Western Weekender May 5 2023

Two police officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command have faced court over the alleged assault of a mentally ill woman in Emu Plains.

Nathan Black, 26, of Penrith, was charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm while in company’, ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit’, ‘intentionally etc publish or communicate protected information’, ‘intentionally record intimate image without consent etc’ and ‘intentionally

distribute intimate image without consent etc’.

Timothy Trautsch, 28, of Narellan, was also charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm while in company’. Their matters were briefly mentioned at

Black and Trautsch were responding to a concern for welfare incident at Emu Plains about 5.30pm on January 22, with a woman reported to be walking naked on Smith Street and suffering from mental health issues.

Decks to change

Deteriorating decks to be replaced by Penrith City Council

EMILY FESZCZUK

The deteriorating decks around the popular Jordan Springs Lake will be upgraded by Penrith City Council so the community can continue to enjoy the destination.

At Monday’s Ordinary Meeting, a tender for works by Wardrope & Carroll Pty Ltd for $165,610 was accepted to replace the four decks that were built approximately nine years ago, and that have been heavily used by visitors for fishing, picnics and lake viewing.

“The initial inspection results from January 2019 determined that the decking boards have failed as a result of continuous changes of severe weather, resulting in an increased rate of deterioration because of its existence over a waterway,” a report to Council said.

“This deterioration of deck platforms is now more evident according to the latest inspection in November 2022, the timber battens are rotting, resulting in many loose boards. The western deck has been temporarily closed since March 22, 2023, due to the missing timber boards.”

The timber boards are set to be switched out for new fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) panels.

It was noted that FRP panels are resistant to corrosion and light weight, which are suitable for the decking material situated over a

lake and after the lifecycle, the FRP panels can be recycled into road base or reinforced concrete, which makes it a more sustainable option for Council.

The report said that the extent of reinforcement required to the existing metal frames is unknown until the timber boards are removed.

A provisional sum of $20,000 in addition

Fine for man who stole skates

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

AColyton man who stole a pair of roller-skates has been fined $6800 and given a Community Corrections Order.

Jamie McAndrew, 36, fronted Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, April 26, charged with ‘intentionally or recklessly destroy/damage property’, ‘unlawful entry on prescribed lands’, ‘larceny’, ‘enter dwelling with intent’ and ‘unlawfully obtained goods (in/on premises)’.

According to a lengthy set of facts tendered to the court, he was the passenger in a black Kia Rio which entered the underground car park of a Penrith apartment building in the early hours of the morning of ANZAC Day in 2021.

It is alleged that McAndrew and his co-accused drove through the car park, stopping and slowing down as they passed visible storage cages.

Agreed facts state that the driver reversed into a disabled parking spot before stopping near the victim’s steel storage cage.

It is alleged that McAndrew got out of the car and walked along the steel cages before he opened one, leaving behind a broken steel padlock.

According to court documents, CCTV footage captured the accused looking inside a black plastic tub, picking up a pair of white roller-skates and placing them in the car.

NRL bans fan after Mitchell incident

The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued a ban to a fan who was accused of racially vilifying South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell at BlueBet Stadium in March.

The NRL confirmed late on Wednesday it had issued a notice intending to ban a spectator from attending NRL events until such time as the young person can establish that sufficient steps have been taken to address their behaviour.

“These steps will include apologising and completing appropriate training and education in respectful behaviour and cultural awareness,” the NRL said in a statement.

“The NRL thanks Latrell Mitchell for reporting this matter and reaffirms that no form of vilification will be tolerated in rugby league.” The spectator has five business days to respond to the notice.

The young fan, a 14-year-old wearing a Roosters jersey, was ejected from the ground for making a comment towards Mitchell in the Round 2 match between Penrith and Souths. He received a formal warning from NSW Police in the days that followed the incident, but was not charged.

On Wednesday, Panthers confirmed they supported the NRL’s decision.

to the material and labour rate have been allowed in the tender to minimise the financial risks.

Once the project begins, two decks will be closed to minimise disruption, while the other two are operated as usual.

The existing shade structures will also be refreshed with anti-corrosive paint to their frames.

“After working closely with the NRL throughout the investigation process, Panthers supports the decision made by the NRL,” the club said in a statement.

“Panthers will continue to work towards making all players, staff and fans feel safe and welcome at games at BlueBet Stadium.”

– Troy Dodds

McAndrew then got back in the car and they left the garage.

It is alleged that the victim called the police around 5.20pm the same day after another resident told her they noticed her storage cage was slightly open with the padlock broken on the ground nearby.

Court documents reveal that Scene of the Crime Officers commenced a DNA examination which found the fingerprint on the container matched an impression of McAndrew’s saved on the NSW Police database.

On June 1, 2021, police executed a search warrant at McAndrew’s Colyton home and found the jumper and track pants he was allegedly wearing at the time of the incident.

They also found a pair of ‘Bont’ roller-skates with orange wheels and a stolen iMac.

That same afternoon, the accused presented himself to Penrith Police Station where he was arrested.

When police showed McAndrew the CCTV footage and questioned him in relation to the incident, he denied any involvement.

When questioned in relation to the laptop, he told them, “I got it off a mate”.

In court, McAndrew was unrepresented when he told Magistrate Gregory Moore that he works as a fencer and landscaper.

He also told the court that has a partner and a number of dependents.

McAndrew was fined $6800 and given an 18-month Community Corrections Order.

He was also ordered to pay $920 in compensation for the roller-skates and padlock.

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Decks at Jordan Springs Lake are currently closed. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

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During the 1996 Federal Election campaign, the man who would become one of Australia’s most popular Prime Ministers sparked a phrase that would define the election.

“Howard’s battlers” were at the centre of the Coalition’s enormous win, and many western Sydney seats – including Lindsay –turned blue for the first time.

Many traditional Labor voters were won over by John Howard’s brand of politics, at a time when interest rates, migration and national security where high on the agenda.

They were hard roads in western Sydney back then. Mortgage holders just trying to get by, starting families and moving into new communities like Glenmore Park, while South Penrith and Jamisontown became hubs where a generation of kids grew up.

The disconnect between east and west was at its peak.

Penrith was suburbia at its stereotypical best. A big night out was a visit to the Black Stump or the Beef and Barramundi, which sat close to the Nepean River but took no advantage of potential water views.

A birthday celebration was at the Top One or Oz Family Restaurants and chain pizza restaurants ruled.

I grew up in this Penrith; a Penrith in which a visit to the beach felt like a holiday and you were told you needed to get out to ever really succeed and make good money.

“Howard’s battlers” defined an election that was held 27 years ago.

In those 27 years, Penrith and western Sydney has grown up. So did those battlers, and their families.

And while I accept times are still tough for some, and there will always be those who struggle, family life looks a lot different for many based in the west these days.

Families have two cars, a little bit of money in the bank and enjoy nights out for more than just the odd special occasion.

Work is different and varied; Sydney being more connected than ever before has meant barriers to bigger and better positions are not as troublesome as they once were. And indeed it may be that the “battlers”

have been reversed. While city dwellers struggle with ridiculously high rents and are mortgaged to the hilt, the burden is a little looser on those who’ve set up their lives in western Sydney.

Anyone who lives in western Sydney knows we’ve been through pretty significant change, and are closer to the type of life you’d find in the city than ever before.

Restaurants that you once never would have seen in Penrith are thriving. Bars, too. There is a business community that is only strengthening.

A trip to the city can take 45 minutes, if not less, and no longer feels like a mammoth effort.

We know this in the west, but I’m not sure anybody else does.

In fact I’m convinced politicians still think “Howard’s battlers” remain, just waiting for them to save the day.

Politicians talk about western Sydney and “working families” as if we’re another class of people struggling to rub two coins together while we watch four free-to-air TV channels and wait for the dial-up Internet to kick in.

“Howard’s battlers” and their kids have changed.

This belief that western Sydney is somehow “out there” and that you need gimmicks to win us over, or to convince us that you know what living here is like.

I’m convinced that politicians never truly meet the “modern Penrith” even when they do spend time on the ground, with carefully curated visits to people who suit the particular issue being addressed; issues that while important, are not necessarily the best example of how far the city has come and the conversations being had around the dinner table.

And it’s not just politicians who haven’t moved on from thinking the west hasn’t evolved in 27 years.

Many big businesses remain oblivious to the disposable income that exists in regions such as ours; indeed some believe that Penrith is some regional outpost and not part of the greater Sydney area.

Major retailers open Penrith-based stores but fail to stock them with the quality of locations further east. When the sales aren’t great, they blame the area and not their lack of understanding of it.

Perhaps it was once embarrassing to say you were from the west; now it’s embarrassing if you’re from the city but have almost zero knowledge of the most cosmopolitan, exciting and advanced part of Sydney.

And there are so many people in that boat.

You come across them everywhere: at work, where being based in the CBD or eastern suburbs has provided an echo chamber for many working in PR, at advertising agencies or in corporate Australia.

The amount of businesses who concentrate so much of their marketing and promotions in the city when their core audience is actually from western Sydney never surprises, but constantly baffles.

Money left on the table.

And in everyday life, it seems like so many in the city still believe Penrith is as “far away” as it was 27 years ago when John Howard was pounding the pavement.

They are completely oblivious to the reality that while their own worlds evolved, so did the west – at a more rapid rate.

Western Sydney is already winning. We’ve arrived at the destination so many politicians and those in the corporate world still think it is trying to get to.

“Western Sydney has already arrived at the destination so many think it is trying to get to”

Apopular dog training and doggy day care company will have tails wagging at its new expanded facility in Castlereagh.

Animal Wellness and Behaviour was started by Chloe Finnie three years ago after seeing a gap in the industry.

The business has recently moved to 73 Church Street, Castlereagh and has a Development Application (DA) with Penrith City Council currently on public exhibition to change the use to an animal training establishment.

“We do everything from puppies to basic obedience to lifestyle skills so off leash and loose lead walking then the behavioural side which is reactivity, anxiety and aggression,” Finnie said.

“About six months into starting I noticed a lot of dogs’ trauma had resonated from incidents within dog parks so I decided to open our day care where they can have safe socialisation, train and learn in a safe space and we give the owners feedback on how they went, all in a controlled environment.”

The Statement of Environmental Effects says that the site is for weekday only day training with the dogs able to stay there from one to eight hours depending on the service the

owner chooses. Owners are to drop their dogs off between 8.30am and 9.30am and all dogs must be picked up by 5.30pm. With client growth bringing the need for more space, Finnie said the five-acre site is well secured with sub-divided spaces for individual training spaces.

“We have a number of different paddocks and under cover areas to train out of, and run our classes,” she said.

“Within the next month we will be offering the back space out for hire for people who want a safe and enclosed area for their dogs to run and play that isn’t a dog park where

they can risk being attacked or catching any diseases.”

The doggy day care component of the business is also unique, providing structured days for the dogs.

“It is mainly people who work and don’t want to leave dogs at home or for those dogs that need a bit more of an outlet to socialise, so we normally get about 20 to 25 dogs a day,” she said.

“It is definitely a structured day care, so they learn how to chill out around other dogs, we do training with them, and they get to play safely while our staff monitor and watch very closely making sure everything is safe and going well.”

With 13 staff and clients travelling from all around Sydney, the service also conducts behavioural assessments for dangerous dogs, and works to prevent them being euthanised and instead, rehomed if suitable.

Finnie said the neighbouring properties have been consulted about the operations and have been welcoming.

“We are very big on training the owner and not necessarily the dog because if you have the skills, you will be confident to handle any dog no matter the situation,” she said.

“The community out here has been great so far and our clients are amazing. They are always helping each other and we do free pack walks every Sunday.”

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“Selfless lady” killed in chaotic scenes near hospital car park

Aloved mother and grandmother has been identified as one of the two people who died after a tragic incident near the car park of Nepean Hospital last Thursday afternoon.

About 3.20pm on Thursday, April 27 emergency services were called to the hospital near Parker Street, Kingswood, following reports of a crash.

A police spokesperson said that officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were told on arrival that a 55-year-old woman had allegedly reversed her car into another car, before accelerating and hitting a 59-yearold female pedestrian.

“The driver and pedestrian were both assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, they were pronounced dead at the scene,” the spokesperson said.

“The driver of the other car – a 23-year-old woman – was treated by hospital staff for shock.”

The pedestrian has been identified as 59-year-old Melinda Nicholls, who was visiting the hospital.

On a GoFundMe page, which has since been set up following the accident, Nicholls’ son Bill Collison said the family is trying to “function day to day” after losing their family member.

“She (Nicholls) left behind two sons, four grandchildren and an ex-husband of 25 years who was her best friend for 50 years and so many friends who are at a complete loss,” Collison said.

“Our mother was a selfless lady. Her only goal in life was to help people and be a grandmother.”

The family is hoping to raise $15,000 for a funeral.

“The whole family is at a complete loss [and] we are in a financial crisis at the moment. We would be very much appreciative of any help that people can provide please help us

celebrate our beautiful mother’s life and give her the send-off she deserves,” Collison said.

The driver has not yet been named, but police have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Several police officers were at the scene on Thursday afternoon following the first responders, with a large white sheet covering the vehicle, which was still crashed into the side of the hospital building until being removed later.

While the hospital remained operational during the emergency, people were asked to avoid the area where possible.

A hospital staff member, who did not want to be named, told the Weekender that word of the incident spread quickly internally.

“We heard that the woman driving may have suffered from a medical episode that caused it all,” the staff member said.

“Our head of department rang us pretty quickly to say to not go out the west block exit, so we didn’t have it see it. The whole thing is very sad for all those involved.”

