Western Weekender May 24 2019 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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INSIDE The latest edition of Extra Time! Centre pull-out

A new tourism campaign promotes unique Penrith attractions like Jetpack Adventures and Rusty Penny. Photos: Destination NSW

LINDSAY FALLS Melissa McIntosh claims crucial seat SEE PAGE 3

NOT YOUR USUAL A new tourism touriism campaign campaiign aims to increase P Penrith’s enrith’s visitor numbers by showcasing the region’s most unique and exciting attractions to the rest of NSW. Troy Dodds reports on pages 12-13

COUNTRY KING Troy Cassar-Daley plays all his hits SEE PAGE 45

TOP SHOT Cranebrook teen to represent Australia SEE PAGE 67

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Friday, May 24, 2019 Â« the western weekender

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Local seat returns to Liberal Party with massive swing against Labor at election EMILY FESZCZUK

irst- time candidate Melissa McIntosh will become the new Member for Lindsay after a massive swing to the Liberals at last weekend’s election wrestled the seat away from Labor after just one term. Ms McIntosh will become the seat’s fourth female MP in history after receiving a swing of over seven per cent on first preference votes and some 55 per cent of the votes two party preferred. Ms McIntosh greeted jubilant supporters at a function at Panthers Leagues Club last Saturday night. “I’ve just received a call from the Labor Candidate for Lindsay, Diane Beamer, conceding the seat,” Ms McIntosh said. “I would like to thank our community of Lindsay for giving me this opportunity.” Overjoyed with the result, Ms McIntosh told the Weekender she would be committed to the area and was looking forward to getting to work. “This is such a wonderful opportunity, I’ve been meeting with the community, listening to what matters most over the last few months in their homes, at the stations, in pre-poll and of course today on polling day,” she said.

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

It’s a bluewash in Lindsay

Lindsay MP-elect Melissa McIntosh addresses supporters after her election success. Photo: Melinda Jane “I promise our community I will not let them down. I will work hard every single day.” Surrounded by family and friends, Ms McIntosh thanked her supporters for all their help during a tough campaign. “To the wonderful volunteers – every

single one of you who have worked tirelessly, I thank you greatly,” Ms McIntosh said. “I would like to thank Stuart Ayres and Marise Payne, my great friends and mentors who are equally committed to western Sydney.”

With a “how good is Scott Morrison” call to arms, Ms McIntosh also thanked the Prime Minister for his work in the area. Mr Morrison spent time in Lindsay in the first and final weeks of the campaign, proving how critical the Coalition saw the traditionally bellwether seat.

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the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender Issue 1403

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

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The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Labor pains after epic defeat I f only Ivan Cleary had Scott Morrison’s phone number. Morrison’s incredible election success last weekend – a win not even the most one-eyed of Liberal supporters could have predicted – will go down in the annals of history as one of the most Herculean political victories of all-time. As die- hard Labor supporters forced champagne corks back into the bottle and reached for the keys to the liquor cabinet in search of something harder, Morrison proved that polls and Twitter mean little in Australia’s increasingly unpredictable political world. For Morrison, a never- give- up attitude and a willingness to make the campaign about himself despite its risks to his political future paid off. While the deep analysis of what went wrong for Labor will continue for many months, it is clear that in the end, voters weren’t prepared for the dramatic change being put forward by Bill Shorten. In some ways, the result may have huge ramifications for elections in the future. It could be argued that it’s a shame a party destined for government that was willing to take a strong policy platform to the electorate was turned away in such epic fashion. It could scare parties away from such radical agendas in the future, no matter how important they may be, and that’s unlikely to be a good thing. But in truth, voters were clear – life isn’t too bad under the Coalition and they were willing to back Morrison as a safe pair of hands, even if they did feel uneasy about the way he came to the top job. Much has been said of the ‘silent majority’ and it’s quite clear this was a factor. As someone said to me over the weekend,

Index

“It has been amusing to watch the tortured Twitterati lose their minds over Morrison’s victory”

‘when people get shouted down for their views, they don’t change them, they just keep quiet. And then they vote’. I admit, I was surprised by the election result and indeed, I backed Labor in this column last week. That said, what I haven’t been surprised by is the left’s reaction to the defeat and their unsurprising refusal to accept that their way of thinking is not shared by the majority of Australians. The left wants to blame everybody and everything but themselves – it’s the media’s fault, it’s Clive Palmer’s fault, it’s Pauline Hanson’s fault, white men are to blame... the list goes on. Truth is the Labor primary vote was so poor at this election that quite clearly, the left’s voice was disregarded and scoffed at by those who simply don’t have time to whinge on Twitter or create petitions about mindless squabble. It has been amusing to watch the

News.............................................1-28 Extra Time..........................29-44 Entertainment .................45-55

tortured Twitterati lose their minds over Morrison’s victory, led by b-grade celebrities who think Balmain is in western Sydney. Labor and the left have much soul searching to do to rediscover their base and reset their agenda. Locally, Lindsay falling back to the Liberals was not a huge surprise given what the atmosphere was like in the electorate over the past few weeks, but Labor needs to do plenty of reflection after its decision to bring Diane Beamer back from political oblivion sensationally backfired. Beamer deserves credit for ‘taking one for the team’, and she should be admired for the very classy way she handled herself through the campaign. But when even the local branches didn’t want to go her way when the search was on for Emma Husar’s replacement, you knew a problem was developing. Labor’s head honchos wanted a safe pair of hands after the Husar debacle, and felt that Ms Beamer had the background and skillset to brush aside any campaign that focused on Labor’s woes in the area. Labor also played a game of ‘me too’ on many local commitments and there were serious questions over the legitimacy of their two biggest solo announcements, being a new cancer care centre at Nepean Hospital and the Jamison Park upgrade, both of which required State Government funding to go ahead. Melissa McIntosh will take some time to find her feet, but there is every indication she will be a very good local Member. The fact the local MP is now part of the sitting government again can only be a good thing for Lindsay.

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Shorten shocker felt in Lindsay as Diane Beamer suffers crushing poll defeat

ENROLLING NOW

hey campaigned with ‘Bring back Beamer’ t-shirts but Labor supporters were left disappointed on Saturday night with the party losing significant ground in Lindsay and dropping the seat to the Liberals. With the two party preferred swing likely to finish at around 6.2 per cent to the Liberals, Labor Candidate Diane Beamer was unable to stop the Coalition’s momentum despite her mountain of political experience. Ms Beamer conceded defeat at around 8.45pm on election night at a gathering with supporters at the Penrith Bowling Club. Despite falling short, she remained positive and thanked her volunteers for their continued support throughout her campaign. “Day after day at pre-poll, for every hour and every minute you gave to Labor, today is a tough day . . . but when we went to the electorate we said we wanted to do things that had compassion in them, that had fair go in them, that really came into the heart of being Labor, so we should hold our heads up high,” she said. “I think we had a clean campaign. I congratulate Melissa [McIntosh] and I

remain proud of the things I’ve done. It’s been invigorating to reconnect again with the people of Lindsay. I am humbled by how much support I have received.” Ms Beamer reflected on her long career in politics and said it was great to speak to community members who remembered her from her time in both local and state politics. “Social media is different but getting up and being at a railway station is the same, getting up and letter-boxing, door knocking is all the same and of course listening to people,” she said. “A lot of people were saying ‘I’m glad you’re back’ but not enough obviously.” Although she knew Lindsay would be a tight battle, Ms Beamer said she was surprised at Labor’s overall failure. “I’m shocked at the overall result, we lost some seats we didn’t expect to lose, that’s tough,” she said. “I am just really proud of my team, they tried their guts out and I just love democracy, to think you can put a little mark of lead on a ballot paper and peacefully change the member and peacefully change government – or not in this case.” With a set of twin grandchildren on the way, Ms Beamer said she will now be putting all of her focus back onto her family.

Diane Beamer with family and supporters on election night. Photo: Melinda Jane

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Labor falls at final hurdle

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

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Annual Update Amendment Planning Proposal Penrith City Council wants to hear your views on a Planning Proposal which seeks to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 to resolve several policy changes, contemporise certain elements and undertake â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;housekeepingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; changes which are minor in nature. These matters have been consolidated as a single set of proposed changes, known as an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Annual Update Amendmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The Planning Proposal is the key document in the process for amending local environmental plans. It explains the intended effect of the proposed changes DQG VHWV RXW WKH MXVWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ IRU WKH UHFRPPHQGHG amendment to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010. The Planning Proposal is on public exhibition until 27 May 2019, online at yoursaypenrith.com.au and at Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Civic Centre, Penrith Library, St Marys %XVLQHVV 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH DQG 6W 0DU\V /LEUDU\ )DFW VKHHWV and guidance on how to make a submission are also available. You are invited to review and comment on the proposed changes to the planning controls by making a written submission by 27 May 2019. &RXQFLO RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUV ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH WR DQVZHU TXHVWLRQV on the Planning Proposal during business hours DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ $OWHUQDWLYHO\ please contact Joel Carson on 4732 8196 or at joel.carson@penrith.city

TENDER Detailed Landscape Design for Regatta Park Precinct Reference RFT18/19-27 Penrith City Council is seeking Tenders, for a Detailed Landscape Design for the Regatta Park Precinct at Emu Plains NSW 2750. Visit penrith.city/tenders to register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively, a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement. )RU TXHULHV SOHDVH FRQWDFW /DXUD 6WRWW RQ or procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the documents no later than 11am Tuesday, 18 June 2019 (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Closing Dateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). Tenders received after will not be considered.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following development applications have been received by Council: â&#x20AC;˘ Insight Architecture DA19/0317 8 Second Avenue, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures and construction of 2-storey boarding house containing 20 boarding rooms (including managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room) and basement car parking Contact: Gemma Bennett on 4732 8285 Closing Date: 7 June 2019 â&#x20AC;˘ 1) %LOO\DUG 3 / '$ 77 Lethbridge Street, Penrith Demolition of existing structure and construction of a 3-storey boarding house containing 12 boarding rooms with at grade car parking Contact: Kathryn Saunders on 4732 8567 Closing Date: 7 June 2019

â&#x20AC;˘ Newton Developments Pty Ltd DA19/0315 Lot 5 DP 28248 (No. 86) Reid Street; Lot 68 DP 562334 (No. 11) Gibson Avenue and Lot 69 DP 562334 (No. 9) Gibson Avenue, Werrington Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of 13 x town houses with car parking, drainage and landscaping Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726 Closing Date: 7 June 2019

submission is made by way of an objection, the JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH submission. The submission is to include Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reference number DA19/0312.

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

â&#x20AC;˘ Enviroguard Pty Ltd DA05/1740.01 Lot 4 DP 1094504 (No. 4) Quarry Road, Erskine Park 0RGLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ WR DSSURYHG Ă&#x20AC;QDO ODQGIRUP DW WKH Cleanaway site The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval under Section 43(a) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council. Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free of charge during Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications â&#x20AC;˘ Paul Lemm Planning Consultant DA17/0299 Lot 2 DP 597776 (No. 94) Smith Road, Castlereagh (DUWKZRUNV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH Ă&#x20AC;OOLQJ DQG SLSLQJ of a creek corridor â&#x20AC;˘ Designcorp Architects DA18/0809 Lot 1 DP 38178 (No. 30) Mitchell Street, St Marys Demolition of existing structures and construction of 8 x 2-storey town houses and basement car parking â&#x20AC;˘ Penrith City Council DA19/0220 Part Lot 1 DP 650753 & Lot 7042 DP 93967 Emu Village B&A School and Vacation Care (No. 4) Lawson Street, Emu Plains Alterations and additions to an existing community facility

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is the Penrith Local Planning Panel. â&#x20AC;˘ Panthers Group DA19/0312 Lot 120 DP 1133682 (No. 702) High Street; Lot 121 DP 1133682 (No. 473a) Jamison Road; Lot 2 DP 1154043, Part Panthers Golf Course (Nos. 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22) Ladbury Avenue; Lot 2 DP 1241942 (No. 83) Mulgoa Road; and Lot 55 DP 1246141 (No. 123) Mulgoa Road, Penrith Proposed outdoor events consisting of 3 major events per year and 6 minor events per year (on a bi-monthly basis) The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Natural Resource Access Regulator under Section 91 of the Water Management Act 2000. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations OLVWHG EHORZ DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV in the period from 24 May 2019 to 24 June 2019. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a

the western weekender Âť Friday, May 24, 2019

PUBLIC EXHIBITION

)RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH contact Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222. Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for these development applications is Penrith City Council.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG IURP 0D\ WR 21 June 2019. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH submission. The submission is to include Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reference number DA05/1740.01. )RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH contact Wendy Connell on 4732 7908. â&#x20AC;˘ Recycle Assist DA19/0322 Lot 10 DP 248339 (No. 25) Bromley Road, Emu Heights Alterations to existing industrial building and change of use providing for a resource recovery facility The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Environmental Protection Authority under Section 43(b) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG IURP 0D\ WR June 2019. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH submission. The submission is to include Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reference number DA19/0322. )RU DQ\ TXHULHV UHODWLQJ WR WKH SURSRVDO SOHDVH contact Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568. Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker Alternatively, the applications can be viewed during Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal business hours at the &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development Services Department will be DEOH WR DVVLVW ZLWK \RXU HQTXLULHV Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrith.city

penrith.city WW37612

Friday, May 24, 2019 ÂŤ the western weekender

The moments you missed From parties to Twitter and donkey votes, election 2019 delivered in spades... Parties tell the story Not surprisingly, the Liberal function at Panthers Leagues Club last Saturday night was party central, while things were rather dour at the Penrith Bowling Club where Labor supporters had gathered. Successful Lindsay Candidate Melissa McIntosh had plenty of support in the room, with Senator Marise Payne and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres both cheering her on, and Mr Ayres introducing the new MP-elect to the crowd. Diane Beamer also had plenty of support at the Labor function with State London-

derry MP Prue Car and Penrith Councillors Todd Carney and Karen McKeown there to watch the results unfold. Weekender rejected The Weekender was bizarrely locked out of Laborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s function for a short period, over what we can only imagine was a miscommunication given approval was given for our journalist to be there in the days prior to the event. We were eventually allowed inside. Emma Husarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction Former Lindsay MP Emma Husar, who won the seat three years ago but did not re-contest it for much-publicised reasons, was active on social media as election night unfolded. After Tweeting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;#putyouronionsoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in

reference to Tony Abbottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demise, she later Tweeted some campaign reflection: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bittersweet not to be on the hustings. Congratulations to Bill & my former colleagues on a hard fought campaign. Closer to home, best of luck to Melissa McIntosh. It is an absolute privilege to represent the wonderful community of Lindsay, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let them down.â&#x20AC;?

ing campaign, United Australia Party didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perform sensationally in Lindsay, securing around 2.8 per cent of the vote. Candidate Christopher Buttel was pretty much level with Independent Candidate Mark Tyndall, who spent a lot less on his campaign.

Greens pick up support Despite running a reasonably low key campaign in Lindsay, the Greens made up some ground with a one per cent swing towards them on first preference votes. Greens Candidate Nick Best finished third in the first preference race. Independent matches Clive Despite an enormous national advertis-

Independent Candidate Mark Tyndall

Melissa McIntosh celebrates her win

Poor form from some More than 10,000 informal votes were recorded at the election in Lindsay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enough to turn the result. The informal vote count would be a mixture of incorrectly filled out ballots and donkey votes.

