its advantage. What would’ve been a logistical nightmare juggling tradies with the various sports being played there each day has resulted in PVRSC being able to complete numerous upgrades well ahead of schedule. Hepburn said a funding commitment from the Federal Government has been put to very good use. “I’ve got to thank our local MP Melissa McIntosh because the funding she gave us at the last election has gone a long way in keeping us sane throughout this shutdown,” he told the Weekender. “We’ve done a lot of work since we received that funding and we’ve taken

Luke Hepburn alongside local painter Richard Rossetto. Photo: Megan Dunn. advantage of the spare time. Because the centre was at capacity, we were expecting to do this work over a two-year period but we now hope to have all renovations finished by September.” Utilising local tradies and Australian

products where they can, some of the renovations that have already taken place include an upgraded roof to repair over 60 leaks; the installation of new roller doors, air conditioning and a fire hydrant; as well a fresh lick of paint.

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escribed by many as a naturally gifted athlete, Larissa Atkins gives 100 per cent at everything she tries. Whether it’s softball, netball or little athletics, Larissa’s the ultimate team player and a star in her own right. After an extraordinary 12 months competing in her various sports, the Yellow Rock resident is the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation (PVSF) Reach for the Sky Encouragement Award. The 11-year-old has played in multiple Penrith City Softball Association representative teams over the last five years and has developed and grown into a remarkable player. In the last two years Larissa’s been playing up an age group due to her ability and skill level, and isn’t afraid to play in the boys softball competition either. Last November Larissa helped Penrith City finish third at the U12 Girls NSW State Championships at Blacktown International Sportspark, while in December she was part of the undefeated NSW PSSA Girls Softball team that took out the All Schools National Championship defeating Queensland. Not only is Larissa a huge talent in softball, she also plays representative netball

Larissa Atkins. for Penrith and, in 2019, was a member of the U11 Development team. This year she was selected in Penrith’s U12 representative team – proving she’s not only an asset on the softball diamond but the netball court as well. Nominated by Jo Beach, Vice President of Representative Affairs at Penrith City Softball Association, Larissa Atkins’ Reach for the Sky Encouragement Award is thanks to sponsors St Marys Leagues Club and Skypeak Adventures. To nominate, visit www.pvsf.org.au.

Safety first as AFL returns Regular Coronavirus testing part of the new norm for Giants stars ahead of restart NATHAN TAYLOR

he AFL will be the second major football code to return post the Coronavirus shutdown when the 2020 season resumes on June 11. Clubs, including the GWS Giants, began non-contact training on Monday before a full-scale return to contact training, with two sessions per week, is introduced on May 25. After initial swabs last week, it’s understood players and officials will be tested for COVID-19 at least 24 hours before each session in order to have results returned before beginning the sessions. Giants defender Aidan Corr was tested for COVID- 19 last week and also had to complete a questionnaire before returning to Giants HQ on Monday. “We did a questionnaire before we arrived and temperature checks kick in tomorrow,” he told the Weekender. “We were all Coronavirus tested last week – the whole comp was. It wasn’t too bad… I did have some waterworks from the last part of the test though.” The AFL managed to get one round

Giants star Aidan Corr at training. Photo: GWS Giants. of play in before the competition was suspended on March 22. When the season does officially resume next month, the fixture will be cut from 22 matches per team to just 17, while the AFL Grand Final will now be held in late October.

Corr admitted it has been a frustrating few months. “It was painful, you’d get an email to update you on what was happening but the update was nothing has changed,” the 26-year-old said.

“The AFL Players Association were great and kept us in the loop though. We had a lot of Zoom meetings and it was really helpful speaking to everyone.” While two months of isolation was tough on some players across the league, Corr made the most of his downtime by completing hit Netflix series ‘Ozark’ and doing some work experience on a construction site. “I have a fair bit of interest in the construction side of things, so I was going in three or four days a week on- site,” he revealed. “It was strict to get in but it was really good, it made the time fly for me. I was doing a lot of carpentry work, did that for 20-odd days. “I ended up staying fit as well, I actually lost a bit of weight which is pretty unbelievable.” An updated AFL fixture is expected to be released shortly. Like Round 1, fans won’t be permitted to attend games for the majority of the season. Corr said playing in front of no fans was “extremely strange”. “I think having no crowd had more of an affect on me than the 100,000 on Grand Final Day last year,” he said.

the western weekender » Friday, May 22, 2020

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SPORT

Friday, May 22, 2020 Penrith’s #1 NRL coverage – Extra Time – see centre pull-out

Members asked to pledge NATHAN TAYLOR

o help the Penrith Panthers through their greatest time of need, the club is calling on its passionate supporter base to pledge their 2020 member-

ship. Taking the pledge means contributing your full 2020 membership fee in support of the club, regardless of what happens for the remainder of the NRL season. As a reward, every Panthers member who takes the pledge will join the Members Roll of Honour, which will exist as a permanent installation in the reception area of the Panthers Rugby League Academy. The list of names – flanked by the Players Roll of Honour and two premiership trophies – will not be a temporary recognition either; it will be forever etched in Panthers history. On top of the Roll of Honour, members who pledge will be invited to an exclusive Launch Party later this year and will also go in the running to win a $20,000 outdoor renovation thanks to MKJ Projects. The number of entries each member receives in the prize draw will be based on the value of their membership pledge. Story continues on » p. 54

The Members Roll of Honour will be installed at the Panthers Rugby League Academy.

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