CCTV footage of the incident is understood to be available and will form a crucial part of the investigation.

Melinda Nicholls was killed last week.

Photo: Facebook.

The scene at Nepean Hospital. Photo: Nine News.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Dam plan flooded away

State Government confirms

Amuch-debated plan to raise the Warragamba Dam wall has been scrapped by the NSW Government but protecting low lying areas from future flood events is still front of mind for many.

The Minns Labor Government has decided not to proceed with plans to raise the wall by 14 metres due to concerns about the cost, heritage and the environment.

“We went into the election saying any unfunded commitments of the previous government would be reviewed and this was unfunded, and we’ve always raised concerns about the effectiveness of it,” Penrith MP Karen McKeown said.

“There were too many questions which were not answered, and First Nations heritage areas were at risk and to lose the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area listing would just be catastrophic for our area.

“We can now look at options for each location with a flood levee planned for Peachtree Creek and further down towards the Hawkesbury in consultation with effected parties and experts.”

Former Penrith MP Stuart Ayres was among those behind the push to raise the wall.

Long-time Warragamba campaigner Harry Burkitt said it is now time for Labor to implement its promised flood mitigation measures.

with raising Warragamba Dam wall

that experience flooding, despite what the previous government claimed.

“Over 1200 Indigenous sites would have been destroyed had it gone ahead,” Brown told the Weekender

“The dam runs into the Nepean below Wallacia and the flooding at Wallacia comes from Camden, so the water from the dam makes very little difference to Wallacia anyway.”

Aaron Batten from Llandilo agreed that other measures are needed to assist with localised flooding.

“We are flooded by South Creek which has seen an increase of storm water channelling by many local councils without any sort of improvement to the creek itself,” Batten told the Weekender

“These systems need to be widened, made deeper or whatever works are required to allow for increased water flow caused by the increase in storm water deviation into them or by water released from the dam.”

However, Londonderry resident Antony Crowe disagrees with the decision after having his home flooded three times.

“We are very pleased with the announcement that they won’t be proceeding, although we do await the Development Application to be formally withdrawn by WaterNSW,” he said.

“We welcome Labor’s pre-election promise of $225 million to put towards flood mitigation measures in the valley because we need

to stop development, put evacuation roads in place and look at levees and managing the existing dam to mitigate floods.”

Indigenous local Kazan Brown is also happy with the outcome after working with others to stop the potential destruction of her Gundungurra heritage in the valley and does not think the proposal would help local areas

“I don’t understand the economic reasoning behind not building the dam wall higher. Surely it costs more economically, socially, and environmentally to not build it,” Crowe said.

“Environmentally it makes no sense to me either. We flood an area that’s uninhabited or we flood an area where people live.”

Warragamba Dam has been the subject of much political discussion in recent times.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Administration

Penrith Office

Civic Centre, 601 High Street. St Marys Office

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open

8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

council@penrith.city

Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city

Services

Waste Services 4732 7777

Illegal Dumping

Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

Graffiti Hotline

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

29 May – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city

visitpenrith.com.au

Have Your Say

on Council’s Operational Plan and Fees and Charges document

The documents will be on exhibition from 5 May to 1 June

Online: yoursaypenrith.com.au

/draftoperationalplan2023-24

In person:

Penrith Civic Centre, Penrith City Library and St Clair Library

Council Briefs

● Looking for the perfect gift for Mum? Join us on Sunday, 14 May 2023 from 8.30am-12pm at Harold Corr Oval in Cambridge Park for our annual Trees for Mum! We’ve divided the day into 30-minute sessions with registrations essential to help our Bushcare team provide enough plants for all participants. We’re celebrating 16 years of this beloved event – don’t miss out! Find out more and register at penrith.city/events

● Penrith ClubGRANTS are open for applications from local Penrith not-for-profit organisations and charities that work on projects that address specific community welfare and social services, community development, health services and employment assistant activities.

ClubGRANTS enables Registered Clubs in Penrith to financially support local organisations and charities in delivering projects to the community. The application period closes Friday, 19 May 2023.

Find out more at penrith.city/grants

● Penrith City Council is planning an important upgrade to six intersections along the Coreen Avenue corridor, between Castlereagh Road and Lemongrove Road, to improve traffic flow, travel times and safety for road users.

The $13 million upgrade includes new and upgraded signalised intersections with four-lane carriageways, new and upgraded roundabouts, additional street lighting, and new and upgraded walking paths and pedestrian refuge islands. The community is invited to provide feedback on the upgrade design before 5pm Friday 19 May 2023 at yoursaypenrith.com.au/coreenavenueupgrade or via email to coreenavenueupgrade@penrith.city

This upgrade is funded by the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan – Local Roads Package.

● St Marys Lights Up like never before on Saturday, 20 May from 4–9pm. A festival of fun awaits as Queen Street hosts roving performers, live music, amusement rides, creative workshops, food trucks and much more. This event is free – including the amusement rides!

A range of food trucks providing delicious snacks and dinner treats will satisfy your taste buds, why not enjoy your food in Coachmans Park as live music plays on stage. You won’t want to miss it!

For more information go to penrith.city/events

Public Exhibition

Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy. The draft Policy outlines the governance framework and reporting requirements for the implementation of the Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Scheme for Glenmore Park Stage 3 and Orchard Hills North.

The draft Policy and supporting information are on public exhibition until Friday, 19 May 2023. The documents can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by Friday, 19 May 2023 by:

• Email: city.planning@penrith.city

• Post: The General Manager (Attention: Kathryn Sprang) Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

Please include a subject line indicating ‘Draft Affordable Rental Housing Contribution Implementation Policy’ in emails and letters. For further enquiries: Please contact Kathryn Sprang, Senior Planner on 4732 7834 or email city.planning@penrith.city

Public Notice

Section 38B Roads Act 1993 – Proposed Road Closing

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council proposes to close the Council public road listed in Schedule 1. Schedule 1: Portion of Castlereagh Road Penrith. The location of the road is identified in the map below outlined in blue. The road currently is constructed as the carpark servicing the Lion Dairy Factory off Castlereagh Road accessed from Museum Drive.

Upon closure of the road, Council intends to classify the land as operational and investigate future opportunities.

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 28 days of the date of this notice.

For all enquiries: Please contact Laura Gray, Development Manager on 4732 7777 or laura.gray@penrith.city

penrith.city

Treatment cost slashed

Medicine for chronic bowel disease earns PBS listing, making access affordable

being on the road and away from home.”

Penrith resident Susan Brosz was first diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in 2001 – a chronic bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, and one of the two main inflammatory bowel diseases alongside Crohn’s disease.

Now at 63-years-old, she said the disease has made her life extremely complicated, forcing her to step away from many of the things she loves to do.

“UC is very uncomfortable and unpredictable. It makes me frightened to leave home, because I never know when a food or situation could cause the disease to flare up. Sometimes I need to visit the bathroom 26 times a day during a flare up,” she said.

“I used to love road running, but I can’t do that anymore. I just use a treadmill at home. I’ve lost confidence with

Though she’s been able to manage her diagnosis by fasting when necessary and staying as fit and active as possible with her eight grandchildren, Brosz said it wasn’t until a new treatment popped up last year that her struggles finally eased.

“After exhausting all available treatment options, I was facing surgery to help manage my UC,” she said.

“Fortunately, I started a new UC treatment option last year which has helped me lift many of my diet and lifestyle-related restrictions.”

Now, more people like Brosz are set to experience some relief, with newly reimbursed treatment option ZEPOSIA (ozanimod) now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from Monday, May 1, significantly cutting the cost of treatment.

With an estimated 33,000 Aussies currently living with UC, and the need for multiple treatment options extremely

common, gastroenterologist, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Service Lead, and Crohn’s Colitis Cure board member, Professor Susan Connor has openly supported this reimbursement.

“Ulcerative Colitis is a

Development Consent/s Determined

chronic, life-long, inflammatory bowel disease with no cure. It is also a young person’s disease, which is most commonly diagnosed between 15 to 25 years of age,” she said.

“This means people are

living with symptoms of the disease for decades, which can change and worsen over time. As clinicians, we welcome today’s reimbursement of another treatment option for Australians living with Ulcerative Colitis.”

As a strong advocate for those living with UC, Brosz has also welcomed the reimbursement, in hopes that others will feel the same relief she has.

“People living with UC require multiple different treatment options as we all respond differently to various medications. Government reimbursement of medications makes them more accessible, especially for Australians on a low income,” Brosz said.

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

Approved Development Applications

• Luke Tyler Fornasier Mod23/0052

Lot 250 DP 815531,1 Irruka Place, Cranebrook Modification of DA22/0874

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd DA23/0103

Lot 4246 DP 1234611, 15 Sailor Street, Jordan Springs

In-ground swimming pool

• Diane Gay Pelle CD23/0003

Lot 5091 DP 260508, 33 Timesweep Drive, St Clair

Demolition of existing concrete in ground swimming pool

• Enviroguard Pty Ltd

Mod22/0198

Lot 4 DP 1094504, 50A Quarry Road, Erskine Park

Section 4:55(2) modification to an approved Leachate Treatment Plant

• The Learning Jungle Pty Ltd

DA22/1212

Lot 48A Sec C DP 1573, 139 Victoria Street, Werrington

Alterations and additions to an existing childcare centre and increase capacity to 80 x children

• Ramnik DA23/0145

Lot 1 SP 83479, 32 Swamphen Street, Erskine Park

Alterations and additions to existing dual occupancy dwelling

• Jacob Andrew Marchant DA23/0114

Lot 4023 DP 713869, 23 Palomino Road, Emu Heights Shed

• Clarendon Homes DA22/0892

Lot 8 DP 1209152, 156 Church Lane, Castlereagh

Single storey dwelling, installation of an OSSM System and 88b variation

• Irresistible Pools & Spas DA23/0128

Lot 2 DP 1020587, 30–34 South Street, Glenmore Park

Demolition of existing swimming pool and construction of In-ground swimming pool

• Paula Micallef DA23/0203

Lot 14 DP 243554, 191–201 Chain-O-Ponds Road, Mulgoa

Demolition of existing pool and construction of In-ground swimming pool

• Outback Pools Pty Ltd DA23/0103

Lot 4246 DP 1234611, 15 Sailor Street, Jordan Springs

In-ground swimming pool

Refused Development Application

• Baini Design DA22/1188

Lot 20 DP 206813 and Lot 21 DP 206813, 36 Leonard Street, Colyton

Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a child care facility x 102 children with basement parking and associated works

Viewing of Development Applications

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

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

Ulcerative Colitis can cause severe abdominal pain.

Penrith local Susan Brosz.

What better way to spoil your Mum than with a trio of gorgeous Aussie brand Skin Virtue products, created by a Sydney mum and loved by celebrities.

Nina Gajic developed the hugely popular Skin Virtue range after suffering from problem prone skin as a teenager – and now the luxury range is fast becoming every woman’s must-have skin care routine.

The range was designed for sensitive skin and is suitable for all skin types. It promotes elasticity and suppleness to reduce visible signs of skin ageing, soothing and calming inflamed skin for a firmer and more luminous looking complexion.

“Aussie women need to focus on the health of their skin and create a night-time routine before bed to properly protect the skin they were born with, no matter how problematic it might be,” Gajic said.

You can win Skin Virtue’s best-selling Hydration Essential set, valued at $310,

paceway winners lucky

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

I

TEN SPY

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

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

with a smart white vanity bag. The Skin Virtue Hydration Essential set contains products that work to deeply rehydrate, visually firm and plump up dehydrated skin, calming itchy, flaky and sensitive skin

It suits all skin types – those with oilier skin need hydration to help combat oiliness, and Mums with dry skin benefit from hydration to nourish skin cells.

The Skin Virtue range creates healthy skin through a synergy of science and nature.

Find out more at skinvirtue.com.

The Weekender has a Skin Virtue Hydration Essential set, valued at $310, to give away. For your chance to win, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Virtue’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, May 11 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0232, 0301, 0707.

The reason Penrith’s Great River Walk remains in state of disrepair

EMILY FESZCZUK

The impact of the recent year’s flooding events can be seen all along the banks of the Nepean River, particularly along the Great River Walk near Penrith Weir.

While a section of the track has been seemingly forgotten, Penrith City Council insists that is it working behind the scenes to address serious safety issues.

Long-time Penrith resident Kathy Briggs, who tries to walk down near Nepean Rowing Club as much as she can, said she has been “ashamed” to see the state of disrepair the section is in.

“I am a bit older so I prefer walking my dog there as it is quieter but near the weir has been ravaged by the elements and the once structurally sound bridges have been left by Council, covered in fallen branches and cracked footpaths making it a sorry sight,” Briggs said.

“The signs have been damaged and not replaced and there is a ‘beware of snakes’ sign, which is the first I’ve seen in over 30 years living here but I think it is due to the vegetation that has been allowed to cover the fencing and encroach onto the path.”

A Penrith Council spokesperson said that severe flooding from repeated flood events in 2021 and 2022 has damaged sections of

the Great River Walk, which remain unsafe to open to the public.

“Council is working with the Office of Emergency Management to access Disaster Recovery Funding, which will enable repairs to be carried out,” the spokesperson said.

“The extensive nature of the repairs requires specialist geotechnical and structural assessment, of which there is a state-wide shortage given the widespread flooding the state has suffered in recent times.”

Plans and other related documents

Churches host The Main Event

required for the work have been submitted to the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) for approval, but it is not yet known when sign-off will be given.

For now, locals are being advised to follow the safety guidelines and avoid the area.

“Safety barriers have been put in place to prevent access to the damaged and unstable area,” the spokesperson said.