Another of Emma Husarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tweets on election night

DESIGNATED & INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL Council has received an application from Mirvac

seeking concurrent approval from the Natural

Any person who makes a submission and who is

Projects Pty Ltd seeking consent for bulk earthworks

Resource Access Regulator under Section 91

GLVVDWLVĂ&#x20AC;HG ZLWK WKH GHWHUPLQDWLRQ RI 3HQULWK &LW\

including the clearing of existing vegetation, existing

of the Water Management Act 2000. Approval

Council to grant consent to the subject Development

structures and associated dam de-watering and

is also being sought from the following authority/s

Application, may appeal to the Land and Environment

decommissioning, importation, placement and

in accordance with relevant legislation:

Court in accordance with Section 98 of the

compaction of spoil material, heritage salvo works

Penrith City Council

and associated works. Penrith City Council is the

â&#x20AC;˘ Civic Centre

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Any queries regarding the proposal, please contact Kathryn Saunders on 4732 8567.

consent authority for this development application.

601 High Street, Penrith

â&#x20AC;˘ Mirvac Projects Pty Ltd

(Open between 8.30am and 4pm

Viewing of Development Applications

Monday to Friday; Public Holidays excluded)

The above development application/s may be viewed

DA19/0319

Lot 5 DP 860456 (Nos. 1669â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1723) Elizabeth Drive, Badgerys Creek

NSW Department of Planning

Bulk earthworks including the clearing of existing

â&#x20AC;˘ Information Centre

vegetation, existing structures and associated dam

23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;33 Bridge Street, Sydney

de-watering and decommissioning, importation,

(Open Business Hours Only Monday to Friday;

placement and compaction of spoil material,

Public Holidays excluded)

heritage salvo works and associated works

Any person may, from 24 May 2019 to 21 June 2019,

on Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DA Tracker via penrith.city/DATracker. Alternatively, the applications can be viewed during Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLOŇ&#x2039;V Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

This development is Designated Development under

make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council

Section 4.10 of the Environmental Planning and

in relation to the Development Application. Where

Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political

Assessment Act. It is also an Integrated Development

a submission is made by way of an objection, the

donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone

under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning

JURXQGV RI REMHFWLRQ DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH

lodging a planning application to Council.

and Assessment Act. In this regard, the applicant is

written submission.

Call 4732 7649 or visit penrith.city

Development Applications are displayed at the

penrith.city

WW37613

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

THORNTON PARK

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Thornton Park has been designed and decorated by award winning architects Calder Flower. These spacious, light-filled, luxury apartments feature open plan living areas that lead onto spacious balconies for indoor-outdoor living at its finest. The exacting quality standards are evident in the details, with beautiful contemporary finishes of wood, stone and textured floor coverings, complimented by high-end European fixtures and Miele appliances.

Set on a tree-lined street among modern family homes, Thornton Park is conveniently tucked away in a tranquil setting, yet close to everything that Penrith has to offer. This is your opportunity to secure a luxury apartment and enjoy the best retirement you could dream of, with a great range of activities, services and onsite amenities. Featuring a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments, many with a study, available from only $495,000. Dream big and reserve yours now.

Open days every Wednesday or call 1800 842 006 to arrange an inspection.

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WW37028

72-78 Empire Circuit, Penrith

here’s nothing like seeing rugby league live in person and especially at Panthers Stadium, which provides an awesome atmosphere and a fortress for the mighty Penrith Panthers. Thursday Night Football comes to Panthers Stadium on Thursday, May 30 when Penrith take on Manly in what should be an entertaining contest, with both sides desperate to secure the two competition points. See Nathan Cleary, James Maloney, Viliame Kikau and all the big-name stars in action as they try to secure an allimportant home ground win. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of game day, so grab a few friends and head to Panthers Stadium on Thursday, May 30 to see

prize cupboard

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Alan Jones was spot on when it came to his election predictions. Jones was adamant on 2GB and Sky News that Labor couldn’t win the election, and his seat-by-seat analysis was almost 100 per cent right.

my Penrith

Penrith tackle Manly in an NRL blockbuster. The Panthers might not be having a great year, but they need your support in the stands. For more information and tickets, visit www.penrithpanthers.com.au. The Weekender has two double passes to Panthers v Sea Eagles to give away. For your chance to win one, email competitions@west ernweekender.com.au with ‘Thursday Night Footy’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Monday, May 27. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/19/04131. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or from Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners Members of the Penrith Paceway have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and The Western Weekender. Club members can pick up a free specially numbered bumper sticker from the Paceway, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Paceway to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week! This week’s lucky winners are: 0818, 0019, 0546.

Dose of Dorin

Hari Sivakumar Penrith

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Product of Italy. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Coffee Club Tench Reserve. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Bavarian Cafe. FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? River walk. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? Lively places to hang out with mates in the west and lots of play fields, parks to be active and good places to bring up a family. Best of all good train connections. WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? Nepean River walk

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

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westernweekender

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

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Thinking about a KNOCK DOWN REBUILD?

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

New tourism campaign ‘Not Your Usual’ campaign promotes new way of thinking about Penrith as the TROY DODDS

enrith’s amazing suite of activities and experiences will be on show right across the State thanks to a new tourism campaign launched by Destination NSW in partnership with Penrith City Council. The campaign aims to change perceptions about Penrith, educating people on the region’s amazing attractions and encouraging people to consider Penrith for a weekend away. The theory of Penrith being the ‘gateway to the Blue Mountains’ is being debunked with the city now proving to be a tourist destination in its own right. The campaign describes Penrith as ‘Not Your Usual’ destination; unlike other cities and regions Penrith is full of surprising adventures and one- of- a- kind experiences. State Penrith MP and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the State Government had matched Council’s $100,000 contribution to the campaign dollar for dollar, resulting in a $200,000 campaign for the region. “Penrith has it all – from outdoor adventures, adrenaline activities, a rich history, diverse arts and culture offering and a thriving food and wine scene,” Mr Ayres said. “A short drive from Sydney and you can be another world away in a spot that’s perfect for singles, couples, friends and families alike to spend a few nights.” Mr Ayres said it was great to see the State Government and Council combining on the project. “As both Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney I am proud to showcase the region in the new ‘Penrith – Not Your Usual’ campaign, delivered by the State’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in close partnership with Penrith City Council,” he said. “The pattern of visitation to Penrith comprises largely of day trippers, rather than overnight stays, and we’re confident that this campaign will help to raise awareness of just how much there is on offer that’s different, exciting and worth a longer stay.” Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said people will be surprised to learn they can easily spend a whole weekend, or two, discovering the region. “Penrith has so many unique experiences and activities on offer, from jetpacking to axe throwing, go kart racing to fine dining and so much more. There’s something unique for everyone to enjoy,” he said. Penrith’s Destination Management Plan identified the need to reposition Penrith as a visitor destination in its own right through an industry driven campaign. The new campaign developed in conjunction with Destination NSW will drive tourism across the region, boosting the local economy and attracting new audiences to Penrith and its various activities.

Throw Axe continues to attract plenty of local and out-of-area visitors. Photo: Destination NSW

Go-karting at Luddenham Raceway is a hidden gem in Penrith. Photo: Destination NSW

State Government and Penrith Council aim to increase annual visitor numbers “Tourism plays a key role in stimulating Penrith’s local economy and as such is a key focus for Council,” Cr Fowler said. “Council is investing in the visitor economy to strengthen our success now and in the future. We have a beautiful city with amazing attractions, and the arrival of the new Western Sydney Airport on our doorstep in 2026 will provide visitors with greater access to Penrith as a visitor destination.” The predominantly digital campaign is targeted at intrastate visitors living outside the Penrith region. Although locals aren’t likely to see the digital assets in market, Penrith Council is encouraging residents to discover their own backyard. “Whether they realise it or not, residents play an important role in promoting tourism outside the region. Word of mouth, online reviews, local pride and Facebook and Instagram likes and shares are crucial in shaping the opinions of visiting family and friends, who in turn go home with incredible stories to share,” Cr Fowler said. The Penrith Local Government Area received 1.5 million international and domestic visitors (up 26 per cent) who stayed 1.5 million nights (up nine per cent) and spent $449 million (up 28 per cent) in the year ending December 2018.

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

puts Penrith on the map

Pinot & Picasso is a unique experience in the Penrith area that features as part of the campaign. Photo: Destination NSW

visitpenrith.com.au

WW37584

DISCOVER YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

Traffic disruption The M4 Motorway will be shut down over the June long weekend as work continues on The Northern Road upgrade. With a new bridge over the M4 at The Northern Road now open, the existing bridge needs to be removed. Traffic data indicates that traffic is usually lower in volume over the June long weekend. The M4 will be closed from 9pm on Friday, June 7 until 4am on Tuesday, June 11 in both directions at The Northern Road. Diversions will be in place with the Great Western Highway the best alternative route.

Cafe’s donation Penrith cafe ‘Bethany on High’ is not only providing great coffee but is giving back to the community. Owner Ireni Attia presented a cheque to Dragons Abreast, a breast cancer survivor dragon boating group, to go towards new life jackets. Chairperson Janette Fry said the group is so appreciative of the support. “Ireni is so enthusiastic about giving back to the local community so for a period of time she donates 10 per cent of coffee sales and her beautiful staff donate their tips to different charities,’’ Ms Fry said. Ms Fry said the group wants everyone to know of the cafe’s amazing community spirt. – Emily Feszczuk

Safety in question RMS says it’s looking at improving dangerous intersection ALENA HIGGINS

he dangerous Llandilo and Richmond Road intersection will be investigated for safety upgrades after a local Councillor lobbied to have the site assessed. Late last month, Penrith Councillor Kevin Crameri requested crash statistics for the area, saying the site desperately requires traffic lights. “They put the lights in on St Marys Road but they didn’t do Llandilo Road,” he said. “So anybody who wants to turn right onto Richmond/Blacktown Road, you have to basically go down one of the streets in Berkshire Park to one of the streets in St Marys Road to come out at the lights to be able to turn safely.” Cr Crameri has been concerned about the intersection for “many years”, but said an increase in traffic has exacerbated the risk. “Even though there is a shielded lane, you’ve got to get in between the traffic coming on your right and the traffic coming on your left and sit out in the middle of it to try to get out. And it’s just not working anymore, there’s just too much traffic,” he said.

Councillor Kevin Crameri at the dangerous intersection. Photo: Melinda Jane “If you are towing a caravan or a boat, or if you are not in a sports car, you are taking your life into your own hands.” A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesperson confirmed there have been a number of accidents at the T- junction, where the two 80km/hr roads meet. “In the five years to December 2017, there were four casualty crashes recorded as occurring at or within 10 metres of the intersection of Llandilo Road and Richmond Road at Berkshire Park,” the spokesperson said.

“As a result of these crashes, six people were injured including one seriously injured. No crashes have been recorded so far for [the period ending] 2018. “The RMS is assessing this intersection for future safety improvements.” Cr Crameri said Council requested lights on Llandilo Road four or five years ago. “We were told that would be in the upgrade for the Richmond Road when it happens. But the Richmond/Hawkesbury section of that road is not going to be done for a long time yet,” he said.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

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To learn more visit secretgardenhome.com.au or call 1800 086 656 *Prices correct as of May 2019. Prices are subject to change without notice. All projections contained in this document represent best estimates only as at May 2019. Prospective purchasers, investors and other interested parties should make their own independent enquiries as to the details of the development which may be subject to change without notice. This fact sheet was produced by Lendlease Communities (Australia) limited and is current as at May 2019. WW37435

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

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Woman who ransacked house escapes full-time jail

A woman who helped ransack a Claremont Meadows house before watching her co-offender attack the occupant with a machete when he arrived home early has narrowly escaped full-time jail. Gillian Louise Moerig appeared before Penrith District Court last Friday and was handed a two-year jail sentence and 400 hours of community service work. However, the mother-of-one was allowed to serve her sentence in the community by way of Intensive Corrections Order (ICO). The court heard Moerig only pleaded guilty to the November 2015 offence on the day her matter was listed for trial and her two co-offenders had already been sentenced. Judge Stephen Hanley was somewhat critical of Moerig’s decision to bear a child in the interim, when “she must have had an appreciation she was facing a custodial sentence”. He was satisfied Moerig, who only had one driving while suspended conviction to her name, was acting under the influence of an ‘ice’ addition at the time and noted she had not re-offended since. The court heard Moerig and her male co-offender spent about two hours ransacking the victim’s house, who was lured away from the property by a second male co-offender, to see if he had any valuables. As part of her ICO, Moerig must abstain from consuming illegal drugs.

Man to be sentenced over break and enter charges

Corey Clark has been committed for sentence on break and enter charges. Clark appeared before Penrith Local Court last Friday via video link from Long Bay Jail and his matter was set down for sentence to Parramatta District Court. Clark has pleaded guilty to ‘aggravated break and enter, commit a serious indictable offence while armed’. A charge of

‘tamper with evidence’ will also be taken into account on sentence. He matter was adjourned to July 19. “Love youse,” he yelled to his family as he left the video suite.

Man who got the munchies busted drink driving

A drink driver detected while on his way to get something to eat has been reminded he could have got something delivered. The man faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with low-range drink driving and was slapped with a threemonth disqualification. The court heard the 42-year-old had consumed a few drinks with family members before realising at 9pm he had forgotten to eat dinner. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen pointed out he “could have got something driven in” rather than get behind the wheel. He said he was “well over the 0.05 minimum”, returning a reading of 0.074 when he was pulled over for a random breath test on Mulgoa Road, Penrith. “Hopefully you’ve learned if you’re going to drive you don’t drink anything,” Magistrate van Zuylen chastised. He was convicted and fined $400.

Teen busted with drugs after police overhear conversation

A teen busted with a bag of cannabis at St Marys Train Station has avoided a criminal conviction. Penrith Local Court heard the 19-yearold inadvertently let the cat out of the bag when he walked past two plain clothed officers. “He was talking about it as he walked past them!” Magistrate Brian van Zuylen exclaimed. Magistrate van Zuylen noted the offender had very little criminal history before deciding not to impose a criminal conviction. “Surely you’ve got better things to do than throw away $150 on a drug,” he said.

“There’s plenty of medical evidence that says it’s bad for your health.” He was handed a nine-month Conditional Release Order.

Magistrate says man could have avoided fight

A Magistrate has scolded a young man for allowing himself to be “drawn in” to a punch up. Jason Wayne Middlebrook fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with ‘common assault’. The court heard the 20-year-old got into an argument with the victim after the man approached some of his female friends and started acting “inappropriately”. When the victim offered to fight Middlebrook, he complied, with a number of punches being thrown as a result. “You shouldn’t have allowed yourself to be drawn in,” Magistrate Brian van Zuylen reprimanded. He was convicted and hit with a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Banned driver caught taking kids to and from school

A mother-of-eight has been given a serve after committing her fourth and fifth driving while disqualified offences. Magistrate Brian van Zuylen warned Aitasi Leutele she would wind up in the slammer if she was caught driving illegally again. “You’re disqualified for a good reason, you’re a bad driver,” he said. “The next time it will be prison, is that clear?” The court heard Leutele was busted both times while doing the school run, but had since sort help from a community organisation. “There is no reason you shouldn’t obey the rules that every other person has to follow,” Magistrate van Zuylen concluded. She was convicted, fined $800, banned from driving for 12 months and handed

an 18-month Community Corrections Order.

