Western Weekender November 4 2022

weekender

Free PENRITH’S SAFEST SUMMER

The Western Weekender today launches a major initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting safety in the area this summer.

‘Penrith’s Safest Summer’ launches following a number of summer tragedies in recent years, including the death of a woman on the Nepean River on Australia Day earlier this year.

With COVID restrictions now gone and many holidays on hold due to cost-of-living pressures, this is expected to be one of the busiest summers Penrith has ever seen with locals flocking to the Nepean River as well as enjoying backyard pools, and heading for road trips to the beach.

The Weekender alongside Penrith City Council, Nepean Aquatic Centre and Aqua Clear will present a 14-week series, starting in today’s paper, aimed at promoting safety and offering a weekly reminder of the need to be cautious when out and about this summer.

Nepean Aquatic Centre’s Julie Sheldrake said it’s an important initiative.

“We are very supportive of the Western Weekender ’s Penrith’s Safest Summer initiative, as swim safety is of utmost importance in our society, and is at the heart of everything we do at our Swim Centres,” she said.

“We are a nation that lives by, and loves, the water, however 339 Australians lost their lives last year to drowning, with a further 686 people experiencing a non-fatal drowning incident, often with ongoing severe health and quality of life repercus sions.

“This increased drowning number is especially confronting as it repre sents a reversal of years of progress, and there is much that we can do to prevent further lives being lost.”

Ms Sheldrake said it was impor tant to follow safety advice and be prepared this summer.

“Education is key, and we look forward to being a part of this fantas tic educational initiative in conjunc tion with all other participants,” she said.

“Let’s work together as a community to keep Penrith safer this summer!”

Western Weekender Managing Editor, Troy Dodds, said: “We are the biggest voice in the community, and across print, social and digital, we feel we have a responsibility to ensure everyone has a wonderful summer with safety front of mind. We look forward to presenting this initiative over the next three months, and we are confident it will make a real difference.”

Penrith’s Safest Summer: See pages 18-19.

Julie Sheldrake from Nepean Aquatic Centre. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Friday, November

2022

Shop 4, Memory Mall 429 High Street, Penrith

Metro locks in acquisitions

process on April 26, Sydney Metro issued a Proposed Acquisition Notice (PAN).

With construction of the under ground Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport (WSA) line expected to commence in early 2023, the parcels of lands that it will run under have been revealed.

Penrith City Councillors moved a report at Monday’s Ordinary Meeting that outlined the process of the substratum acquisition for the ground under the surface of the land.

Where possible, the tunnels for the Sydney Metro WSA will run through a reserved rail corridor, underneath major roads, open space or public buildings.

The project will include two sections of twin rail tunnels.

“The northern tunnel, which runs from St Marys to Orchard Hills is about 4.3 kilometres long and is between 11 and 36 metres below ground,” the report said.

“The southern section of the tunnel runs between the Airport Business Park and the Aerotropolis and is around 5.5km long.

“Under the airport, the tunnel is between 12 and 26 metres underground, and from Badgerys Creek to the Aerotropolis the tunnel is between 17 and 30 metres below ground.”

On February 28, 2022, Sydney Metro provided a letter to Penrith City Council that substratum land would need to be acquired under six parcels of land owned by Council and four owned by the Department of Plan ning and Environment under the care of Council.

There were also 13 local public roads vested in the Penrith Council area.

To commence the formal acquisition

The PAN notified property owners that the underground land would be acquired after not less than 90 days, by publication of an acquisition notice in the Government Gazette, which was published on August 25.

The report states that the sites affected by the substratum acquisition include 70-76 Carinya Avenue, St Marys; 2 The Kingsway, St Marys; 71-72 Werrington Road, Werrington; and Gipps Street, Claremont Meadows.

Areas acquired under public controlled roads included Glossop, Station and Queen Streets in St Marys; Fowler Street and Sunflower Drive in Claremont Meadows; along with Kent and Lansdowne Roads in Orchard Hills.

Council also received notification from the Valuer General confirming that there was no compensation payable to Council for the acquisition.

Vibration levels are predicted to be well below accepted standards and expert studies indicate damage to any structures is highly unlikely.

“As a precaution Sydney Metro carried out property condition surveys on Council’s owned and managed properties in August and September, 2022 as part of the pre-con struction planning,” the report said.

“Property condition surveys will also be taken after the construction works to provide a point of comparison for further investigation and assessment should damage be identified. If damage is identified, it would be rectified by Sydney Metro at no cost to the property owner.”

All Councillors agreed that the information be received and noted.

Dire skin cancer warning

EMILY FESZCZUK

While people know skin protection is essential to prevent skin cancers such as melanoma, another 205,000 Australians could poten tially be diagnosed with the serious condition by 2030.

Experts are calling for urgent action to increase early diagnosis and treatment to lessen the impacts in the community.

Skin Cancer College Australasia CEO Lynette Hunt said it was critical that investment into improving the strategy for dealing with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers be increased.

“Despite our best efforts in skin cancer prevention, more and more Australians are going to be presenting with more and more skin cancers in coming years,” Ms Hunt said.

“Improving early detection, changing attitudes toward sunburn and sunscreen use and gathering

more evidence for a national screen ing program are the urgent actions required to prevent a further 14,000 Australians from dying from this

disease by 2030.’’

Upskilling a workforce of general practitioners, together with encour aging early detection will help

manage the growing skin cancer burden according to Ms Hunt.

Doctor Parag Das from St Marys Skin Cancer Clinic was a GP who did specialised training to treat skin cancers.

Dr Das agreed that training GPs in contemporary detection and treatment techniques was a good solution.

“Skin cancer clinics like ours are booked out for new patients until March next year so training more doctors is essential as the rates rise over the next decade, mostly in Australia and New Zealand,” Dr Das said.

“Detecting skin cancer in the early stage makes a huge difference as we can spray it with liquid nitrogen or laser it, which requires no cutting or stitches. If it is more developed and deeper there is no choice other than more serious and expensive treatments.”

Encouraging people to be sun smart, Dr Das believes skin cancer should be tested for more regularly like other diseases.

“People put sunscreen on once then think the job is done but it needs to be applied regularly when outside along with wearing protec tive clothes, sunglasses and a hat,” he said.

“I think skin cancer checks should be mandatory every year or on a roster the same how we do a stool test every two years for colon cancer, breast cancer screening programs or prostate checks.”

Everyone is encouraged to keep an eye on their skin and seek advice if they spot any changes that raise concerns.

“People’s type of skin can impact their chance of getting skin cancer such as if they burn easily or have more moles and family history is important, especially for mela noma,” he said.

“If they notice any freckles or moles that are new or that are changing colour, shape or size they should see their GP or they can they can send us an email with a photo and we can determine how urgently they need to be seen.”

A map showing the Sydney Metro line from St Marys to the airport.

Dr Parag Das with a patient on Wednesday.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Man suffers broken jaw and other injuries after being kidnapped and beaten Debt was behind assault

assaulted over several hours until the police arrival.”

An alleged “debt” has led to three men facing court, charged over the kidnap and beating of another man in Crane brook on Monday night.

About 11pm on Monday, October 31, police were called to an address in Chal lenger Way at Cranebrook in response to a concern for welfare.

Nepean Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Richard Gentle, told media on Tuesday that upon arrival officers located the alleged offenders and the injured victim.

“Police saw three men flee the property and with the assistance of PolAir they were able to capture those offenders,” Detective Acting Inspector Gentle said.

“Located within the prop erty was a victim who had fairly serious facial injuries that appeared to have been

The 31-year-old man required treatment at the scene before being taken to Nepean Hospital with a suspected broken jaw, fractures to his hands and numerous other lacerations and bruises.

While serious, the man’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

A crime scene was estab lished at the property.

The three men – Peter Zervas, 46, Sozo Loukis, 59, and John Matthew Weyman, 36 – were arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station to be charged.

Mr Weyman, from Crane brook, was charged with ‘Take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm’.

Mr Zervas, from Minto, and Mr Loukis, from Cranebrook, were both charged with ‘Take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm’ and ‘Wound person with

intent to cause grievous bodily harm’.

All three men were refused bail and appeared at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, November 1.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing and Detective Acting Inspector Gentle said the victim has been assisting police.

“We are still in the early stages in the investigation but it would appear that a debt was owed by our victim who met one of the offenders at a restaurant in Bankstown,” he said.

“Whilst there meeting that offender, another man has entered the car they were in and drove to the address in Cranebrook.

“The victim was able to notify police as well as a member of the public.”

Anyone with information which may assist detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or contact St Marys or Penrith Police Stations.

Detective Acting Inspector Richard Gentle addressing media on Tuesday. Photo: Emily Feszczuk.

Troy Dodds

Melbourne Cup Day for me started at The Log Cabin, not for a schooner but as MC for the Nepean Business Network’s annual breakfast, which raises money for a chosen charity each year.

This year, the important work of WestCare received a boost, with more than $50,000 raised by people in the room through raffles, sweeps, ticket sales and other initiatives.

Later in the day, the Pink Up Penrith campaign hosted a Melbourne Cup Day lunch, where raising funds for charity was again the order of the day.

Such charity events have become regular parts of Cup Day, ensuring the first Tuesday in November is not only about a horse race that, supposedly, stops the nation.

Not surprisingly, Tuesday again saw opin ions split as the annual pile-on of the horse racing industry took place.

The #NupToTheCup campaign was in full swing again, protesters were out in force and the once-a-year-debate unfolded as it usually does; generally ill-informed, as most debates tend to be these days.

Regardless of how loud the voices of oppo sition were on Tuesday, they were largely drowned out by those who celebrate the day for what it is, and we’ll be back again next year with the same old cycle.

Eight years ago Admire Ratki and Araldo both died in the Melbourne Cup and the furore and debate that followed was intense and extensive.

Some friends declared they’d never support horse racing again. Among those were a few who tagged themselves in a photo at The Everest in Sydney a few weeks ago.

Short memories.

Opinions of what is a day entrenched in Australia’s history will always vary, from those who say deaths and injuries are “just part of racing” through to those who want the entire sport banned.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle and is often muddled depending on who’s speaking.

Opinions on horse racing are very often formed quicker than the few minutes it takes the Melbourne Cup to be run.

And therefore, opinions are formed without any real background, research or knowledge.

And often those opinions are formed because we feel guilty; guilt that is often short-lived.

Because many of the people being loud and vocal about horse racing over the last few years still had a bet on Tuesday, despite the number of horses who have died on race tracks in Australia this year.

They still went to a Melbourne Cup lunch eon, had the afternoon off work or took part in an office sweep, despite the catastrophic injuries that can be suffered by horses and jockeys, and we’ve witnessed a few of those this year too.

There are others of course who, and this is to be respected, never shift from the values they hold when it comes to racing. You’ll never spot them wearing a fascinator on Cup Day or taking part in the office sweep, and they remain vocal about their views. Whether they are right or wrong is open to where your threshold is on what is or isn’t acceptable.

I’m no horse racing expert – I have very little knowledge of how the industry works on the inside, but I do know that somewhere in the midst of the fallout that always surrounds the Melbourne Cup, there is room for a sensible debate. The problem is finding that sensible middle when so much emotion is involved.

Those inside the industry know that the once-a-year punters with their once-a-year opinions will disappear in a week or two, and the industry will get back to normal, where races are held every four or five minutes in all parts of the country.

I don’t really think the wider public have any idea of how big the horse racing industry is. It’s not just about a handful of meetings at Randwick and Rosehill a year. It’s not just about the Cox Plate, the Everest, Melbourne Cup or the Caufield Cup.

Racing runs all year round, all day long, and yes, incidents happen right throughout the year, though they remain rare in the big scheme of things.

But as those on the inside will tell you, the industry is probably more focused on the safety of participants than at any other time in its history.

One runner in Tuesday’s race was scratched on the morning of the race, and another the day before, as part of the medical and safety precautions that are in place.

This is the kind of thing that opponents tend to ignore, preferring us to believe that the horse racing industry is one giant killing ground where cruelty reigns supreme.

As I noted at the top of this column, Melbourne Cup Day is not all about racing and betting.

Plenty of good comes from the day, and plenty of good comes from the racing indus try itself, another truth often ignored.

But yes, plenty of heartache comes too. That’s a reality the industry can’t ignore, especially when it comes to the gambling mecca that Australia has become.

In terms of safety and cruelty, it’s really up to experts in the animal welfare field to have the right and proper discussion about what’s right and wrong about horse racing.

I’m not talking about the extremist minority groups, but legitimate animal welfare organ isations who can come to the table knowing that horse racing will never be stopped, but can perhaps be improved.

Our guilt will come and go, but racing will not. Finding some middle ground would at least stop the cycle we go on every year.

“Those inside the industry know that the once-a-year punters with their once-ayear opinions will disap pear in a week or two”

Drinks before Christmas

EMILY FESZCZUK

The pub giants behind The Lob Cabin will be working against the weather to deliver Jordan Springs its first local watering hole in December.

The Weekender exclusively toured the venue, named Brooks Tavern, with Laundy Hotels’ Craig Laundy and Londonderry MP Prue Car as construction continued.

With a high timber ceiling and sandstone fireplace that imme diately takes your attention, the level of detail that has gone into the highly anticipated $20 million pub runs deep.

“Our branding company went into the history of the area and found a strong link to agriculture because there was reliable fresh water here through a very well-known and ever flowing brook which is where the name Brooks Tavern comes from,” Mr Laundy said.

“The architecture is a nod to a contemporary take on a barn which allows us to have a lot of fun with things like materials and colour and we have tried to tie in everything right from the façade to the minor

details inside.”

Located on Lakeside Parade, the Tavern will feature bars, a bistro and gaming area that will cater for approximately 400 patrons.

“It will be a great cost-effective pub feed and it will be family friendly with a great kids’ play area that will be fenced,” he said.

“The beer garden will be land scaped with mature trees and there

are both indoor and outdoor spaces, plus some which can be both with big windows that can open to enjoy different times.”

To make sure they deliver high quality service, Mr Laundy will be looking to hire around 120 employ ees.

“We are probably two weeks away from advertising and we will need four to five weeks to recruit and start

training which we are blessed to be able to do at The Log Cabin,” he said.

“It is about creating local jobs for locals so we will have full time, part time and casual opportunities for older kids in high school to university students and right up to seasoned hospitality veterans that want to start in a new venue.”

With thousands of people moving into Jordan Springs over the last

decade, Ms Car said Brooks Tavern will be a welcome addition.

“We have been waiting a long time for so much in this community whether it is the school, infra structure or upgrades and now hard-working families will have somewhere to come to enjoy them selves,” Ms Car said.

The team is hoping to open before Christmas.

New pub in Jordan Springs aims for December opening as staff recruitment begins

Construction continues inside Brooks Tavern at Jordan Springs.

Craig Laundy speaks about the pub with Londonderry MP Prue Car.

Guiding suburb’s future

Independent Community Commissioner to liaise with Orchard Hills residents

FESZCZUK

With the future of Orchard Hills’ devel opment to be decided, an Independent Community Commissioner (ICC) has been appointed to liaise with locals on how they might want it to look.

Professor Roberta Ryan was appointed last week after beginning her role as the ICC for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis last year.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the appointment comes as the Government recognised the need to place the community in the planning process.

“The Government will lead comprehensive studies that will inform the future development of Orchard Hills and infrastructure required by the current community, as well as those who will call the area home in future,” Mr Roberts said.

“This work will help to inform a discussion paper that the Government will release later this year for community input, ahead of a draft Precinct Plan for formal exhibition next year.”

With the area that is a part of the Western Sydney Airport line potentially being rezoned to allow for a new residential estate, the public policy expert said her position will be helping residents as well as relaying their feedback.

“My role in Orchard Hills is to help the community understand what is going on with the planning process and explaining what proposed changes might mean,” Professor Ryan said.

“I will spend a lot of time talking to individuals, understand what their issues are and taking up those concerns with the various government agencies.”

As part of her introductory preparation, postcards with information will be sent to all residents inviting them to take part in a short survey to share their personal views.

“I would love people to give me an idea of what their future vision of the area looks like because we can’t assume we know what people want so we need to be informed by the community,” she said.

“I also need to understand what happened with the Metro and the concerns about the acquisition process which will provide important context for my job.”