“It is important that the community adheres to the closure to prevent injury to themselves and others while the area is closed.”

Briggs hopes that work to repair the area begins sooner rather than later.

“What was once an inviting walk offering views of our beautiful Nepean River, bird watching and people walking their dogs is now a saddened state of affairs blocked off to the public,” she said.

“I know that people will go around the fence because I have seen walkers and bike riders climb over the tree that has been down across the bridge for months so hopefully they clean it up soon so people can enjoy it again.”

This weekend, local churches in Penrith will be coming together for The Main Event with the goal of sharing the message of hope, value and purpose with the local community.

Kim Horan is part of One Church, which has been organising the important event. Though she notes that similar events have been held previously, there hasn’t been a collaboration like this locally in over 20 years, with The Main Event set to spread hope throughout the city.

“It means having a place that people might come to when they might not normally go to church to see what it’s about,” she said.

“We’re really trying to reach people with that message of hope, and the message of value and purpose, and to bring that good news out that there is something more.”

The event, which will kick off on Friday, May 5, consists of six days of worship, praise

and music. One of Australia’s leading evangelists, Tim Hall, along with his wife Jacque, will also be bringing their forthright and anointed preaching to the event in hopes of adding to the millions they have impacted.

“Often, what seems to happen at these events is that people get a fresh revelation about God,” Horan said.

“There’s often prayer at the end of it, and there has been a history of events like this where people do report that they’ve been healed.”

Most importantly, Horan said the event, which will be held at the Penrith Paceway, is all about the coming together of churches to reach the community and invest in local people regardless of the stage they are at in their lives.

“It’s right in the centre of town, people will be able to see it and hopefully people get curious, and people who need to connect and want to explore faith can come and check it out,” she said.

Visit themaineventpenrith.com.au.

Part of the Great River Walk has been blocked off. Photo: Melinda Jane. A tree blocking part of the Great River Walk. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

A huge tent at Penrith Paceway is the home of The Main Event this weekend.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Woman with lifetime ban from shops turns up the next day

A woman has been charged after shoplifting in St Marys.

About 12.55pm on Thursday, April 27, police were patrolling a supermarket within a shopping centre in St Marys.

It is alleged that a 32-year-old Hebersham woman entered the store, selected items and a short time later went through the self-serve check out whilst failing to pay for some of the items.

Staff spoke to her before police attended, and she allegedly had a previous banning notice for the location.

It is alleged that when the woman spoke about this banning notice, she informed officers that she was issued a lifetime banning notice from the location, the day prior.

The woman was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 18.

Penrith: Woman busted with goods suspected of being stolen

A woman has been charged after allegedly stealing in Penrith.

About 3pm on Thursday, April 27, police were patrolling a supermarket within a shopping centre in Penrith.

Police were approached by staff at the location in relation to a woman who was suspected of stealing goods.

Officers had a conversation with a 23-yearold Werrington Downs woman.

The 23-year-old and her pram were searched where numerous items that were suspected of being stolen were allegedly located.

Some items were not sold by the supermarket and police found that the items were allegedly stolen from a nearby newsagency.

The woman was charged and will appear before Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 25.

Penrith: Man who crashed into parked car was six times over legal limit

A man has been charged with high range drink driving and negligent driving in Penrith.

About 10.55am on Sunday, April 30, it is alleged that a 34-year-old Jordan Springs man was driving on Doonmore Street, Penrith when he collided with a parked car and drove off.

The owner of the damaged vehicle contacted police and the 34-year-old allegedly returned to the scene of the accident to

exchange details. He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.304.

The man’s licence was suspended, and he was charged.

He will appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 25.

Penrith: Teens charged over bizarre incident near police station

Two people have been charged with driving offences and mid-range drink driving in Penrith.

About 1.10am on Tuesday, May 2 police exited the Police Station on High Street, Penrith when they saw a man and woman on a motor scooter on the wrong side of the road.

The man was allegedly yelling offensive comments at the officers as they passed.

It is alleged that the pair were not wearing helmets and it appeared as though the woman who was the pillion passenger was filming the incident on her phone.

The 17-year-old Cranebrook youth drove over the pedestrian island at speed and the vehicle become airborne, causing him to lose control and crash near a nearby driveway.

It is alleged that the pair began to run, and police apprehended the 17-year-old and an 18-year-old Cranebrook woman.

Both parties were arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station.

The youth was submitted to a breath test, which proved positive.

He underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.108.

He was charged before being bail refused and will appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

The woman was charged and will front Penrith Local Court at a later date.

Cranebrook: Teen charged after taking police on chase

A teenager has been charged after leading police on a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car.

Just before 11am on Thursday, April 27 police received a report of a car stolen from Mercator Crescent, Willmot.

A short time later, officers attached to Mount Druitt Police District attempted to stop a blue Ford Focus on Palmyra Ave, Willmot.

The car was monitored through a number of suburbs, before coming to a stop in Cedarwood Crescent, Cranebrook.

The 17-year-old boy fled the scene but was caught, arrested and charged.

with Daniel McKinnon

CHANGES TO HOME GUARANTEE PLAN

The Federal Government is widening the eligibility criteria for the first home guarantee/home guarantee scheme.

The scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a property with as little as five per cent deposit without having to pay lenders mortgage insurance because the Government essentially acts as a guarantor for up to 15 per cent of the value of the property.

Without getting into the minute detail, generally speaking a borrower will need to pay lenders mortgage insurance which often is in the many tens of thousands of dollars if they do not have at least 20 per cent of the value of the property they are purchasing in savings/as a deposit.

Traditionally to qualify a buyer had to be an individual or party to a marriage or de facto relationship, an Australian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and be earning up to $125,000 for individuals or $200,000 for couples.

The scheme was also open to first home buyers who had not previously owned or had an interest in property in Australia in their lives.

Whilst structurally the scheme will remain as is, more people will be eligible from July 1 2023.

The changes include:

• Family and friends being able to team up to buy a first home as opposed to the scheme being limited to only parties to a de facto relationship or marriage;

• Legal guardians of children now being eligible to apply (as opposed to the more strict eligibility criteria of being a “single parent”), meaning those who have guardianship of children who would otherwise not qualify as they are not the biological parent thereof can access the scheme;

• Australian permanent residents being included as eligible applicants instead of just citizens.

The scheme will also widen to allow people who have not owned a property in 10 years or more to have access to the scheme recognising that often people are forced out of property ownership due to things like financial crisis or the breakdown of a relationship (for example divorce).

There are price caps for eligible properties, with the Home Guarantee Scheme First Home Guarantee Facts Sheet describing the intention of the price caps to “assist in the purchase or construction of a modest home”.

The price caps in New South Wales are $900,000 for properties in capital cities and regional centres and $750,000 in the rest of the State.

There is no indication from the Government currently that it intends to increase existing price caps.

If you are planning on buying a property soon, don’t forget an experienced conveyancer is one of your best assets.

COPS ACCUSED OF SICKENING ASSAULT

Story continued from » p. 1

The 49-year-old woman received injuries during her interaction with the officers.

Black and Trautsch are accused of beating the woman, stomping on her and using excessive capsicum spray.

Court documents also alleged that Black recorded the woman without consent and shared the official police body worn footage.

The incident was captured on CCTV.

The pair were charged on March 16, following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged actions of the constable and senior constable.

Since then, Black and Trautsch have been suspended without pay and are not on duty with the police.

On Monday, the court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had taken over the case from the police prosecutors.

Both men were represented by Paul James from Operational Legal Australia.

Magistrate Fiona Toose agreed to a six week adjournment, standing the matter over for brief compliance.

Black and Trautsch were also excused from attending court on the next occasion.

The matter will return to Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 30.

Same People, New Name!

We are excited to announce that we have changed our business name from LJ Hooker Commercial Penrith to InFocus Commercial Real Estate.

This change reflects our commitment to better serve our customers and improve our brand identity. Our new name represents the growth and evolution of our business, and we believe it better reflects our mission to provide exceptional service and quality products to our customers.

We want to assure you that this change will not impact our day-to-day operations or the quality of service you have come to expect from us. Our team remains dedicated to providing you with the same level of professionalism, expertise, and excellence that you have come to rely on. Our telephone number, agents mobile numbers and location have not changed. But we have updated our website with our new business name and you can now find us at www.infocus.sydney

We appreciate your support and loyalty, and we look forward to continuing to serve you under our new business name. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Over 100 years of combined experience in Western Sydney!

WW50710

Phone: 02 4731 3399

Email: penrith@infocus.sydney

Website: www.infocus.sydney

Address: 16 Lawson Street, Penrith NSW 2750

Postal: PO BOX 390, Penrith NSW 2751

Shop local and find the perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you might be wondering what to get the most important women in your life. The good news is, you don’t have to look too far to find the perfect gift, with plenty of options right on your doorstep.

For someone who loves to be spoiled

What Mum doesn’t love to be pampered?

Having recently celebrated their 40th birthday, Australia’s oldest family-owned soap maker Clover Fields can’t be beaten when it comes to sudsy goodness.

Pick out her favourite scents from their wide range of bar and liquid soaps, or get creative with a combination of other body products and bathroom accessories. Plus, if you want to have a smell for yourself before buying, you can head down to their store on Peachtree Road in Penrith, where they stock their full range.

For someone who loves a night at the movies

Sometimes, there’s no better gift than quality time, and there’s no better place to spend it at than Hoyts Penrith.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, there will be a great line-up of new releases on offer, with both tickets and gift cards available now to purchase online, or in-person at the cinema.

For someone who loves an activity with a twist

Taking a trip to Pinot & Picasso with Mum is the best way to bond whilst learning a new skill.

The final spots for their Mother’s Day sessions are on sale now, or book for a future date (and make sure you don’t skimp out on the bubbly!)

For someone who likes variety

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, wrapped up and ready in a Big Bad Box, these premium gift packs are just what you’re looking for.

Big Bad Box, based in Cranebrook, is stocking hampers with contents ranging from

chocolate to wine and custom glassware. Big Bad Box will be holding pop-up shops at Nepean Village this Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 for all your last-minute shopping needs. Hampers can also be purchased on their website, but be quick, as the cut-off date for custom gifts is Monday, May 8.

For someone who loves a good meal

Penrith has a host of incredible restaurants which would be perfect for a family dinner or date night to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Though they don’t have a special on for the big day this year, Checho’s on High Street will be offering gift cards which would be the perfect treat for Mum – especially if she loves Margaritas!

For someone who needs some peace and quiet

If your Mum needs a break from ‘Mum life’, the best gift of all is to leave her alone!

Hoyts gift cards.

Big Bad Box. Photo: Sensor Studios & Hive Media.

Margaritas at Checho’s.

CASSIDY

The biggest pizza in town

This is a pizza: The St Marys eatery that says its pizza may be largest in Australia

CASSIDY PEARCE

Certified Pizza Bar in St Marys has launched what might just be Australia’s biggest round pizza.

The pizza, which has a 30-inch diameter, has always been a dream for Mark Jajo, who came up with the idea with his brother years ago.

“We have always said that we wanted to make a big pizza for the boys who’ll come and eat, and then a few months ago I called someone who works with metal to get a custom-made pan – I got two just in case,” he said.

After ordering the pan, which was the biggest size that could fit in his 32-inch conveyor oven, Jajo discovered he might just be onto something.

“I looked into it and I don’t think anyone in Sydney has a 30-inch round pizza, they have square pizzas,” he said.

“I just thought, ‘Since when is pizza square!’, and it made me want to make one myself, and just see what happens with it.”

Stating that the pizza generally feeds eight to 10 people – six if you have a big appetite – Jajo notes that it isn’t for the faint of heart.

“I once had a slice, and I couldn’t even finish it,” he said.

Since launching the pizza on social media just a few weeks ago at $95 for four flavours and a bottle of drink, Jajo said the response has been incred ible, with groups of friends and families alike

DEAR WEEKENDER

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Netball’s participation problem

Netball has had a solo market base for a long period of time, now other forms of female sports are growing it’s only natural that netball will see a decline in participation but I feel it will not be damaging to the sport in the community (Netball faces challenges, Weekender April 28). Every year basketball sees a participation decline in winter due to players playing other winter sports. Biggest advantage basketball has over netball is that basketball is a all year round sport that sees a participation increase over the summer competition.

MARK

COSTELLO, VIA FACEBOOK

Sport needs a shake-up

We also need a new generation of leaders within clubs. A local netball club does not need tens of thousands of dollars in a bank account. It should be helping with rego costs, uniforms and not charging players “fundraising fees” on top of rego and umpiring fees. Clubs hand out trophies and awards for tenure. It’s a women’s sport yet taking a year off to have a baby means your time starts over again and you don’t qualify. It’s a joke. I registered this year for my 11th season (or second according to my club) but I just don’t see myself continuing next year if things don’t start changing. I love my sport but it’s really not keeping up with the times. Taking the national competition off free to air TV also doesn’t help.

ALLANA MASON, VIA FACEBOOK

Getting it right

Thank you for using capitals in your Editorial – ANZAC (Editor’s Desk, Weekender

April 21). Most of the printed media is using Anzac and it really offends me as I am a Kiwi and my Dad served, was wounded and had a bullet in his leg for 43 years before they removed it when he had a hip replacement and found the casing had dissolved into the muscle of his upper leg. He was on the NZ Executive of RSA and represented NZ on two occasions on ANZAC Day over here. Most people just read it and don’t even notice but I cringe every time.