“Impressive” young man convicted of drink driving

A man has been convicted of drink driving despite a compelling submission to let him off. His lawyer told Penrith Local Court the 21-year-old was an upstanding citizen who volunteered and was studying to become a teacher. But Magistrate Brian van Zuylen was not satisfied he should dodge a conviction and penalty given the reading and his manner of driving. The court heard the man, who pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving, had consumed four Canadian Club cans and was seen swerving in his lane before police pulled him over and he returned a breath analysis of 0.086. “You’re an impressive young person, intelligent... you want to teach in the country where teachers are needed... you’ve never been in any trouble at all,” Magistrate van Zuylen summarised. “But there has been an immense amount of publicity about this. Why should you escape conviction and penalty?” Magistrate van Zuylen said many take the view they are unlucky to get caught drink driving but he disagreed. “I take the view you’re lucky you got caught... you could have killed yourself or someone else,” he said. The man was convicted, fined $300, barred from driving for three months and directed to enter into the mandatory alcohol interlock order for 12 months. From May 6, new laws mean drink drivers who are first-time, lower range offenders will receive an immediate three month licence suspension and fine of $561. Alcohol related crashes claimed the lives of at least 68 people on NSW roads last year, accounting for nearly one in five road deaths.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY NICOLA BARTON

North St Marys: Teenager reports frightening approach

A quick-thinking 15-year-old school girl has avoided danger after she was approached by two males on her way home from school. At around 2.40pm on Thursday, May 16 the teenager was walking along Maple Road, North St Marys when two men in a white hatchback approached her, directing her to get in the car. The victim ignored the men and immediately phoned her parents. The men, who were described as being 60-years-old with grey hair and a dark complexion and 20-25-years-old with a shaved head and African appearance, followed the victim from a distance before leaving. She unfortunately did not get the vehicle registration number. Police are urging for anyone in the area who may have seen the incident or have dash cam footage of the vehicle to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Berkshire Park: Six arrested in contraband operation

Police and correctional officers have cracked down on illegal contraband introduced by visitors after a joint operation was conducted at John Morony Correctional Centre. Between 7.30am and 2.00pm on Sunday, May 19, police and correctional officers identified six people whose persons were searched as well as their vehicles. Items discovered and seized included tobacco, methamphetamines, cannabis and prescription drugs. The six people were charged with ‘bring prohibited drug or plan into a place of detention’ and ‘unlawfully bring anything into a place of detention’. The operation also led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

Jamisontown: Man in hospital after being hit by car on M4 A man remains in a critical condition

after being hit by a car on the M4 near the Mulgoa Road off-ramp at Glenmore Park. Just after 10pm on Saturday, May 18 emergency services were called to the scene after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a white Nissan utility travelling westbound. The 22-year-old victim was treated by paramedics and airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical and unstable condition. The driver assisted police and was taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory testing. The driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was driving the speed limit. It is alleged the victim ran in front of the vehicle which police believe may have been an attempt of suicide. Investigation surrounding the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

St Clair: Man tries to buy chicken with fake cash

A man has been arrested after attempting to use a fake $100 note to purchase fried chicken at a fast food restaurant in St Clair. On Sunday, May 5 police attended the restaurant, located on Banks Drive after reports of a counterfeit note. Police allege the man became abusive when employees refused to accept, or return his illegal note. After arguing with the workers, the man paid with a legitimate $20 note and left the scene. Police seized the note and attended the accused’s Silverwater address to commence a search warrant. A number of items of interest were seized which led to his arrest. He was charged with ‘possess and utter counterfeit money’. Investigations are continuing. Retail outlets and businesses are urged to be on alert for fake money, with constant reports of counterfeit notes being used in the local area over the past few years.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

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Aftermath of the election Prime Minister Scott Morrison will form a majority government much to the surprise of experts and pollsters. The Liberal-National coalition looks set finish with 77-78 seats, potentially improving on the slim majority it took to the election. So what does this mean for all of the legislative changes that were bandied about during the campaign? Well, firstly, Labor’s agenda is dead in the water, and none of the law reforms they proposed will come to fruition. Absent any policy from the Government to the contrary, there will be no changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax concessions and the current dividend franking imputation scheme. Labor’s proposed law reforms in the mortgage broking and financial planning industries have also been stymied, at least temporarily. The Morrison government is yet to specifically outline its reforms in response to the Banking Royal Commission which, despite much fanfare earlier in the year, failed to get much airtime in an election fought largely on climate change and taxation. So far as other changes to the law are concerned, the Coalition has promised a tax cut that will deliver refunds up to $1,080 annually to Australians earning up to $125,000. This is part of a long-term tax agenda proposed by the Government that will not come to fruition until the mid2020s. With another Federal Election due in 2022 we don’t propose to detail those additional changes in this column now. It will be interesting to see if the

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H.A.M

Morrison Government moves to repeal the Medivac legislation that was the brainchild of now ousted Independent Member for Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps. That legislation put in place a mechanism by which refugees being housed offshore could be brought to the mainland for medical treatment. The Coalition originally disagreed with the introduction of the legislation arguing that the medical facilities in offshore detention centres is adequate. Now that Phelps and fellow agitator Julia Banks have both lost their seats, the Government may seek to undo their handiwork. Even if the Government commands a majority in the Lower House however, it will still have an eclectic Senate to deal with. Senate seats have not yet been finalised however, as has become the norm in recent years, the Greens have secured significant Senate numbers which may make life difficult for the Government. If history is anything to go by, the Greens will likely obstruct the elected Government’s ability to govern by trying to block reformative legislation. As for Labor, they must now go back to the drawing board, the electorate having emphatically rejected their agenda. Both state and federal Labor are also looking for new leaders. Michael Daley leaves behind a legacy of losing an election many though he should have easily won. His record is perhaps one better than Bill Shorten’s however, whose resume now includes the ousting of two sitting Prime Ministers and two successive election defeats to a Government in chaos.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

Giving life new meaning Historic school site on Henry Street is helping older locals rediscover themselves ALENA HIGGINS

year ago, Glenice Bell was using a walking aid and feeling all of her 82 years. But now the octogenarian has a new lease on life thanks to a local service provider that aims to help Aboriginal people who are aged or with disabilities live and work independently in the community. Mrs Bell credits the services and programs offered through the Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC) for her heart-warming turnaround. “I was feeling really old and I was using my walking stick because I thought I needed it,” she explained. “I went into SRAC and everything just changed. “Everyone is positive… nobody went out of their way to do things for you because you were old, so all of a sudden my spirits were back.” Mrs Bell has since ditched her walking stick and hasn’t looked back as she enjoys the next chapter of her life. “I don’t use my walker, in fact, since we moved [house] I can’t even find where it is,” she laughed. Through SRAC, Mrs Bell engages in a number of activities.

“We get our nails done, we get our hair cut, we have days we go to the pictures and we have crafts and we do artwork, it’s taken 10 years off my life,” she said enthusiastically. Originally based in Lethbridge Street, SRAC has recently moved to the old Penrith Public School site on Henry Street after receiving a $1.7 million grant as part of the NSW Government’s Disability Sector Scale-up. In 2017, the heritage site was the subject of an unsuccessful development application for an Islamic School. CEO of the not- for- profit centre, Kathy Schreyenberg, said SRAC is using the funding to provide outreach services and to create a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) hub at the Penrith site to provide office space for Aboriginal small businesses that provide NDIS services to the community. “It is an amazing opportunity for us and we are very thankful,” she said of the funding. “It’s given us the opportunity to expand our services and to provide a culturally safe space where Aboriginal people can come together. “There is a real community spirit here and people working to help each other and I think that’s just a beautiful thing.”

Glenice Bell with art teachers Bryan Boney and Noela Kitchener as Lorraine Devine watches on. Photo: Melinda Jane

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Construction set to begin on new Health Hub in Penrith

Rooty Hill Village

An artist’s impression of the new Nepean Health Hub EMILY FESZCZUK

estern Sydney’s newest health hub is on its way with a Development Application approved for the Nepean Health Hub located in the heart of Penrith’s hospital precinct. Strategically positioned adjacent to Nepean Public and Private Hospitals, the Nepean Health Hub has been designed specifically for medical uses and will complement the $1 billion investment into the hospital precinct. The project is being managed by Cornerstone Building Developments (CBD). CBD Director Simon Heazlewood said the development will fill a service delivery need for residents in the Penrith area.

“The Nepean Health Hub is a one-stop health destination and is designed to deliver everything from general practice, specialists, allied health, mental health, diagnostic imaging, dental, pharmacy, research and skin clinics,” he said. “Services are not only more accessible for patients by being under one roof, but the Health Hub also encourages service providers to work collaboratively across an integrated delivery model to ensure the care provided is patient- centric and holistic.” The Health Hub will have six levels for medical use and three levels of basement parking that can accommodate up to 180 vehicles. Construction of the Nepean Health Hub is expected to commence in the next few months.

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Premier opens new building at Penrith Public School Our exciting new pet-friendly retirement village in Rooty Hill is open for viewing. A mix of one and two bedroom apartments offer open-plan layouts and modern ﬁnishes. Enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle in a friendly, supportive community – all provided by a caring, not-for-proﬁt, Christian organisation.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian with Penrith Public School students. Photo: Melinda Jane NICOLA BARTON

new state - of - the - art building was unveiled at Penrith Public School on Tuesday, as a result of a $10 million investment from the State Government. Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres to officially open the new two- storey building, which is home to 12 hyper modern learning spaces. Ms Berejiklian said she was thrilled to see this project delivered for the school community.

“The upgrade of Penrith Public School has delivered 12 cutting edge classrooms to give students the best possible learning environment to thrive in,” she said. The flexible and spacious rooms promote both student and teacher collaboration, with the school, student families and the community all having input into the design. Mr Ayres welcomed the significant upgrade and paid tribute to the history of the school, as one of the oldest in the region. “Penrith Public School is now the perfect example of Penrith heritage and new Penrith coming together,” Mr Ayres said.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

All eyes on tracked turtles In an era of mass development, disruption is inevitable for beloved creatures NICOLA BARTON

new experiment by Turtle Rescues NSW is underway, which will see 10 Eastern Long Necks returned to the wild to monitor their behaviour after their home was destroyed for development. Saved from a dewatered dam in the firing line of the Northern Road upgrade, the turtles have now been fitted with radio transmitters and some placed about 10km or 2km from their original habitat. The experiment, run in partnership with Western Sydney University, aims to monitor their behaviour over the next 12 months to find out whether they can be relocated or if they will attempt to find their old home. Shane Davies from Turtle Rescues NSW said rapid development in the area leaves these particular type of turtles under severe threat. “Their populations are declining, there’s a lot of habitat loss so we’re just looking at and tracking their movements from where they’ve been rescued to see if they try to make it back, stay where they are or try to move to somewhere else,” he said. “This is just the beginning, there’s been research up to this point but as far as the

Research into relocated turtles is now underway tracking goes this is another level to have even more accurate data.” Turtle Rescues NSW has cleared about 10 dams from the Northern Road widening construction sites, saving about 200 turtles. The majority of these were released in the Nepean River. “We want to see if they cope with being moved to another location because they

The rescued turtles are wearing devices to track their progress

are being forced out of their homes, some of these farm dams have been there for hundreds of years and suddenly they’ve been removed, so we want to put them in a more permanent body of water,” Mr Davies said. “We need scientific proof to show that they can cope well with being re-released in another area, then we can back up our research.”

Turtle Rescues NSW attempted to reach out to developers on the Western Sydney Airport site in attempt to save more turtles but were told they had their own private contractors doing so. They predict up to 10,000 turtles inhabited the site prior to construction. More rescued turtles are set to be released in spring and summer with the tracking devices.

dear weekender...

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

Shock election result Gobsmacked. I thought Bob Hawke’s demise would help get Labor across the line by reminding people of good Labor leadership. Maybe instead it showed that the present leader was lacklustre by comparison. ROB WEAVER, VIA FACEBOOK

Roads and Maritime Services Upcoming temporary road closures in Penrith Castlereagh Road and The Northern Road M4 Interchange Roads and Maritime Services is progressing work on two major road upgrades around Penrith. • The Northern Road upgrade between Glenmore Parkway and Jamison Road • Mulgoa Road, Penrith – from Union Road to Museum Drive including Railway Bridge upgrade

Action on climate change Congratulations Scott, but I hope you can go above the current climate change measures, because the future generations need you to. Think of the future for your children and everyone else’s children, not just the financial side of it now. ROSS WOOD, VIA FACEBOOK

To carry out critical work on each project, there will be road closures on two upcoming weekends. Weekend of Friday 24 May to Monday 27 May To carry out early work on a new rail bridge on Castlereagh Road, Penrith, we will close Castlereagh Road, between Jane Street and Museum Drive from 10pm Friday 24 May to 6am Monday 27 May, weather permitting. Detours will be in place via various routes including Andrews Road, Coreen Avenue, The Northern Road and Great Western Highway. Weekend of Friday 7 June to Tuesday 11 June (Queen’s Birthday long weekend) We have also has completed the new bridge over the M4 Motorway at The Northern Road, South Penrith will remove the existing bridge. The M4 Motorway at The Northern Road will be closed and trafﬁc will be detoured via the Great Western Highway from 8pm Friday 7 June to 4am Tuesday 11 June, weather permitting.

Candidate’s clarification

For both closures, detours will be in place. Traffic in these areas during the closures will be heavy and delays are expected. During the closures motorists are advised to: • allow extra travel time • use alternative routes • avoid the area if possible For the latest traffic updates, please call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App. Thank you for your patience during this important work. For more information: Castlereagh Road closure: Please contact our delivery partner McConnell Dowell on 1800 951 118 or email mulgoaroad.penrith@mcdgroup.com

M4 Motorway closure: Please contact our delivery partner Lendlease on 1800 870 665 or email tnr.community@lendlease.com

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Please keep to speed limits and follow the direction of detour signs and trafﬁc controllers.