Adding to her ICC role, Professor Ryan is seeking residents to establish a community consultative committee as part of a communication mechanism.

“I am looking for a range of people to be in touch if they are interested as we need about eight to 10 members who are well connected to bring people’s views and ideas into a discussion that I will Chair,” she said.

“It is quite an effective way to highlight what needs attention and is a good way for the community to ask questions to the agencies and Council.”

For more information or to complete the survey, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Independent-Com munity-Commissioner.

To get in touch, phone 0408 115 467 or email roberta@aerocc.com.au.

What would you like for Orchard Hills in the future? Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Professor Roberta Ryan wants to hear from Orchard Hills residents.

Stunning work to be displayed at unique new local arts festival

PEARCE

Local artists will be taking centre stage in a new, one-night-only festival taking place at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School next Friday, November 11.

The festival, called the Nepean Festival of Arts and Design, sets its target on artisans and designers who live, work or study in the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA), giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell their work among developing and professional artists alike.

Nepean Creative and Performing Arts’ event coordinator, Prudence Rowston, noted how exciting this opportunity is for participants, given the exceptional calibre of work she’s seen entered so far.

“It’s really home grown, and it’s very exciting, because I’ve been teaching at Nepean since 2016, and what I’m unearthing is just really dynamic and innovative artists and designers in our LGA,” she said.

“I’m just really thrilled with the contemporary notion of what

Penrith is producing under that net. Some might live in the Moun tains but work in the LGA, or some might study and be part of the arts societies, some may even set their

sights at producing with our LGA as inspiration, and it’s really exciting, because it’s its first year, and the work is just phenomenal.”

The event, which is being put on

in partnership with Penrith City Council and the Zonta Club of Nepean Valley, is also a momentous occasion for the school, which will be providing students with

countless opportunities through its occurrence.

“Our school motto is ‘aspire the heights’, and to aspire the heights, you need to make the heights, so you really need to see what creativ ity looks like, and to network and celebrate together,” she said.

“When you look at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School, it’s a 15-hectare flat school, so it’s a great space to hold such a gathering. And, post-COVID, it’s almost been birthed at a time when creatives need to meet each other, and they need to be inspired and to network, and just celebrate and see the work of our local practitioners, and I think the overflow is the possibilities for our audition-based students, it’s huge.”

2022 Archilbald Prize winner, Blak Douglas, is opening the non-profit event.

“I really want to encourage our community to attend, because it’s lovely to be around creatives, and to come together post-COVID and see what our LGA has is just fantastic,” Ms Rowston said.

To purchase tickets, visit bit. ly/3zA1nNF.

Student submissions for the Nepean Festival of Arts and Design, which will take place on November 11.

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

for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

Hotline

November – 7pm

Council Briefs

● Construction will begin this month to upgrade the amenities building at Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex, which is located on the corner of Castlereagh Road and High Street, Penrith.

The floorplan of the existing building is being redesigned to improve functionality and accessibility. Key features will include two modern change rooms, office and first aid spaces, improved canteen facilities, an upgraded activity space, a kitchenette, additional storage, air-conditioning, a lift, accessible toilets, and an adult change room.

The tennis courts will remain open and will be available for use throughout construction.

This project is being funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, Program, the NSW Government through the Penrith Sporting Infrastructure Project, and Council.

Find out more at penrith.city/spros

● From Friday, 11 November 2022, the Great Western Highway end of York Street, Emu Plains will permanently close due to the realignment of River Road which is part of the Regatta Park upgrade.

Traffic will no longer be able to turn into or out of York Street from the Great Western Highway. Detours will be put in place with the realignment of River Road to intersect with the Great Western Highway at Lamrock Street. This portion of work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2023.

York Street will remain accessible from Willow Tree Avenue, Westbank Avenue, Napier Avenue and Vincent Avenue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For more information visit penrith.city/regattapark

● Penrith City Library hosts a variety of events and programs from book clubs, author talks, craft workshops for kids and adults, movie mornings and information sessions.

They also have exciting programs for kids of all ages, including their beloved Baby Time and Story Time sessions along with craft workshops and fun bingos with great prizes. Take a look at what’s on at the Library at penrith.city/library

Public Exhibition

61–79 Henry Street, Penrith (the Henry Lawson Centre) – Planning Proposal and draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) Letter of Offer

Penrith, also known as the Henry Lawson Centre (the site).

The land is legally described as Lot 1 DP 771927.

The Planning Proposal seeks to:

• Permit residential accommodation as an additional permitted use on the site;

• Ensure a minimum amount of floor space is retained for non-residential land uses to support Penrith’s commercial core; and

• Include a provision that will limit these controls to a period of five years after the date the LEP amendment is made.

The intent of the proposed amendment is to facilitate the redevelopment of the site as a mixed-use development, with a range of commercial, community and residential uses.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has not authorised Council to exercise delegation to make this plan.

The proponent has also submitted a Letter of Offer to Council to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). The Offer outlines the landowner’s intention to deliver affordable and accessible housing, public open space and road and infrastructure upgrades through a future VPA.

Viewing the exhibition and making a submission

The Planning Proposal, Letter of Offer and supporting information are on public exhibition until Monday, 14 November 2022. The documents can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au and at Council’s Civic Centre.

You are invited to provide feedback by making a written submission to Council by Monday, 14 November 2022 by:

• Email: cityplanning@penrith.city

• Post: The General Manager (Attention: Peter Failes)

Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

• Online NSW Planning Portal: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr

Please include a subject line indicating ‘61-79 Henry Street, Penrith’ in emails and letters.

For further enquiries please contact Peter Failes, Senior Planner on 4732 7628 or email cityplanning@penrith.city

Development Application

The following Development Applications has been received by Council:

• Nor’Side Investments Pty Ltd Rev22/0008 Lot D & Lot C DP 153855 and Lot 2 DP 525160, 608–612 High Street, Penrith

Section 8.2 Review of Refusal Determination for DA20/0477 –Demolition of existing structures and construction of 5-storey mixed-use development including ground floor commercial floor space, 39 residential apartments and basement car parking

visitpenrith.com.au

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on a Planning Proposal to amend the planning controls in Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010) for land at 61-79 Henry Street,

Contact: Donna Clarke on 4732 7991

Closing Date: Monday, 21 November 2022

Overlander Hotel submits plans to complete major overhaul

Plans for $1.2 million worth of work to finish upgrading the Overlander Hotel in Cambridge Gardens are currently on public exhibition by Penrith City Council.

A Development Application (DA) has been lodged for additions including the construc tion of a deck and landscaping to complete the makeover.

Located at 180 Richmond Road, Cambridge Gardens, the pub underwent a full renovation across 2019 and 2020.

The new proposal seeks to make further alterations and additions to the Hotel to respond to the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance the appearance of the Hotel and its car park.

The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said the DA is to expand and reconfig ure parts of the establishment.

“The proposed works involve construction of a new outdoor deck with a public area of approximately 220m2 in the general area of the existing eastern porte-cochere, increasing the public floor area of the Hotel to a total of approximately 1,026m2,” the SEE said.

The work also includes “modifications to the existing porte-cochere and relocation of the existing eastern pedestrian access to the Hotel further to the east”.

The plans show that a window will be demolished, and a new main entrance will be added, along with a gaming area extension with a new extended sandstone wall to match.

According to the SEE, the works will not result in any major changes to the external walls of the buildings or effect the overall look of the venue.

“As the definition of “gross floor area” excludes ‘terraces and balconies with outer walls less than 1.4 metres high’, the proposed

Development Consent/s Determined

deck will not increase to the building’s gross floor area or floor space ratio,” it said.

“Materials and finishes to be used in the works have been designed to match those of the existing building.”

If approved, the upgrade will include modifications to the car park to enhance its appearance by introducing landscaping areas within it, which will result in a reduction of off-street parking from 166 to 147 spaces.

A Parking Assessment was prepared by John

Coady Consulting to accompany the applica tion which concluded that it would not have unacceptable parking implications.

“The 147 off-street car parking spaces to be provided should be adequate to accommodate the projected peak and average maximum parking demand potential of the expanded pub at all relevant times,” the assessment said.

The Development Application is on public exhibition until November 14, after which time it will be determined.

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

• Fernleigh Drafting Rev22/0003

Lot 24 DP 261368, 3 Willoring Crescent, Jamisontown

Review of Determination of DA22/0058 for demolition of existing shed and construction of detached shed

• Hi-Craft Home Improvements Pty Ltd DA22/0839

Lot 7313 DP 1229768, 28 Tallwood Avenue, Glenmore Patio

• NF Billyard Pty Ltd DA22/0573

Lot 17 DP 217805, 46 Kenny Avenue, St Marys Detached dual occupancy

• Cityscape Planning & Projects DA22/0073

Lot 148 DP 703879, 9a Dilga Crescent, Erskine Park

Torrens title subdivision into 2 x lots, comprising 1 x residential lot and retention of 1 lot as drainage reserve with associated tree removal, site remediation works and associated civil and stormwater works

• Luke Tyler Fornasier DA22/0874

Lot 250 DP 815531, 1 Irruka Place, Cranebrook Retaining walls

• Cityscape Planning & Projects DA22/0652

Lot 57 DP 204976, Lot A DP 33205, Lot B DP 33205, Lot A DP 435464, Lot 7 DP 751662, Lot 8 DP 751662, Lot 10 DP 751662, Lot 11 DP 75166, Lot 12 DP 751662,

Lot 13 DP 751662, Lot 14 DP 751662, Lot 15 DP 751662, Part Lot 123 DP 751662, Part Lot 124 DP 751662, Lot B DP 420745, Lot A DP 190049, Lot 5 DP 342116, Part Lot 125 DP 751662, Part Lot 126 DP 751662, Lot B DP 435464, Lot B DP 190049, Lot B DP 338385, Lot 16 DP 1117951, Lot 1 DP 111799, Lot 2 DP 1117991, Part Lot 1 DP 342116, Part Lot 2 DP 342116, Lot 3 DP 342116, Lot 4 DP 342116, Lot 1 DP 529749, Lot 2 DP 529749 and Lot A DP 420745, 16 River Road, Emu Plains

Torrens title subdivision x 6 lots and public road dedication

• Lendlease Communities Mod22/0161 (Werrington) Pty Ltd

Lot 1010 DP 1272641,16 Cargo Street, Werrington Modification to amend finished floor levels

• Nirva Designs Pty Ltd DA22/0856

Lot 2156 DP 1220918, 40 Tedbury Road, Jordan Springs 2-storey dwelling

• Eden Brae Homes Mod22/0175

Lot 1048 DP 1272641, 17 Peartree Circuit, Werrington

Section 4.55 application to correct architectural plans

• The Trustee for Sky Property & DA22/0694 Planning Trust Lot 3 SP 102337, 3/561 Great Western Highway, Werrington

Change of use to a garden centre for the purposes of selling hydroponic equipment and associated materials

• Mcdonald Jones Homes DA22/0570

Lot 2 DP 1268506, 48 Bonner Road, Agnes Banks Single storey dwelling & installation of an OSSM System

• Vianello Holdings Pty Ltd Mod22/0139 Lot 2000 DP 1204777, Lot 445 DP 1268480, Lot 700 DP 1275647, Lot 701 DP 1275647, Lot 702 DP 1275647, Lot 637 DP 1266411 and Lot 638 DP 1266411, 19 Middlebrook Rise, Glenmore Park

Section 4.55(1A) modifications to DA20/0782 for Torrens title subdivision into 88 residential lots, 1 public reserve lot, 1 drainage corridor lot and 3 residue lots including bulk earthworks, construction of new roads, landscaping in roads and riparian corridor, retaining walls, stormwater management works an new services (Stages 7–8, Precinct H, Glenmore Park Stage 2)

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

An artist’s impression of the new-look Overlander Hotel at Cambridge Gardens.

PAGE TEN

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The Weekender has three NON Everyday Sets to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender. com.au with ‘NON’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, November 18 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender. com.au.

rules

The Nepean Business Network this week raised more than $50,000 for WestCare at its annual Melbourne Cup Day breakfast. Well done to

involved in the

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Locals back a winner at Theo’s

Penrith residents flocked to local bars and clubs on Tuesday to celebrate the race that stops the nation.

Weekender photographer Melinda Jane captured some of the fun at Theo’s rooftop bar at Astina, where many locals gathered to party throughout the day and watch the Melbourne Cup, won by Gold Trip.

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Police Snapshot Legal Matters

BY EMILY FESZCZUK

Penrith: Man banned from shopping centre spotted by police

A man has been charged after trespassing in Penrith last week.

About 6.50pm on Wednesday, October 26, police were doing a foot patrol of a local shop ping centre when they stopped a 22-year-old Penrith man.

It is alleged that police had prior knowledge that the man had been issued a banning notice from the shopping centre that prohib ited him from entering.

This was in place until July 2023. Officers spoke to the man, who allegedly admitted that he was aware that he should not enter the centre.

The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, November 22.

Kingswood: Woman claims suspected stolen items were bought with cash

A woman has been charged after having suspected stolen items and a knife in a public place in Kingswood.

About 9.25pm on Thursday, October 27, police were patrolling Santley Crescent, Kingswood when they sighted a 37-year-old Kingswood woman.

It is alleged officers attempted to talk with the woman but she ignored them and walked away.

Police have stopped her while she was carrying two very large bags containing items.

While searching the bags, police located numerous items including new women’s underwear with the tags attached, Sony headphones and a wireless car charger.

The woman allegedly claimed that she had purchased all the items that day, with cash and had no receipts.

Officers also searched the woman’s back pack and located a knife.

The woman was charged and will appear at Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, December 6.

Kingswood: Police spot man who already had licence suspended

A repeat offender has been charged for driving whilst suspended in Kingswood.

On August 11, 2022, Nepean Police stopped a motor vehicle and spoke with the driver, a 32-year-old Acacia Gardens man.

The man was charged with speeding and his licence was suspended on the spot.

About 11.40pm on Friday, October 28, the same officers stopped the man driving the

same vehicle on Rodgers Street in King swood.

Police had a conversation with him, know ing that he had his licence suspended in August.

He was charged with ‘Drive motor vehicle while licence suspended’.

About 12.22am on Saturday, October 29, officers were patrolling Wainwright Lane, Kingswood when they have sighted the same vehicle that they had stopped 40 minutes prior.

They stopped the vehicle and had another conversation with the 32-year-old driver.

He was charged again and will front Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, November 22.

Kingswood: Woman fronts court after assaulting hospital workers

A woman has been charged after assaulting several people in Kingswood.

About 9pm on Sunday, October 30, a 21-year-old South Penrith woman was cleared to leave hospital.

It is alleged the woman became angry as she did not want to leave.

Security attended to escort the woman from the location, when she allegedly pushed past security and nurses, as well as pushing a doctor.

Police attended and the woman was still attempting to assault the doctor.

As police were leading the woman out of the hospital, she allegedly pushed an officer, causing him to stumble backwards.

A short wrestle ensued between the woman and police, before she was cuffed and arrested.

The woman was charged and bail refused, before attending Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, November 1.

Werrington County: Police search for missing teenager

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teen missing from Werrington County.

Joel Thompson, aged 17, was last seen at about 5pm on Monday, October 31.

When family members were unable to contact him officers from Nepean Police Area Command were notified and immediately commenced inquiries to locate him.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build, short blond hair dyed with red and blue dots.

A picture of Joel is available on the Western Weekender website.

with Daniel McKinnon

EXPLAINER: WHAT’S AN EASEMENT?

An easement is an entry on the Title for a block of land giving rights to a third party who is not an owner of the land to use a section of the land for a particular purpose.

Examples include shared driveways or rights of carriageway in the context of battle axe blocks, and most commonly, drainage ease ments. Drainage easements allow adjoining co-owners to construct or access drains, usually on neighbouring properties to access things like storm water and/or sewerage.

The upside of easements is that it allows neighbourhoods to be designed in a cohesive manner with adequate access to services like drainage, power or telephone lines.

The downside for landowners is that the easement site essentially becomes unusable because generally speaking a property owner is not able to build over or otherwise develop an easement site on their land.

Most easements, for example drainage easements, run along a property boundary where it is unlikely anyone would want to construct anything like a pool or home extension and people live many years with out giving easements on their property a second thought.