COLENE TAYLOR, EAST BLAXLAND

Dog swings into action to help

When an elderly friend I was visiting recently collapsed on the floor in front of me, before I could even bend down to check her before calling an ambulance, my English Cocker Spaniel rushed over and started her own form of ‘resuscitation’, i.e. she rubbed my friend’s face all over with her own, using her own nose breathed into her nostrils, and still using her nose kept nudging her under the chin, she also put her front paws on my friends chest. I’ve owned dogs for many years but never, ever seen anything like what occurred. Thankfully my friend has recovered, and I am grateful that ‘both of us’ were there and able to assist her.

GABRIELLE MORAN, VIA EMAIL

Panthers criticism is unfair

Tall Poppy Syndrome running hot against Penrith I see. Isn’t it strange that Aussies don’t like winners and are always trying to pull the top ones off their pedestal. Just congratulate the winner for doing a good job but don’t run down the losing team .

KERRILYN MCGAULEY, VIA FACEBOOK

coming along to enjoy a meal. Currently, the pizza is only available to eat in, with take home boxes made to fit it currently being shipped in from overseas.

“It’s mostly friends, mostly my friends, too,” he said.

“It’s also a lot of people from social media will share it or tag their friends and they’ll all come

Response has been so positive, in fact, that customers have been travelling from all over Sydney to see just what a 30-inch pizza looks

“A lot of people have come from even outside the Penrith area, from the south and the east to come and eat, so it’s pretty cool,” he said.

With such a big pizza, Jajo promises that there is an eating challenge on the way. But, despite the extra manual labour of having to roll out 2kg of dough by hand, he says he’s just enjoying seeing groups come together to eat at his venue and enjoy the novelty of the area’s biggest pizza.

“It’s just really fun to make, I love doing it,” he said.

“It’s fun to see everyone coming here and enjoying it.”

Where else around town has over-sized or novelty food options? We’re keen to hear about it! Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender. com.au or call 4722 2998.

Mark Jajo proudly showing off his whopping 30-inch pizza.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

flavour is Fire and Fury Pizza –so expect all the deliciousness of a pepperoni pizza with a sprinkling of jalapenos. To bring the collection to life, Doritos teamed up with Melbourne-based street artist, Lukas Kasper, to create the street art designs, utilising the product packaging as his canvas and the flavours as his inspiration.

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

Named after the Cosgrove family who had property on South Creek, this street was originally called First Avenue but was confused with First Street, so the name was changed.

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

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

Δ Mexican delight: Cinco de Mayo season is officially here and this year Lone Star Rib House and Brews is bringing the ultimate Mexican feast! From classic to fruity margs, crispy fried chicken to pulled beef tacos and sizzling fajitas (pictured above) on offer, this celebration is bound to be bigger and better than ever. It’s time to gather your friends and loved ones and pair your $15 tacos and $25 fajitas with a $15 margarita or enjoy it all and make it a feast !

Δ Limited edition Doritos: Just when you thought the classic snack couldn’t get any better, Doritos has gone ahead and created three new limited edition flavours inspired by street food! Now available across Australia, the new flavours include the Kingpin Burger, which is described as tasting like a beef burger with the lot (including onion rings). The Mayhem Kebab is inspired by a chicken kebab with zingy lime yoghurt, chilli and pickled onion. The last

GLENMORE PARK

For a limited time only, the new flavour is set to add a plot twist to everyday moments and leave tastebuds tingling with its juicy, sweet and sherbet taste. Get a pack (pictured below left) from Coles and selected independent stores.

Δ New Twisties flavour: Following a nationwide vote, Twisties Twisted Raspberry flavour took out a recent fan vote and has now become a reality.

Mayor’s News

Δ New fashion retailer: Sheike has officially opened its new store inside Westfield Penrith (pictured below). It’s located on Level 2, near centre court.

Δ Got some Source? Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Mayor

The weekly views of Penrith’s

St Marys Lights Up!

Join us for a festival of fun at St Marys Lights Up on Saturday, May 20 from 4pm9pm. This exciting and free, family-friendly event will see Queen Street, St Marys through to Coachmans Park light up with roving performers, live music, creative workshops, amusement rides and a wide range of food trucks.

Last year’s St Marys Lights Up series was a big hit, and I was blown away by the community’s positive response. I’m delighted to see the event return in 2023, reimagined with new carnival style offerings that place the emphasis on having fun, right in the heart of St Marys.

This year’s event will see festivities fill the street with something for everyone to enjoy. Roving performers including acrobats, hula hoopers and magicians will wow and interact with attendees, free amusement rides and a gaming station will entertain the kids and a soft play adventure zone will keep active toddlers

amused. Creative workshops will focus on the carnival theme of the afternoon with hula hoop and juggling ball craft workshops, and you might even see yourself in cartoon form with a caricature artist making impressions on the day.

With all of the entertainment and amusement rides available at no cost, it’s an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and affordable night out.

It wouldn’t be a festival without delicious snacks and dinner treats – and a wide range of food trucks will be there complementing the restaurants in the area.

Sit back and relax with some tasty food that you can enjoy while live music is played on stage at Coachmans Park.

I hope to see you there as St Marys Lights Up!

More information can be found at penrith.city/events.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THE PAPER?

Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?

We have some 130 distribution pick-up points. You can also secure home delivery

by signing up for a paid subscription from as low as $20 per month.

Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.

What was once the Commonwealth Bank branch on High Street, Penrith, has now been painted a signature green and filled to the brim with books as it enters a new chapter.

The store, which is now a Harry Hartog Bookseller and café, is on track to welcome in literature lovers when it officially opens on Friday, May 19.

The Weekender got a sneak peek as the finishing touches were being put on the brand’s largest bookstore to date, and the first outside of a shopping centre.

Area Supervisor Stephanie Parkin said that it really will be a one-stopshop for people of all ages and interests.

“We really capture that cosy bookstore feeling with an almost old English feel, particularly in our vintage room where you can come in, sit in comfy chairs or even have something to eat at the café,” she said.

“The most important thing is

sharing a love of books, so we will have new books but we also source second hand books from the public to sell to have a different range of price points to make reading more accessible for everyone.”

The store will have an extensive history section, manga, books featured on TikTok and antique books.

With the opening coinciding with the Twilight Penrith Festival, the

store is expected to be open late to 9pm on its first day, so that people in the CBD can check it out.

After Penrith has lost different bookshops over the years, providing a hub for the community is at

the centre of the long-term vision for Harry Hartog Penrith, according to the Store Manager Peri MacDonald.

“We are trying to champion some of our local authors and engaging with book clubs, so that we can connect readers with the people who are creating what they are reading,” MacDonald told the Weekender

“We are hoping to be a community hub where people can not only buy books, but they can find a space to enjoy reading them and get recommendations from us or tell us about something we didn’t know about.”

One of those groups is Penrith Book Club, and Prue Marshall, who is one of the people that helps run the club, said they could not be more thrilled.

“Since Dymocks closed down in 2021, we have been deprived of a bookstore that gives back to the bookish community and has that a family friendly atmosphere,” Marshall said.

“Harry Hartog have already been so giving to the Penrith Book Club and we are looking forward to working together when they open.”

EMILY

FESZCZUK

This fire station in Penrith was established in 1908 and was built to accommodate horse drawn wagons.

The floor had the original centre cobbling, which was necessary for the horses to grip for moving out quickly.

The station was demolished in 1983, being replaced with a new station building.

ST MARYS VETERANS’ WELLBEING PROGRAM – MAY 2023

Phone 9833 4700 (Mon-Fri 8am-2pm) to enquire/join, or email vietvet@tpg.com.au

Wellbeing Activities for Veterans and Family

walk on local footpaths from/to the Veterans Support Centre (The Train) Small

weekday or weekend; greater Sydney area; lodge interest at Veteran Support Centre

mornings @ Veterans Support Centre (Train carriage); for beginners

Wednesday of each monthly - gathering for lunch @ St Marys Diggers Club

@ Mamre House area

Wellbeing Activity for MAY 2023

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

BUSINESS

WITH NATHAN TODD WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Action! Video marketing and how to make it work better for your business

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THE DHARUG CONNECTION

A special weekly focus on local Indigenous affairs and services

Joy Impiombato Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services

Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to start an important conversation with others

From May into early July we commemorate and celebrate some key dates and events, important for Aboriginal people, and for all Australians. Over the next few weeks this column will take a closer look at these events – and let you know where you can get involved in them!

First up is Reconciliation Week – which is May 27 to June 3 every year. These dates are chosen as they commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court

Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme is “Be a Voice for Generations” – it calls on all of us to keep up the momentum for change. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. Reconciliation Australia says: “For the

work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all.”

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, strengthening respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Reconciliation Week is an especially important time for non-Aboriginal Australians to lead the way.

Sometimes we don’t speak

Helpful Contacts

up, for fear of saying something wrong.

Reconciliation Week is our chance to start conversations. If we are respectful and speak from the heart – there is nothing to fear. Reconciliation Australia has lots of ideas on how to be involved at https://nrw.reconciliation.org. au/actions-to-be-a-voice-forreconciliation-2023 and we will highlight some local events in upcoming columns.

We will also reflect on another May date – Sorry Day – and why that is important to commemorate.

Health advice in the community: How local service is helping deliver important help

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Mootang Tarimi mobile outreach services are a popular way for the Aboriginal community to come and yarn with health professionals in an accessible, comfortable, and culturally safe environment.

Mootang Tarimi is supporting Aboriginal communities access services by taking the health care out of the hospital and into the community to provide health screening, education and wellbeing care.

Extensive community consultation helps Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Aboriginal Health team to tailor clinics.

Throughout the Penrith area, the outreach model delivers cardiac, diabetes, mental health and men’s and women’s health clinics.

“Because the needs at each location are different, we adapt how we run the days based on where we go,” said Donna Jory, Aboriginal Health Worker.

“Depending on the age group and audience, we might talk to women about mammograms, sexual health or we might focus on newborn care.”

As this coming flu season approaches, the Mootang Tarimi service will be offering an immunisation service during the

month of May. With strong partnerships across the region with local Aboriginal organisations, each visit by Mootang Tarimi continues to help build trust and establish relationships with local clinicians.

“We know it can be hard for members of our community to build connections, especially with people from government organisations. We often have

Registered nurse, Rae Campbell, said all members of our Aboriginal community are welcome to drop in, have a yarn, and find out how the health professionals might be able to support them.

“Being able to meet with community in community has been a highlight for me. I hope Mootang Tarimi is helping remove barriers for people to access the help they need from NSW Health,” she said.

If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and want free health advice, drop-in to one of the Mootang Tarimi outreach visits.

Check the Nepean Blue Mountains Aboriginal Health Facebook page for upcoming visits: www.facebook.com/NBMAH.

Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services 4721 8520 nepeancommunity.org.au

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

Muru Mittigar 4730 0400 murumittigar.com.au

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

Aboriginal Home Care 1300 973 058 australianunity.com.au

NSW Aboriginal Affairs 1800 019 998 aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au

Aboriginal Land Council (02) 9689 4444

Service NSW 13 77 88 service.nsw.gov.au

morning tea or lunch with activities organised during Mootang Tarimi visits so that a relationship can be established before offering personalised health advice and support,” Jory said.

“We also meet with clinicians before they’re scheduled for an outreach clinic to ensure their understanding of culturally responsive care and how to engage.”

The Weekender acknowledges the financial support received from the Walkley Foundation to produce this concept.

the final word v

It’s hard to know what to say after last week’s embarrassing loss to the Wests Tigers.

You could blame the rain.

Indeed, on a dry track the Panthers probably, maybe, win.

But it feels like there’s something more at play here. Let’s be honest, things haven’t been great since Round 1.

Sure, the losses have been close. But still, they are losses. Defeats that wouldn’t have happened in 2021 and 2022.

The wins have hardly been convincing, except for the Manly victory in Round 5. There’s a few issues at play.

First, it’s not difficult to see that the limited preparation for the new season has taken its toll. It’s probably no surprise Dylan Edwards is the shining light at present, because he didn’t have World Cup duties and was able to enjoy a more conventional off-season.

We also know the Panthers need a hooker, one that suits Penrith’s style; a style built with

Api Koroisau wearing the 9. But it’s not the only problem and it’s not an easy fix regardless, so Penrith must find a way for the Mitch Kenny / Soni Luke combination to work.

There’s a lot on the line for Penrith against the Warriors on Saturday afternoon.

Right now it appears Penrith aren’t as driven to protect their title and championship status as other teams are to take it away.

Unless the solution to that problem is found, this may not be the season we were hoping for.

But this is a champion team and you write champion teams off at your peril.

As the weeks roll on, vital cogs of the wheel will return – let’s not forget Penrith have been missing two international starting forwards in Liam Martin and James Fisher-Harris.

Nathan Cleary will shrug off that groin injury eventually, Izack Tago will return too and things will start to click again; it’s just a matter of how long it all takes.

I’m somewhat confident the Panthers will

bounce back and beat the Warriors on Saturday afternoon as Magic Round continues at Suncorp Stadium.

Sure, it’s about as ordinary as it gets losing to the Tigers, with all due respect. Yes, the Tigers played well but the Panthers at their best match and exceed what their opponents present, regardless of the weather.

Sometimes losses like that one, however, can be the kick up the backside you need. It should have come against Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, but the Golden Point win covered the bigger problem. The loss to Souths, while disappointing, was a last minute defeat at the hands of a quality opposition, so perhaps the message didn’t quite sink in.

Now, Penrith definitely know they have to improve – and improve a lot.

Teams like Cronulla, Souths and Brisbane are all making statements – the Panthers, the two-time champs, are yet to make theirs.

But Penrith has plenty of time, and with a

dry track on Saturday I think Ivan Cleary can get his side up for the type of win that would silence some of the growing list of critics, some of whom have short memories and an even shorter ability to show patience.