Unfortunately, your endeavours to contact me for the ‘The Candidates: In Their Own Words’ feature (Weekender May 17) did not reach me, so I would like to take this opportunity to present myself to the people of Lindsay: I have been a resident in Penrith for 60 years and my family settled in Orchard Hills (South Penrith) in the early 1900’s. I have operated as a Registered Psychologist in Penrith for the last 20 years and served 24 years as Sergeant in the NSW Police Force. I worked in many areas including: General Duties, Royal Commission Task

Force into Deaths in Custody, Investigative Duties, Education, Welfare, Anti-Theft Branch, Modus Operandi, Prosecuting, and Police Psychologist. I am the author of The Police Role in Dealing with Suicidal Persons and Custody Management published in 1991 and introduced the current custody screening procedures throughout NSW. The reason I ran as a candidate for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is to give a voice to issues of community concern which are not being fully aired, and to support the policies of Silvana Nile, who ran as NSW CDP Senate Candidate. I am passionate to see zero tolerance to: Domestic Violence, Child Pornography, full-term abortion and euthanasia. We will fight for the people’s right to Freedom of Speech and Religion, and One Law for all Australians – no Sharia Law. MARK MOODY-BASEDOW, CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Thanks for assistance I would like to write to thank three lovely ladies who stopped and assisted Ron when he fell on May 9 in Maxwell Street, South Penrith. With all that happened, I did not get their names. Ron broke his hip. Once again it’s nice to know that there are lovely, helpful people. Ron is recovering in hospital. L DUMA, SOUTH PENRITH

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

Nepean Hospital confirms cardiac services are being reviewed as part of upgrade Mr Geddes suffered a mid to low range heart attack and requires double bypass open heart surgery and a stenting procedure. While the hospital can perform the stent, they do not have the staff nor the facilities to perform the cardio-thoracic surgery he requires. However, Nepean Hospital does provide urgent treatment for myocardial infarction or heart attack 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Going through the public health system means those with private insurance or of a higher risk are accelerated to the front of the line. Despite this, Mr Geddes is remaining positive and said he’ll treat the time out like a holiday. A Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District spokesperson confirmed patients are transferred. “Patients presenting to Nepean Hospital requiring cardio- thoracic surgery, such as cardiac bypass and valve surgery, are referred to Westmead Hospital,” the spokesperson said. “With the construction of the new Nepean Hospital there will be a review of service provision, including cardiac services, to determine what services are required to best meet the needs of the community.”

NICOLA BARTON

hen Penrith resident William Geddes suffered a heart attack over two weeks ago, he never predicted that his local hospital did not even offer the treatment he required. Instead, he must be transported from Nepean Hospital to Westmead, but with little to no beds and limited operating space, the backlog of patients awaiting surgery is growing. Mr Geddes along with a number of other patients are sitting ducks in Nepean Hospital’s Cardiac Ward, awaiting transportation for their life-saving surgery. Mr Geddes paid credit to the “hard working” and “underappreciated” nurses who are copping it for things such as this that are well out of their control. “Every morning they come in and say they are pushing for a bed and then they say we made a phone call but we can’t get onto them, it’s out of their control,” he said. “But with the influx of people moving in and all the new houses being built in the area on top of Penrith being an older community, every bugger is coming in with heart problems and the hospitals just can’t cope.”

William Geddes at Nepean Hospital earlier this week

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Heart patients in limbo

62 years in the making: Tribute to fallen firefighter EMILY FESZCZUK

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“After I left the force I wanted to do community service, so I volunteered with the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW State Emergency Service,” Mr Robar said. “I think there was a little bit of family influence as my grandfather’s work was in the back of my mind.’’ He understands how important it is for service people to be remembered for helping to serve the community. “You go to work and you never know what your day might bring, firemen and emergency personnel are in the position where they may not be coming home that night because of something that happens that day,” Mr Robar said.

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Malcolm Robar

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alcolm Robar never met his grandfather but feels inspired by his family history. He recently accepted a medallion at the AFAC Memorial in Canberra commemorating his grandfather Captain Leo Ernest Spicer, who lost his life whilst fighting a fire in St Marys in 1957. The family was one of nine who were nominated by Chief Inspector Craig Easy of Fire and Rescue New South Wales, who is researching all members of the fire service that lost their lives in the line of duty. They had the honour of the medallion being presented by Governor General Peter Cosgrove, who attended the service. “It was a bit surreal, it’s not every day you get the chance to meet the Governor General and have a presentation from him, so it was a big honour to receive the medal for the family,” Mr Robar told the Weekender. “It is meant to be the eldest child, but my grandfather’s three children decided that it would be special for me to accept it in full uniform as I did all of the research into his career.” Mr Robar, who served as a Detective Sergeant in the Australian Federal Police for 15 years, has started following in his grandfather’s footsteps despite never meeting him.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

Dog owners urged to be on alert after baiting incidents

Power goes underground as work on new airport rolls on

NICOLA BARTON

et owners are being warned to stay vigilant with a number of dog baiting incidents reported across the local area. Londonderry resident Kristy Marando tragically lost two of her beloved pups just last week after they were severely poisoned in her own backyard. She said losing them has been like losing a member of the family and urges the community to look out for their furry friends. “I am lost without them, I can’t hear their barking anymore, they were very good dogs and just had the most beautiful nature,” she said. Ms Marando’s two purebred Doberman dogs, Katy Perry and Vin Diesel, were acting out of character when the family returned home from a four-day cruise last Monday. Her father-in-law had been taking care of them. After noticing that the dogs were vomiting up blood, she rushed them to her local vet who confirmed they had consumed high levels of Cholecalciferol poison. “I rushed them to the vet and said something is going on, I don’t know what’s happening, he took one look and admitted them both straight away,” she said. “The vet said they had been massively poisoned, but had perked up a little bit on day two of being there.

Transmission towers are removed from the airport site EMILY FESZCZUK

Katy Perry and Vin Diesel “On day three I went in hoping they would think ‘oh my mum’s here she hasn’t forgotten me’ but as soon as I walked in the vet said ‘I’m really sorry, it’s not looking good’.” Later that day she received the harrowing phone call that both of her beloved dogs had severe kidney failure and wouldn’t make it. The family checked their neighbour’s CCTV footage but unfortunately couldn’t get a clear view of the dogs. Their third dog, a chihuahua who spends majority of his time in their garage, was not affected.

onstruction work to build Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is well underway and has reached a major milestone. In an Australian first, power lines that were crossing the site where the runway is planned to be have now been moved underground. In January 2018 TransGrid commenced work to relocate 3.2km of high-voltage power lines that were running aboveground across the site to an underground cable route. With this project complete, the work has begun to remove 30-metre-tall transmission towers from the airport site. Speaking with the Weekender, West-

ern Sydney International Airport CEO Graham Millett said a 70 metre safety exclusion zone was established around the towers before they were demolished. “This is an exciting moment for the airport – construction is well underway and the community can see the progress for themselves,” he said. “This work was a critical and necessary first step in preparing the 1,780ha airport site for construction, given part of these power lines were running right across where the runway will be.” TransGrid CEO, Paul Italiano, said that as the new underground cable was operational and testing due to the size of the cables had been successfully completed, the on-site transmission towers could be removed. The airport is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Families work together to Parkrun Penrith to celebrate source freshest food in town fifth birthday this weekend EMILY FESZCZUK

resh and affordable food can often be a challenge to track down, but a new concept is making it easier for families to put healthy food on the table. Tracey Fraser, a mum of four from Castlereagh, is a part of an online sharing platform called Box Divvy, which is shaking up the fresh food market. “The concept is for families to be able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables affordably but there are also free- range eggs, nuts and dried fruit with bread as well,’’ Ms Fraser said. “They have a website platform for ordering and payment, it then gets delivered to me, then I do exactly what the name suggests, I divvy it up.” Ms Fraser runs the relatively new Castlereagh hub with 19 families from the area who all order through her to get wholesale, fresh food. “We are all so busy, it’s hard to get to the shops and if you want fresh produce it’s hard to find the time to shop every second or third day, so just to be delivered something or pick it up locally is great,’’ Ms Fraser said. “You also know you are making an environmental impact because it is sourced locally so helping the farmer, less food miles, no packaging as we aren’t getting a tray of zucchinis for example wrapped in plastic.”

Tracey Fraser with her two girls Western Sydney Diabetes Alliance asked to bring Box Divvy to the western suburbs, to give families more affordable and fresh options. “The produce is 30 to 40 per cent cheaper and I find the vegetables are 50 per cent cheaper when I do a comparison to my local supermarket,’’ Ms Fraser said. “I also find because they are fresher, I can buy a week’s supply and they last around two weeks.’’ Box Divvy hubs are popping up everywhere and Ms Fraser is encouraging all who are interested to give it a go. “It’s a community that’s about helping and supporting each other so you can make a difference together,” she said. For more information, visit www. boxdivvy.com.

Parkrun Penrith Lakes has been running for five years

arkrun Penrith Lakes is celebrating its fifth birthday this weekend. More than 5000 different runners have taken part in the concept over the past five years with 37,472 parkruns completed. Event Director Shelley Cootes, who has run the Penrith event since it started, said the highlight is seeing people from all walks of life take part. “The most enjoyable aspect of parkrun is the community feel. It is such a nice group of people to spend your Saturday morning with,” she said. “The benefits are enormous, not just the health benefits of running and walking 5km on a Saturday morning but the mental health benefits that flow from that, it is great to see so many families be involved

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and we have literally seen kids grow up over the last five years.” For some parkrun has inspired bigger running goals and resulted in a complete lifestyle change, for others parkrun is a perfect excuse to catch up with friends whilst having an enjoyable walk. “People are often a bit apprehensive to get involved, worried that they will be too slow or won’t be able to make it, but when they arrive and see how supportive everyone is, the nerves fall away quickly, everyone is welcome,” Ms Cootes said. New members are welcome to join the event at any time. Parkrun Penrith Lakes’ fifth birthday will be held at the Regatta Centre this Saturday from 7.30am. For details, visit www.parkrun.com.au/register.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

Legacy benefits from ANZAC Day events at Jamison Hotel

EMILY FESZCZUK

Andrew Barling presenting the funds to local Legacy members EMILY FESZCZUK

he Jamison Hotel in Penrith has presented a cheque to members of Legacy, with the popular pub donating money raised on ANZAC Day to the families of service personnel. Venue Manager Andrew Barling knows the difference that Legacy can make to families and said the pub was happy to play its part. “They were a great help to my grandmother whose husband was a veteran

from the Second World War where he was a navigator in bombers in the Pathfinder Division,” Mr Barling said. “My brother has done five tours of the Middle East with the Army as well as four with the Air Force as a load master.” Legatees Peter Adams, Doug Devlin and Ian Lamont accepted the money that was raised on the day. “We raised $110 from gold coin donations to enter the two up area and a BBQ we ran,” Mr Barling said. “The money will hopefully be used to do good work helping families in need.”

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Lara Scott training for the challenge goal is to get it out there to people,” Ms Scott said. “My biggest thing is not being able to take the pain away and watch her struggle, like she hasn’t been able to walk in the last two weeks because of her feet being encased in blisters which upsets her because she must rely on us.” With the help of DEBRA nurses Lylah goes to day care four days a week so that she can enjoy as much of a normal childhood as possible. “We want her to live life to the fullest and not let EB determine what she can and cannot do, we just want her to have a normal life,” Ms Scott said. To find out more information or to donate visit https://pb4eb-2019.everydayhero.com/au/pb4eb-1.

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ara Scott’s two- year- old daughter Lylah lives every day with the worst disease you have never heard of. Her rare condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which affects around 1000 people in Australia, means her skin blisters and peels from the slightest touch leaving her in excruciating pain. Ms Scott is attempting to do a 300kg leg press by the end of May as a part of the DEBRA organisation’s PB4EB event. “They are a not- for- profit organisation who receives zero funding from the government so everything they get comes from events like this and fundraising,” Ms Scott said. “I’ve been training in the gym for a while and I wanted to push myself a little further while setting myself a goal to achieve so when PB4EB came up I thought that would be a good cause to set that challenge.” DEBRA provides support for individuals and families by providing registered nurses to help with the bathing and dressing routines that can take up to three hours every day. They also provide respite and help with costs associated to the condition. Ms Scott wants to use the challenge to inform more people of the struggle. “It’s more about awareness since not many people know about it so my main

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Earlier this week I had the pleasure of hosting a reception for the City’s young primary school leaders that recognised their leadership roles in both their schools and in the wider community. Next week I will do the same for our secondary school leaders. I find it most satisfying to see people taking an active role in leadership at such a young age. Being chosen as a school leader is not only a great honour but is an opportunity to learn and practice valuable skills that will serve themselves and the community well throughout their lives. Leadership for these young people has the same responsibilities as adult leaders: they need to represent their peers, set a good example, be considerate and listen carefully to different views and to influence others for the better. At the primary school reception, I heard from teachers and parents about the great job the students are doing. Council wishes them well as they complete their roles.

As Mayor, I am continually delighted and impressed by the involvement that students in our local area have with Council and their ability to engage with the decision making process for spaces they actively use. The Mayoral Challenge was inspired by a collaborative project back in 2014 that saw students from Cranebrook High School work with Council to design a new playground for a park in Callisto Drive. Since that most successful collaboration the Mayoral Challenge has now spread across our local government area with the involvement of both primary and secondary students providing inspiration to Council to deliver facilities in their local community. Events like the leadership receptions and the annual Mayoral Challenge just reinforce to me that our City is in very capable hands as we head into the future.

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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the western weekender Â» Friday, May 24, 2019

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Kittens find their saviour Teenagers start cat rescue group to take pressure off local vets and pounds EMILY KOWAL

n a bid to tackle the long hours, limited resources and tough decisions faced by many of Penrith’s vets, one local teen is seeking to make all the difference, one stray kitten at a time. 19-year- old Makayla Slavuljica had only just started her dream job as a veterinary nurse when she cared for a sickly twoday-old kitten named ‘Mr Cotton’. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with fostering and now, less than 12 months later, Ms Slavuljica has rescued more than 30 kittens and founded ‘Mr Cotton’s Kitten Rescue’. “There is definitely a lack of resources and groups in our area. There are so many cats and so little places to go,” she said. “You can’t help all the kittens and it just adds to the immense stress faced by vets. They will be constantly trying to find a rescue group or someone to take the kittens so we don’t have to send them to the pound to be euthanised.” According to Ms Slavuljica, alleviating the pressure faced by vets was one of the primary reasons she and her partner Cheyne McManus started their own rescue group. “There is so much focus on getting the

Makayla Slavuljica and Cheyne McManus with some of the rescued kittens. Photo: Melinda Jane public health system in check, which of course is important but there are so many vets who are just being forgotten. They are being paid so little when you consider the amount of work they have to put in.”

Currently ‘Mr Cotton’s Kitten Rescue’ is entirely self- funded. While Ms Slavuljica is hoping that she will eventually receive donations, she is content with the satisfaction that comes with saving kittens.