Sometimes however alterations to ease ments are required, or property development calls for new easements to be created. To use the drainage example again, this commonly occurs where an owner of a large parcel of land in a residential neighbourhood wishes to develop the land from a single dwelling parcel of freehold to a strata complex with townhouses or units.

In order to complete the development, the developer will need to demonstrate to the appropriate authorities that there is adequate drainage available to each of the new dwellings for the purposes of storm

water and sewerage. Depending on the available services, the developer may need to approach one or more of the owners of the neighbouring properties to ask whether or not they will agree to grant the developer an easement to either construct new drainage on their land or tap into existing drainage to which the developer does not currently have access.

Usually what follows is a negotiation between the developer and the landowner as to an appropriate price for the developer to pay to the landowner to compensate them for construction or access to the easement. The agreement will usually include provisions that the developer return the land to the state it was in prior to construction or access in addition to any monetary compensation.

Sometimes however, agreement cannot be reached. This can occur because a compen sation amount cannot be agreed upon or simply because the landowner refuses to grant an easement on some other grounds.

In these circumstances, a developer may be able to avail themselves of Section 88K of the Conveyancing Act, 1919 which empowers the Court to create easements where said ease ment is reasonably necessary for the effective use or development of a parcel of land.

An easement will only be granted if the developer can satisfy the Court that the use of the land being developed will not be inconsistent with the public interest, that the owner of the land on which the easement is to be registered can be adequately compen sated for any loss or disadvantage that will arise from the imposition of the easement and that all reasonable attempts have been made by the developer to obtain the ease ment or an easement having the same effect without success.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS BANNED

Additional single-use plastic items are now banned in New South Wales.

From November 1, the NSW Government has banned single-use plastic items, includ ing:

• plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and cotton buds.

• food ware and cups made from expanded polystyrene • rinse-off personal care products contain ing plastic microbeads.

Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in New South Wales.

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

Δ Fish-tastic: Future Farm together with Soul Burger Parramatta has enlisted the help of renowned DJ and animal rights activist, DJ Tigerlily (pictured left), to release a fish-tastic vegan burger – ‘DJ TVNALILY’. Swim ming into Soul Burger Parramatta this week, the aqua plant-based burger will be available to purchase in stores via takeaway throughout November, with a percentage of profits to be donated to Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Δ New store: Gym and health enthusiasts will be happy to know that Elite Supps is coming to Penrith. The new store will open on Level 1 at Westfield Penrith.

Δ American inspired: Penrith is getting a Philliez outlet, with the American inspired food shop to open a location at Penrith Homemaker Centre. The menu features a delicious range of burgers, cheese steaks, hot dogs, signature sides and so much more. Signage is going up now, and it’ll hopefully be open over the summer.

Δ Life-changing win: A Penrith Dad scored a slice of the record-breaking $160 million Power ball draw last week. The man held one of the three division one winning entries. Each division one winning entry scored $53,333,333.34. “Really? Are you sure! Holy sh*t! This is amaz ing!” the Penrith man yelled after an official from The Lott confirmed his life-changing win. “Oh my god, my family’s life just changed in a second. It hasn’t been an easy time for us lately, so this is just incredible.” The man’s winning entry was sold at TSG Cranebrook.

Δ 30 days of deals: The moment Macca’s fans have been patiently waiting for is finally here as ‘30 Days 30 Deals’ returns to McDonald’s throughout November. Offers include $1 Large Fries, $2 Big Mac, $1 Cheese burger, $2 McFlurry, as well as meal deals and discounts. The incredible offers are available exclusively through the MyMacca’s app, until November 30.

Δ Melissa Peters: Penrith’s newest luxury medispa and salon, Melissa Peters, hosted its ‘Open Night’ last Friday, with over 150 ladies attending.

The night was filled with grazing plat ters, canapes thanks to Percy Plun kett, wines, a DJ, luxury giveaways and even a Q&A with local interior designer of the salon, Alicia Xiberras. The event was an opportunity for local women to experience the recently rebranded salon and its stunning interior design.

PENRITH’S SAFEST SUMMER

STAYING SWIM SAFE

JULIE SHELDRAKE NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL • 4730

ARoyal Life Saving Australia report suggests that one-year-old chil dren are statistically at the great est risk of drowning in Australia, with the risk of drowning tripling after a child’s first birthday. 41 per cent of drownings among kids under five occurred in one-year-olds, and the Austral ian Bureau of Statistics lists drowning as the number one cause of accidental death in this age group. Most of those drown ings – 59 per cent – occurred in backyard swimming pools. Royal Life Saving said “almost all” the deaths were due to lack of adult supervision.

“Parents and carers need to know that the risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl, peaking shortly after a child’s first birthday,” Royal Life Saving CEO Justin Scarr said.

“We can’t emphasise enough how important active adult supervision is in preventing these deaths. Distractions are danger

ous – whether it is taking a phone call, browsing social media or ducking inside to grab something – we ask parents and carers to always keep watch. In addition, it is essential that people install pool fences and check pool gates regularly to make sure they are not faulty or kept propped open.”

The importance of swimming lessons cannot be underesti

mated. The sooner a child can turn themselves around after a jump or fall into the water and return to the side, the safer they will be.

Robyn Ellery, Learn To Swim and Water Babies instructor for nearly 20 years, and Austswim assessor, was instrumental in the development of the Water Babies program at Nepean

Aquatic Centre and Eva Bory’s Swim School. She said: “Some of the most important components of our Learn to Swim program are the games and exercises that teach the babies and children to jump into the water, when to hold their breath and to either turn over and float or paddle back to the side and hold on, or to pull themselves out. Younger children are firstly assisted by their parents in our Water Babies levels, and then practise these skills independently when they are ready to progress.”

She adds: “We also teach chil dren to wait their turn, and not to enter the water until invited to do so with an adult, an important skill when by the pool at home, and teach parents crucial water safety information within our Water Babies classes”.

Royal Life Australia recom mends that children 0-5 should be within arm’s reach of a super vising adult at all times when around water.

summer nears, it’s now time to

sure your pool fence is safe

Royal Life Saving Society is asking all owners of backyard pools to check their pool fences and pool gates as a matter of urgency. Children under five are curious and fearless, and their love of water puts them at risk of drowning.

Tragically, every year in Australia we lose on average 22 young children to drowning, more than half of those drowning in backyard swimming pools. The majority are aged just one-year-old.

“We know that seven times the number of children who die go to hospital after a non-fatal drowning incident. That is more than 150 chil dren aged under five each year, some of whom will be left with life-limiting disabilities,” said Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.

“While active supervision is the best protection against childhood drown ing, no parent or caregiver can watch a young child 24 hours a day.

“Ensuring that you have a functioning and compliant pool fence and working gate as an additional barrier between

young children and water for all those moments when life intervenes – the phone rings, the doorbell rings, another child needs your attention – can liter ally be life saving.”

You can download a free home pool safety checklist here: www.royallife saving.com.au/about/campaigns-andprograms/keep-watch.

Royal Life Saving Creative Concepts

“This year, we’ve all experienced a lot more wet weather than usual. The La Niña conditions can wash away topsoil and weaken fences,” Mr Scarr said.

“Check no fence posts have come loose from the ground. Make sure the gate is still self-closing and self-latch ing.

Poster

“Pack pool toys away so they are not an overwhelming temptation. It is also

Pool fence safety at home is critical, especially if you have young children.

New Chamber Board wants businesses to

EMILY FESZCZUK

Small businesses are facing the brunt of staff shortages, energy price hikes and increased prices in general.

Supporting businesses since 1927, Penrith Valley Chamber has elected a new Board and is encouraging people to join so they “don’t do business alone”.

As the Chamber sets a renewed strategy for its future, President Richard Fox said he is excited to create a wider business community and help deliver what they need to succeed.

“I’m really looking forward to working with our new team, setting the agenda for our road ahead, help ing raise the profile of Penrith and making our region an outstanding place to live, work, play and do business,” Mr Fox said.

“We have a great skill set and balance across the group and it's exciting to welcome four new Board members as well as retain the expe rience of established members.”

With a range of members from different demographics and indus

tries, the group offers a range of events.

“We have our Chamber Connect events where people come to connect and by sharing their expe riences and knowledge it can help other business owners dealing with similar things,” he said.

“We have a buddy system where a new member gets assigned a buddy that explains how the Chamber operates, how to get the best out of it and people they recommend

together

things such as bookkeeping or HR issues,” he said.

“We ran a program recently about cyber security and protecting data which has been something a lot of business owners are concerned with, which was really informative.”

In addition to providing commu nity support, the Chamber can also assist with practical support as people navigate a challenging period.

“People are struggling on every level with cost-of-living, interest rates, mortgages, paying childcare or wages and we try to help business owners as they deal with all of that,” he said.

“We provide conduits to informa tion out there about opportunities, along with grants assistance and business referrals.”

a key pillar for effective business according to Mr Fox and a big focus of the Chamber.

“As part of our gold membership we have the Chamber Collective

Penrith Valley Chamber Engage ment Manager Stacey Randell said there is no better time to try the group out, with all businesses welcome.

“I invite you to have a look at how membership can support you on

financial donations,

The Foundation runs with assistance REGISTERED CHARITY

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FOOD, FUN, MUSIC, FUNDRAISING,FRIVOLITY, AND CELEBRATION!

ities and Deductible Gift Recipient

Featuring: Live Music by Mark Travers, Raffle, Live and Silent Auctions We will be providing an assortment of Finger Food. Drinks at club prices Date: Saturday 5th November 2022, Time: 7pm - 11.59pm Venue: Penrith

Join us for an evening of food, fun, music, fundraising, frivolity, and celebration!

Featuring: Live Music by Mark Travers, Raffle, Live and Silent Auctions We will be providing an assortment of Finger Food Drinks at club prices

PURCHASE Tickets and bring family DONATE Products or services that can be raffled

Join us for an evening of food, fun, music, fundraising, frivolity, and celebration!

Date: Saturday 5th November 2022 , Time: 7pm 11.59pm Venue: Penrith Paceway, 147 Station Street, Penrith , Entry Fee: $25

Featuring: Live Music by Mark Travers, Raffle, Live and Silent Auctions We will be providing an assortment of Finger Food. Drinks at club prices

BECOME A SPONSOR Gold Level $1,000, Silver Enq: please call, George: 0408 621 736, Rossco : 0422

The $64K Charity Event

Date: Saturday 5th November 2022 , Time: 7pm - 11.59pm Venue: Penrith Paceway, 147 Station Street, Penrith , Entry Fee: $25

3 years ago, George celebrated his 64th birthday by launching the $64K Charity Year. His intention was to the raising of $64,000 for local charities.

The $64K Charity Event

Unfortunately, a little thing called covid got in the way of his plans! This year, as George celebrates his 67th birthday, we are relaunching this event in conjunction with the Hutchison Foundatio n. We look forward to you joining us to celebrate his birthday and appointment as honorary of the Ross Hutchison Foundation.

3 years ago, George celebrated his 64th birthday by launching the $64K Charity Year. His intention was to influence the raising of $64,000 for local charities. Unfortunately, a little thing called covid got in the way of his plans!

Penrith Valley Chamber has a new Board excited to help businesses.

Club offers community supportFox numbers prompt workshop

EMILY FESZCZUK

As fox numbers continue to rise in the Mulgoa area, residents are being encouraged to learn how to manage their impacts to protect the environment and their animals.

A fox and deer workshop will be run by Mulgoa Vertebrate Pest Group at Mulgoa Hall on Wednesday, November 9 from 9.45am to 2.30pm.

Brian Kirkman from Overwatch Environmental, who is helping support the program, said it is necessary as fox attacks are becoming more aggressive.

“We are getting a lot of fox sightings and they are getting worse with targeting people’s pets, livestock and even native wildlife such as kangaroos along Mulgoa Creek,” Mr Kirkman said.

“The Mulgoa Vertebrate Pest Group is funded and assisted by Local Land Services to train landowners in detecting foxes, trapping them and removing them from their properties.”

Mr Kirkman said anyone who wants to gain the knowledge and skills to be

better equipped to deal with the animals is welcome to attend.

“A trapping expert Mark Lamb will be present, and I will be there to assist on the day with the loan of traps or camera equipment so people can take an active part in solving the problem,” he said.

“Anyone who has a

concern should attend and we have had foxes on resi dential blocks at the back of Glenmore Park so they don’t discriminate.”

Dealing with deers will also be covered within the workshop.

For more information, call Brian on 0412 454 634 or to RSVP, visit www.bit.ly/3Mc JSrw.

St Marys Diggers & Band Club (SMDBC) again showed its support for local charities, organisations and projects, with the announcement of another year’s worth of funding through the ClubGrants Scheme.

The club held a special morning tea last Thursday, October 27, to celebrate these local heroes, as Marlene Shipley, SMDBC Chief Executive Officer, and Ross Franklyn-Smith, SMDBC Board President, announced the Club’s donation of $221,277 for the 2021/22 Club Grants year.

“We are incredibly privileged to be a part of this community and are proud to support local organisations that focus on supporting those affected by adversity, the elderly, disadvantaged through education and care programs,” Mrs Shipley said.

The morning tea saw each organisation recognised individually for their incredible work, giving them the opportunity to share

an update of what their ClubGrants funding has been able to achieve.

One of these was WestCare, for whom the funding has been integral in assisting them to get back on their feet, said Community Services Director, Andrew Paech.

“Our organisation lost a huge amount of donations as a result of the Henry Street fires, however, with the funding received from the club we were able to replenish all the stock needed for our Nepean HomeStart program and Penrith City CareKits program,” he said.

The club’s Finance and Administration Manager, Melinda Butler, expressed grati tude for the way in which these groups have taken on the funding, fostering a sense of community in the area and having a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

“It’s certainly rewarding to hear the funding our club provides is making a difference to those in need in our community and we are grateful each year to be able to make a small contribution towards the wonderful work our funding recipients are able to achieve,” she said.

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

E-waste recycling success

On behalf of Council I want to congrat ulate Penrith residents for taking their electronic waste to the right place at our recent E-waste Drop-off Day. The day was a success with 451 vehicles dropping off a total of 11,893kgs of e-waste.

I’ve had a number of residents compli ment the event saying it was really well done, easy to use and there wasn’t any congestion – and 82 per cent of people who attended said they were happy with the new location.

The attendance and tonnages at the event may have dropped a little due to it being the second event this year and to the increasing patronage to the Penrith Community Recycling Centre. With that in mind, I would like to congratulate the commitment of Penrith’s residents for ensuring their e-waste is taken to the right place where it can be disposed of correctly.

Thanks to the community, we diverted 99 per cent of electronic waste from land fill collected on the day, with televisions

and monitors being the most popular items dropped off.

E-waste is growing at three times the rate of any other waste and includes items such as laptops, hard drives, televisions, stereos, and mobile phones.

It’s essential that we recycle e-waste responsibly rather than send it to landfill. Not only does it take up a huge amount of unnecessary space, but some items’ components can be toxic to the environ ment and local wildlife. Most items can be recycled and turned into new products when taken to the right place for disposal.

If you missed out on dropping off your electronic items on the day, you can take your e-waste down to the Penrith Com munity Recycling Centre. The Community Recycling Centre, better known as the CRC, is free and open all year round.

For opening hours and a list of items that the Community Recycling Centre accepts, visit penrith.city/CRC.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN

Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

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

ClubGrants funding recipients at last Thursday’s morning tea in St Marys.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Brian Kirkman will assist Mulgoa residents in dealing with foxes.

Penrith to light up for Christmas

After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021, this month will see the return of the iconic Christmas Tree Lighting event in Penrith’s Memory Park.

Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorn said that the event’s return is more important now than ever.

“As a grandparent myself now, we haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy our children’s concerts, and our grandchildren’s concerts, so I think it’s really important that we’re getting back to normal and celebrating as a community, and I think that’s where we come from,” she said.

“It is about shopping and dining and giving local this Christmas, and we want everyone to support each other locally, because we know Penrith is that kind of passionate community that does that.”

The event, which kicks off from 5pm on Friday, November 18, is set to look a little bit different this year, packed with fun for every one, no matter your budget.

“We have plenty of free activities, because we know it’s a little bit tough out there,” she said.

“We’ve added more free fun for the children, and they include things like a free rock-climb ing wall, which is massive, and then we’ve got lots of different activities like stilt walkers with candy canes, glow in the dark fairy angels, lots of visits from Rudolph and Olaf and fairies, and the naughty grinch is making an appearance, and Buddy the elf, of course.