The return of Fisher-Harris is significant. Penrith have missed his firepower up front, and he’ll be a welcome inclusion against a big Warriors pack.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a huge inclusion for the Warriors and his return allows Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to return to his more conventional wing spot.

Under Andrew Webster, the Warriors are a much more committed side with a strong resolve.

But I’m not convinced they’ve got the points in them against a Penrith defence that remains the best in the competition by far.

I predict Penrith will make a statement here – they’re back, and don’t write them off just yet.

Tip: Panthers by 16.

A dejected

in Bathurst last weekend.

Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

ROUND 10

face in the crowd

here ’ s cheers

Favourite

Must-follow social media account?

Sarah’s Day.

Go to pump up song? It changes every day at the moment, but either ‘Party’, Bad Bunny & Rauw Alejandro or ‘Baby Said’,

NAME: JASMINE SALAS AGE: 20 SUBURB: KURRAJONG HILLS the western weekender • extra time » 28 Friday, May 5, 2023 EXPERIENCE PENRITH’S LEADING GYM 7 DAY FREE PASS 47 600 700 WW50628

Maneskin or definitely anything that is by Rihanna!

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love the people I’ve met so far and the memories I’ll make!

panther rumblings

HOW ’03 TEAM WILL CELEBRATE

! Reunion for the ages: The vast majority of Penrith’s 2003 Grand Final team will meet up next Friday before the 20th anniversary of the game against the Roosters is celebrated at BlueBet Stadium. Former Panther and key corporate figure Lou Zivanovic has been one of the driving forces behind getting the reunion organised. The 2003 players will spend Friday at the Drink West brewery and Brisket Boys, and are happy with fans to mingle with them. At this stage, it appears only Martin Lang and Preston Campbell won’t make it. After an afternoon of memories and Scott Sattler’s tackle being spoken about at least 150 times, the team will head to BlueBet Stadium where they’ll undertake a lap of honour ahead of the Panthers v Roosters game. They’ll watch the game from the CABE and Doolan Plumbing corporate boxes.

! Griffin truths emerge: The story that emerged about Anthony Griffin’s time at Penrith in the Sydney Morning Herald last weekend was no surprise to anyone familiar with the club during that period. Phil Gould copped a fair bit of criticism for sacking Griffin (pictured) while the Panthers were bound for a top four finish in 2018 but he was left with no choice, with internal dramas at the club getting more and more serious. Not only had the players lost faith in the coach, but staff had become increasingly concerned about the way he was managing the team. Several staff refused to work with Griffin, preferring to stick with roles outside of the day-to-day NRL team.

struction, marketing, rugby league and event management. Nominations close on May 12 and can be emailed to Brian.Fletcher@panthers.com.au or to Locked Bag 8322, Penrith NSW 2751.

! Dancing on: The players and officials were not the only ones dealing with the atrocious conditions in Bathurst last Saturday night. The Pantherettes powered on through the downpour – dancing and cheering up a storm despite the obvious challenges.

whole range of challenges along the way. Sensible debate is nowhere to be found in some of these groups.

! Paps backs Luai: I revealed long before it was a common talking point that Jarome Luai’s NSW Origin jersey was in serious doubt. It now feels inevitable that Luai will miss selection this year with Nicho Hynes from Cronulla to play alongside Nathan Cleary for the Origin series opener in Adelaide later this month. But Luai has a fan in injured Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. The Premiership winner, who bamboozled Penrith in the 2020 decider, says the club combination of Luai and Cleary should guide the Blues into the series and has backed the duo to shine.

bly the last thing they wanted to do given the conditions and the loss to the Wests Tigers, but Penrith players stuck around at Carrington Park last weekend to take photos with eager fans after the game (pictured below).

! Board vacancy: A year on from the Panthers’ Board elections, a casual Board vacancy has emerged. Applications are now open to fill the position of an Independent Director for a three-year team. The Independent Director will be selected by the Penrith Rugby League Club Board members, with the club primarily seeking people with experience and qualifications in law, accounting, commerce, con-

! Fans turn sour: Some of the behaviour by so-called Penrith fans on Facebook groups following the loss to Wests Tigers last weekend was nothing short of disgraceful. The commentary by some people in these groups is awful; not to mention legally problematic in some cases. I can only presume some are newer fans who don’t understand rugby league is about winning AND losing, and overcoming a

! Great read: A new State of Origin book by sports journalist Liam Hauser has just been released. In The Immortals of State of Origin, Hauser delves into the Origin careers of his top player selections, highlighting each individual’s triumphs and heroics. The Immortals of State of Origin is filled with memorable moments, action photographs and Origin career statistics; includes over 100 images and 26 chapters profiling the greatest players in State of Origin’s first 40-plus years. The book is out now. I’m told to keep an eye out in the next few weeks for a giveaway in the Weekender!

! Dedication to be proud of: It was proba-

! Hip drop frustration: The NRL says players, fans and officials shouldn’t be confused by the hip drop tackle. But it’s pretty obvious that everyone – from the average punter to rookies, experienced players and commentators – are indeed confused by it. Soni Luke should never have been sin binned for his tackle last Saturday night, and the Match Review Committee essentially backed that up with a low grade charge that resulted in only a fine. It’s not clear cut at all – and Ivan Cleary’s comments in the post-match press conference show the growing frustration coaches are having with the interpretations and perceived crackdown.

The 2003 Panthers celebrate.

TO’O: NO WORLD CUP HANGOVER HERE

“It’s just a matter of taking it week by week. We’ll definitely turn up for each other week in, week out, it’s just trying to find that balance.

Panthers winger Brian To’o continues to remain his positive and upbeat self, despite Penrith staring down the barrel of three consecutive defeats.

The defending Premiers are in unfamiliar territory, having not dropped three games in a row since the dreaded 2019 season.

Speaking with Extra Time, To’o said it’s been a challenging few weeks with outcomes being decided in the dying stages of games.

“It’s been a tough couple of games lately, coming down to the wire. A couple of them we’ve been lucky and a couple of them we’ve pulled up short,” he said.

“It’s just about finding that groove again. I know our team will come together as a group and as a club and we’ll definitely come back stronger.”

To’o said last week’s four-point loss to the Wests Tigers in Bathurst was “disappointing” and the side were playing “frustrated” throughout the dire affair.

“It was one of those games where we were playing with frustration, things didn’t really come our way and we obviously didn’t nail a couple of things that we wanted to do and the Tigers played their best game,” he said. Asked what might be the issue to Penrith’s clunky form of late, To’o said the club is still searching for answers.

“I’m not too sure, we’re still trying to find the answer,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a new year and not everything is going to be the same; we’re still trying to find that groove and hopefully we get it back soon.”

Pressed further, the NSW Blues star shut down suggestions a World Cup hangover or lack of pre-season were perhaps reasons for Penrith’s slow start.

“Nah not really… I don’t feel like that’s affected us,” To’o said.

“I still feel like we have a lot to improve on. There’s definitely lessons we can take out of those games and certainly mistakes we can fix –we just have to keep moving forward.”

Meanwhile, To’o has shed light on his recent on-field accessory, his headgear.

Earlier this season, To’o began wearing the headgear after going without for the first 70-odd games of his NRL career. An inspiration to younger players, To’o said he wears a headgear now for a very simple reason.

“It’s more of a safety-first thing,” he revealed.

“At first I was taking the piss out of Critta (Stephen Crichton), but then I thought this will actually help me – safety first, kids.”

To’o plans to keep wearing his headgear for the foreseeable future, but he hopes commentators will stop confusing him with Crichton soon.

“Heaps of people are calling me Stephen now, he’s not that short,” To’o laughed.

“I’ll stick with it. It’s important to look after your head. To me, it’s more for safety precaution and a bit of taking the piss out of Critta.”

Brian To’o takes up the ball against the Tigers. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is taking full responsibility for his side’s shaky start to the season, but he assures supporters he’s working on a fix to get them back on track.

After spending much of 2023 in the top four, the Panthers now find themselves in seventh place on the NRL ladder with less wins than surprise packets the Warriors and Dolphins after nine rounds.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday afternoon, Cleary said it’s been a tough start for his troops who are battling injury and some mental and physical fatigue after a World Cup affected pre-season.

“We’ve had a pretty intense start to the season – real wars actually – we’ve had a few injuries too, like everyone else,” he said.

“I also feel like we’ve brought the best out of everyone, but I think we’ve helped that to be quite honest, particularly in the starts of games. We’ve only had that one game against Manly where we started in the first half to the kind of level that we would like, so that’s a lot of games that we haven’t, and then we’ve had to come back and, when you’re doing that, you’ve kept the opposition interested.

“We’ve been out of control, not in control too often and that takes its toll physically and mentally… but that’s no excuse.”

Cleary’s comments come after Penrith’s surprising loss to bottom-feeders Wests last

Saturday, which resulted in the joint venture securing their first win of the season.

The two-time Premiership winning coach said the conditions and lack of preparation were to blame.

“We just didn’t play well enough. Obviously, the conditions were a big part of that, and I’ll take responsibility – I don’t think I prepared the boys well enough,” Cleary said.

“I wouldn’t say it was a reality check or it was a bad performance, but there was too much bad football in there.

“We didn’t connect some good stuff together for long enough. We didn’t play the conditions well, which gave them the opportunity. It was their night, they played the conditions better.”

While some Panthers supporters are pushing the panic button already, Cleary wants fans to be patient. While he understands their frustration at the lack of winning of late, he’s asking the supporter base to give them some time to figure things out.

“Evidence is evidence and you can only go by what you’re doing and within ourselves and as a team we are far from satisfied with what we are offering,” Cleary said.

“It’s up to us to turn that around, but it’s obviously early days. No one is going to worry about the first eight rounds when the season is over. It’s up to us to square that up and fix it.”

Penrith will be hoping that comes as soon as Saturday against the Warriors.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is hopeful of turning things around.

Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

WW51008

analysis

Ihaven’t had to write a column like this in years. Last week I asked whether the Panthers had lost their mojo, I said ‘yes’ but they’ll get it back quickly. It was the most critical thing I’d written about Penrith since the start of 2020.

Until this week.

The performance against the Tigers last Saturday in Bathurst was disappointing to say the least. This is taking nothing away from a Wests Tigers side which played their hearts out and deserved the win.

I’d like to think this column is not just a knee-jerk reaction after one bad performance. I believe the warning signs have been there for weeks, but this game exposed three areas I believe the Panthers have to address if they are to bounce back into premiership contention again.

1. Hooker – The team has struggled in this area all year but up against Apisai Koroisau, well he showed the true gulf between himself and both Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke. The Panthers’ service from dummy

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half seems slow and one-dimensional, it doesn’t ask any questions of the defence. After a promising start, even Soni Luke is showing signs that his initial crafty play and slight of hand are starting to diminish. An answer has to be found in this position because at the moment it’s just not working as it should be.

2. Attack – I never thought I’d say this but the Panthers’ attack really needs some work. Apart from rounds five and six, the team has struggled to score points and the attack has lost its crisp, fast passing and slick ball playing movements which had bamboozled opposition teams for the last three years. Now, passes are missing their mark, players are over-running the ball and every attacking play almost looks like it’s in slow motion.

3. Forward dominance – The side needs James Fisher-Harris and Liam Martin back as soon as possible. While the pack is still defending well, it misses these two ‘smash and bash’ players which made the pack so scary, for so long. Moses Leota is trying hard and Zac Hosking is a wonderful prospect but you can really see how the team misses the influence of both Fish and Martin. One more scary big bugger in the pack would be great as well.

Look, some of the things I have pointed out in this column aren’t exactly awe-inspiring, jaw dropping observations or suggestions. I don’t know how to fix these things or even if they need fixing but I know coach Ivan Cleary, the coaching staff and the players do. And that will make all the difference in the world.

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Penrith suffered their fourth loss of the season last weekend.

Photo: NRL Images.

THE NRL SERVES UP SOME MAGIC

If you’ve ever been to Magic Round you’ll know what a fun footy extravaganza it is, and if you’re yet to head north to be part of the festivities it’s definitely something to circle on your calendar in the future.

warren smith

This year will be the biggest yet, with the Dolphins and their brand new tribe, or should that be pod of fans, ready to join the party in hope of celebrating a ‘Phins Up’ win over the Sharks. If they do manage a victory over the in-form Sharks they may well head up the road to celebrate at the most famous watering hole in the known rugby league world, The Caxton. The stories about the pub that is literally around the corner from Suncorp Stadium are legendary, and you only have to walk past it before a State of Origin fixture or big game for the Broncos to know that when it comes to tales tall and true, you can believe every word you’ve ever heard about this Brisbane institution.

The boffins at the

Australian Rugby League Commission must have looked at the punters spilling out the door on these big occasions and thought to themselves if only we owned a place like that we could fund every team’s salary cap from here until the end of the millennium. But the Caxton Hotel hasn’t been on the market for over a quarter of a century, and given the profits that flow from the XXXX taps lining its many bars, it may not change hands in this lifetime or the next.

Well, as the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. Thinking outside the square, the commissioners at the ARLC did a 180 degree turn, literally, and snapped up another institution in the River City that sits directly across the road from The Caxton that hadn’t been up for sale since its doors first opened almost 70 years ago.

Gambaro Hotel began life as a fish shop back in the mid-1950s, but on the back of its famous mud crab dishes the business grew to the establishment

it is today, and the prospect of making it the foundation stone of a property portfolio was too mouthwatering for the ARLC to turn down.

So what do you do when you suddenly own a five star hotel that’s two minutes walk from old Lang Park?