“Seeing them come from a place of weakness to seeing them thrive and become these beautiful, unique cats... it is just really nice to know that all your efforts paid off,” she said.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 Â« the western weekender

THE FINAL WORD

THURSDAY, MAY 23 • 7.50PM | WESTERN SYDNEY STADIUM | REFS: GRANT ATKINS, DAVID MUNRO

PANTHERS 1

Dylan Edwards

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Josh Mansour Dean Whare Waqa Blake Brian To’o Jarome Luai Nathan Cleary James Tamou (c) Sione Katoa Reagan Campbell-Gillard Viliame Kikau Frank Winterstein James Fisher-Harris Liam Martin Tyrell Fuimaono Tim Grant Moses Leota Mitch Kenny 19 Hame Sele

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 24, 2019

MATCH PREVIEW

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Penrith aim up in defence against the Warriors. Photo: Megan Dunn

TROY

DODDS Like most long-time Penrith supporters, I’ve sat through some pretty dour and disappointing years at Panthers Stadium. The premiership hangovers, the wooden spoon seasons, the years where nothing went right – they were all hard to take. And while there’s certainly been worse seasons, 2019 is emerging as one that is increasingly becoming harder and harder to stomach. Penrith’s current position on the ladder reflects a sad reality – there’s 15 other clubs trying harder. Some of those clubs, like the Bulldogs, don’t have the roster to compete for Finals football but are still turning up for each other and their fans every week. Others, like Manly and Newcastle, are defying the

predictions of many and currently sit in the top eight. The Panthers, meanwhile, are the NRL’s biggest disappointment. Coach Ivan Cleary simply isn’t getting anything out of his players, and the team is spluttering towards one of their worst seasons in more than a decade. Cleary knows he has a problem to fix but where to start is the biggest issue. In attack, Penrith look like a bad reserve grade side full of part- time footballers, unable to execute any decent play than an opposition would find hard to stop. The team has scored just 127 points in total this season – an epic disgrace that should have the current halves combination hanging their heads in shame, given how much time they spend in the opposition 20. In defence, the side has conceded 240 points this season (more than any other side in the competition) and at times just

TRIPLE M ABC 702 seems lazy – as the Issac Luke try to the Warriors in the first half last week showed. James Maloney is becoming more and more of a liability, missing nine tackles last weekend while those around him over-compensate to try to plug the hole. A suspension to Maloney will see Jarome Luai get his shot at five-eighth against the Eels and it’ll be interesting to watch how that unfolds given he could be handed the jumper permanently sooner rather than later. Perhaps the biggest concern at the moment is that Ivan Cleary doesn’t appear to have the answers, and if he does, he’s certainly not willing to share them with the fans or partners. While his disappointment with where the side is at was obvious in his press conference following the clash with the Warriors last Friday night, he appears to be like a deer in the headlights – unsure

Clint Gutherson (c)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Maika Sivo Josh Hoffman Blake Ferguson George Jennings Will Smith Mitchell Moses Junior Paulo Reed Mahoney Tim Mannah Shaun Lane Marata Niukore Manu Ma’u Peni Terepo Daniel Alvaro Brad Takairangi David Gower

what to do next given the changes he’s implemented so far this season have failed to garner results. To make matters worse, Dallin WateneZelezniak is out of the side this week. The Panthers make their first ever trip to Western Sydney Stadium and they face an Eels side desperate to get back into the winner’s circle after two straight losses, including a thumping at the hands of Melbourne and a narrow defeat to North Queensland in Townsville last weekend. Usually, this ‘battle of the west’ would have everyone talking, but with Parramatta’s recent form, Penrith’s awful start to the year and a difficult Thursday night timeslot, this match will most likely slip under most people’s radar. I simply can’t tip Penrith at the moment. They’ve done nothing over the past month to suggest they’re improving. Tip: Eels by 10.

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

DWZ GONE?  With speculation mounting, Penrith

had no choice but to confirm late on Wednesday that the club had granted Dallin Watene-Zelezniak permission to speak to other clubs. It essentially means that the 23-year-old’s Penrith career is over. A formal release request is imminent.

Tyrell Fuimaono models the new Indigenous Jersey New South Wales was so critical. One thing that does hit you about the stadium is that the main home and away team dressing rooms are almost identical, which makes a trip to the stadium as an away team a little easier to deal with versus your traditional suburban ground. The only difference in the home team dressing room is the inclusion of recovery baths, which do not exist in the away rooms.

 Penrith fans can now get their hands

on the club’s limited edition Indigenous jersey. This year’s jersey is an artistic tribute to the Darug Nation and the club’s Indigenous players past and present. The design of the jersey is based on an artwork by Panthers Indigenous Welfare Officer Glen Liddiard. The art incorporates the Panthers colours and depicts the geography and people of the Darug Nation – the home of the Panthers community today. The jersey also features totems of the Wiradjuri, Guriwal and Biripi people, representing the club’s proud legacy of Indigenous players. The jersey can be purchased now from the Panthers Shop.

 Spotted: Dumped first graders Josh

Mansour and Reagan Campbell-Gillard enjoying a steak dinner at Osso at Panthers Leagues Club in the hour prior to Penrith’s NRL clash with the Warriors last Friday night. The duo eventually made it over to Panthers Stadium to watch their teammates in action.

 Nathan Cleary has plenty on his plate at the moment as he deals with the pressure of being the highest paid player in a team that’s simply not performing. That’s why it’s great he’s managed to set up his home life to be an escape from football. The 21-year-old is now living with a couple of tradies as housemates, who are keeping him grounded and allowing him to step away from the NRL bubble for at least a few hours each day.

 With poor form comes more rumours,

and the Panthers are certainly dealing with their fair share at the moment. Daily Telegraph journalist Paul Kent this week suggested there was a split in the Penrith camp with plenty of unhappiness. “The Panthers are quite likely to say that’s all rubbish,” Kent said. “But the thing is when you’re two wins from 10 games these kind of things happen.” It could also be a case of where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The rumours are coming in thick and fast that there’s a morale issue in the camp and a potential split down the playing group stemming from the sex tape scandal earlier this year.

 Tyrone May may have massive clouds

hanging over his career but he’s still in good spirits. On Monday, he was the chief prankster at Panthers training – playfully interrupting a photo session with youngster Liam Martin.

 Some of the Extra Time team, including myself, received a special all-access tour of Bankwest Stadium this week ahead of Thursday’s clash between Parramatta and Penrith. What a venue this is – the corpo-

rate areas are second to none, the food options and thought process is amazing and the seating is out of this world. It really makes you understand why the investment in stadium infrastructure in

 There’s no question that the Panthers

membership and corporate teams are feeling very nervous about Penrith’s performances this season. Several key sponsors are off-contract at the end of the year, while membership has been a reasonably easy sell in recent years given the club has consistently made the Finals. The staff at Panthers HQ could be in for a tough off-season as they try to convince sponsors and members to stay on the bus.

 Which journalist was so annoyed that

other media outlets didn’t hold a story as per his wishes that he complained to the Panthers media team?

 Reagan Campbell-Gillard received a Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta earlier this week

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 24, 2019

FEATURE

SEARCHING FOR FIRST WIN After a successful stint in SG Ball, Martin progressed to Penrith’s NYC side in 2016 and was part of the club’s premiershipwinning ISP team the following year. Martin’s strong performances last season saw him selected in the NSW Residents side and named on the bench in the ISP Team of the Year. Last week against the New Zealand Warriors Martin enjoyed another significant career milestone, named in Ivan Cleary’s run-on side for the first time. Martin says he has to pinch himself when he thinks about how far he’s come this year. “At the start of the year I was hoping to get a debut but I certainly didn’t think it would come as early as Round 3,” Martin said. “I’m getting more comfortable and used to the intensity and tempo of the game each week. It was another step up playing in the run- on side, the start of the game was so quick.” The Temora Dragons junior is signed until the end of 2021.

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Panthers rookie Liam Martin is desperate for a win in first grade. Photo: Melinda Jane

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While Penrith fans have been struggling with the side’s losing streak, spare a thought for Panthers rookie Liam Martin. Since making his NRL debut in Round 3 against the Melbourne Storm in Bathurst, the 22-year-old lock from country NSW is yet to taste victory in the NRL. Now five games into his NRL career, Martin is praying a win isn’t too far way. “I haven’t had a win yet, perhaps I’m the jinx,” he told Extra Time. “We are all definitely frustrated especially when you look at the talent in our side and to not be transferring that into results is extremely disappointing. “We are all feeling it on and off field, but we just have to stick together and have each other’s backs.” Martin has been part of the Panthers’ famed junior system since 2015 when he moved from Temora near Wagga to live out his rugby league dream.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE Brian To’o with some of his supporters last Friday. Photo: Megan Dunn

BRIAN’S ARMY PENRITH ROOKIE HAS IMPRESSIVE FAN BASE NATHAN

TAYLOR

New Panthers winger Brian To’o will never forget the special moment he and his mother shared when he was told he’d be making his NRL debut. “I was in the car with Mum because she picked me up from training and, as soon as we were five minutes into the drive back home, Ivan Cleary called and said he wanted me to play first grade that week,” To’o told Extra Time. Emotional and in complete shock, the 20- year- old from Mt Druitt went silent, prompting the coach to ask if he was still on the line. “I said ‘yes coach, I’m still here’. Mum couldn’t stop crying as well so she pulled over in front of the stadium, got out of the car and gave me a big hug,” To’o said. “She told me how proud she was of me and that I made it.” No one expected To’o to make first grade so soon but with long- time Panthers winger Josh Mansour struggling for form in 2019, it soon became apparent that Penrith needed to make a change. To’o said he felt plenty of pressure replacing the former representative winger.

“It was definitely big shoes to fill, Sauce isn’t just good for the team but all Panthers fans out there,” he said. “It was an honour and a privilege to be his replacement, it was kind of tough but I think I did alright. “The only advice Sauce gave me was to have fun, and that’s the best bit of advice anyone can get.” While Penrith were unable to win in To’o’s debut last Friday night, the youngster let nobody down especially his family and friends – all 105 of them. To’o recalled the incredible story of how he managed to snare so many tickets for his nearest and dearest. “At first the club asked me how many tickets do I need and I said ‘how many can you give me because I have a big family?’,” he explained.

“IT WAS REALLY EMOTIONAL”

Brian To’o at the Panthers Academy earlier this week. Photo: Melinda Jane “They started off with 50 and then I asked if I could get any more. They then handed me 70 tickets and I thought that should be enough. However, I kept getting calls. “I then spoke to our team manager Jason Wrigley and he said ‘here’s 105 tickets for you’. I thought to myself that should do but I then ended up calling him asking for an extra 20… I think I pushed my luck,” he laughed.

Named in Ivan Cleary’s line- up once again this week, To’o said he’ll never forget that special night on May 17 and hopes to continue to do his family and friends proud as his NRL career gets underway. “It was really emotional especially for my Mum who is always going to be my number one fan,” To’o said. “It was really good for everyone to come out and support me, everyone in the area. I’m now hungry for more.”

Freddy faces Origin selection headache

MATT RUSSELL W

e are all Origin selectors this week. At work. At home. At kids sport. At the pub. At length! What does the back three look like for QLD? Who will be in the centres for NSW? Should Daly Cherry-Evans be QLD halfback after a month off injured? Can you keep a NSW halfback who has found the going tough in a team running last? Let’s tackle that last question by putting all the contenders under the microscope. The incumbent is Penrith’s Nathan Cleary, who, last year, returned from injury to star in two wins against Wests Tigers and St George- Illawarra before being picked for his NSW debut. He played every minute of the Origin series as a 20-year-old. New South Wales won the first two games. The Blues had their halfback for the best part of the next decade. Phil Gould had suggested that if Brad Fittler picked the youthful Cleary, he had to pick him for the next three years. Can you really stick with a halfback from the team running 16th and whose stats

don’t compare to the best in the league at the moment? Maybe you can. He’s the incumbent. Seemingly unflappable. Surrounded not by a bunch of battling Panthers but by the best players NSW can assemble. A half with really strong support from senior NSW players. Brad Fittler would love it to be easy. Cleary’s form and, just as importantly, the form of the other contenders might have the coach nicknamed ‘Fidgety’ not ‘Freddy’. Here are some statistics. Mitchell Pearce has the most linebreak assists in the competition with 16, followed by Cody Walker’s 15. Luke Keary is fifth on 10. When it comes to try assists, Pearce and Keary are joint leaders on 13 (along with Damien Cook), while Walker is just behind on 10. When you start talking kicking stats another name enters the discussion, Adam Reynolds. He is second for kick metres and forced dropouts. Don’t like stats? Well, Mitchell Pearce is an out and out competitor who has just played the best month of footy in his career.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 24, 2019

Brought to you by

Can Nathan Cleary keep his Blues jumper? Cody Walker has the ball on a string, X-factor galore and a knack of finding the right place as the right time. Luke Keary has been mentioned alongside James Tedesco and Cam Munster as the best players in the game. Adam Reynolds has

steered Souths to the top of the table and has been anointed by a bloke who knows a bit about Origin, his coach. So who will be the NSW 6 and 7? We find out Sunday night. Enjoy your selection meeting, wherever that might be.

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WW35834

Coaching merry-go-round delivers varied results

CLINTON MAYNARD T

he NRL off- season witnessed an unprecedented number of clubs hire new coaches, some involved straight swaps while others saw old ones going back home. After 10 rounds it’s a fair time to judge their success. The South Sydney Rabbitohs were a top four side last year and didn’t want to lose their coach to Brisbane, but hiring Broncos legend Wayne Bennett looks to be a master stroke and, after 10 rounds, they sit alone at the top of the competition. Bennett is the best man manager in the game, players love playing for him. The Souths players seem relaxed and happy. Bennett is not the game’s greatest tactician and he’s also not the man to rebuild a club from scratch, his success has always come with a strong squad. With a structure already in place he has the ability to motivate players to take that extra step. Brisbane on the other hand are clearly rebuilding under Anthony Seibold. While they’ve now strung together a few wins they are a long way from being the premiership contender critics expected them to be. Seibold is a coach of structure and is

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire. Photo: Melinda Jane essentially rebuilding the club from the ground up. The players have had trouble adjusting to a different style, but in time they will benefit. John Morris never thought he’d be a

head coach at 38, thrown into the job at Cronulla when Shane Flanagan was deregistered. He heads a club hit with salary cap penalties and a squad decimated by injuries forcing him to debut

more youngsters than any other. However those youngsters have been nurtured by Morris himself in the lower grades and while this season appears likely to be up and down, with Morris leading the future looks solid. Des Hasler should be the favourite for Coach of the Year. He’s gone home to a club Trent Barrett claimed didn’t have the resources to be competitive, didn’t even have chairs! Yet his side is entrenched in the top eight and another playing without many of its stars. He’s brought in no names who defend their line like their lives depend on it, just like Des did when he played. The Wests Tigers are another club having an up and down season, but they are competitive week after week. Michael Maguire has them playing tough football and he’s getting the best out of veterans Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall. The bus has departed Concord with their previous coach still on it but Tigers bosses are happy. Which brings us to Penrith... at least new coach Ivan Cleary has a five year contract, but what’s a contract in rugby league?

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 24, 2019

Brought to you by

20–26 May 2019

Volunteers are one of our greatest assets. Join us during National Volunteer Week to celebrate our dedicated volunteers

YOU ARE INVITED! Please join us for morning tea between 10:00am - 11:30am at: Katoomba op shop on Monday 20th May 2/27 Whitton Street, Katoomba

"It started in the hot weather. I'd wear my hat to cut the glare and heat when bringing in donations or collapsing carboard boxes for recycling. Nearly every time I took it off, someone would pick up the hat and take it out into the shop to sell! I spent considerable time retrieiving numerous hats, so, I stopped bringing in my own hat and borrowed one from the shop on the days I volunteer. Customers became accustomed to seeing me in a hat - any hat - and that's how it started. It's a little bit of fun, I like to be different, and it's a way of interacting with people by starting a conversation or just putting a smile on someone's dial"

Barbara "the hat lady" - Volunteer, Katoomba op shop

Penrith op shop on Friday 24th May 201-211 High Street, Penrith

We look forward to seeing you there!