“There will be a special area thanks to

Amanda Little & Associates, and there will be a red carpet where you’ll be able to get free photos to utilise during Christmas with a backdrop. Penrith Selective High, Luke Prid dis Foundation and the CBD Corp have got lots of free, fun activities from face painting and airbrush tattoos, and we’ve got craft for Christmas.”

The event won’t be short of things to do and see, with local performers and restaurants teaming up to keep everyone entertained all night.

“Santa arrives at 8.00pm, and just before that, we have a magical Christmas panto thanks to PAWS Studios,” she said.

“Then, after Santa, for the big kids, we have some lovely music on stage for everyone to hang around and enjoy the food trucks and the atmosphere until 10.00pm.

“All our cafes and restaurants are staying open, so you can browse around the city and enjoy some Christmas shopping or start to have a look and enjoy some food.”

Plus, big news for the lighting of the tree.

“I got a bigger tree!” she said.

“Thanks to Penrith City Council helping financially, we have a much bigger tree this year in Memory Park for everyone to enjoy, which is fantastic.”

The event will be kicking off a slew of festive events in the area as the Christmas season arrives.

“It’s the beginning of the silly season, and it’s great to see there are things at our back door, and we don’t have to go all the way into the city,” Ms Hawthorn said.

There will be plenty for the whole family to do at Penrith’s Christmas Tree Lighting event on November 18.

to

in

Since being inspired to pursue barbe quing as a hobby on a trip to the United States, Emu Plains local Lukas Armstrong has become one of Australia’s best, and will be heading back to Texas next week as a competitor, taking on the World Food Championship finals.

Mr Armstrong has been competing in up to 20 barbeque competitions a year since he first started in 2015, producing delicious food from pork ribs and brisket time and time again.

He qualified for the World Food Champi onship finals earlier this year in Melbourne, but he admits that it wasn’t an easy ride.

“I did Sydney and Melbourne World Foods, and in Sydney I came second,” he said.

“The main thing with World Food Cham pionship is, you’ve got to nail your brief. In Sydney, I didn’t really nail my brief, so I learned a good lesson there, and went to Melbourne with a better idea, and nailed it all.”

The competition finals are taking place from Wednesday, November 9 in Dallas, Texas.

“I’m excited to be going back to the US. I love the US, Texas is the barbeque mecca, and I’ve got a lot of friends over there,” he said.

up

“To be able to cook barbeque in Dallas is really cool.”

With Mr Armstrong soon heading over with his team to tackle brisket, ribs and chicken, he assures that they’re one to watch.

“I think between us, we should have a really good chance of doing well,” he said.

“It’s a lot of money to go and do it, so if I’m going to go and do it, I’m going to put my best foot forward, and try my best to win.”

But, it’s back home that Mr Armstrong is most excited about taking barbequing on board.

“I remember in the early 2000s, there was nothing. But, now you look at it, and I call Penrith the burger capital of Australia, because you throw a rock and you can hit a good burger shop in Penrith, and there’s so much good barbeque,” he said.

“Wes from Bovine and Swine and Brisket Boys is my barbeque idol, he’s taught me a lot over the years, and he’s such a great person. There are probably four barbeque shops around Penrith, all the local butchers are also getting involved in it, which is good.”

With an already big and growing barbeque following in Penrith, Mr Armstrong said there’s loads of local talent that he’d like to see put to the test.

“It’d be good to have a comp in Penrith, a local barbeque comp,” he said.

“We’ve got plenty of areas where we could do one around here, that’s for sure!”

HOTEL

STORE

SPORTS CLUB

Lukas Armstrong is heading to the United States next week.

Unique Penrith fundraiser aims to foster empathy and awareness

CASSIDY PEARCE

A unique fundraiser by local charity In Sight of Dreams is encouraging attendees to eat without their eyes, in support of those who have acquired a disability.

At age 20, Danielle Verhoeven was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and ultimately Usher Syndrome; a rare genetic condition that affects eyesight, and could eventually lead to total blindness. When she met In Sight of Dreams founder, Ben Felten, who lost his sight completely from the same condition, her outlook on life did a full 180.

“I was in my final year of University, and was actually considering chucking it in,” she said.

“He said, ‘No, go and do it, and see where it gets you’. So, I did what he said.”

Though they lost contact originally, Ms Verhoeven’s work in disability led her back to him, and saw her join the team at In Sight of Dreams.

In 2019, Ms Verhoeven pioneered their Dining in the Dark charity event, which relies on the idea that 80 per cent of people eat with their eyes, and with that sense eliminated by a blindfold, taste and smell take over to enlighten participants in more ways than one. After the event’s success, Ms Verhoeven is excited to see its post-COVID return to

Panthers on Saturday, November 12 – albeit with a few changes.

“We’re talking with the chef at Panthers to make it more of a sensory experience for both the taste and the smell,” she said.

“It was just a standard menu, but we’re trying to pick up on some extra nuances, so it’s not just your vision gone and you’re eating, there’ll be a little bit of a kick there, or something sour, or a spice, to add to the experience.”

The event, which includes a three-course meal and a drink on arrival for $99, is fund raising to allow the charity to offer a special ist, individualised mental health support program through their partnership with Centre for Corporate Health, at no cost to the recipient.

“It’s an individually tailored mental health program to get people through whatever stage they’re in at the moment,” she said.

“If they’re angry about their diagnosis, or if they’ve been dealing with a diagnosis for some time and then they’ve had a change in circumstance and there’s grief and loss, or if there’s new challenges coming up, it’s worth nutting it out with someone.”

But, Ms Verhoeven said that attendees on November 12 will also be gaining something from the event.

“I absolutely think people will be able to learn something from the event, if nothing else other than challenging themselves to try to balance something on their fork and get it to their mouth without losing it,” she said.

“I’m really well known for knocking over wine glasses, because I don’t see the stems, so it’s just about developing that awareness of those sorts of things that other people have to go through all the time. It’s that little bit of empathy that we’re trying to foster in people.”

For more information about the event, visit https://bit.ly/3TTkjz3.

POSITIONS VACANT

BUILDERS/INSTALLERS

for pergolas and carports.

Training will be provided on all our structures but a good building knowledge base would be advantageous especially if you are an adaptable quick learner

Visit website to see scope of projects. Must have own: transport & tools, workers compensation, pty business and public liability

This is a full time position with excellent remuneration between $130k - $160k. View to start ASAP

BUILDERS ASSISTANT

Looking for someone to assist our builders on site and assist in the yard at Emu Plains. Great potential to develop to an independent builder

This role involves physical labour and therefore you need to be fit. Daily tasks include: - lifting and maneuvering building materials - assisting in building construction - assisting with yard works

The ideal person would have own transport, drivers license (manual), while card and forklift license but not essential. View to start ASAP

Contact Robert on 0410 536 191 for more information.

Ben Felten and Danielle Verhoeven in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

TURNING BACK TIME

The centenary of Emu Plains Railway Station was One photo shows a special display that was

presented to commemorate the occasion, while the other is of Mayor of Penrith Brian King addressing the crowd that had gathered for the event.

The event was well attended by the community, and included a special steam train visit. (Photos thanks to Penrith City Library)

MOUNT DRUITT ST MARYS LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

OCAL LBUSINESS BUSINESS AWARDS AWARDS

Mt Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards

The support of the Local Business Awards partners helps bring a special program for local business people to life.

We thank them for this.

Hollywood has the Oscars and the music industry has the Gram mys – but for Mount Druitt and St Marys businesses, the annual night of nights is Tuesday, November 15.

Today is the day when nominees for the 2022 Mount Druitt St Marys Local Busi ness Awards discover if they have made it as a finalist.

The Western Weekender, which has supported the awards as media partner for many years, today announces the finalists in each category with this eagerly anticipated special feature.

This is a chance for customers and clients to see if the businesses they nominated have become finalists.

The Mount Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards are only possible with the support of Major Partners, Blacktown City Council and NOVA Employment and Support Partners, Plumpton Market Place and White Key Marketing.

Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards founder Steve Loe said tickets for the awards presentation evening to be held at St Marys Band Club on Tuesday, November 15 are sure to sell out.

“The awards evening is always a glitter ing event, where our finalists dress up and let their hair down for an evening of enter tainment, good food, relaxed conversation – and, of course, celebration,” he said.

“Just being there as a finalist is a huge achievement, and it is a great opportunity for business people and their teams to reflect on their successes with a fun night out.”

Mr Loe said the high quality of all nomi nees had made the job of judges a great pleasure but also immensely difficult.

“To be a finalist at the presentation evening is a huge achievement and every one is always extremely proud to be there,” he said.

“All finalists in each category are announced, with their picture shown on the big screen.

“The cheers from the entire crowd are deafening as everyone celebrates the achievement of all the businesses in the room.

“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Mount Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards to congratulate all the finalists on their achievements.

“I would also like to thank the Mount Druitt St Marys community for the enor mous support they show for their local businesses through the Awards every year.

“Without them, these outstanding businesses would receive the recognition which they deserve.”

For more information about the Local Business Awards, visit www.thebusines sawards.com.au.

Turn the page to see the nominees!

Some of the happy winners at last year’s Local Business Awards event.

ALL FINALISTS

Automotive Services

Andre Automotive

ANZCO Automotive

Carline Mufflers

RW Automotive Electrical

St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre

Sydney Car Wrecker

Tint and Wrap Experts

Windscreens 4U

Bakery/Cake Business

Bakers Delight - Plumpton Marketplace

Cakes by Arifa

Michel’s Patisserie - St Marys Village

Modi’s Cakes & Treats

Sergio’s Cake Shop - Westfield Mount

Druitt

Shay’s Bakes

Zahras Bakery & Munoosh

Beauty Services

4 Seasons Beauty Lounge

Aesthetically Ainsley

Aqua Skin Clinic - Plumpton

Marketplace

Beauty By Georgia Elle Cosmetic Beauty Hub

Detailed Lashes

Ivy Sky MUA

Luxurious Lashes & Beauty

Maica Urbano Studio & Co.

Maquillage Beauty Co

Skin Essentials

Cafe

Caffe Cherry Beans - Plumpton Marketplace

Franky & Co - Plumpton Marketplace

Hot Spot Espresso Co

Reign’n Beans Cafe

Rusty’s Espresso

The Ritual Espresso

The Shed Cafe & Catering Eastern Creek

XS Espresso - Minchinbury

XS Espresso - Plumpton Marketplace

Early Childhood Centre

Bright Beginnings Learning Centre

Children First - Plumpton Long Day Care & Preschool

Children’s World Learning and Development Centre

Chipmunks in the Park

Go Bananas Early Learning Centre

Green Garden Childcare Marsden Park

Keymer Child Care Centre

Kinda-Mindi Early Learning Centre

Little Smarties Early Learning Center

Yogini’s Family Day Care

Education Service

Aqua Learn to Swim - Emerton

Einstein Kidz Australia

Jump Swim Schools St Marys

Ready 2 Swim

St George Advanced Tutoring & Coaching

Fashion

City Chic - Westfield Mount Druitt

Kultured Clothing Australia

LOYAL2THELOYAL

Plot Clothing - Westfield Mount Druitt

Rita’s Fashion Sydney - Island Wear

Strandbags - Plumpton Marketplace

Fast Food/Takeaway

Boost Juice - Plumpton Marketplace

BurgerQue Minchinbury

Domino’s Pizza - Erskine Park

FLIPP Burgers Mount Druitt

Princess Nisha’s Kitchen

Sydney’s Charcoal Chicken

Taste of Europe - Plumpton Marketplace

Tasty Manoush and Pizza

Thai Master

THAITORY - Plumpton Marketplace

Fitness Services

Active Core Pilates

Blacktown International SportsparkSydney

Charlie Lowles Leisure CentreEmerton

Elite Martial Arts

F45 - Minchinbury

Mates Gym

Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Think Fit Co

Fresh Food

Barber Box

Define Hair Design & Beauty

Gentlemen’s Barber Shop

HairnGel

KMA Hair

KR Colour Bar

Minchinbury Fruit Market

Plumpton Fruitworld - Plumpton Marketplace

Rooty Hill Fruit Market

Sharney Beauty Mark

Skye’s the Limit for Hair

St Marys Fresh Fruit Market - St Marys Village

Styles By Jaimy - Westfield Mount Druitt

The Cave Barbershop - Plumpton Marketplace

The Don Kuts

The Scissor Bar

Health Improvement Services

Bay Audio Hearing - Plumpton Marketplace

Primary Dental Mt Druitt

Ripples Hydrotherapy CentreExercise Physiology & Dietitian Services

Specsavers - Plumpton Marketplace St Clair Family Dental

The Western Weekender is Penrith’s leading provider of local news.

ST MARYS & MT DRUITT 2022

St Marys Dental & Periodontics

SummitCare St Marys Ultimate Training Centre

Most Inclusive Employer

Bos Jockey Wheels and Accessories

Ray White Diamantidis Group

New Business

Be Right 2 Drive

Blow It Up Balloonz

Coman & Associates

Onroad Driving Education - St Clair

Stories By Mee

Tay Bee Grazing

The TopKnot Scrunchie Co

TNT Workforce

Tregear Post office

Newsagency

NewsXpress - Westfield Mount Druitt

Plumpton Marketplace Newsagency St Clair Newsagency - St Clair

Shopping Centre

Performing Arts

BAM! Performing Arts Studio Centre Stage Academy of Performing Arts

Dance Industrie Dance Nation

Static Dance Studios - Glendenning

Pet Care

Bubbles Doggy Wash

K9 BATHS

Norwegian Elkhound Club

Spoiled Rotten Dog Grooming St Clair Dog Grooming

St Marys Pet Haven

The Grooming Co.

Pharmacy

Choice Pharmacy - Colebee

Choice Pharmacy - Eastern Creek

Medicines Rus Chemist Glendenning

Priceline Pharmacy - Westfield Mount Druitt

TerryWhite Chemmart - Plumpton Marketplace

Whalan Compounding Pharmacy

Professional Services

KNS Accountants, Business Advisors & Tax Agents

KRM & CO

SMG Accounting Services

VDM & Thorn

Westcity Accountants

Real Estate Agency

Hughes Realty

Laing + Simmons - Mt Druitt Laing + Simmons - St Marys Nidus Group Real Estate

OKARO Real Estate

Ray White Mt Druitt

RPN Global Property Sales

Starr Partners - St Marys

Restaurant

Calli’s Grill & Cocoa Vanilla Cakes

HOT DUCK - Plumpton Marketplace

Lilong by Taste of ShanghaiWestfield Mount Druitt

PappaRich - Westfield Mount Druitt

Reni’s Bar & Grill

Silver Palace Chinese Restaurant Service & Trade

Achurch Signs & Designs

Advanced Bathroom solutions

AJD Removals

Di Bella Cleaning Services

Domestic Queen Cleaning Services

Go Get Glazed

Leveris Fencing MKG Electrical

PSG Electrical and Air Conditioning Roberts Air Conditioning

Sydney Wedding Photography

Tank Vision

The Plumbing Professor NSW

The Wright Way Pest Management

Sole Operator

Al Wasil Marriage Celebrant

Angels Amongst Us Bout the Pout

Cams Candles

Family First Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Gemini Creative Studio

GForce Demolition

Love My Way Celebrancy Mels Beauty on the Run

Non Stop Landscapes

RCBEXCLUSIVE

Real Landscape

RedMac Garden and Lawn Care

Shazzi’s Tanning

Speedy Lawn Care Services

The Bath Bakery

The Bespoke Creation Co. Vance Graphix & Print

Specialised Business

AT Ribbons

Ausbikes

GKR Karate Glendenning Prime

Kidz Blitz Holiday Program - Emerton Perfect Pics Photobooth Entertainment

St Marys Village Dry Cleaners

Vegas Nights

Specialised Retail Business

Crescent Crystals

EB Games - Plumpton

Fast Direct Packaging

Morrie’s Repairs and Electronics

Plumpton Post Office - Plumpton

Marketplace

Prices Plus - Plumpton Marketplace

SNA Spice - Plumpton Marketplace

Toy Deals

2022 FINALIST BEAUTY SERVICES

Aesthetically Ainsley has been opened since November 2021 in Plumpton. I specialise in the skin and offer the most luxurious skin treatments. I love to focus on results and relaxation all in one. My little home salon is very Zen and it gives you the opportunity to lay in a warm, comfortable bed and forget about the world for a moment. I have had a passion for the skin for many years and I thrive in making my clients feel comfortable in their own skin. My services include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, LED, relaxing facials, hydro facials and skin needling.