You announce that all of the rooms will be named after rugby league greats, and while that process is still in the works, we can reveal that the most exclusive room at Gambaro’s is the MG Suite.

The former owners will tell you that MG stands for Michael Gambaro, the son of the original owner and the man who turned a fish shop into an empire, but we know better.

In the footy world there’s only one MG, and with the Panthers the reigning premiers when the ARLC ventured into the property business, it’s only fitting that best room in the best pub on Caxton Street is named after a man who could crack crabs the way he used to crack defensive lines, the one and only Mark Geyer!

The NRL now owns the Gambaro Hotel.

MIXED RESULTS FOR CUP, FLEGG

The Penrith Panthers have slipped out of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup top five after suffering a 28-8 loss to the Western Suburbs Magpies in Bathurst.

With several changes to the side, the Panthers struggled in wet conditions. They got off to a horrible start, conceding two tries to

Jack Boyling within 10 minutes to fall behind 12-0.

Things went from bad to worse as Semisi Kioa and Livai Saukuru both crossed for the Magpies, making the score 22-0 after 27 minutes.

The Panthers enjoyed a reprieve when Shawn Blore was sin-binned for a shoulder charge, with the one-man overlap leading to a try to

Daeon Amituanai out wide shortly before half-time to cut the deficit to 22-4.

Back-to-back penalties against Wests gave Penrith the first attacking chance of the second half, capitalising on the other wing through Tom Jenkins.

Blore was sin-binned for the second time shortly after due to

dissent, however the Panthers were unable to capitalise as errors and penalties cruelled their chances.

In the end, former Panther Daine Laurie put the final nail in the coffin, scoring shortly before full-time to hand the Panthers back-to-back losses for the first time in 2023.

It was a better result for the Jersey Flegg Panthers, comfortably defeating a 12-man Wests Tigers side at BlueBet Stadium.

The match was moved from Windsor to Penrith at the 11th hour due to the overnight conditions, but it didn’t faze the Panthers, running in six tries to two in the 30-12 victory.

The Panthers scored in the opening minutes through Angelis Hotere-Papalii, but found themselves trailing 12-4 midway through the first half.

Quick-fire tries to Aston Warwick and Billy Scott gave them a 14-12 lead at half-time.

The floodgates opened in the second half after Josh Feledy was sent off, with Scott scoring his second before setting up Luron Patea.

A try to Addison Williams pushed the margin out to 30-12, where it remained until full-time.

In Round 10, NSW Cup faces Newtown at Blacktown on Sunday afternoon, while Jersey Flegg enjoy the bye.

The Magpies celebrate during their win over Penrith in Bathurst. Photo: NRL Images.

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EELS

RAIDERS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS DRAGONS ROOSTERS EELS

BULLDOGS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS TIGERS

BULLDOGS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS TIGERS

ROOSTERS EELS

ROOSTERS TITANS

BULLDOGS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS STORM DRAGONS

BULLDOGS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS STORM TIGERS

RAIDERS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS TIGERS

RAIDERS SEA EAGLES PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS DRAGONS

COWBOYS EELS

ROOSTERS EELS

ROOSTERS EELS

ROOSTERS EELS

071

BULLDOGS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS TIGERS

RAIDERS BRONCOS PANTHERS DOLPHINS RABBITOHS DRAGONS

RAIDERS BRONCOS PANTHERS SHARKS RABBITOHS DRAGONS

ROOSTERS EELS

COWBOYS EELS

ROOSTERS EELS

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MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Since making a name for himself with an acoustic cover of The Police’s hit single ‘Roxanne’ in 1987, 1927’s Eric Weideman has barely taken time off the road, performing both in the band and as a solo artist.

Little did he know he’d still be performing some of his earliest hits, decades later.

“It’s all been a bit of a trip to be honest,” he told the Weekender

“It was all very unexpected, and I certainly didn’t expect to be here 30-odd years later still doing it. It’s all been very trippy and very unexpected, but a very fun ride at the same time.”

This year, the band is heading on a mammoth tour, covering venues all over the country. Having kicked it all off in Perth last month, they’re now bringing their Next Generation Tour ‘23 to Penrith, with the best line-up yet.

“The band has been through plenty of lineups over the decades, and this particular group of humans are probably the best I’ve ever worked with, and it’s just brought a whole new energy to the songs and the music,” Weideman said.

“‘The Next Generation’ is kind of a strange title I guess, but it’s like it’s new all over again, that’s the best way I can describe it.”

Despite being known for hits such as ‘That’s When I Think of You’, ‘Compulsory Hero’, ‘To Love Me’, ‘Scars’, and of course, ‘If I Could’, with their debut album ‘…ish’ going fivetimes Platinum and winning ARIAs for best debut single and album, Weideman assures

“We try and make sure that the songs that are responsible for us being here are being played, but there’s a bunch of tracks over quite a few albums that we need to sift through, and we don’t want to put on the same show every single time we go out, so I’m trying to make it a little bit interesting, a bit different,” he said.

“Some of the songs will be performed in a little bit of a different way, so it’s just about trying to keep it interesting for ourselves and our audiences more than anything else.”

Weideman said there were a few reim agined songs that he’s found himself loving more than the originals, recommending that other artists try doing the same.

“I always encourage musicians to try self-expression, as opposed to trying to reproduce things that were recorded in the past,” he said.

Whilst there’s no denying his show will garner some “diehard” fans, Weideman is hoping that the Next Generation Tour ‘23 might also bring the next generation fans to the EVAN Theatre.

“We’ve seen a shift in our audience over the last few years, so that’s part of the drive,” he said.

“It’s not geared towards anyone in particular, because I don’t believe that music has a particular audience. I think music is something that should be explored by everybody at some point in their lives, and we’re hoping to reach as many people as possible.”

1927 will be on at the EVAN Theatre on Saturday, May 20 at 8pm. Tickets are $70. To book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Musical set to delight in new venue

Penrith Musical Comedy Company will be bringing the cult-classic, musical comedy ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ to the stage of the brand-new Performing Arts Centre at Glenmore Park High School this month. With a total of eight shows, from May 5 to 13, the show is sure to have audiences cheering for more. To book, visit penrithmusical.org/booktickets.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood.

Morning tea every Friday morning.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

Regular events.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL.

Rhonda 0408 218 965.

The Sunset Station Singers entertain residents mainly in nursing homes. The song list is over 130 songs, ranging from their old time favourites to more current songs.

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

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

Music delight not to be missed

The Sydney Mandolin Orchestra will be coming to The Joan on Sunday, May 7 for one of their 90th anniversary celebratory concerts. Experience the rare, distinctively expressive blend of mandolins, mandolas, guitars and double bass performed by Australia’s longest running mandolin orchestra in this not to be missed show. For more information, visit thejoan.com.au.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Red Cross Penrith

Meets second Thursday of the month. More members and volunteers needed. Call Anne on 0438 244 414 for more information.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit the Lions on Facebook.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

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

Penrith NASHO’s monthly meeting

Penrith RSL Club. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Urthboy celebrates new album with live gig

With a career spanning 20 years as a songwriter, recording artist, live performer and collaborator, Urthboy will be returning to Blue Mountains Theatre this Saturday, May 6 to celebrate the release of his recent album, ‘Savour’. Urthboy will be joined by rapper Dallas Woods as well as rising star Loren Ryan. For tickets, head to bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

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

Nepean Food Services

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

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

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

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700. The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Gamblers Anonymous

Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

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

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

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Book now

GIRL POWER IS BACK!

Urthboy - Savour Every Moment Tour

Saturday 6 May, 8pm

Kismet - Vignettes for Violin and Piano with Vov Dylan

Sunday 7 May, 3pm

The Kermond Boys

Wednesday 10 May, 10am morning tea | 11am performance

BMMS presents School of Rock The Musical

20 May to 4 June

Jimeon - The Craic

Saturday 10 June, 8pm (sold out) and 3pm

The Swinging Sixties Show

Wednesday 14 June, 10am morning tea | 11am performance

Lior & Domini - Animal in Hiding

Friday 16 June, 8pm

BOOKINGS 4723 5050 • bluemountainstheatre.com.au

106 Macquarie Road Springwood

You’ve seen the Spice Girls, Little Mix and Destiny’s Child. Now, it’s time for The Sensation Girls to hit the stage, in the world premiere of ‘Girl Band’.

Set in 1994, New Ghosts Theatre Company’s ‘Girl Band’ sees powerhouse record label managers Craig and Darren create the girl band to end all girl bands. But, with the girls so precisely moulded to become the girls that everyone wants, they end up losing themselves in the process.

Written by Katy Warner and directed by Lucy Clements, the show sees ‘90s nostalgia brought to the stage with an empowering twist.

“Our impressive 22 female and non-binary theatre maker team and I are thrilled to be a part of the birth of this exhilarating and

inspiring new Australian play, bringing together original ‘90s beats, Spice Girl inspired choreography, and six of the feistiest pop stars you’ve ever seen hit the stage,” Clements said.

‘Girl Band’ is staged with the support of National Theatre of Parramatta’s True West Program, celebrating the talent and creativity of western Sydney artists, and Clements’ IGNITE Collective, a ground-breaking initiative that partners emerging and established female playwrights and creatives to create new work for young female performers, putting new women-driven stories on Australian stages.

So get into a ‘90s mood and head to the Riverside later this month.

‘Girl Band’ will be on at Riverside Theatres from Thursday, May 18 to Saturday, May 27. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Ê Highly anticipated new Channel Nine reality adventure series ‘The Summit’ will premiere on Sunday, May 14 at 7pm. Hosted by actor Jai Courtney, ‘The Summit’ sees 14 strangers try and win $1 million, equally divided between them, as they carry the cash to the top of one of New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Ê One of the surprise packets over the last couple of years, ‘The Cheap Seats’, is returning to 10 next Tuesday, May 9 at 8.40pm. Tim McDonald and Melanie Bracewell take a look at the week that was in their own unique way.

Ê Casting is underway for the next season of ‘Australian Survivor’. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of one of the greatest shows of all-time, this is your chance! For more details and to apply, visit eu.castitreach.com/ag/esgau/australiansurvivor9/welcome.html.

Social media management without the stress

Ê Still on ‘Australian Survivor’, and former winner David “Golden God’ Genat has been announced as the host of new Channel Nine travel and adventure series ‘Rush’. The brand-new series follows 12 everyday Aussies as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime to some of the most exhilarating places on the planet. Dropped into the heart of some of the most pulsating cultural festivals, huge events and exotic locations in Brazil, Turkey, Jordan, India, Thailand, Ireland, France, Kenya and South Africa, deprived of all senses they must work together to complete the mission and reach the Escape Zone. ‘Rush’ is expected later this year.

Ê New six-part crime drama ‘North Shore’ is coming to 10 on Wednesday, May 10 at 8.40pm. When the 19-year-old daughter of a UK politician is found dead in Sydney Harbour, cultures clash as a British and an Australian detective team up to solve a complex murder mystery. But this international investigation will expose more than murder,

as the two detectives begin to uncover a conspiracy with political consequences.

Ê Probably for the best this one… US adventure drama ‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ has been axed by Disney+ after just one season. The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced series was an expansion of the ‘National Treasure’ movie franchise told from the point of view of young heroine Jess.

Ê New ABC series ‘In Limbo’, starring Ryan Corr and Bob Morley, will premiere on Wednesday, May 24. The six-part series tells the story of best friends Charlie (Corr) and Nate (Morley) as they’re faced with how hard it is to let go of those we love – especially when they’re taken too soon. And when they come back to haunt you. Literally.

Ê ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spin-off ‘Station 19’ has been renewed for a seventh season.

Ê Rest in Peace, Jock Zonfrillo.