WW37643

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

250

149

+101 18

2 Storm

251

137

+114

3 Roosters

263

163

+100 16

4 Raiders

209

148

+61

5 Sea Eagles

195

170

+25

6 Knights

213

172

+41

7 W Tigers

192

194

-2

8 Eels

215

224

-9

9 Sharks

188

199

-11

CLUB

Rabbitohs

+/-

PTS

10 Warriors

204

218

-14

11 Broncos

183

205

-22

12 Dragons

178

231

-53

13 Cowboys

164

221

-57

14 Bulldogs

136

224

-88

15 Titans

166

239

-73

16 Panthers

127

240

-113

Round 11

/ / / / / / / /

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, May 23 7.50pm Bankwest Stadium

Friday, May 24 6pm Lottoland Friday, May 24 7.55pm McDonald Jones Stadium Saturday, May 25 3pm GIO Stadium Saturday, May 25 5.30pm Mt Smart Stadium Saturday, May 25 7.30pm ANZ Stadium Sunday, May 26 2pm Belmore Sports Ground Sunday, May 26 4pm WIN Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2019-001 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Matt Russell SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

Part of the local community

Ph: 02 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au

WW36245

Petero heads home Petero Civoniceva summed it up by simply saying that he “needed to go home”. One of rugby league’s true nice guys, Civoniceva didn’t hint at the other dramas behind the scenes that were part his decision to return to the Brisbane Broncos for his final year in the top grade. A new coach, a re-building phase and continuing drama had ensured that Civoniceva, a prized signing for the 2008 season, would leave the Penrith club at the end of 2011. As the Weekender reported on its front page on July 29, 2011: “The turbulent year at the Penrith Panthers took another bizarre twist on Tuesday when captain, Petero Civoniceva, sensationally quit the club just weeks after being told he had a ‘job for life’. The Panthers stunned the rugby league community with the announcement just after 9am on Tuesday.” At a press conference later that day, Civoniceva confirmed he’d been granted a release and had a signed a one- year deal with the Brisbane Broncos for the 2012 NRL season. “I’ve had four great seasons here and some great memories obviously and some great friends both on and off the football field,” Civoniceva said.

Former skipper Petero Civoniceva “It’s been a real honour to play for the Panthers.” Civoniceva joined the Panthers in 2008 after a decade with the Broncos. At the press conference where he announced his departure, the former

Queensland and Australian forward denied that a rumoured rift with new General Manager Phil Gould played a part in the decision to move on. “He’s been very supportive and we’ve talked all the way through this whole process,” he said. “It’s a decision purely based on wanting to take my family home.” But it was widely known that Civoniceva was unhappy with the way the coaching situation was handled at the Panthers, firstly with the sacking of Matthew Elliott and then the snubbing of Assistant Coach, Steve Georgallis, for the job. “I guess for us as a playing group we were hopeful that he [Georgallis] would get an opportunity,” Civoniceva said at the time. Phil Gould said Civoniceva would always be remembered for his stint at Penrith. “His influence at Penrith will be evident long after he’s gone,” he said. Civoniceva may have only played 74 games for the Panthers, but he will always be remembered fondly by fans for his leadership both on and off the field. During what were often tough times for Penrith during the Matthew Elliott era, Civoniceva was always a highlight to watch, and always had the respect of the fans.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 24, 2019

Panther Flashback Flashba

SCOREBOARD NRL

WARRIORS 30 PANTHERS 10

NSW CUP

PANTHERS 28 WARRIORS 10

JERSEY FLEGG PANTHERS BYE

BEHIND THE PANTHERS

Accountant

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR PANTHERS? Three years. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? Getting to work in the professional sport industry. WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE AT PANTHERS? The Maltese marketing maestro Darren ‘Have A Nice Sleep’ Micallef. There’s nothing better than riling him up and watching him go off.

This beautifully landscaped boutique cemetery located in the scenic Kemps Creek area serves all denominations in the community and provides affordable burial, cremation and funeral options.

Part of the local community

9826 2273

WW36214

Ryan Weston

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

EXTRA MINUTES  Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper

Cronk has announced that he’ll retire from the NRL at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on his 16-year career. Roosters coach Trent Robinson said: “The records will show that Cooper was only with our Club for two years, but it speaks volumes of his character that his place in the history of our Club is assured.”

 Dragons coach Paul McGregor has

admitted Jack de Belin’s loss in court last Friday rattled his side and was unexpected. “To be totally honest we all expected him to be available today, but he wasn’t so we had to move on pretty quickly from that,” McGregor said after the Dragons’ heavy defeat at the hands of Newcastle last weekend. “I hope that didn’t have an effect on the performance today ... some say it may have because Jack is a very well liked person and an important part of our football team.”

 Darwin’s new Territory Rugby League

Stadium has officially opened. The purpose-built rugby league stadium and facilities is a refurbishment of the Warren Park ground in Darwin and will cater for men’s and women’s rugby league training and matches. “I want to thank

the Northern Territory Government for their vision and funding of this project, which is crucial to the ongoing success of rugby league in Darwin and throughout the Territory,” Australian Rugby League Commissioner, Professor Megan Davis said. Territory Rugby League Stadium has three fields, can hold over 10,000 fans, and includes four change rooms, food and beverage facilities, onsite storage for clubs and over 500 car parks. The NRL’s Northern Territory office will be housed at the stadium, with local competitions to be played at the venue, in addition to touring matches.

 Sad news last weekend with New Zea-

land rugby league great Quentin Pongia passing away at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer. Pongia represented the Kiwis 35 times and played for the Raiders, Warriors, Roosters and Dragons in Australia between 1993 and 2003, before spending two seasons in the Super League.

 Fox League made some drastic mid-

season scheduling changes this week with its flagship program ‘NRL 360’ moving to 7.30pm weeknights. ‘League Life’ and ‘The Fan’ also have new timeslots, while ‘Queenslanders Only’ and ‘The Greatest’ have both been rested.

Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk is retiring at the end of the 2019 season

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WW36933

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

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WW37499

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Friday, May 24, 2019 Â« the western weekender

COMFOR T UP TO 50% OFF*

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WW37486

Penrith Lot 2 Pattys Place Phone 8039 1795 Visit us online 222.la-z-boy.com.au

WW37481

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Playing all the big hits EMILY FESZCZUK

WW36989

roy Cassar- Daley has come a long way from busking in Grafton when he was 12-years - old. The now 50- year- old multi award- winning musician is taking it back to basics at Blacktown with his national Greatest Hits Tour. He told the Weekender that audiences will hear all his best work delivered in a new way with stories of his life and musical journey along the way. “It’s been a different show playing acoustic but really incredible to deliver the tunes like this and it’s very intimate so it’s great to share this show as we travel around,” Troy said. “I do miss the band I have to admit, the camaraderie, you can look across the stage at your mates and smile while everything is cooking along, but what I have really enjoyed is when you tell a story you can almost hear a pin drop, so people really do get a chance to learn about the song.” Troy has selected his top songs that everyone will know and love while giving his all on guitar throughout the show. “When I first picked a lot of the songs for the Greatest Hits Tour, they were all the ones that made it to number one on the country charts here in Australia, so there were 31 of those,” Troy said.

“Any songs that people know me for will pretty much be played on the night which is the beauty of a greatest hits tour, it gives people that familiarity every time you pick up the guitar.” This tour is especially important for Troy who will be joined by his daughter Jem, who opens each show for him. “I normally take someone young with me who is just starting out and I’ve done that my whole career but this time around my daughter was having a gap year after finishing school,” Troy said. “I asked her if she wanted to ignore her mother’s advice about going to university and come out with dad and be a bum muso for 12 months and thankfully she took the latter option and came out with me and we are having a ball.” Troy is excited to catch up with friends and family in Blacktown while doing the thing he loves most. “I’m now 50 and I didn’t think I could enjoy a tour as much as I have with this one but I think it’s the intimacy that really sets it aside from the rest,” Troy said. “If you want to see someone who absolutely loves their job and gives 150 per cent every night on stage then come and have a look at the show.’’ Troy Cassar- Daley will be performing live at Blacktown Workers Club on Saturday, June 15 at 8pm. Tickets are from $20. To book, call 9830 0600 or visit www.workersclub.com.au.

Alena Higgins

Nathan Taylor

Troy Dodds

Nicola Barton

Emily Feszczuk

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

HEADING OUT Friday, May 24

DJ – Australian Arms Free entry, 10pm 4731 3881 Pool Comp – Penrith Hotel $3, 7pm 4721 2060 Karaoke & DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 DJ – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 9pm 9625 5500 Born Jovi Penrith RSL, 4728 5200 Friday, May 24, 9pm, Free entry

Acoustic Duo – Red Cow Free entry, 6pm 4721 5666 Hayden Cleary – Red Cow Free entry, 9pm 4721 5666 Press Rewind – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 The Wedding Singer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub From $32.40, 8pm 4723 5050 Old School Band – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Mr James Band – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211

Grieg, Rautavaara & Sibelius – The Joan From $30, 8pm 4723 7611 Baby Boomers – St Marys RSL Free entry, 8pm 9623 6555 M7 – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Soundproofed – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 9pm 9623 1211 The Bee Gees Show – Blacktown Workers From $15, 8.30pm 9839 0600 The Pink Chevy’s – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 The Bandits – Blacktown Workers Sports Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 Back To The 80s – Pioneer Tavern Free entry, 8pm 4736 4466 Jeremy Gregory – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 9pm 9625 5500 The Frocks – Henry Sports Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 2119 Sonic Express – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9.30pm 9623 1384 The Wedding Singer Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 4723 5050 Saturday, May 25, 2pm & 8pm, From $32.40

Jimeoin – Penrith Panthers $46.65, 8pm 1800 061 991 Emma Matthews & Sydney Symphony Orchestra – The Joan From $30, 7.30pm 4723 7611 Killer Queen Experience – O’Donoghues $10, 8pm 4735 5509 Cover X – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Wedding Singer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub From $32.40, 8pm 4723 5050 Project Red – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 DJ – Australian Arms Free entry, 10pm 4731 3881 Pool Comp – Penrith Hotel $3, 7pm 4721 2060 Karaoke & DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 DJ – Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 9pm 9625 5500 Acoustic Duo – Red Cow Free entry, 6pm 4721 5666 Motive – Red Cow Free entry, 9pm 4721 5666 Press Rewind – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002

Saturday, June 1

Lend Me A Tenor – John Lees Centre From $20, 2pm & 7pm 4735 5422 Joe & Cia – St Marys RSL Free entry, 7.30pm 9623 6555 Concertos On Fire The Joan, 4723 7611 Saturday, June 1, 7.30pm, From $30

Saturday, May 25

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase – Penrith Panthers From $35, 8pm 1800 061 991 Mary’s Karaoke – Grey Gums Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4734 5555 DJ Archie – Red Cow Free entry, 7pm 4721 5666 Good Vibes – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Di Bird Red Hot & Blue – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Rough Diamond – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

Friday, May 31

Confetti St Marys Band Club, 9623 1211 Saturday, June 1, 9pm, Free entry

Akinga – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Mary’s Karaoke – Grey Gums Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4734 5555 DJ – Red Cow Free entry, 7pm 4721 5666 Good Vibes – Tattersalls From $10, 8.30pm 4744 2002 Chris Drummond Duo – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Rock City Saints – Blacktown Workers Sports Free entry, 8pm 8822 2444 The Frocks – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1384

Sunday, June 2

Jive Bombers – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Wedding Singer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub From $32.40, 2pm 4723 5050 Kazaam Duo – Blacktown Workers Sports Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444 The Celtic Tenors The Joan, 4723 7611 Sunday, June 2, 5pm, $69

Sunday, May 26

Rocking Mustangs – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Penrith Youth Orchestra – The Joan From $15, 3pm 4723 7611 The Wedding Singer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub From $32.40, 2pm 4723 5050 Franky Valentyn Duo – Blacktown Workers Sports Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444

The Wedding Singer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub From $32.40, 2pm & 8pm 4723 5050

Jazz Express – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Chosen Few – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

WW37426

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

what's on AND where

O D UST

Nepean Evening VIEW Club 3rd Monday of each month 4735 4982 Emu Market 2nd Saturday of each month Nepean High School Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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

Enjoy Penrith Regional Gallery after dark After dark the gardens of Penrith Regional Gallery will come to life for one magical art filled night. This special annual pop up is a celebration of art, youth and music. The galleries, gardens and Cafe at Lewers will be open throughout the event with a special menu. Bring your friends and family to the gallery to join in on the fun and don’t forget to bring a torch to explore the garden. It is on Friday, May 31 from 6-8pm. For more information or to RSVP, call 4735 1100.

DS I K R O F

FOR SE NIORS

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

Model Park Open Day

Beautiful music for the weekend

Watch planes, trains and cars at the Model Park Open Day in Luddenham on Sunday, May 26 from 9am. Call 4774 4313.

Don’t miss this classical guitar concert. It will be held this Saturday at St Phillips Anglican Church in Kingswood at 6pm.

Penrith RSL Travel Club New members welcome 0405 332 464

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD

OPEN 7 DAYS MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

WW37184

$$$$ buyers of all Ferrous SYDNEY - 9748 0611 PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH FAX - 4721 7658 and Non-Ferrous Metals (Off Castlereagh Road) 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

FINAL WEEK. MUST CLOSE 2 JUNE!

Y O U ’ L L

B E

D A N C I N G

STARRING

Marcia Hines

Featuring

BEE GEES

Extraordinary

STRATEGIC SPONSORS

SYDNEY LYRIC

WW37436

saturdaynightfever.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

FINE MUSIC, CIRCUS

Unique take on classical music EMILY FESZCZUK

ombine three unique solo voices for one amazing tenor sound. The Celtic Tenors are the charismatic, globe trotting trio to come out of Ireland who successfully cross over from classical music. They sing spinetingling classical, folk, Irish, Gaelic and pop favourites in stacked three- part harmonies. Mix this with their natural Irish charm and quick- witted banter and they will have you entertained all night. It’s all about the music, the harmonies and fun with the tenors, just singing

songs that they love and not taking themselves too seriously. They will perform the Irish songbook when they come to Penrith on their tour with classics such as ‘Finnegan’s Wake’, ‘In The Gloaming’, ‘Danny Boy’ along with ‘Raise Me Up’ and more. With a polished international reputation and just over a million album sales worldwide, The Celtic Tenors offer something truly unique. Tickets are on sale now. The Celtic Tenors will be performing live at The Joan on Saturday, June 2 at 5pm. Tickets are $69. To book or for more information, call 4723 7600 or visit www.thejoan.com.au.

Q THEATRE

Pho Ph P ho h oto: o:: Be Bernd Hofbauer

CONCERTOS ON FIRE

Fire becomes an instrument, musicians fly and music springs to life from all corners of the theatre. Featuring Maninyas by Ross Edwards alongside a brand new concerto Tale of The Firebird by Chloé Charody for fire-taming violinist Sonja Schebeck and interdisciplinary acrobatic ensemble The Freestyle Orchestra.