SOCIALS: @AESTHETICALLYAINSLEY_

P: 0450 002 599

COSMETIC BEAUTY HUB

2022 FINALIST BEAUTY SERVICES

Cosmetic Beauty Hub specialise in cosmetic and fine line tattooing, cosmetic injections including anti wrinkle and dermal fillers as well as various beauty services including skin needling, microdermabrasion, skin peels and more.

Our team are all fully trained and accredited in an extensive variety of beauty services and continue to update their skills and qualifications to keep up to date with the latest in beauty industry standards.

From the moment you walk in to the salon you will be welcomed with expert advice and exceptional care.

At Cosmetic Beauty Hub we are committed to providing the highest standards of beauty treatments.

A: 4/9 EVANS ROAD RD, ROOTY HILL

P: 9677 0886 | W: COSMETICBEAUTYHUB.COM.AU

2022 FINALIST

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE

Children’s World Learning and Development providing high quality early childhood education and care in our local community for over 15 years. We pride ourselves on providing a warm, nurturing, engaging, inviting, stimulating and challenging environment for each child. By creating a feeling of acceptance and sense of belonging, we provide an environment that enables each child to feel safe and secure. Each child is viewed as a unique individual & capable learner who has the ability to guide their own decision making, choices and contributions to the world. We view families as their child’s first and most influential teachers and value building respectful relationships so that we may work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

The Centre caters for children aged from 6 weeks to 6 years. The Centre has four separate learning rooms, dedicated to each stage of early childhood. All meals prepared daily with fresh ingredients by our on-site cook.

A: 22 NELSON STREET, MOUNT DRUITT

P: 8840 8406 | W: CHILDRENSWORLD.COM.AU

2022 FINALIST

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRE

At Green Garden Childcare we provide high quality care to your child/ren through the safe, nurturing, welcoming, fun and engaging learning environment that we provide.

Together with the set principles of the Early Years Learning Framework EYLF and the National Quality Framework NQF we are able to provide and continually develop an environment that encourages intentional, spontaneous play and learning experiences.

At GGCC we believe that family and the community is the key to our successes.

A: U1/88 STONECUTTERS DRIVE, COLEBEE

P: 8678 1130 | W: GREENGARDENCHILDCARE.COM.AU

2022 FINALIST FAST FOOD/TAKEAWAY

Here at FLIPP, we’re not just flippin’ burgers. We’re flippin’ taste buds, minds and possibilities. We’re flippin’ experiences, perceptions and flippin’ the entire flippin’ burger-verse on its head. That’s because at FLIPP, we’re making the most lip smacking, arm licking, beard picking,

The only thing we love more here at FLIPP than flippin burgers, is sharing our creations with burger lovers from far and wide. No matter what you’re into, we’re sure you’ll agree that our burgers here at FLIPP, are flippin’ incredible.

A: LUXFORD COURT SHOP 1C, 20 ZOE PLACE, MOUNT DRUITT P: 0466 846 003 | FB: @FLIPP BURGERS MOUNT DRUITT

MT DRUITT

2022 FINALIST

FAST FOOD/TAKEAWAY

We are part of the popular Taste of Shanghai family, Lilong Mt Druitt brings you an authentic Shanghai street dining experience. It’s about lively, memorable and above all delicious food and round-the-table moments with family and friends.

Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodles, meat or seafood; we can cater for each with a great selection of wines or smoothies.

We also have private dining rooms available for birthday’s, meetings, large get togethers available for 8 up to 25 people.

A: WESTFIELD MOUNT DRUITT, 49 NORTH PDE, MOUNT DRUITT P: 8809 8357 | W: TASTEOFSHANGHAI.COM.AU/LILONG

G R E E N G A R D E N C H I L D C A R E M A R S D E N PA R

FLIPP BURGERS MT DRUITT

STYLES BY JAIMY

2022 FINALIST HAIRDRESSER

Styles by Jaimy wish to take this opportunity to say thanks to all our wonderful customers, family and friends for their votes

SBJ started in December 2011 with a vision to provide premium male grooming at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service. Marinating the SBJ customer experience which is about more than excellent customer service but connecting with the client to provide tailored service to meet customer’s needs. Our standards ensure the client receives consistent quality service re gardless of whose chair they sit in and allows us to bring our brand motto to life “we Create styles that fits your lifestyles”

A: SHOP 168

9832

WISHING BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE FINALISTS

2022 FINALIST NEW BUSINESS

2022 FINALIST

PERFORMING ARTS

BAM! Performing Arts Studio is the premier Dance and Arts Studio in Western Sydney. We have been operating for over 35 years. Formerly known as Donna Jean’s Danceforce.

Delivering the highest quality of the arts in many genres, including Dance, Acro, Musical Theatre and Circus (coming in 2023). We are the official location in Minchinbury for the Ready Set Dance, Ready Set Ballet pre-schooler programs. From Preschooler to Adult, Beginner to Elite, our highly trained teachers are educating students in a safe, fun environment and make them feel at

#BAMFAM.

CHOICE PHARMACY COLEBEE

2022 FINALIST PHARMACY

Choice Pharmacy Colebee is a local pharmacy inside Greenway Village Shopping Centre, we provide superior service and unique pharmacy service (Such as baby nurse, naturopath service, body composition scan & make-up consultation). We are more than just a pharmacy, we are your local community hub offering you great health tips, beauty advice, unique products and impeccable service. We stock wide range of products here at a great prices.

We would like to thank the local community and friends for always supporting us.

A: 799 RICHMOND RD, COLEBEE

P: 9627 4016 | W: CHOICEPHARMACY.COM.AU

CHOICE PHARMACY EASTERN CREEK

2022 FINALIST PHARMACY

Choice Pharmacy Eastern Creek is a new and exciting pharmacy that focuses on superior service and quality. We are more than just a pharmacy, we are your local community hub offering you great health advice, beau ty tips, unique products and impeccable service. We stock a wide variety of health products, vitamins,cos metics, fragrances, skincare, haircare and gifts all at great prices.

We are beyond excited to be a finalist nominee for the Local Business Awards and would like to express our thanks to all our local community for this opportunity.

A: 179 ROOTY HILL RD SOUTH, EASTERN CREEK

P: 9677 8442 | W: CHOICEPHARMACY.COM.AU

2022 FINALIST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We are an experienced team of financial advisors and professionals who provide accounting services, SMSF services, payroll services, cash flow management, bookkeeping services, taxation services, management accounting and more that are vital to your growth, personally and professionally. Being either an Individual, Partnership firms, Sole trader, Trusts, Companies, SMSF, Associations etc. SMG makes sure your financial strength stays intact in all the aspects.

Businesses don’t plan to fail but fail to plan. We understand this and take it seriously when it comes to the finances, and plan sensibly, because at the end of the day, your business is our business.

A: 12 ROOTY HILL RD N, ROOTY HILL P: 9832 2078 | W: SMGGROUP.COM.AU

2022 FINALIST SERVICE & TRADE

MARY’S VILLAGE DRY CLEANERS

2022 FINALIST SPECIALISED BUSINESS

Maintaining a great look takes time and effort. Make sure you’re properly caring for your favourite clothing and household furnishings with St Marys Village Dry Cleaners. Come visit our shop to get the assistance you need.

Specialising in the following . . .

• Household furnishings

• Suede & leather restoration

• Alterations

• Wedding dresses & bridal gowns

• Corporate wear, casual wear & work uniforms

• Dry

A: 44 QUEEN STREET, ST MARYS

9673 3934 | W: STMARYSVILLAGEDRYCLEANERS.COM.AU/SERVICES

2022 FINALIST SERVICE & TRADE

Domestic Queen started from humble beginnings in 2019 and has gradually been making its mark on Western Sydney.

We were extremely honoured and grateful to be named Outstanding New Business for 2021 and it is an honour and a pleasure to be named as a finalist in the local business awards again this year.

In 2022 we continue to bring our Award winning cleaning services to Western Sydney.

Here at Domestic Queen Cleaning we take pride in our high attention to detail and excellent customer service. Our in home services include, general cleaning, deep/ spring cleaning, ironing, folding, oven cleaning and more. Our office services include, showroom, toilet stall, office, meeting/board room, lunch room, kitchen cleaning, floors vacuumed and mopped.

Our services can be customised to suit your individual needs.

For a free quote contact Amanda and the team at Domestic Queen Cleaning today!

SOCIALS: @DOMESTICQUEENCLEANING P: 0450 797 695 | W: DOMESTICQUEENCLEANING.COM.AU

BUSINESS

WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK

It’s NSW Small Business Month. Are you ready to Connect for Success?

How will you “Connect for Success” during NSW Small Business Month? There are over 340 Small Business Month events scheduled across November in locations right across the state. One of these events is next Friday’s Penrith CBD Corporation “Connect with Success” Small Business Month Breakfast at Penrith Panthers. This will be a great morning that is proudly sponsored by Western Sydney Business Centre.

The theme for NSW Small Business Month, if you have not guessed it by now is “Connect for Success”. With a focus on help for small businesses to learn new skills and strategies for growing their business and connect with other small business owners, it points to the importance of business owners, experts and industry leaders coming together to share ideas and build networks after the challenges of the past two years. To find an event near you check out https://www. businessmonth.nsw.gov.au.

This idea of “Connect with Success” has so many applications. One of the most impor tant things you should do is constantly connect with past, present and potential customers.

Also take the time to connect with your staff to share the business’ values, objectives and upskill. In fact, 74 per cent of workers are willing to learn new skills or re-train. This is also a perfect time to connect to advisors, professionals and other experts to review

your business plans, budgets, policies and procedures.

Other things you can do this month is reach and connect to your suppliers for new products and services, special offers/deals, discounts/savings and better payment terms. Or you could look at joining a local networking group and meet like-minded business owners to make new connections and seek our new collaborations and oppor tunities. You could try a new way to connect to customers using a new social media tool like Tik Tok Videos or Instagram Reels. This is your time to “Connect with Success”

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MUSEUM OF FIRE NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE NEPEAN MOTOR GROUP CAFÉ

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE COFFEE CLUB NEPEAN VILLAGE NEWSAGENCY

NEXTRA WESTFIELD

ONE POINT HEALTH PANTHERS LEAGUES CLUB PEACHTREE HOTEL PENRITH BOWLING CLUB

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL PENRITH CITY LIBRARY PENRITH GOLF CLUB

PENRITH HOTEL PENRITH PACEWAY

PENRITH SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE

PIONEER TAVERN RE/MAX SITTANO’S RESTAURANT TATTERSALLS HOTEL

THE CHICKEN RUN

THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ THE LOG CABIN WESTFIELD WORLD GYM 7/11 HENRY STREET REGENTVILLE 7/11 REGENTVILLE

ROPES CROSSING COLES ROPES CROSSING NEWSAGENCY SILVERDALE IGA THE CHEMIST SHOP SOUTH PENRITH BUDGET SERVICE STATION FISH FISH FRIENDLY GROCER GROSE’S PHARMACY SOUTHLANDS NEWSAGENCY SOUTHLANDS TAKEAWAY WOOLWORTHS ST CLAIR BLUE CATTLE DOG HOTEL FOODWORKS MELVILLE ROAD TAKEAWAY ST CLAIR LIBRARY ST CLAIR SHOPPING CENTRE 7/11 ST CLAIR

ST MARYS

AMPOL FOODARY ASTLEY PHARMACY CASSANDRA’S ON QUEEN GUIDO’S HAIR CARE JAYAM SUPERMARKET M cDONALD’S ST MARYS SOUTH MONFARVILLE CORNER STORE QUEEN ST NEWSAGENCY

ST MARYS BAND CLUB ST MARYS FISH MARKET ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB ST MARYS LIBRARY ST MARYS PHARMACY QUEEN ST ST MARYS PIZZA HUT ST MARYS RSL ST MARYS VILLAGE WAGON WHEEL HOTEL WALTER’S NEWSAGENCY THORNTON PETRAMART THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE WALLACIA WALLACIA GOLF CLUB WALLACIA HOTEL WALLACIA POST OFFICE WALLACIA TAKEAWAY WARRAGAMBA WARRAGAMBA SPORTS CLUB WERRINGTON COLONIAL HOTEL CROSSROADS CONVENIENCE STORE DIRANI’S MFC GEORGE’S CHARCOAL CHICKEN HENRY SPORTS CLUB M c DONALD’S SUPA IGA

THE FOODARY WERRINGTON NEWSAGENCY

KINGSWOOD BARISTA BAR COFFEE SHOP (NEPEAN PRIVATE HOSPITAL)

PENRITH RSL

HE’S NOT SHORT OF MATERIAL

CASSIDY PEARCE

Ajack-of-all-trades, Paul McDermott has been at the forefront of Australian entertainment with many titles – comedian, actor, writer, director, singer, artist, and tele vision personality.

But, it’s intertwining them that sees him at his best.

“I find that the only thing that binds them together is me, I’m the only common element in them,” Paul said.

His newest award-winning show, ‘Plus One’, sees him coming together with musician extraordinaire, Glenn Moorhouse, for a humorous critique of what’s been happening in the past few years.

“The impact of COVID has been so enormous, and it’s also been univer sal – everyone knows the hardships and the dangers of it. But, in that first year of it, it was quite insular, and that drove people inward, and then over the next year and a half, it became quite outward, in people’s displays of aggression to the authorities, or coming up with new belief systems, or telling us that Bill Gates was putting nanobots in our bodies with the vaccine so he could depopulate the world,” he said.

“At the same time, we had Trump in America, Brexit happening, this rise of conservatives in Australia with Scott Morrison and the Liberal National party, and I found that period very fertile as well for writing, because they

were doing so many crazy, daft, almost anti-human things.”

But, with new events and changes happening just as fast as Paul’s pen can write, he assures that each and every show will be a little bit different.

“It has been difficult, because everything’s been happening so fast, and we write so much material, we keep flipping songs and pieces out of the show, so that we can keep up with the rapid changes that are happening in the world at the moment,” he said.

“When the FBI raided the Mar-aLago property of Donald Trump, I think in the next two days I wrote three songs, and I really love them, but those three songs take about 15 minutes to get through, so that’s a fair whack of material, and yet, that seems so much in the past now, so those sort of things are difficult, but it’s fun, it’s been great fun.”

The show will also see Paul go back to his roots, taking to the streets as well as the stage at Blue Mountains Theatre.

“We do a lot of work with the audi ence,” he said.

“We’ve been taking the audience outside, or going for walks with them, and once the show is over, we often do a little busk for the audience, so we’ll take them out of the theatre, down the road, around the corner, do something interesting, and that’s been really wonderful as well.”

Paul McDermott’s Plus One will be on at Blue Mountains Theatre on Saturday, November 12 at 8pm. Tick ets are $42. For more information, visit bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

THINGS TO DO

Unique workshop at The Creative Fringe

Those looking for a bit of ‘me time’ should pop by the Alcohol Ink Usable Art Workshop at The Creative Fringe Penrith this Sunday, November 6. Whether you are new to alcohol ink or have some experience, everyone is welcome to come along and learn how to apply alcohol ink to three-dimensional items you have at home. Swing by between 10am and 12pm.

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.

Sailability to hold Come and Try Day this Sunday

Whether you are keen to try something new or are an experi enced sailor, head up to Sailability Penrith Lakes for a Come and Try Day between 12pm and 4pm this Sunday, November 6. For extra fun, bring a friend or three along to try out their two and four-person yachts. The event is located at Boat Shed 3 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Penrith Rotary Club Mondays 6.30pm. 0416 157 668. New members welcome. The Rotary Club generally meets at Penrith Bowling Club.

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.

Cambridge Park Lions Club Second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Henry Sports Club. Call 0484 003 571 for details.

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 second Tuesday of each month from 9am-2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

JP Service Victor Glanville – 0416 157 668.