TV Guide: May 5–11

Your

*Live* From The MCG 6:00 Border Security International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Deadpool” (MA15+) (’15) Stars: Gina Carano

12:30 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings

3:50 From The Heart Of Our Nation (PG) 5:50 Power To The People (PG)

Chuck And The First People’s Kitchen 6:50

9:30 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 11:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 1:50 Movie: “Ben-Hur” (PG) (’59) Stars: Charlton Heston 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M)

2:30 Rugby Union: Ella 7s 2:50 AFL: Women’s Under 18s 4:05 AFL: Men s Under 18s 5:20 The Whole Table (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Wild West (PG) 7:30 Asking For It (M l,v)

1:30 I Fish 1:45 Movie: “The Brighton Miracle” (PG) (’19) Stars: Temuera Morrison 3:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 4:30 What’s Up Down Under 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M)

7:30 The Unicorn (PG) 9:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30

the western weekender » 48 Friday, May 5, 2023

6:00 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Offsiders 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 India Now 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders 8:30 ABC News Tonight 9:00 ABC News

8:30 Attica (MA15+) 10:30 Movie: “Dog Eat Dog” (M) (’16)

The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Friends (PG) 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Octonauts And The Great Arctic Adventure 6:05 Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 You Can’t Ask That (PG) 8:30 Louis Theroux Interviews Katherine Ryan (M)

Movie: “The Merger” (M) (’18) Stars: Damian Callinan

Friends (PG) 11:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 12:30

House Hunters USA

1:30 Open Homes Australia 6:00 Mary Makes It Easy 6:30 Food To Change The World 7:30 Alex Polizzi Secret Italy 8:30 Khanh Ong’s Wild Food 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 11:30 Eat Me: Or Try Not To

House Hunters International

7:30

2:30 Restored 2:10 Jeopardy! 3:45 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:10 Mastermind (PG) 6:45 The Engineering That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 Cycling: Giro D’Italia: Stage 2 *Live*

Flipping Virgins 3:00 Top Chef (PG) 4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00 About A Boy (PG) 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Babe” (G) (’95) Stars: James Cromwell 7:30 Movie: “Wonder Woman 1984” (M v) (’20) 10:30 Movie: “Jumper” (M l,v) (’08)

8:30

Making It Home With Kortney And Dave

Escape To The Chateau 1:35 Movie: “The Sound Barrier” (PG) (’52) Stars: Ann Todd 4:00 Movie: “Shane” (G) (’53) Stars: Alan Ladd 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “A Bridge Too Far” (M l,v) (’77) Stars: Sean Connery 12:05 Major Crimes (M) Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

5:00 TBA 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Country House Hunters Australia 8:30 Country House Hunters Canada 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Cleopatra In Space (PG) 8:05 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness

6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Budget 2023: The Treasurer’s Speech 8:00 Budget 2023: An ABC News Special

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks

5:00 Ultimate Rides (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00

6:00 Modern Family (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (M)

6:40 Undiscovered Vistas 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG)

(M) 8:30 Murdoch Mysteries (M)

Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG)

8:30 Movie: “Hitch” (PG) (’05) Stars: Will Smith

Previous

solution - Medium

www.str8ts.com No. 644 Easy Previous solution - Very Hard Crossword 12 34 56 78 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88

ACROSS 1. Ark builder 4. Pressured 8. Unnatural sleep 11. Biblical tower 13. A second time 15. Hindu teacher 17. Actor, ... Gibson 18. Proportion 20. I agree! 21. Honking fowls 24. Moment of forgetfulness 27. Some 28. Drug rehabilitation 30. Hollywood prize 31. Improper 33. Horrible smell 34. Scoundrel 35. Huge 36. Love god 39. Informed (on) 42. Stacked 44. Transgressions 45. Diadem 46. Captures (criminal) 48. Litigating 49. Uninteresting 50. Masculine gender 52. Possibly 54. Chest wall bones 55. Writer, ... Allan Poe 56. Personify 57. Strong fl avour 60. Individual identity 62. Emanated 65. Skimpy pool outfi t 67. Piebald 69. Colour scheme & fittings 70. Crotchets or minims 72. Electronic courseplotter, sat ... 73. Silver bar 75. Famous soft drink 77. Relax, ... out 79. Slapstick performer 81. iPad program 82. Game results 84. Have another go 85. Creep 86. Long-coated canine, ... Terrier 87. Sturdily 88. Honey liquor DOWN 1. Inquisitive 2. Degrade 3. Pig meat 4. Pointer 5. Entangle 6. Neck band 7. Soggy 8. US counterterrorism group (1,1,1) 9. Readily available (2,3) 10. Sailor’s call 12. Prejudiced person 14. Rink 16. Chunky potato chip 19. Preamble 22. Wields (infl uence) 23. Eyeball hollow 25. Country, Saudi ... 26. Ail 29. Russian empress 32. Alcoholic brew 35. Plans (4,3) 37. Croaks 38. Retirement do (4-3) 40. Journalist’s slant 41. Iraqi currency 42. Delve 43. Football superstar, ... Beckham 44. Folk duo, ... & Garfunkel 47. Mind child (4-3) 51. Light-bulb developer 52. Scraped by (4,2) 53. Colonial realm 54. Small songbirds 58. Disgust 59. Martini ingredient 61. Cutting ray 63. Duty spell 64. Fact 65. Punched 66. Uproar 68. Tusk material 71. Summon up (memories) 72. Non-coms (1,1,2) 74. Blokes 76. Handful (of daisies) 78. Urged on, ... up 80. Pint-sized 83. Wheel-shaft projection Crossword brought to you by Atmosphere Fitness. atmospherefitness.com.au | 47 600 700 LIVE performance from Multi Award Winning Country Artist BEN RANSOM & Band Appearance By The Easter Bunny Thursday 6 April 2023 6:00PM FREE Pony Rides @ Club Paceway What's On Sudoku brought to you by Paceway Penrith 127-141 Station St, Penrith Open 7 days 4721 2544 the western weekender » 50 Friday, May 5, 2023

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

Word Search

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

THEME: LEATHER BAGS

BALLS

BELT

BOOK COVER BOOTS

BRIEFCASE

CLOTHING

CROCODILE

DRUM HEADS

FOOTWEAR

GARMENTS

HAT

OTTOMAN

OXEN

PIGSKIN

PORTFOLIO PURSE

SANDALS

SATCHEL

SEAT

SHAGREEN

SKIRT

SNAKE

SOFA

SUITCASE

TOILETRY KIT

TROUSERS

UPHOLSTERY

WAISTCOAT

WALLET WHIPS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about King Charles III in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In what year was Charles III born?

2. Charles III married Diana Spencer in 1981. In what year were they divorced?

3. In what room of Buckingham Palace was Charles III christened at four weeks of age?

4. Which sport is Charles III known for playing?

5. In what year did Charles III marry Camilla Parker Bowles?

6. On what date did Charles III become King?

7. True or false: Charles III is the oldest person in history to accede to the British throne?

8. True or false: Charles III’s parents did not attend his marriage ceremony to Camilla?

TEST YOUR BRAIN

Previous solution - Medium SUDOKU

Hexwords

How to beat Str8ts –

The

Name the Movie

GAVEVALAV

The Chicks are coming!

The woke ways of the world may have resulted in The Dixie Chicks becoming The Chicks (and possibly just ‘The’ if ‘Chicks’ is deemed too offensive at some stage), but the music is just as good as ever. The Chicks have just locked in an Australian tour, with a show at Sydney Olympic Park’s Qudos Bank Arena on Thursday, October 19.

Earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling American female band of all-time, The Chicks have sold more than 30.5 million albums and are among an elite group of artists and the only female group to achieve multiple Diamond selling releases; reaching the stratospheric landmark of over 10 million copies sold, with

both ‘Wide Open Spaces’ (1998) and ‘Fly’ (1999).

With special guest Elle King joining The Chicks on all Australia and New Zealand dates, these shows will be an exhilarating live experience for all music lovers.

“Ever since I heard a demo in the late 90’s and did their first tour in November 1999, The Chicks have been a huge part of my life. Watching them become live icons of music has been an amazing journey, and their upcoming tour will go up another level again,” said Michael Chugg, Executive Chairman of Chugg Entertainment.

Tickets to the Sydney show go on sale on Monday, May 8 at 11am via Ticketek.

In the sports comedy film ‘80 for Brady’, a group of four best friends make their lifelong dream a reality, when they embark on a wild trip to see their hero, Tom Brady, and his New England Patriots play in the 2017

story,

un-

In Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days.

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own.

laughs.

A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them. Now showing.

Super Bowl. Starring Sally Field, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and the man himself, Tom Brady, ‘80 for Brady’ is based on a true

and is a must-see for an

beatable cast and endless

BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

You’ll feel restless this week and the danger is you’ll go overboard and throw the baby out with the bathwater. Uranus imbues you with a sense of urgency, but self-discipline and gradual modifications are what’s required at the moment. It’s also important to strive to get the balance right between your personal and professional lives. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett, “I live my life parallel with my work, and they are both equally important.”

Creative and innovative communication is the secret to a successful week. But resist the urge to launch half-baked projects and jump to hasty conclusions. Listen closely to what others are telling you, otherwise you’ll misunderstand their motives. And be careful what you post online, as a controversial comment could lead to unexpected consequences. On Saturday, Saturn (in your sign) makes a magical link with Venus, which could precipitate a karmic connection.

This week the astrological focus is on finances, business and/or work, as the planets provide the extra power and passion needed to boost your professional profile or fast-track your finances. But don’t get lost in a fantasy world. Keep it real Rams! With retrograde Mercury and impulsive Uranus stirring up your money zone, you’re keen to splash some cash around. But make sure your bank balance is in a healthy state before you start spending up big.

The Sun and Uranus link up in your sign. So it’s time to tap into your innate Taurean power and become the strong, smart and sexy Earth Goddess (or god) you were born to be. Draw inspiration from feisty movie icon Katharine Hepburn (who was born on May 12, 1907), “You can’t just be talented: you have to be terribly smart and energetic and focused. Don’t just show up. Transform the work, yourself and everybody around you. Be needed. Be interesting.”

Expect a rather disruptive week, as Mercury (your patron planet) is still in retrograde mode, and the Sun hooks up with unpredictable Uranus. Make sure your restless mood doesn’t lead to reckless behaviour and a loose tongue. Think twice before you spread secrets and salacious gossip. Passing on unverified hear-say could lead to unexpected consequences. A tablespoon of tact, a dollop of discretion and a pinch of patience will get you through.

Venus and Mars encourage you to put more energy into pursuing your dreams. No side-stepping Crabs! It’s time to set ambitious goals – and then pursue them with plenty of creativity and drive. But Uranus and retrograde Mercury could increase tension in a relationship within your peer group. Your intuition is switched on big time, as you tune into those around you and uncover some important information. But don’t let a smooth-talker lead you astray.

This week life is exciting and complicated; partnerships are unpredictable; the rules are constantly changing; and work issues will keep you on your toes. Maybe it’s time to simplify your life, cull some of your commitments or give a fair-weather friend the flick? Look for unconventional and innovative solutions that suit YOU. Be inspired by Hollywood icon (and birthday great) Katharine Hepburn, “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

Mercury is your ruling planet, and it’s currently retrograde until May 15. On Friday it connects with Saturn, amplifying your perfectionist streak. Which could lead to unwanted stress when you have to deal with mixed messages and confusing communication – and you also discover that perfection is hard to find! So your motto for the moment is from Spanish painter (and birthday great) Salvador Dali, “Have no fear of perfection … you’ll never reach it.”

This week Venus and Mars activate your career zone so charm, confidence and plenty of chutzpah will take you far along the road to professional success. But remember that Mercury is in retrograde mode (until May 15). So double-check all messages and appointment times – and read the fine print in all contracts thoroughly. Saturday’s Venus/Saturn trine is super for business plans, long-term relationships and socialising with work colleagues.

Your partnership zone is under stress as the Sun connects with unpredictable Uranus, and Mercury continues retrograding. So, when it comes to relationships (of the romantic and platonic variety) expect the unexpected! Avoid being a stubborn Scorpio. Instead, loosen up, go with the chaotic flow, and keep your negative thoughts to yourself. As Joni Mitchell (a fellow Scorpio) observes, “There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.”

Mercury continues reversing through your daily routine zone. So a communication problem, a work matter, a health issue or a local community project could cause some sleepless nights. Fear not! The planets are pushing you to dig deep, accept extra responsibilities and take on challenges with plenty of Sagittarian aplomb. A domestic situation also needs to be handled in a sensitive and sensible way, as you do your best to sort things out.

When it comes to a child, teenager, lover or friend you’re on a mission to correct their mistakes and change their behaviour. But you’ll get a lot further if you criticise less and encourage a lot more. And the greatest realisation this week is that you really can’t change anyone. They can only transform themselves. As birthday great Katharine Hepburn wisely observed, “You learn in life that the only person you can really correct and change is yourself.”

Helping an older pet adapt to a new home: Giving them a new beginning

With divorces and downsizing on the rise... Australian pet shelters are seeing many more animals surrendered. It’s a sad but true fact. Adopting an older dog or cat can be a rewarding experience, both for the pet and the new family. The misconception many of us have is that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Let’s just say it’s not impawsible! There are many things that you can do to help an older pet adapt to a new family and make the transition easier for everyone involved. The first thing to consider when adopting an older pet is its temperament. Pets, like people, have distinct personalities, and some older pets may be naturally more adaptable than others. For example, a dog that was well-socialised in its early years is more likely to be comfortable in new situations, people, and other animals.

The next step is to establish a routine. Dogs thrive on routine, and older dogs are no exception. You should establish a set schedule for feeding, exercise, and playtime. Try to keep the schedule as consistent as possible so that the dog knows what to expect.

Another thing that you can do to help an older dog adjust to a new home is to provide plenty of attention and positive reinforcement. This can help to build trust and establish a bond between the dog and the new family members. It is important to remember that older dogs may have some behavioural issues or training needs,

which may require a patient and dedicated approach. Not every dog or cat is the right match for everyone, which is why it is so important the animal is matched to your family/environment. The pet shelter you are adopting from should assist you in making the right decision to ensure the animal ends up in its forever home.

With time and training, most older pets can become well-adjusted family pets.

If you are looking to adopt an older dog or cat, The Animal Adoption Agency can help you find your perfect match. With over 23 years of experience in animal re-homing, they are a no-kill shelter that offers many services from pet adoption to taking on surrendered pets. For more information, you can visit their website at www.animaladoption.com.au or contact them direct at 4777 4746.

it is important to see your podiatrist when you have diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the pancreas produces insulin into our body. It is becoming more prevalent in the community and can be divided into two main categories, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is defined as the pancreas not producing enough insulin and Type 2 is defined as when the body becomes resistant to the insulin being produced by the pancreas. Both types of diabetes affect our blood sugar levels by causing them to go too high or too low. A normal blood sugar range should be between 5-7.8 mmol/L which can be checked with a finger prick device.

Diabetes can cause multiple complications if not controlled involving the eyes, kidneys and especially the feet. Uncontrolled diabetes for long periods of time can lead to loss of sensation and blood supply in the feet. The nerves in your feet are affected as long standings of high blood sugar levels over-

time can diminish your nerve endings in your feet starting at the toes and will slowly progress down towards your ankle. This is called the glove and stocking effect. This means that you could step on something and not be able to feel it which could potentially lead to cuts and abrasions without evening knowing.