SAT 1 JUN 7.30PM Standard $60 | Concession $55 | Under 30s $30 | Family $160

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE thejoan.com.au 4723 7600 WW37227

Packed full of laughs

f you’re ready to laugh, Ruby Productions’ ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ is the perfect solution. Directed by Anthony Brown, this could be the funniest comedy you will see on stage full of local performers. The show is a period play set in September 1934 where Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous, Tito Merelli, Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as Otello.

The star arrives late and, through a hilarious series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquillizers and passes out. This is a stage production that is fast paced, has powerful acting and all the trimmings with the costumes and set. It was a sensation on Broadway, so make sure to see this madcap, screwball comedy that is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ will be on at the John Lees Centre in Penrith on Saturday, June 1 and 8 at 2pm and 7pm. To book, visit www.trybooking. com/465731.

WW36225

EMILY FESZCZUK

303 High Street Penrith

LOBSTER • STEAKS • PIZZAS KING PRAWNS • PUB CLASSICS Kids Eat Free (under 10)

Hand over your money, money, money

FUNCTIONS WELCOME 4721 2060 www.1813barngrill.com.au

info@penrithhotel.com.au

HALL FAMILY DENTURE CLINIC • Full / Partial Dentures • No referrals necessary • Veterans Affairs (DVA) • Custom-moulded mouthguards • Same day repairs / relines & additions • Hospital Voucher Scheme (NSW Health) • Seniors Pension Cards Welcome

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Seniors Card Discount Health Fund Approved

4732 1766

Broadwalk, Shop 1D/458-470 High St, Penrith

WW36471

@ Penrith Hotel

WW37658

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

1813 Bar N Grill

EMILY FESZCZUK

fter winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with their song ‘Waterloo’, everyone knew the Swedish group ABBA. While their reign was short lived their music has continued to entertain with their countless hits transcending time. Penrith fans can relive the music as FABBA takes you on a musical journey when life was as good as an ABBA song and the only way to travel was on the Priscilla Bus. The show covers music that was featured in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’, which won the group a whole new generation of fans.

From Eurovision to ‘Mamma Mia’ and the ABBA phenomenon with all the songs, costumes and comedy combined, you will be left dancing in the aisles reliving memories or discovering their sound for the very first time. If you’re a fan of ABBA, you’ll be amazed by how brilliantly FABBA recreates the costumes, music and style of your favourite band. Make sure you get your tickets to see one FABBA-ulous show at Panthers next month. FABBA will be performing at the Evan Theatre inside Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on Saturday, June 22 at 8pm. Tickets are $35. To book or for more information, call 1800 PANTHERS or visit penrithpanthers. com.au.

WW37615

the western weekender Â» Friday, May 24, 2019

TICKETS FROM $35

TICKETS $46.65

TICKETS $45.15

WIIN W IN N ME MME E WIWIN

T&Cs Apply. LTPS/19/33251.

WW36266

Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

At the movies... Ticking all the boxes TOP END WEDDING  1 hour, 42 mins EMILY FESZCZUK

I am a lover of all film types, but I feel like Australian movies have a reputation for not shaping up to international standards. ‘Top End Wedding’, however, defies the odds and shows just what can be achieved when everything falls into place. This romantic comedy tells the story of successful Sydney lawyer Lauren (Miranda Tapsell) and her fiancé Ned (Gwilym Lee) who must pull off their dream wedding in just 10 days. If that isn’t stressful enough, they must find Lauren’s mother who has gone walkabout somewhere in the Northern Territory.

Tapsell, who was also one of the writers, stole the show by showing how two worlds can blend in a true story of homecoming while celebrating family and love. Wayne Blair, who also directed ‘The Sapphires’, does a wonderful job of directing such a large cast of so many different people and showing how important culture is. The other star of the movie has to be the spectacular beauty of the Northern Territory landscape where most of the movie is set. It just really added another layer to every shot. If you are looking for something clever and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously then ‘Top End Wedding’ is for you.

Aladdin (PG) Daily except Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM, 12:50PM, 1:50PM, 3:00PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM, 9:30PM. Sat, Sun: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM, 12:50PM, 1:50PM, 3:00PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:40PM, 9:30PM.

PENRITH

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

SESSIONS VALID 23RD MAY TO 29TH MAY

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

Sketch comedy ‘Kinne Tonight’, 

which was trialled as part of 10’s Pilot Week last year, will premiere this Monday, May 27 at 9.30pm. Starring Troy Kinne, this was one of my favourite shows from Pilot Week, so it’s cool we are getting a full series. Let’s hope Kinne has enough decent material!

‘Deadwood: The Movie’, which 

returns to South Dakota 10 years after the series concluded, will screen on FOX Showcase next month. The two-hour film will premiere on Monday, June 3 at 8.30pm.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

The reboot series of ‘Magnum P.I.’ 

premieres on FOX8 this Sunday, May 26 at 8.30pm. Jay Hernandez plays Thomas Magnum, a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. ‘Magnum P.I.’ has already been greenlit for a second season.

CBS has confirmed US drama ‘Madam  Secretary’ will wrap up after six seasons. The Tea Leoni drama airs on 10 Bold.

MAY 26

8.30PM

MAGNUM P.I., FOX8

Channel Nine has announced mon

ster hit ‘Lego Masters’ will return in 2020. This year’s series was a ratings smash for Nine, so it comes as no surprise that we’ll see it back on our screens next year. To apply visit legocasting.com.au.

A number of shows have been 

cancelled in the US including ‘Murphy Brown’, ‘The Passage’, ‘Lethal Weapon’, ‘Star’, ‘Speechless’, ‘Splitting Up Together’, ‘Happy Together’, ‘For The People’, ‘Angie Tribeca’ and ‘Life in Pieces’.

Meanwhile, several US shows have re ceived renewals including Matt LeBlanc’s ‘Man with a Plan’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, ‘Bull’, ‘Hawaii Five-0, ‘Blindspot’ and ‘SWAT’.

MAY 27 9.30PM KINNE TONIGHT, 10

‘Dance Moms’ matriarch Abby Lee 

Miller is returning to television in ‘Dance Moms: Resurrection’. Premiering on Arena next month, the series will follow Abby as she rebuilds her dance company while battling the after effects of a cancer that has left her confined to a wheelchair. ‘Dance Moms: Resurrection’ begins on Sunday, June 9 at 6.30pm. New Renee Zellweger Netflix drama  ‘What / If’ will drop today. The 10-part series centres on a mysterious woman’s lucrative, but dubious offer to a cashstrapped pair of San Francisco newlyweds. It explores the ripple effects of what happens when acceptable people start doing unacceptable things.

The final episode of ‘Game of 

Thrones’ attracted a record audience of 1.076 million viewers on Foxtel.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

Crossword ACROSS 1. Lawn section 4. Ached (for) 8. Curl (of smoke) 11. Two under par on golf hole 13. Recede 15. Tolerate 17. Irish Republican Army (1,1,1) 18. Disorder, cerebral ... 20. Snub-nosed dog 21. Apart (from) 24. Carreras or Domingo 27. Overly 28. Pitfall 30. Colder 31. Neighbourhood pub 33. African fly 34. Court judgment 35. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 36. Wild goat 39. Teeth 42. Aquatic mammal 44. Very small 45. Disables 46. Sporty 48. Plain writing 49. Tough to eat 50. Prolonged quarrel 52. Gull relatives 54. Mocking laugh 55. Touched clumsily 56. Safe 57. Duty 60. Burglar’s haul 62. Repeated 65. Walk lamely 67. Infidel 69. Northern sea duck 70. Continues 72. Unwell 73. Rib playfully 75. Subsequently 77. Boxer, Muhammad ... 79. Length measure 81. Unrefined metal 82. Celestial body 84. Major blood vessel 85. Dark yellow pigment 86. Variety 87. Withdraw 88. Hat rim

DOWN 1. Mouse-catching device 2. Hold royal office 3. Passing fashion 4. Tibetan snow beast 5. Each 6. Less messy 7. First light 8. Hour expected (1,1,1) 9. River-mouth triangle 10. String toy (2-2) 12. Cogwheel set 14. Kitchen smock 16. Fractures 19. Unravel (problem) 22. Appropriate 23. Win over 25. Ejects lava 26. Comic, ... Hardy 29. Spray 32. Special effects technique (1,1,1) 35. Distant settlement 37. Shopper 38. Photographing bones (1-6) 40. At an advantage (32) 41. Cut (wood) 42. Prophetic signs 43. Track competitor 44. Wealthy people 47. Dairy foods 51. Fragrant pink flower 52. Cone-shaped tents 53. Spanish Mrs 54. Muddle 58. Abundant 59. Brewery barrel 61. Wedding March route 63. Organise feast 64. Become extinct (3,3) 65. Model, ... Christensen 66. Coniferous tree 68. Sacrificial block 71. Lion handler 72. Rascals 74. Half-open 76. Sound (horn) 78. Single thing 80. Nonsense! 83. Sphere

Last week’s solution

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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 24, 2019

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

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Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about last week’s election in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. What colour was the suit Alan Jones wore on the Channel 7 coverage? 2. Which 25-year veteran MP lost the seat of Warringah? 3. How many seats did United Australia Party win at the election?

4. Which party won the seat of Lindsay? 5. Who stood with Bill Shorten when he gave his concession speech to supporters in Melbourne? 6. Which TV coverage of the election won the ratings?

ANSWERS 1. Green 2. Tony Abbott 3. None 4. Liberal Party 5. His wife Chloe 6. ABC

Trivia Quiz

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Social media traps your business must avoid Emma Gosper // Western Sydney Business Centre 4721 5011 | reception@wsbusiness.com.au

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he way you conduct yourself through your social media platforms is a direct reflection on your business. Your tone, content and communication contribute to the way you portray your business and business personality online. Most often, we are primarily concentrating on all of the do’s of social media; posting content at the correct times, focusing on engagement and analysing insights etc, that we forget to consider the simple don’ts of social media communication. Don’t: Mix business and personal pages Ensure you have a business page dedicated to business, and a personal page dedicated to personal. By doing so, you present yourself clearly as a professional brand and make it easier for potential clients to find you. Don’t: Forget the importance of correct grammar and spelling I constantly see business pages/ personal blog pages with spelling errors, poor grammar and incorrect context being used. Remember to triple check your text before posting.

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Don’t: Oversell Undoubtedly you are using social media to help sell your products/ services and brand, but it is important not to oversell. Ensure that your content is a healthy mix of helpful, motivational and inspirational, informative and sales based content to ensure your page is a resource, not an ad. Don’t: Automate EVERYTHING Minor automation is more than acceptable, especially when it comes to managing social platforms and time, but don’t automate everything. Your customers want to see that you’re actively reading their comments, responding to them and taking into consideration their feedback and interactions. Don’t: Forget to be professional Don’t initiate or participate in heated discussions or share unwarranted opinions from your business pages. Don’t: Forget to respond We can’t stress this point enough. If a follower comments on your post, reply. If someone direct messages you, reply. It is called social media for a reason!

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ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Rambunctious Rams … avoid jumping to conclusions, making hasty assumptions and passing on unsubstantiated information. Slow down! Clear, careful communication will help improve relations with family and friends, as you get your message out loud and clear. If you look beneath the surface and use your intuition to guide you, then you’ll discover what’s really going on. On Thursday, do something special.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Confidence is high (especially on Thursday and Friday) as you initiate a personal project or activate a creative joint venture. Neptune and Saturn encourage you to dream big dreams, set ambitious goals and then work towards making your wishes come true. Be inspired by Hollywood legend (and birthday great) Marilyn Monroe: “We are all stars and deserve the right to twinkle.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

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

You won’t feel particularly energetic or motivated on Wednesday and Thursday, when Neptune squares Mercury and takes the gas out of your tank. So use the prevailing astro-winds wisely as you wind down, relax and recharge! Avoid the temptation to get carried away and make inflated promises on Friday. It will be very easy to over-extend yourself and find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew!

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

With Mars charging through your sign, you’re in a rush to complete a personal project as you switch gears from a Crab crawl to a Cancerian sprint. But is a romantic relationship stalling at the moment? Do your best to rejuvenate it by introducing some exciting new activities into the mix. If you’re single, you could revisit a rocky old romance (while wearing decidedly rose-coloured glasses).

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Venus, Uranus, Saturn and Pluto are powering through your work zones, so you’re keen to make some serious changes that will lead to more job satisfaction in the future. Leos need to shine in the public sphere but avoid putting all your eggs in the career basket. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Marilyn Monroe. “A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”

VIRGO

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Prepare for a full-on week, when you overdo just about everything. Under the influence of the Mercury/Jupiter opposition, you’re inclined to be generous and garrulous; enthusiastic and exhausting; restless and reckless; passionate and pushy. You’ll certainly be hard to ignore as you ruffle a few feathers with your impulsive ideas and spontaneous comments. But jumping to conclusions could land you in hot water.

CAPRICORN

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

You’re feeling chatty and are keen to communicate about a wide range of subjects, but are other people in the mood to listen? With nebulous Neptune and Mercury (your patron planet) affecting your relationship zone, it will be very easy to misinterpret what others are saying. So choose your words wisely and your conversation topics carefully, at home and at work.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

When it comes to your career (or lack of career) are you disappointed and disgruntled? You’re uncharacteristically 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. If you have the courage to follow your true destiny, then things will start to fall into place.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

You’re in the mood for fabulous flirting, romantic candlelit dinners, creative joint ventures and fun socialising. But if you avoid facing an important issue then confusion is likely. It’s time to face the reality that a major relationship has to move in a radical new direction. In the words of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver: “People hate change, until the pain of not changing is worse than change itself.”