Kath & Kim Drag Bingo at Panthers

Those looking to let loose and show off their trivia knowledge can visit the EVAN Theatre next Friday, November 11, for Kath & Kim Drag Bingo at Panthers. Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande promise a great night of Kath and Kim-themed bingo and a live show along with prizes for numerous categories, including best dressed. Contact Panthers for more information.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

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. A great place to discover the local history of Penrith

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

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.

Relationships Australia Counselling for individuals, couples and families. Domestic violence support group also available. 4728 4800. 340 High Street, Penrith.

Crisis Sexual Assault Service 24/7 support available for any sexual assault that has occurred in the last seven days. 4734 2000.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

LADIES, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!

Love

An

Morning

Sounds

With some of the sexiest men from London, Vegas, Rio, Barcelona, and Sydney, the ladies are in for a treat as the Sydney Hotshots will be bring ing their brand new show ‘Secret Fantasies’ to the Wenty Leagues stage next Saturday, November 12.

For one-day only, local fans will be treated to a two-hour non-stop male cabaret show featuring chart-topping music of all genres performed in group and solo routines developed by Australia’s leading dance professionals.

The high-energy production boasts the perfect mix of killer dance routines, eye-catching costumes, acrobatics, and jaw-dropping athletic male physiques.

The interactive spectacular will be

A STORY WE CAN ALL IDENTIFY WITH COMES TO THE LOCAL STAGE

performed by charismatic and chiselled performers from a smorgasbord of hundreds of men with various backgrounds, from tradies, cops, farmers and even firemen!

The show will be hosted by seasoned professional Paul Reynolds, an original cast member of Manpower Australia and a Las Vegas headliner.

The audience will be treated to Paul’s showmanship and cheeky banter to keep the show extra entertaining, reminiscent of the Sydney Hotshots show that has graced television screens.

Tickets are expected to fly off the shelves like hotcakes, so get yours while you still can.

Sydney Hotshots’ ‘Secret Fantasies’ will be on at Wenty Leagues next Saturday, November 12, at 7pm. Tickets are $35. For more information or to book, visit sydney hotshots.com.

Described as one of Australia’s most successful local comedies since it premiered in 1983, ‘Caravan’ will be making its return on the Henry Lawson Theatre stage from this weekend.

With the talented team at Henry Lawson Productions behind him, Director Jason Darlington will be making his directo rial debut with this theatrical depiction of a favourite Australian pastime in a less-than-relaxing way.

The nostalgic Australian comedy follows the journey of Parkes Robinson, a frustrated caravan owner with his peacekeeper wife Penny and the camp-hating Rodney and Monica.

The once exciting holiday takes a turn with the threatening involvement of Pierce and his all-too-young girlfriend, Gwendolyn. In a leaky van’s confined space, tension rises and relationships are tested in true comedic fashion.

After watching the comedy years ago at Q Theatre, Jason said he remembered a “great night of entertainment with plenty of laughs” and that it is timely to bring this

“hilarious, fun play to our audiences” this November.

Fans and newcomers are invited to join in on the Caravan adventure, an Aussie adven ture that we can all identify with.

Henry Lawson Productions’ ‘Caravan’ will be on at Henry Lawson Theatre on Friday, November 4 at 8pm with multiple sessions running until Saturday, Novem ber 19. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for concessions. Tickets are available at trybooking.com/CBANC.

BEVIN

Prepare to be blasted away with magic as the Schools Spectacular returns with students from as far away as Ballina, Bourke and Bega to star on the Qudos Bank Arena stage starting Friday, November 25.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, 4700 school students across 350 NSW public schools will assemble to bring the magic of performance and music to the stage.

This year’s show will feature a 2,100-voice choir, 2,200 dancers, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, 45 featured artists and more than 250 students in signing choirs, stage bands, VET entertainment crew and specialist ensembles.

“This year, the show is aptly named ‘Creat ing the Magic’ as the Schools Spectacular is the embodiment of the magic and inspira tion of the arts and education,” said Schools Spectacular executive producer Richard Spiewak.

The Schools Spectacular is unrivalled in the world in terms of size, scale and scope, with outstanding youth dance and musical performances delivered in start-of-the-art sound, lighting and staging.

Schools Spectacular 2022 will be at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday, November 25, at 11am and 7pm and Saturday, November 26, at 1pm and 7pm. Platinum Tickets are $60 for adults, and $50 for concessions, with a family pass being $186. Gold Tickets are $46 for adults and $36 for concessions, with a family pass

being $131. For more information, visit schoolsspectacular.com.au.

The Weekender has two family passes to the Schools Spectacular on Friday, Novem ber 25 to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘School Spec’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, November 13 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

movies...

I have to admit, I bought the hype when it comes to ‘Terrifier 2’. Talk of American cin ema-goers passing out and even throwing up in sessions of the horror flick had me in trigued enough to brave a weekend movie session, outside of my usual quiet mid-week visits.

Is ‘Terrifier 2’ any good? Depends on your perspective, I guess.

On one hand, it is far better than the orig inal, which exemplified its low budget in al most every aspect and was focused way too much on shock and awe.

‘Terrifier 2’ still has some pretty gory kill scenes, but they’re filmed far better than what we saw in the original and line-up much better with the improved script.

That said, if you’re after body horror to its worst extent, the original film still out-does

this one. I laughed more than I looked away; and I’m not 100 per cent sure that was the intent.

Art the Clown, played by David Howard Thornton in an almost gleeful way, is at his maniac-best, terrifying everyone in loca tions ranging from a laundromat to an office, a costume shop, private homes and then ul

timately a fun park – where the final scenes play out.

The storyline is fine, but movies like this aren’t really about high class acting or a sto ry that pieces everything together perfectly.

I’m not sure you’ll be scared out of your wits here. The question you’ll most likely ask whoever braves this one with you is “what

was your favourite kill scene”? If it’s the one that ends with a head being used as a serving bowl for Halloween candy, then you proba bly picked the right movie.

If you like this kind of stuff, it’s a definite must-see. But if blood and gore isn’t your thing, it’s best to avoid it.

– Troy Dodds

See this movie at... PENRITH www.hoyts.com.au

Troy

Ê The ABC appears to have finally woken up to what its audience has been demanding for two years, and will move ‘Q+A’ back to its traditional Monday night timeslot from 2023. The public broadcaster bizarrely shifted it to Thursdays in 2021, breaking up what was a strong and often unrivalled Monday night public affairs line-up. Putting it against the NRL, and often the AFL, on a Thursday was never a smart move. Thankfully, it looks like it’ll be back on Mondays in 2023.

Ê Channel 10 will present a two-part crime documentary ‘Claremont: A Killer Among Us’ in the near future. An airdate has yet to be announced for the doco, which will focus on the Perth serial killer who preyed on inno cent women in the mid-1990s.

Ê New Netflix series ‘Blockbuster’ has just started streaming. Created by Vanessa Ramos, the series focuses on Timmy Yoon (Randall Park), who is operating the last Blockbuster video store in America. With a bunch of lively employees, the mission is on to ensure the store’s survival and retain a piece of yesteryear.

Ê Disney+ has revealed the official trailer

for ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ from National Geographic. In the six-part doc umentary series, Australian movie star Hemsworth takes viewers on a rollercoaster personal journey as he explores how to combat ageing and discover the full potential of the human body. Building on the latest scientific research, ‘Limitless’ shatters con ventional wisdom about maximising life. All episodes of the series land on November 16.

Ê Paramount+ has announced the pre miere date for the highly anticipated new original drama series ‘1923’, which will debut on Monday, December 19 on the streaming service. ‘1923’ is the next instalment of the ‘Yellowstone’ origin story and introduces a new generation of Duttons. Led by Academy Award nominee Harrison Ford as Jacob Dut ton and Academy Award winner Helen Mir ren as Cara Dutton, the series will explore the early twentieth century when pandemics, historic drought, the end of Prohibition and the Great Depression all plague the mountain west, and the Duttons who call it home.

Ê 22 of Australia’s biggest names of sport, reality and entertainment will face off in the most unpredictable and demanding game of their lives, when ‘The Challenge Austral ia’ premieres on Monday, November 14 at 7.30pm on 10. Hosted by Brihony Dawson and filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ‘The Challenge Australia’ will see an algorithm randomly pair challengers to compete in gru elling physical challenges and survive elim inations. With a whopping $200,000 cash prize and an entry ticket for one female and one male into the first ever The Challenge: Global Championship, who will have what it takes to go down in reality television history as Australia’s first Challenge Champions?

Ê Steve ‘The Wog Boy’ Karamitsis (Nick Giannopoulos) and his best mate Frank (Vince Colosimo) are back! Fresh from the big screen, the hilarious new film ‘Wog Boys Forever’, finds its new home on Paramount+ from Monday, November 21.

Nathan Taylor is on leave.

OUT NOW BLOCKBUSTER, NETFLIX

TV Guide: November 4–10

Your guide to the week’s

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Q+A (PG) 11:10 Secrets Of The Museum 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Significant Others (M d,l) 1:50 Death In Paradise (PG) 2:45 Poh’s Kitchen 3:15 Gardening Australia 4:15 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Frankly (PG) 9:10 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 9:55 Fisk (M v) 10:25 Annika (M l)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “A Trick Of The Mind” (M v) (’06) Stars: Alexandra Holden 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 TBA 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (PG) (’15) Stars: Dame Judi Dench 11:00 TBA 1:00 Home Shopping

Irish Pickers (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00

Women’s: Finals

Pickers (PG) 7:00

Tommy Lee

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Before I Fall” (M l) (’17) Stars: Zoey Deutch 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Cricket: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Australia v Afghanistan *Live* 10:00 Movie: “Atomic Blonde” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Charlize Theron 12:15 Reported Missing (M l) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 4:30 Home Shopping

3:30 American Dad (PG) 4:00 The Simpsons (PG) 4:55 Movie: “Tom And Jerry - The Movie” (G) (’92) Stars: Dana Hill 6:40 Movie: “Storks” (G) (’16) Stars: Andy Samberg 8:30 Movie: “A Knight’s Tale” (M v) (’01) Stars: Heath Ledger

6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Alva’s World 7:00 Odd Squad

And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “A League Of Their Own” (PG) (’92) Stars: Geena Davis 10:35 Doctor Who (PG) 11:20 QI (M)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay (PG) 6:40 Undiscovered Vistas 7:30 Movie: “White Lion” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jamie Bartlett 9:10 Bedtime Stories (PG) 9:20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG)

5:30 David Rocco’s Dolce India 6:00 India Unplated 6:30 Gourmet Farmer 7:00 The Cook Up With

7:30 Rick Stein’s Taste

8:00 Cook Like

With Silvia Colloca 8:30 Curtis Stone’s Travel,

Repeat

6:00 The Talk 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 Entertainment Tonight 8:00 10 News First 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 The Living Room 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 My Market Kitchen 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Living Room (PG) 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 9:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M l,s)

12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS: New Orleans (PG) 2:00 Bull (PG) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG)

4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Shortland (PG) 5:45 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Peer To Peer (PG) 10:00 Incredible Homes (PG) 11:00 Hugh’s Wild West (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Apocalypse - The Second World War (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Secrets Of The Lost Liners (PG) 8:30 Good With Wood (PG)

12:30 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) 10:30 Nancy Drew (PG) 11:30 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 The Nanny (PG) 6:00 Movie: “Chicken Run” (G) (’00) Stars: Julia Sawalha 7:40 Movie: “Legally Blonde” (PG) (’01) Stars: Reese Witherspoon 9:40 Movie: “Couples Retreat” (M) (’09) Stars: Vince Vaughn

4:00 Mega Decks 4:30 Lawn & Order 5:00 Beach Hunters 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Saving The Manor 8:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation 9:30 Building Off The Grid 10:30 Lake Life

3:30 Movie: “Mr Denning Drives North” (PG) (’51) Stars: John Mills 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Cricket: ICC T20

World Cup: Australia v Afghanistan *Live* 7:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Antiques Downunder (PG)

rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Vera (PG) 2:00 Midsomer Murders (PG) 3:30 Stuff The British Stole (PG) 3:55 Spicks And Specks (PG) 4:45 Landline 5:10 Inside

The Sydney Opera House 6:10 Secrets Of The Museum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:20 The Capture (M l) 9:20

Significant Others (M d,l) 10:10 Des (M l)

11:00 Silent Witness (M v)

2:00 Escape To The Country 4:00 Bargain Hunt 5:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 5:30 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 TBA 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 I Escaped To The Country

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning ShowWeekend 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Doomben *Live* 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Home Alone” (PG) (’90) Stars: Macaulay Culkin 9:40 Movie: “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York” (PG) (’92) Stars: Macaulay Culkin 12:30 Home Shopping

2:00 AFL Women’s: Week 1: Finals: Teams TBA *Live* 4:00 AFL Women’s: Week 1: Finals: Teams TBA *Live* 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL Women’s: Week 1: Finals: Teams TBA *Live* 9:00 Movie: “The Patriot” (MA15+) (’00)

10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Our State On A Plate (PG) 12:30 Rivals (PG) 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 Cross Court 2:00 My Way (PG) 2:30 Reel Destinations 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle” (PG) (’17) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 9:50 Movie: “Central Intelligence” (M) (’16)

3:40 Movie: “Storks” (G) (’16) Stars: Andy Samberg 5:30 Movie: “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” (PG) (’19) Stars: Ryan Reynolds 7:30 Movie: “Predator” (M l,v) (’87) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 9:45 Movie: “Predator 2” (M) (’90)

6:00 Pacific Island Food Revolution 6:55 NITV News Update 7:05 On Country Kitchen (PG) 7:35 Boteti: The Returning River (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Curse Of The Golden Flower” (M v) (’06) Stars: Chow YunFat (In Mandarin)

Weekend Breaks With Gregg Wallace 5:30 Spaghetti And Noodles 6:30 Ainsley’s

7:30 Bobby

Jamie’s

(PG) 8:30 Anne Edmonds: What’s Wrong With You? (MA15+) 9:35 Sammy J (PG)

9:30

10:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6:00 Reel Action 6:30 Religious Programs

7:00 All 4 Adventure 8:00 Road To The Melbourne Cup Carnival 8:30 The Living Room (PG) 9:30 Studio 10: Saturday 12:00

Horse Racing: VRC Champions Stakes Day

*Live* From Flemington Racecourse 6:00 10 News First 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 Blue Bloods (M) 8:30 CSI: Vegas (M v) 9:30 NCIS (M)10:30 My Life Is Murder (M) 11:30 TBA 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30 Authentic (PG) 5:00 Religious Programs

2:00 A-Leagues All Access (PG) 2:30 Roads Less Travelled 3:00 MacGyver (M) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 I Fish 6:00 Scorpion (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 5: Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners *Live*

4:30 Mastermind 5:30 Vs. Arashi 6:25 Speed With Guy Martin (PG) 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 The Good Fight (M) 9:25 The Handmaid’s Tale (MA15+) 10:25 The Secret Business Of Breeding Humans (M) 11:30 Vikings Special (M)

Programs

9:00 Britain’s Great Outdoors 10:00 The World From Above (PG) 11:00 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Motor Sports: Speedweek 3:00 Football: Countdown To Qatar 4:00 Sportswoman 4:30 Figure Skating: ISU Grand Prix Canada 5:30 Ascot Kayaking 5:35 ETOA - A Kokoda Track Story (PG) (In English/ Tok Pisin) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Curse Of The Ancients (PG) 8:30 King Tut - Allies And Enemies (PG)

8:00 Frasier (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:00 TBA 2:30 TBA 3:30 Friends (PG 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:15 Friends (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 1:45 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

3:00 Movie: “Sabrina” (G) (’95) Stars: Harrison Ford 5:30 Movie: “The Last Airbender” (PG) (’10) Stars: Noah Ringer 7:30 Movie: “The Legend Of Tarzan” (M v) (’16) Stars: AlexanderSkarsgård 9:40 Movie: “Clash Of The Titans” (M v) (’01)

3:30 Beach Hunters 4:30 Saving The Manor 5:30 Australia’s Best House 6:30 Building Off The Grid (PG) 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International 10:30 House Hunters Renovation

2:10 Movie: “The Mind Benders” (PG) (’63) Stars: Dirk Bogarde 4:30 Movie: “Sayonara” (PG) (’57) Stars: Marlon Brando 7:30 Movie: “Play Dirty” (M) (’69) Stars: Michael Caine 9:55 Movie: “Convoy” (M d,s,v) (’78) Stars: Kris Kristofferson