Long standing high blood sugar levels can also affect your blood vessels in your lower legs and feet. Being a diabetic does place you at a high risk of high blood pressure which increases the force of your blood in the arteries causing damage to the walls of the vessel. High blood pressure can also

increase the rate of atherosclerosis (fatty plaque deposits) which depending on the stage, can cause a blood clot or reduce blood flow down to your lower legs and feet. As a podiatrist, we will assess your blood flow with a doppler ultrasound and assess your sensation by doing a monofilament test/turning fork test. After getting these readings, we will be able to categorise you into a low, medium or highrisk status which will tell us when your next assessment should be. Having a diabetic foot assessment annually is very important for diabetic patients.

Why

WITH DAVID NORRIS • NORTEC IT • 9894 9514

A great way to store your holiday snaps

Idecided to collate the photos from my recent trip to Mexico last weekend. My initial thoughts were to print them out and purchase a photo album to put them into. As I looked online to decide where to get the photos printed, an advertisement for a photobook appeared. Many companies create photo books within Australia. These include Photobookstory, Momento, Blurb, Snapfish, Printique, Vistaprint and PikPerfect, to name just a few. A photo book is a tabletop hardcover book made from high-quality material, with photos printed on acid-free paper. It means the images are less likely to fade and deteriorate, and given it is bound in a hardcover book, they are less like to be torn or damaged. There was very little difference when I looked at the price of the photobook compared to printing the photos and purchasing an album.

All the companies I looked at had an online portal allowing you to upload photos into a customisation tool. A few companies will let you download the tool onto your computer to sort your photos offline into the photo book. The company I chose to go with had a wide range of customisation options that allows you to personalise your book. I could choose from various layouts, backgrounds, page designs and add text and captions to my photos. It also identifies blurry or duplicate photos so they can be removed. It automatically sizes, crops and centres your photos to fit the page design and layout best.

I went with a 30cm x 30cm photo book, but they are available in a range of sizes. When designing a page, I could chose from several picture layout configurations ranging from one to nine pictures per page. I could select a different

background on each page and add a text description on the page or individual photos.

The product also had a wizard that analysed the photos, including location, time taken and facial recognition, and suggested a photo layout for me. While it did an excellent job, ultimately, I chose to design my book manually.

What I received a week later exceeded my expectations.

I received a 100-page hardbound book with a photo on the front and back covers. The design tool resulted in a book that looked like a professional photographer created it. The photobook industry is very competitive, with almost all sites offering heavy discounts. I pre-purchased a discount voucher, resulting in my book costing me $70 for 400 photos. The result looks a lot better than a photo album.

Give it a try!

SPORT

BIGGEST EVER DERBY

All on the line in A-League Finals. See back page.

“Recon mission” in Penrith

Advocacy, Major Projects and Economic Development, Chris Isles, described his team’s visit to Penrith as a “recon mission”.

While Penrith is a single channel venue, Redland could have up to three channels of water flowing through it.

Penrith City Council to deliberately exchange, collaborate, and partner.

State of Origin in Sydney may still be a couple of months away but that didn’t stop Penrith from being inundated with Queenslanders late last week.

Various representatives from up north were in town on special assignment to visit Penrith Whitewater Stadium and learn as much as they can about the former Olympic venue before they build their own ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Members of the Queensland State Government, Redland City Council and various consultants involved in developing the Redland Whitewater Centre toured the facility last Friday, aiming to capture learnings as well as meet with experts from the sport of paddling.

Redland City Council General Manager,

“We are lucky enough to be the future owner and operator of what will be the whitewater venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he told the Weekender

“Our venue is hopefully going to be ready in 2027, so we are here with our Queensland Government colleagues and design consultants to have a close look at Penrith, to see what they’ve done well but also listen to perhaps what they might do differently.”

While still in the early planning stages, the Redland Whitewater Centre is set to be located in the suburb of Birkdale, which is a 30-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD.

The soon-to-be constructed venue is also expected to double as a disaster and resilience training centre, which will assist augment the long-term value of the facility.

“That’s a key part of our operating model,” Isles said.

“We’ll still do elite paddling and host major events like the Olympics, but for us we really want to focus on disaster resilience training. We are a bit more disaster prone in Queensland, we have a lot of severe weather events.”

To assure Penrith and Redland aren’t in competition, fighting over major paddling events down the track, the two councils have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and will now work together to the benefit of both venues.

“There is a lot to learn from Penrith Whitewater Stadium. The exciting thing for us is we don’t see Penrith and Redland being in competition,” Isles said.

“Redland City Council signed an MOU with

“For us, we see the long-term opportunity of having twin Australian venues as a massive opportunity for us to then attract elite paddling events to Australia.”

Local paddlers and representatives posed for a photo with Queensland Government and Redland City Council officials last Friday in Penrith.

The possible Redland Whitewater Centre.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Star on the softball field

Cranebrook teenager Lily Warren is latest Junior Sports Star Award recipient

“I played for New South Wales last year in Canberra and it’s really exciting representing your state,” she said.

“Dad got me involved, one day he just enrolled me,” Lily said.

ACranebrook teenager will travel to Queensland in July to represent her state in softball at the U14 Regional Championships.

Lily Warren, who is also the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award, said she can’t wait to play for the NSW U14 Metro Slammers team at the upcoming tournament, which gets underway on July 3 in Redcliffe.

“This year I’ll get to travel with the team, stay with the team and do everything as a team, so it’s a bit more exciting. We finished third last year, which is okay, but I think we’ll do better this year.”

The 14-year-old, who is currently in Year 9 at Hills Sports High, has been playing softball with the Penrith City Softball Association for the best part of nine years after her father Wayne, her sporting idol, signed her up.

“I play for my Dad’s club, the Outlaws, which is one of my favourite teams to play for because of all the friends I have made.

“Making friends is my favourite part about softball.

“I’ve had lots of fun, I’m good at it, I train hard, and I’ve just fallen in love with it.”

With her father also representing NSW at national level, it comes as no surprise that Lily has softball running through her veins.

While she previously gave soccer, touch football and athletics a go, none of them compared to the feeling she has while playing softball.

“I hope to keep representing NSW in the future and then hopefully play for Australia one day,” Lily said.

“In order to get there, I know I have to keep working and playing hard.”

Lily Warren’s Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.

Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.

Lily Warren is the latest Junior Sports Star.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Journalist Nathan Taylor chats with Lily Warren.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Layla sharpens her times for epic gold medal haul

NATHAN TAYLOR

While her friends were kicking back at the movies or attending the Easter Show during the recent school holidays, Cranebrook teenager Layla Sharp was winning gold medals all over the country.

The 15-year-old para-athlete enjoyed a spectacular fortnight, competing at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane and the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Melbourne. Racing in the T38 classification for athletes with cerebral palsy, Layla won back-to-back gold medals in the 400m and 800m in Brisbane, while down in Melbourne she secured gold in the 100m, 200m and 800m running events.

While Layla has run at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships several times in the past, it was at the Australian Little Athletics Championships that she was making her debut.

“This was the first time they offered that event to para-athletes,” Layla told the Weekender

“I ended up doing a PB in the 100m. My PB before that was 14.66 seconds and I got 14.55 seconds in Melbourne. I’d been working hard with my coach Steve Hadfield to get that.”

Out of all the gold medals Layla packed in her carry-on luggage recently, it was the gold

in the 100m sprint that she was most proud to collect.

“I was excited to win the 100m because when I went to Melbourne, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew I was good at the 800m but the 200m and 100m, I don’t really specialise in,” she said.

“So, to win gold and set a new personal best for myself, that was my favourite medal out of all five.”

The Year 10 student at Emmaus Catholic College, who was born with a vision impairment that causes her eyes to shake, has been racing for several years.

Up until recently, Layla was competing in the T12 classification for athletes with vision impairment before being re-classified to T38.

Right before her interstate triumphs, Layla was crowned NSW Junior Champion in the 400m and 800m, breaking a long-standing Australian record along the way.

Layla’s stunning time of 2:35:70 seconds in the 800m Final at the NSW Juniors was confirmed as new Australian record (T38).

“I took Paralympian Torita Blake’s Australian record with a time of 2:35:70,” Layla said.

“That record was around for 10 years!”

While the athletics season has officially come to a close, it’s expected to be a pivotal 12 months for Layla as she works her way to becoming Penrith’s next Paralympian.

Layla said there won’t be much of an off-season as she looks to get quicker and quicker.

Around The Grounds

NETBALL: Despite terrible weather that saw the majority of games cancelled, the Penrith Netball winter season officially got underway last Saturday morning. To celebrate the start of the new season, clubs from all over the association took part in the annual March Past event. Jamison Park Netball Complex was a sea of colour, with Cambridge Park Netball Club winning the inaugural Jan Jackson March Past Trophy.

Round 5 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, it wasn’t good news for the Panthers U23’s team, who were stung by the Stingrays 43-41. Both teams will have the bye in Round 6.

NETBALL: Giants Netball have lost two in a row, going down to the NSW Swifts 67-64 in Round 7 of the Super Netball competition. The Giants held the lead for much of the game before the Swifts took control in the fourth quarter to claim the Carole Sykes Memorial Trophy. The Giants will look to avoid three straight losses when they take on Adelaide at Ken Rosewall Arena this Saturday night.

“I’m going to keep training and doing strength and conditioning with my physio, so I can hopefully get my times down,” she said.

“I haven’t done a lot of training before – up until now, I’ve just been winging it.

“I’ll be doing more in the off-season though because now I’m trying to focus more on athletics rather than cross country.”

Layla said she couldn’t imagine being so successful at such a young age without the help of her many sponsors.

“First and foremost Varitey The Children’s Charity have helped me with financial support, the many teachers at Emmaus Catholic College, Cheryl from Stryke Fit for my comfortable athletics gear, Blair at Lite Spikes for my spikes, my physio Matt at OnePoint Health, Dan and Damien at Elders Real Estate and the RunCrew squad,” she said.

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have endured their third consecutive loss to open the season, going down to the Uni-North Owls 64-10 in Round 3 of the John I Dent Cup. The Emus will return to Nepean Rugby Park this Saturday to face the Wests Lions.

BASKETBALL: Penrith’s women’s team have suffered back-to-back defeats, belted by the Albury-Wodonga Bandits 86-68 in Round 7 of the NBL1 East competition. For the third straight week, Meg Jefferson led the way for the Panthers with 23 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s team have secured back-to-back victories, narrowly overcoming the Bandits 81-80. Brodie Schwarzer was a beast for Penrith, racking up 13 points, seven rebounds and two steals in the victory. Both teams will take on the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders this Saturday in Penrith.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have defeated the Sutherland Stingrays 42-38 in

AFL: The Penrith Rams have suffered three consecutive defeats, smashed by the South West Sydney Blues 59-21 in Round 4 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition. It was a rough afternoon for the Rams, who only managed to boot two goals in the contest. Penrith will hope to bounce back when they verse Macquarie University at Greygums Oval on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes celebrated a huge win over the Inner West Magpies 78-2 in Round 4 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two competition. The Ramettes will aim for consecutive wins when they take on Randwick City on Saturday morning.

AFL: The GWS Giants have pulled off one of their best victories in years, defeating the Sydney Swans 107-106 in Round 7 of the AFL competition. In an enthralling Sydney Derby, the Giants trailed by 24 points early in the final quarter and then kicked the final four goals of the game to win by a point. The Giants will look to secure back-to-back victories when they battle the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday night.

Runner Layla Sharp in action last month.

SPORT

Penrith’s #1 NRL Coverage – Extra Time – see centre pull-out

Medal won, job to be done

Saturday night’s A-League Finals showdown with Sydney FC at CommBank Stadium.

Brandon Borrello has produced one of the most remarkable first seasons at a new club in A-League history, cleaning up at the 2023 Wanderers Medal on Tuesday night at Club Marconi.

The 27-year-old winger, who joined Western Sydney this season, won every award he was eligible for, including the coveted Wanderers Medal for A-League Men’s Player of the Year.

Along with the night’s top prize, Borrello picked up the A-League Men’s Members’ Player of the Year Award, the Rod Allen Media Player of the Year Award and the A-League Men’s Golden Boot Award for his 13-goal effort in the regular season.

After debuting in the A-League with Brisbane in 2013, Borrello has spent much of his football career playing in Germany. He thanked the Wanderers for bringing him home.

“Thank you very much to the Chairman and the boss (coach Mark Rudan) for giving me that chance, I’ve loved every minute of it so far here,” Borrello said on stage.

“I guess you could say it’s been a good season for me, I’ve been up here a couple of times but I think there’s more than a handful of players that deserve to be up here tonight.”

Borrello will quickly turn his attention to this

The two arch-rivals have battled each other dozens of times over the years, but unbelievably never in the post-season.

Following their 3-2 loss at the hands of Premier’s Plate winners Melbourne City last Friday night at AAMI Park, the Wanderers locked in fourth place on the A-League ladder and a home elimination final.

“I’m supremely confident for next week. I can’t wait,” Rudan said after the clash with City.

The Wanderers have a strong record against the Sky Blues this season having beaten them on two occasions, including a 4-0 hammering on March 18. A sellout crowd is expected on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Wanderers defender Clare Hunt has won her second consecutive Wanderers Medal for A-League Women’s Player of the Year.

The 24-year-old, who plays for the Matildas national team, also picked up A-League Women’s Members’ Player of the Year following another strong second season in the Red & Black.

“I think personally, for me, last year was the breakthrough,” Hunt said.

“I had my first consistent season at the Wanderers last year and they were willing enough to take me on again this year.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Wanderers

Medal winner Brandon Borrello in action.

Photo: Steve Christo.