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Don’t be too hard on yourself or let rattled nerves stop you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do. You’re feeling somewhat stressed but try not to sweat the small stuff. Careful preparation is the key. Attached Caps – be passionately proactive and set ambitious goals together. Singles – don’t just dip your toe into the dating pool. Thorough research and planning are required.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Financial matters look confusing, as you underestimate a major expense or waste money on an inappropriate purchase. You could also doubt your ability to follow through with a project or promise. Learn to trust your talents and feel secure and strong within, regardless of what is happening in the outside world. As Oprah Winfrey says: “Embrace your uniqueness. You are different, your gift is special – own it and unapologetically share it.”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

This week’s Neptunian aspects put you in the box seat for indulging in some major Piscean procrastination. But is that really such a good idea? Do your best to be creative (rather than confused) and determined (rather than dazed). You can expect some setbacks and disappointments but so what? Don’t use it as an excuse to pack your bags, give up and go home.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

your

David Norris

tech

your Aroha Jackson

Managing Director Nortec It (02) 9894 9514

Experiencing mobile content on a computer is easier than you think... Do you have an app or Android game you love, but would like to play it on your much larger desktop screen? Now you can, and it is easy to set up. There are two ways to have Android running on your device; the first is to dual boot your device between operating systems. Basically, every time you start your computer you are presented a menu selection allowing you to either select your main operating system (Windows/ Mac) or Android. A far easier way is to use an emulator created by a company called BlueStacks. This emulator is available for both Windows and Mac OS. BlueStacks is a virtual machine which allows Android to run as an independent operating system within windows. This means you can use windows normally and open a BlueStacks emulator running Android. Installation is simple, from the BlueStacks homepage (bluestacks.com) select download. It will automatically determine whether you have Windows / Mac. Once downloaded launch BlueStacks. The installation will ask you for

If you’re wanting to perform better, recover even faster and stay injury- free, sports massage is for you! Sports massage can boost your physical performance, speed up muscle repair, and help you recover from injuries. This therapy is a must in any athlete’s routine. Let’s see how it works and what makes it so great! Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. Whenever athletes exercise heavily, their muscles suffer microtraumas. Small amounts of swelling occur in the muscle because of tiny tears. Post-event sports massage helps reduce the swelling caused by microtraumas; loosens tired, stiff muscles; helps maintain flexibility; promotes blood flow to the muscle to remove lactic- acid and waste build-up; and reduces cramping. In addition, post-event massage helps speed the athlete’s recovery time and alleviates pulls, strains and soreness. This style of massage brings fresh, oxygenated blood to the muscles and other tissues. The therapist can use a variety of techniques according to your needs. For instance, the massage techniques

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either a BlueStacks account or a Google account. Use your Google account and login. Once launched, you will run through similar setup steps as you would a new mobile phone. Once completed you have fully functional Android running on your Windows PC or Mac. If you have a computer with a touch screen, the emulator can be used much like you use your phone. Otherwise, it can be used with your keyboard and mouse. The first thing to do once installed is to click on the Play Store. Once open it will show you a list of previously installed games and apps. These will be the applications you already have installed on your phone. Simply install these applications again on your BlueStacks emulator. Scrolling down will give you suggested games, recommended for you, editor’s choice and entertainment options One thing you will notice is that the emulator uses tabs to separate the windows. Just select the tab to bring the app to the front. There is a bottom menu; selecting the up arrow gives you access to a browser, settings, camera and settings. BlueStacks is free to use (unobtrusive ad- supported), but you can get a premium subscription for about $50 a year.

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used for treating strains, pulled muscles, and tears are different than those used for relaxation. The stroking movements utilised in this therapy stimulate lymph flow and reduce lactic acid build up. They also help remove metabolic waste while increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to your tissues. This allows your body to recover faster from training and perform at its peak. This massage style is good for your brain too. After just one session, you’ll feel more relaxed and invigorated. Competitive sports don’t rely solely on physical strength. They also require mental focus and concentration. If you’re stressed or tired, you may not be able to perform at your best. Sports massage can help de- clutter your mind and relieve stress, leading to improved focus. This therapy activates the nervous system, which relaxes your mind and body. It also keeps the stress hormone cortisol levels low.

Susan Mackell began her artistic career as a child, drawing portraits of her chickens and colouring in the white patches of her dog. She enjoys many creative outlets, including music, writing, art, glass-work, interior design, textiles, claymation and more. The desire to create with imagination and heart, is simply engrained. Susan has built Smack Design following years of experience and curiosity on what it means to capture an audience, particularly in today’s highly visual and fast-moving world. Susan’s experience and studies over more than a decade, have given her a unique blend of skills covering graphic design and illustration, media arts, communications and marketing, technical drawing, interior and sustainable design. Susan draws on her skills, knowledge and awareness, to give broad insight to every project. Susan believes in clever and creative thinking, and enjoys working with clients to help them communicate their message in unique and practical ways. She works with large corporations, government, small business, bands, festivals, events and charities. Her ongoing work in the non-profit sector includes her work with Soldier On, where she continues to provide graphic design services, and supports them in their event management and fundraising activities. As a finalist in this year’s Women With Altitude Awards in both the Artisan and the Digital Dynamo categories, Susan would like to express her sincerest thanks all those who have supported her.

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

your

info@smackdesign.com.au | www.smackdesign.com.au

Staying healthy during the winter months ahead Staying healthy can be tough in retirement, but it’s often a case of being more alert and aware...

Margaret Sullivan Thornton Park

Winter is just around the corner and with that comes an increased risk of catching the flu. Many workplaces now promote free flu vaccinations for employees and this has been quite successful in combating the dreaded lurgy. Retirees however don’t get the same reminder and may not be aware that they can get a free influenza vaccine from their GP. Infections among older people are more likely to require hospitalisation or cause serious complications such as pneumonia, so it’s well worth considering. There’s also a huge number of common cold viruses that may not be as dangerous but are still very unpleasant. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself against getting sick. Here’s some advice to remember during winter: • When you’re out and about, carry a small bottle of disinfectant hand gel and use it before you eat out or touch your eyes, nose or mouth. • Keep your distance from sick people and avoid unnecessary contact like shaking hands or hugging.

• When you wash your hands, make sure to clean under your nails, the backs of your hands, between fingers and your wrists. • At home, use disinfectant when cleaning, especially in the bathroom and kitchen, paying close attention to doorknobs, light switches and counters. • Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risk of getting sick. Get some natu-

rally by eating citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi and dark leafy greens. If you’re unfortunate enough to actually get sick, remember to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow so that your hands stay clean. Put used tissues straight into the bin and then wash your hands. Hopefully this week’s column has been informative. See you next week.

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

your retirement

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Friday, May 24, 2019 « the western weekender

your

travel

Relaxing beach holiday with plenty of extra meaning

K A L O KH A

Len Rutledge finds Thailand’s Khao Lak a good spot for a relaxing beach holiday...

Len Rutledge Content thanks to WTF Media

It was once one of the fastest growing tourism areas in Thailand, then it was hit by a massive tsunami. Now it is a charming retreat from the hustle of Phuket. With excellent accommodation options, several interesting attractions, and a growing reputation in the trade, Khao Lak is proving to be an appealing destination for many Australians. Before you go, you need to understand the pros and cons of this destination. The pros are nice beachside resorts, white sandy beaches, a laid-back vibe ideal for relaxing, and some enjoyable attractions. The cons are the spread- out nature of the area, a lack of tourist transport, little nightlife, and limited shopping opportunities. Perhaps the last two are actually pros! Here is what makes the area appealing to me... Little Amazon At the Little Amazon entrance the sign says ‘Welcome to Thailand river jungle version of the Amazon. Here you will experience ancient Banyan trees, exotic animals, and other beauties Thai nature has to offer’. Perhaps this is overstating it a little bit but the one-hour trip in small inflatable canoes with a paddler/guide was fascinating.

You cruise slowly along a little river which winds gently through the swamp and you can see monkeys, egrets, monitors, mangrove snakes, and mud crabs. The huge banyan trees with their spreading roots are quite spectacular and majestic. Unfortunately, our trip was dampened by a heavy tropical downpour but in fine weather this would be a photographer’s paradise. Old Takua Pa town Well known to local tourists but largely shunned by foreigners, the old Sri Takua Pa district, located about 7km south of the main Takua Pa town, features picturesque old architecture that comes from Takua Pa’s glory days as a tin mining and port centre. Both sides of the main Si Takua Pa Road that bisects the old town are dotted with period buildings conspicuous by their Sino- Portuguese architecture, Chinese shrines and tea houses. The town seems to house mainly elderly people who sit chatting in front of their homes or walk or ride bicycles to the local market. It is very much a laid-back attraction but if history or architecture have any interest to you, it is easy to spend several hours wandering around absorbing the scene. Khao Lak beaches The Khao Lak beaches are the main reason why many people choose this tranquil area of Phang Nga Province as their holiday destination. Khao Lak Beach is the most southerly developed strip of

sand and this gives its name to the whole area from here to Banglut Beach many kilometres to the north. Stately trees line the edge of the beach and a headland blocks this beach from its neighbours to the north. The most peopled beach is Nang Thong Beach – La On Village. The half- dozen resorts that front the beach have sea-view pools so some guests don’t ever make it all the way to the sand. Bang Niang, immediately to the north, is the second most populous beach. There are a few longtail boats here, while resorts overlook the beach, and basic-but- cheap Thai restaurants and massage huts are found nearby. Further north again, Khuk Khak Beach, with only a couple resorts tucked among the pine trees and palm groves, runs north to Pakarang Cape. Police Boat Memorial Nothing brings home the power of the 2004 Tsunami better for me than seeing Police Boat 813 that was swept 2km inland and is still sitting on site, now as a memorial. This boat and another that sunk killing all on board was anchored about a kilometre out at sea as a protection to members of the Royal Family who were holidaying in Khao Lak at the time. Adjacent is a two-storey International Tsunami Museum created by an American university in association with the local authority. A visit here helps to put things in perspective and your entrance fee and anything you buy contributes to help the local community as most of the benefits go to victims. The Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Centre is further north near the coast in an area that suffered very badly. Unfortunately, this doesn’t appear to be well managed and some visitors are quite disappointed in the faded photographs and cracking concrete. Accommodation We stayed for several nights in the excellent Khao Lak Laguna Resort which fronts the Andaman Sea. The resort has villas and extremely large well-furnished rooms which are set in delightful gardens. There are several restaurants, a spa with excellent service, two beachfront swimming pools, gym, sports facilities and a lounge with evening entertainment. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and we expect the same could be said for other resorts in the same general area.

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Rev John Lavender

Nicole McMillan

www.gpa.church

Life is no accident, says Reverend John in the latest edition of his longrunning column... Accidents can be horrible things. Consider a car accident. There is the sound of screeching tyres. The impact of tearing metal. The crash of breaking glass. Then there is the pain of broken lives and often irreparable damage. Nobody likes a car accident. We don’t plan accidents. We don’t design them for a purpose. They are accidents. They are tragic and everyone wants to avoid them. It is interesting to consider then, that today, more and more people are making the claim that life is an accident. More and more people are claiming that this life is the result of some giant cosmic accident. They want to argue that this life is the result of billions of years of chance accidents. The Bible has completely the opposite message. Consider what Psalm 139 in the Bible has to say as the writer, David, reflects on the God who made him; “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise

pets

your

you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” Humanity, rather than being an accident, we are people made unique, special to God. God knows us. And He wants us to know and enjoy Him forever. Have a great weekend.

Practice Manager of Greencross Coreen Avenue

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dementia as they get older... After bringing us many years of love and joy, our dogs inevitably start to slow down and show their age. Dementia, also termed Brain Ageing or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), is sadly a fact of life for many ageing dogs. CCD is a degenerative neurological condition in dogs that is similar to dementia in humans. It results in a gradual and progressive loss of brain function. Unfortunately this disease is very common and at least 25 per cent of dogs older than 10 years of age show one of the signs associated with brain ageing. By 15 years of age, more than 60 per cent of dogs are affected by CCD. Behavioural changes are normally the first indication of brain ageing in dogs. Behavioural changes can also be due to behavioural problems or medical problems such as heart disease, pain and arthritis, incontinence, sensory problems (blindness or deafness), endocrine disease (eg diabetes), brain disease (eg cancer) or metabolic disease (eg renal failure). There are also some medications such as steroids and medicine for incontinence than can cause worsening of signs associ-

ated with CCD. It is essential that animals are examined by a veterinarian to rule out medical problems before a diagnosis of dementia is made. So what are the signs of CCD? As brain function declines, you may find that your animal becomes disorientated or confused, house training and other learned behaviours may be lost – for example, you may find your dog forgets where the food/water bowls are or starts to soil in the house. Interactions with family members and sleep patterns may change so you may find that your dog wakes up and paces through the night. Some animals may become anxious, agitated or irritable and some dogs will even develop aggression. What can we do about CCD? It is important that we rule out concurrent medical problems that can be contributing to your pet’s behaviour changes. This will involve a thorough examination to determine any sources of pain, checking the eyes and ears to make sure there are no sensory problems. Blood testing and imaging may also be required to check for underlying diseases. Adjusting the environment is also important in making older animals comfortable; you may need to leave a dim light on for toilet trips, section off unsafe areas of the house or leave soft music on when you are out.

the western weekender » Friday, May 24, 2019

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

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

Duplo Club North St Marys Monday 3.15-4.45pm

Lego Focus 8-12yrs Penrith Tuesday 3.30-5pm

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

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

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

All groups are facilitated by experienced disability staff. They are a great opportunity to be involved in a structured social program within a safe and non-judgemental environment. We aim to increase social development and to foster an inclusive and creative culture, to actively participate in the community.

Coreen Avenue Passionate about Pets Extended consulting hours Phone for an appointment Exclusive Cat Clinic including boarding Best Behaviour Puppy Programs Indoor Park with Hydrobath

Parents have the opportunity to receive resources and advice on strategies relating

Through attending a regular group both parents and children are able to build a supportive network of both formal and informal supports. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE LUKE PRIDDIS FOUNDATION PHONE: 02 4736 2202

EMAIL: GROUPS@LUKEPRIDDISFOUNDATION.COM

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to issues that may be of concern with a carer support environment.

Unit 2 & 3/117 Coreen Avenue, Penrith 4731 3055 | www.greencrossvet.com.au

5 Crana St, St Marys

9673 4047

Double your garage space without the headaches

S P A• S E R V I C E S For all your spa service needs Matt: 0407

700 981

 It’s entirely possible to double the storage capacity of a garage – and

you won’t have to apply for a building permit, dig into your floor or spend thousands of dollars constructing a new one. Hero Hoists offers a variety of automotive lifts and car hoists. Once seen only in mechanic’s bays, four-post automotive lifts are now available to the private home owner... and you can see some of their lifts in their new ‘working’ showroom/workshop located in Prestons. Essentially, a car lift allows one car – or any variety of other equipment such as small boats, surf and sailboards, ATVs, motorcycles, lawn equipment or anything that is getting in the way – to be stored above another vehicle. While Hero Hoists isn’t the first to market car lifts in Australia, they might be the first to take the units mainstream. Car lifts have gone from being used by enthusiasts and hobbyists – for routine maintenance or storing a car – to the general homeowner to help free up garage space. For example, they frequently hear from customers who have two or three cars, and a two-car garage. With a car lift, the bulk of the gear can be placed on the lift deck and raised above the floor. The second car – the one that often sat in the driveway – will fit underneath the equipment and inside the garage. The most popular is the Lift King 9. The unit operates on a standard household outlet of 240 volts (no special household wiring is required). The unit is electric over hydraulic, and the push of a button raises the car or other equipment. The lift deck locks automatically at 10 different heights, including the top position. The car lifts come pre-assembled in pieces requiring final assembly. You only need half a day, it’s relatively easy and requires no special skills, however Hero Hoists can arrange installation of their units if you prefer.

E: platinumspaservice@gmail.com www.platinumspaservices.com.au

WINTER WARMER BUFFET Saturday 1st June

Join us in the Miracle Mile Restaurant to embrace winter. Reserve your table to receive a complimentary glass of red wine or black beer on arrival.

$49 PER PERSON $44 FOR MEMBERS Racecourse Ave, Menangle Park (02) 4645 2200 clubmenangle.com.au WW35730

LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE EVENT?

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• Spa Filters • Chemicals • Spa Heaters • Maintenance • Friendly Advice • Service & Repair • Electronic Control Panels • Spa Pumps, Air & Water Jets / Blowers

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Great new facility opening soon! Bring in this ad for your first visit FREE OF CHARGE! 52 HARRIS STREET ST, MARYS Corner of Harris Street and Forrester Road

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