Silence Of The Land (PG) 9:55 Movie: “Bank Robber” (MA15+) (’93)

1:30 Destination Dessert 2:00 What’s Up Down Under 2:30 Football: Round 5: Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC *Live* 5:30 Reel Action 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 MacGyver (M) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 48 Hours (M) 11:15 Star Trek: Discovery (M)

2:00 Basketball: Round 6:

Unknown

4:50 Forged In Fire (PG) 5:40 The Bee Whisperer (PG) 6:40 The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (M) 8:30 UnXplained With William Shatner (M) 9:20 Cracking The Code (M)

4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00 About A Boy (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Wayne’s World” (PG) (’92) Stars: Mike Myers 7:30 Movie: “The Fast And The Furious” (M l,v) (’01) Stars: Paul Walker 9:35 Movie: “2 Fast 2 Furious” (M l,v) (’03) Stars: Cole Hauser

2:35 Movie: “Golden Ivory” (PG) (’54) Stars: John Bentley 4:30 Movie: “The Wonderful Country” (PG) (’59) Stars: Robert Mitchum 6:30 Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup: India v TBA *Live* 10:00 TBA 12:30 My Favourite Martian

Monday 7

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Rosehaven (PG) 1:30 Poh’s Kitchen Lends A Hand 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Four Corners (PG)

5:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue (PG) 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:30 A Touch Of Frost (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Chris Watts: Confessions Of A Killer” (M v) (’20) Stars: Sean Kleier 2:00

World’s Deadliest (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 This Is Your Life (PG) 9:20 9-1-1 (M) 10:20 S.W.A.T. (M v) 11:20 The Latest Seven News

4:30 Repco Supercars Support Highlights 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:50 Talking Honey (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00

Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A

Current Affair (PG) 7:30 My Mum, Your Dad (M) 9:10 Under Investigation (M) 10:10 Suburban Gangsters (M) 11:10 NINE News Late 11:40 The Equalizer (M v)

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 The Traitors (PG) 2:40 Entertainment Tonight 3:00 (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Fork 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Traitors (M) 8:40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M) 9:40 Ghosts (M) 10:10 Peter Helliar: Loopy (MA15+)

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 The Code (M v) 11:15 Blood & Treasure (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News

7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Taskmaster (PG) 9:25 PEN15

Tuesday 8 November 5:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 8:30 Judge John Deed (PG)

7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Plan 10 (PG) 8:05 The Deep 8:30 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 Aussie Salvage Squad (PG)

5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Business 9:00 ABC

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:40 Media Watch (PG) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Question Everything (PG) 9:00 Fisk (M)

Botched (MA15+) 11:10 NINE News Late 11:40 Skin A&E (M v)

7:30 Family Guy (M s) 8:00 American Dad (PG) 8:30 Ramsay’s Costa Del Nightmares (M l) 9:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (M l)

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Undiscovered Vistas 7:30 Faboriginal 8:00 Wellington Paranormal (PG) 8:30 The Casketeers (PG)

12:00 Movie: “His Perfect Obsession” (M v)

American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG)

Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:00

Dad (M)

(PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Celebrity Letters And Numbers (M) 8:30 Scotland’s Extreme Medics (M l) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 The Weakest Link USA (PG) 8:30 Dating No Filter UK (M)

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 The Traitors (M) 2:10 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:30 The Cheap Seats (PG) 9:30 NCIS (M v) 11:30 The Project (PG)

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (M) 10:20 48 Hours (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Alone (M)

12:00 My Mum, Your Dad (M) 1:50 Talking Honey (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point

4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 Cricket: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Semi-Final *Live* 10:00 NINE News Late 10:30 TBA 11:30 Family Law (M s) 12:30 Tipping Point (PG)

The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Night At The Museum” (PG)

Stars: Ben Stiller

Kath

Bamay

Kim Code”

Finest (M)

5:00 Good Bones (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 No Demo Reno 9:30 Why The Heck Did I Buy This House?

5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Whitstable Pearl (M) 10:40 Law & Order: SVU (M)

3:00 Journey Through Albania 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Empire With Michael Portillo (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Coastal Railway Journeys (PG) 8:30 The Cleaning Company (M) 10:05 The Artist’s View (M) 10:35 SBS World News

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Botched (M) 8:30 Dating No Filter UK (M) 9:30 Love Island Australia

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 The Real Love Boat Australia (PG) 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:30 The Real Love Boat Australia (PG)

4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) 10:20 Tommy (M) 11:15 Evil (MA15+)

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 Our Yorkshire Farm 9:30 Restored

6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG) 8:30 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 9:00 Tennis: Billie Jean King Cup: Australia v Slovakia *Live*

3:00 Journey Through Albania 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Empire With Michael Portillo (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Charles - The New King (M) 8:30 Stolen - Catching The Art Thieves (M) 9:35 Nine Perfect Strangers (MA15+)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M) 9:20 Two And A Half Men (PG)

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Boise Boys 8:30 Home Town Takeover 9:30 House Hunters Renovation

Time

Roadshow

By

Midsomer Murders (M)

3:00 Journey Through Albania 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Empire With Michael Portillo (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Dishing It Up (PG) 8:00 Guillaume’s Paris (PG) 8:30 World’s Most Scenic River Journeys (PG) 9:30 The Handmaid’s Tale

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters International 8:30 Buy It Or Build It 9:30 My Lottery Dream Home

Word Search

THEME: SQUIRRELS

ARBOREAL BURROWS

BUSHY TAIL

CHICKAREES

DIURNAL FLYING FORAGING FOREPAWS

FOX SQUIRREL GIANT GRAY GROUND HAIRY TAIL

HIBERNATE HINDLIMBS

LEAP PRAIRIE DOG PYGMY SHARP CLAWS

STRONG LEGS TUFTED-EAR VEGETARIAN WOODCHUCK

Last

Trivia Quiz

1. In which year did Twitter first launch?

2. Who is the new owner of Twitter after finalising a deal to purchase the company last week?

3. What was the original charac ter limit on Tweets?

4. What is the colour of Twitter’s signature bird logo?

5. What is it called when a user,

normally a celebrity or public figure, has their identity confirmed with a blue tick?

6. Which user currently has the largest following on Twitter?

7. Taylor Swift is one of the most popular Twitter accounts. How many followers does she have?

8. Who is generally credited as the founder of Twitter?

Are

info@westernsydneypass.com.au to find out more.

TEST YOUR BRAIN

Str8ts

How to beat Str8ts -

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, e.g. [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

You can find more help and strategies at www.str8ts.com along with more puzzles, Apple apps and books.

Wheel Words

Fleet’s live surprise In the age of big album announcements and reveals, Larry Fleet (pictured) is bucking the trend. The relative newcomer, compared by many to Chris Stapleton, this week surprised country fans by releasing an unexpected album.

‘The Live Sessions: Vol. 1’ is a stripped-down collection of 11 songs, including some of his most beloved hits.

“I like to throw things out and see what happens,” he told CMT.

“For me, I think it gets people excited even more.”

The album is available on all the usual streaming services.

‘Monarch’ lands in Australia Country music-themed US drama ‘Monarch’ has finally landed in Australia via Para mount+.

The streaming service didn’t initially fast-track the new show in a move always destined to frustrate Australian followers.

But they’ve now dumped a heap of episodes and are pretty close to the US release dates.

CMA Awards on November 9

The CMA Awards will be held in Nashville on Wednesday, November 9. No word yet on an Australian broadcaster for the popular event.

a

Sydney-based attraction, tourism activity

and

to be part of the Western Sydney

HOROSCOPES

AQUARIUS

This week’s stars could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you un leash your Inner Rebel. (Try to do so in appropriate ways that don’t up set loved ones, antagonise authority figures or endanger your personal safety!) A professional or personal challenge could also test your met tle. Aim to approach problems with a fresh perspective. Be inspired by sing er-songwriter Neil Young (who turns 77 on Saturday): “One new feature or fresh take can change everything.”

PISCES

Hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a relative, neighbour or colleague. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as the planets stir up your communica tion zone. So be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong per son at the wrong time! Heed the wise words of birthday great Joni Mitchell, “There are things to confess that en rich the world, and things that need not be said.”

Finances, joint ventures, secret deals and trust issues are on the ta ble. But don’t spoil a potentially pro ductive week by being gung-ho and reckless (especially on Wednesday). Slow down, think before you speak and consult with loved ones and col leagues before you make any impor tant moves. Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse highlights hiccups in your financial management. Strive to be less impul sive and extravagant, and more cau tious with cash and credit.

TAURUS

This week’s Lunar Eclipse (in your sign) emphasises your practical side. So do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion. When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a bor ing rut. Innovative Uranus pushes you to find creative ways to express your self personally and within relation ships. But don’t believe everything you hear! Keep your Bulldust Detector switched onto high.

VIRGO

With the help of the Lunar Eclipse, use the power of your fertile imagina tion and trusty intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been both ering you. If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams) it will point you in the right direction. You’re also keen to communicate cre atively with work colleagues or do a favour for a close friend. But don’t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver.

The silvery, changeable Moon is your power planet, and many sensi tive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable around the time of the Full Moon. Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse is in earthy Taurus, when you’ll feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual. But Saturn and Uranus could disrupt a relationship. So try to be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with others (especially children, teenagers, col leagues and close friends).

Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune are transiting through your partnership zones. So accept extra relationship responsibilities with grace and good humour, as you show other people what you are really capable of. But –courtesy of the Uranus opposition and the Saturn square – expect some dis ruptions and dilemmas at home and/ or work. Things will gradually settle down if you choose diplomacy over drama, encouragement over criticism and acceptance over judgement.

Are your aspirations ambitious enough? This week there’s no room for false Virgo modesty or passive procrastination! The planets stimu late your thought processes and en courage you to come up with a crack ing plan and stick to it. Begin with a dream and then work hard to make it a robust reality. But remember mighty Mars is reversing through your career and life direction zone (until January 12) so you’ll have to be extra patient and persistent.

Stylishly elegant Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beau tiful bankrupt on the block! This week Saturn, Uranus and the Lunar Eclipse all stir up your money and self-esteem zones. So it’s time to get your finances in order, and be true to the authen tic you. Sunday is the best day of the week, when Venus (your patron plan et) and Pluto turbo-charge love, pas sion, pleasure and play (especially at home).

If you stir up grievances with an old adversary, you could find you’ve bit ten off more than you can comfortably chew! When it comes to a frustrating problem, avoid quick fixes. You’ll find a satisfactory solution if you act on your hunches and look for the facts that are hidden beneath the surface. The Sun, Mercury and Venus are all visiting your sign. So confidence is in and complacency is out, as you go af ter what you want with passion, pur pose and pizazz.

Tuesday’s Lunar Eclipse highlights your daily routine and relationships with work colleagues but expect some surprising developments and stressful moments. Resist the urge to be argumentative, extravagant and super self-indulgent. Try to ground your fiery energy and calm your mind. Some meditation, contemplation, yoga, chanting or Tai Chi could be just what the doctor ordered! The week end stars encourage intense relation ships and creative family projects.

The Lunar Eclipse shines a bright (and sometimes unforgiving) spot light on partnerships of the romantic, platonic, business and family variety. You are entering a period of nurtur ing old relationships and establish ing new ones. So it’s time to focus on friendship, shared hobbies and joint ventures. As birthday great Robert Louis Stevenson observed, “A friend is a gift you give yourself.” But tread care

PET HEALTH

The gift that could kill

Many of us send beautiful floral bouquets to our loved ones. We do this because nothing on the planet says ‘I love you’ like a beautiful bouquet of fragrant flowers!

But next time when sending flowers think about what flowers to add, or omit from the bouquet.

There are plants that are toxic to both cats and dogs and since our pets often like to chew on inedible objects, especially new additions to their environment, it often makes buying greenery difficult.

Some popular flower choices can be extremely dangerous to cats and dogs if swallowed, even in small amounts.

Different flower varieties all have different effects on pets; however, it is important to be aware of the common symptoms to look out for.

These may include vomiting, diar rhoea, increased heart rate, lethargy, and weakness, loss of appetite, seizures, muscle tremors and bleed ing due to abrasions from ingesting thorns.

It is advised to keep any flowers out of reach from curious pets, on a high shelf or separate room that they cannot access.

Some of the most common plants toxic to our furry friends include:

Flowers: Lilies, tulips, daffodils, amaryllis, cyclamen and autumn crocus are just some of the popular bouquets bought flowers which are toxic to pets. Lilies in particular pose a significant risk to cats as even a small ingestion can result in acute kidney failure. Signs of lily ingestion include vomiting, weakness, disori entation and seizures. Lily ingestion is an emergency situation and your cat should be seen immediately by a vet. The greenery used in bunches of flowers, such as asparagus fern, can also irritate your pet’s bellies.

Succulents: These make lovely indoor plants but the leaves of succu lents such as mother-in-law’s tongue, aloe vera, string of pearl, jade plant, and certain cacti can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in intestinal upset. Vomiting, diarrhoea and pain are common symptoms. In severe cases, where a large quantity is ingested, you may see tremors and seizures, dilated pupils and abnormal heart rate.

Indoor plants: Some of the lovely indoor plants that can cause gut irritation include the fiddle-leaf fig, dieffenbachia, philodendrons and Chinese evergreen. Your pet may drool, appear in pain, have difficulty

breathing, and have swelling of its face or vomiting.

Sago palm (cycads): This common backyard palm tree is extremely toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing liver failure and sadly death. Look out for vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in faeces, seizures or collapse.

Restricting your pet’s access to plants and flowers indoors is impor tant and will ensure peace of mind when it comes to them sneaking a leaf or two. We also recommend doing a check of your backyard and identifying the plant species your pet has access to.

To keep your pets safe from any health incidents, consider the follow ing safe flowers in your next gift:

• Sunflowers, • Roses with no thorns, • Waxflower, • Freesias • Snapdragons.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a plant or flower, we advise checking with your vet immediately to see if they require monitoring or treatment. For more information please contact Greencross Vet Coreen Ave.

Pet of the Week

My name: Miya

My proud owner: Peter McManus I live in: Cambridge Gardens

A bit about me: Miya may not be one of the Queen’s corgis, but she is definitely a princess. Miya is complete with luscious locks and one thick, juicy corgi booty. Her favourite things to do are going for walks, chomping down carrots and playing with her sister Charlie.

Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

TALKING TECH

WITH DAVID NORRIS NORTEC IT

9894

Is the built-in Windows anti-virus any good or is another option better?

Iam often asked about anti-virus software and, more specifically, if the built-in Windows Defender is good enough to protect your computer.

Windows Defender is built into Windows 10 and 11 and is designed to protect you against viruses and Malware.

In addition, its various components will defend you against identity theft, safeguard your network from Trojan horses, and ensure data does not become corrupted.

The confusion around whether it is good is due to a combination of poor past perfor mance and lack of brand recognition as an anti-virus product.

Before Windows 10, the product was known as Security Essentials and only covered virus detection.

It was terrible and was almost always at the bottom of every virus detection test. From Windows 10, it was rebranded to Windows Defender, and a whole suite of additional protection and detection technologies was added.

It now offers real-time anti-virus protection using cloud-based artificial Intelligence. Microsoft analyses billions of threats and is now one of the top-rated virus detection tools scoring 100 per cent detection across most testing companies.

Similarly, its Malware and Spyware detec tion achieves 100 per cent in most tests. In 2020 Microsoft Defender was given top ranking by an independent test lab (AV-Test)

with a perfect score, having detected and protected against new widespread Malware.

Defender also includes parental control features that allow you to monitor and control what your kids are doing online and locally on the PC.

It will filter websites based on the controls you put in place, give you usage reports and allow you to monitor children in real-time.

A recent feature is controlled folder access. It protects critical folders and files against untrusted applications, providing addi tional protection against ransomware.

Defender is also a firewall and analyses outgoing and incoming traffic to your PC, ensuring you do not download malware or access unsavoury websites.

Microsoft invests heavily in Windows Defender and regularly brings out new features.

The short answer to whether it is good enough as stand-alone protection is yes. In many cases, it is better than most of its competitors. The main difference between Defender and other well know brands are primarily options the other packages may include. For example, many other packages include a password management tool, which adds an additional layer of protection for you.

For the majority of home users, Microsoft Defender is all they need. It is built-in, free, simple to use, and managed by Microsoft AI cloud security.

HEALTH

WITH PATRICK CELEBAN

ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

How massage therapy can help with multiple sclerosis management

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple scle rosis is believed to be an autoimmune condition as it involves abnormal activity from our own immune cells that attack and destroy the myelin sheath around our neurons in the central nervous system. Therefore, this damage means that the brain cannot communicate the signals with the rest of the body, leading to a range of symptoms such as…

• Vision impairment like double vision or loss of vision

• Fatigue

• Slurred speech

• Dizziness or vertigo

• Mental health issues like depression

• Numbness and tingling

• Muscle spasticity, which are described as painful involuntary muscle contractions and cramps

• Paralysis, typically in the legs, weakness and pain in legs upon walking, standing and getting up (although, all these movements can be almost impossible for some).

Everyone will experience a different course of symp toms and how the disease progresses.

Relevance to massage

Massage unfortunately cannot cure MS but research through multiple treatment trials on MS patients have shown its effectiveness in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Some benefits of massage for MS sufferers can be a decrease in muscle spasticity and tightness, improvement in joint range of motion, better sleep patterns and moods and a decrease in oedema (swelling) which can be common amongst wheel chair bound individuals who have fluid retention in their legs and feet.

When massage may not be suitable for you

Massage is contraindicated in the acute phase of MS which is the early stages of the disease when you first experience the symptoms and may have recently been diagnosed with it. If it is oedema that is the focus of the treatment, then gaining medical clearance is advised, particularly, if the cause of the oedema is unknown.

2022 PENRITH F INALIST

SOLE OPER A TOR

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TENDERS

Uniform Logo & Premise Licence Colyton High School

Tenders are called for the licence of the Uniform Logo & Premise (Premise Optional) for the school year commencing 2023 and for a term of 5 years.

Annual school enrolments will be approximately 830 in 2023. General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to:

COLYTON HIGH SCHOOL

ATTN: Daryl Butler colyton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Con dential - School Uniform Tender” and sent to:

The Principal DARYL.BUTLER@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders close at 4pm on Sunday 13 November 2022

Mandator y Criteria:

All employees must hold a current working with children check.

ALLEN, Kaye Bernice

PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUC T OVERHEAD AND UNDERGROUND FEEDER ALIGNMENT FROM WESTERN ROAD TO AEROTROPOLIS AREA VIA ELIZ ABETH DRIVE

Endeavour Energy is proposing to undertake construction works on a 4.2km portion of underground and overhead feeder between Western Road (near Cross Street), Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis area (near old Badger ys Creek Road), via Elizabeth Drive, Badger ys Creek. The proposal will involve installation of underground lines in existing conduits along the western side of Western Road, which will include minor excavation works. It will also involve boring under Elizabeth Drive from the western side of Western Road to the northern side of Elizabeth Drive. On the northern side of Elizabeth Drive, new 33kV overhead line and 31 new poles will be erected from the corner of Western Road and Elizabeth Drive to the Aerotropolis area, just past old Badger ys Creek Road.

This project will support Endeavour Energy ’s transmission supply strategy to meet increasing electricity demand from critical infrastructure as well as a range of different customers in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis Area.

Written submissions to a draft Review of Environmental Factors (REFs) associated with the proposal will be received until 24 November 2022 . The REF outlines project benefits, the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures to manage those impacts, should the project proceed.

Impacted customers would also be notified prior to any planned electricity supply outage to enable construction works to safely proceed. All submissions will be considered as part of the project assessment process.

For further information or to make a submission please contact: EMM Consulting Pty Ltd at EngageEE@emmconsulting.com. au with your correspondence clearly marked with ‘Kemps Creek Underground and Overhead Feeder

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT DRIVER

About Our Organisation Active Care Network is a well-respected and trusted Community Services organisation providing Transport and Home Support Services to older Australians and people living with disabilities across Greater Western Sydney for over 40 years.

on our people, we are driven by strong values to deliver excellence in client-centred support.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Community Transport Drivers to join

teams based at Lawson, Kingswood and Blacktown. The successful

will be employed as permanent part-time employees with hours from 42 to 76 hours per fortnight. The Community Transport Driver will be responsible for the provision of safe, reliable and quality transport services

1. Medical appointments

Social and Group Outings

3. Shopping trips (groups)

4. Individual appointments

Skills and Experience

To be considered for the role, you will need to:

1. Have a current licence to drive vehicles that seat more than 12 adults (minimum LR licence)

2. Have a suitably clean driving record.

3. Undergo a national criminal history record check every three years

4. Undergo a Working with Children Check every five years

5. Undergo a NDIS Worker Checks every five years

6. Be vaccinated in line with Department of Health recommendations

7. Provide a resume and a covering letter including licence details.

Preference will be given to candidates that have a current Bus Driver

Authority issued by Transport for NSW.

In addition to the above skills, you must be able to demonstrate highly developed driving skills, good communication skills, sound judgement, a focus on results and the willingness to use your initiative.

Being familiar with using emails, internet and Windows O ce would be an advantage

Benefits

The benefits include a competitive wage and fringe benefits as a Public Benevolent Institution Community Services organisation. For further information contact Sannie on (02) 4722 3083.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: sanniet@activecarenetwork.org.au

POSITIONS VACANT

Brilliant service, even better car care

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SPORT

Hannah eyes WBBL comeback

Former Sydney Thunder skipper Hannah Darlington has revealed the unusual way she first discovered cricket when she was going to school in the local area.

Darlington was a student at James Erskine Public School when one day she accidentally hit a teacher in the head with a ball and was given a choice of attending detention or joining the school cricket team.

“I remember picking up a tennis ball and I threw it back and the teacher turned around and said he had a sore head and wondered who threw the ball that far,” Darlington told the Weekender

“When he knew it was me, he said that I had a good arm on me. He said, ‘you can’t just go around throwing whatever you want… it’s either detention or you come join me at cricket practice with the boys’. It was a pretty easy decision for me to make.”

Fast forward a decade later and Darlington is one of the brightest young female leaders and talents in the game.

Not only did the 20-year-old captain the Thunder in the WBBL last summer, but she also made her national women’s team debut.

It’s been an incredible ride for the former Erskine Park High School student who, at just 15 years of age, signed with the Thunder ahead of the 2018/19 WBBL season.

While Darlington is yet to play a game in the WBBL this year due a knee injury suffered at training in September, she is hopeful of getting back on the field before the end of the season.

“I was actually bowling and tripped over by accident and couldn’t walk for a couple of days. They scanned my knee and found out that I tore my meniscus,” Darlington said.

“It was my first time under the knife, and I was a little bit nervous, but I was out of hospital after a couple of hours and walking the next day on crutches.

“I’m expected to be fit to come back a bit later in the season, but I was grateful the damage to my knee was pretty minimal.”

With the Thunder having a mixed start to the season, it’s hoped Darlington’s eventual return won’t be for nothing.

The all-rounder, who won the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award, last year admitted she was a terrible spectator.

“I suck at watching cricket,” Darlington said.

“I’m probably going to have to keep myself busy by filling up drink bottles or doing something else.

“I’m going to struggle to watch cricket when I should be out there playing.”

The WBBL season continues for the Sydney Thunder in Hobart today (November 4), where they will take on the Brisbane Heat.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Hannah Darlington recently suffered a knee injury.

Coles chips in crucial cash

$5000 donation will help Emu Plains Little Athletics Centre purchase equipment

NATHAN TAYLOR

Coles has thrown their support behind Emu Plains’ little athletes, with a $5000 sports grant to help Emu Plains Little Athletics Centre buy brand new hurdles for the new season.

The latest round of grants from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund takes Coles’ donation to grassroots Little Athletics centres to more than $2.2 million in four years and will help centres buy new sports and safety equipment such as javelins, discuses and defibrillators to support aspiring athletes and community volunteers.

This year’s grants have been made possible with money raised by Coles, its banana grow ers and customers during the inaugural Coles Little Athletics Banana A-Peel held earlier this year, when 10 cents of every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold in Coles supermar kets was donated to the cause.

Emu Plains Little Athletics President Grant Haydon said the grant will help the centre to provide a safe and quality program for its athletes and volunteers after a very challeng ing period due to COVID.

“We are proud to be the largest club in our area and can boast many successful athletes at a state and national level across Track, Field and Cross Country events, however, COVID has affected us terribly with our membership

numbers over the last two years cut almost in half,” he said.

“With this funding from Coles, we’ll be able to replace a number of very outdated and

damaged hurdles with lightweight collapsible ones that can be adjusted more easily for different age groups.

“They will also help to reduce the time and

effort it takes our volunteers to set up and pack down and will provide a safer experience for both athletes and volunteers alike this season.”

Coles State General Manager Ivan Slunjski said Coles was delighted to continue to support grassroots Little Athletics centres in NSW through initiatives like the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund and banana donations.

“Coles has been a proud supporter of Little Athletics for over five years, and we’re delighted to provide over $80,000 in sports equipment grants to NSW’s Little Athletics centres to help them gear up for this season,” he said.

“We’re particularly delighted to help centres that were affected by the floods earlier this year so that they can replace some of their equipment.

“We know very well the devastating impact these floods have had on local clubs and communities, and we hope these grants will help them to recover and look forward to a new Little Athletics season.”

More than $250,000 in sports equipment grants were distributed to 73 Little Athletics centres across Australia in the latest round.

In addition to the distribution of sports equipment grants, Coles will continue to support Little Athletics centres across NSW with banana donations from local supermar kets throughout the season.

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Penrith are in a strong position heading into day two of their Round 4 clash against UNSW in the Beldivere Cup. Playing in a Two Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith again hit the batting crease first. Playing with a home ground advantage, the Penrith side put up an exceptional innings with the bat, declaring on 8/353 after 91 overs. UNSW will be up to bat with just four runs under their belt after four overs when play resumes on Saturday at 10am.

CRICKET: Sunday saw the end of Penrith’s winning streak in the Women’s First Grade competition, playing in a T20 match against Northern Districts. Though the Penrith side started out strong at Howell Oval, clocking up 91 runs over the 20 overs, the visitors put up a strong fight, with a big hit to finish getting them to 2/95 in just under 18 overs. Penrith will be looking for redemption when they take on the Universities side at Bill Ball Oval this Sunday at 2pm in another T20 clash.

CRICKET: Both Panthers Cricket Club teams had wins in a rain affected round of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) Competition. In first grade, the local side had a 20 run win in their match. The seventh grade side then had a vital outright victory over Glenmore Park, with Panthers batting first and scoring a respectable 10/168, before their bowlers did the damage to dismiss Glenmore Park for 33 runs in their first innings, and 22 in their second innings.

BASEBALL: Greater Western have again been unlucky in their efforts against the Canterbury Vikings in Round 4 of the NSW State Baseball League first grade competition. Though Wednesday’s game was a washout, the Warriors sought out

redemption in Sunday’s clash at Chapman Gardens Baseball Oval. However, the Vikings prevailed 6-3. Greater Western will take on the Blacktown Workers in Round 5 matches

AFLW: The GWS Giants have maintained their perfect record against the Gold Coast Suns with their fourth consecutive win in the head-to-head battle to close out the home and away portion of AFLW season seven. Playing at Henson Park, the Giants started the game off strong with five first half goals – their second highest half time score of the season. Though the opposition played a competitive game, the Giants took the game out 44-32. For both teams it is season over and focus now switches to list management decisions and preparations for season eight.

FOOTBALL: Western Sydney Wanderers kept their unbeaten start to the A-League Mens season alive with a 2-0 defeat of Newcastle Jets on Friday night at CommBank Stadium. Though the Wanderers had little luck in the earlier part of the game, it was in the 44th minute that Romain Amalfitano scored the team’s first goal, quickly followed up by Borrello in the 51st minute, extending the home side’s lead. Western Sydney will return to CommBank stadium this Saturday when they take on the Central Coast Mariners.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, including regular scores or recruitment drive notices, send an email to cassidy.pearce@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westernweekender, or Tweet us @wwpenrith. You can call us on (02) 4722 2998.

Coles is providing equipment grants to 73 Little Athletics centres in Australia.

REVEALED: PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

! Pre-season double for Panthers fans: I can reveal the NRL is close to finalising the pre-season schedule for next season with plans for Penrith to play two matches at BlueB et Stadium. If all goes to plan, the traditional Battle of the West trial between Penrith and Parramatta would be played on Saturday, February 11, while the World Club Challenge between Penrith and St Helens would be held on Saturday, February 18. The NRL is hoping to lock in the schedule in the coming days. Both games would be live on Fox Sports.

! 20 years on: The Panthers have recruited 2003 legends Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao to help launch a 20-year commemorative jersey that recognises Penrith’s Premiership success from two decades ago. The official alternate jersey for the 2023 season is the club’s show piece item honouring the legends of yesteryear and featuring the iconic colours worn on that fateful Sunday on October 5, 2003. The jersey is available from the Panthers Shop now.

! Accolades keep coming: Penrith’s incred ible Premiership defence has been recognised by Sport NSW, with the Panthers named a nominee in the Team of the Year category. The 2022 NSW Sports Awards are NSW’s highest sports honours and the category winners will be revealed at the prestigious NSW Champi ons of Sport Ceremony at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour on Monday, November 28. Other fi nalists in the Team of the Year category are the Sydney Kings, Wests Tigers Women’s Team, North Cronulla Open Beach Relay Team, NSW Sky Blues Women’s Origin Team and the Aus tralian Junior Men’s Coxed Four.

! Marto locked in: Liam Martin (pictured left) may be deep in preparation for the World Cup Quarter Finals with Australia but it hasn’t stopped his management sorting out his future back home. The club is likely to announce the Martin extension in the coming days with the most intriguing factor being the rumoured length – just one extra year, taking him to the end of the 2024 season.

! Coaching structure locked in: Peter Wal lace and Ben Gardiner have been confirmed as Ivan Cleary’s assistant coaches at Penrith next season. Since retiring in 2018, Wallace has remained an integral part of the club as a member of the coaching staff, and has made an impactful contribution both on and off the field. Gardiner joins the club with a wealth of experience, having worked in a number of key coaching positions, including assistant coach for the New Zealand Kiwis. The coaching shake-up comes following the departures of Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster.

! Lower grade coaches confirmed: Ben Harden will coach Penrith’s NSW Cup team next year, while Jono Rolfe will continue to look after the Jersey Flegg side.

! Home ground advantage: The future of Penrith Stadium remains up in the air but the NRL is at least thankful the Panthers will be playing there next season. Head office is currently trying to finalise the draw for next year, which is being complicated by availability around the FIFA Women’s World Cup. A host of NRL sides will be forced away from home during the tournament. Penrith will be trou ble-free and continue to play games at home through the disruption.

! No keepsake: Following up on a previous piece I wrote soon after the Grand Final, it now

for fans hoping to own a permanent copy of the game. Word is a licencing deal isn’t in place for this year’s match, meaning there will be no release this year.

! Spotted: Panthers winger Brian To’o hap pily posing with fans at Mount Druitt Westfield (pictured left), just before heading off to the World Cup to represent Samoa.

! Spotted: 2003 Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis at the Nepean Business

Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao.

Olympic insight on show

New insight into local paddler Jessica Fox’s inspi rational Olympic campaign has been revealed thanks to an exciting new documentary, which is to be released in the coming weeks.

‘Golden’ features never-before-seen footage of Fox as she prepares for what would ultimately be a medal-winning campaign in Tokyo last year, including her first Olympic Gold Medal.

Filmmaker Aidan Williams is behind the groundbreak ing project.

“I had this epiphany, how amazing would it be to follow Jess’ journey and show behind the scenes footage as never seen before as she prepares for Tokyo in her search for Gold,” he said.

“So I sent her a message and she loved the idea right away.”

The footage in ‘Golden’ is an amazing insight into the preparation, determination, perseverance and humility of a champion and undeniable slalom great.

Weekender reporter Nathan Taylor, who has covered Fox’s career since her Olympic debut in London in 2012, also features in the documentary.

“Jess’ story needed to be told and to be done justice, there was such an amazing opportunity,” Mr Williams said.

“Nobody had done it justice so I thought I needed to. So, I gave my heart and soul to this piece.

“I just want to do it justice for Jess, her family and the amazing community.”

The documentary ‘Golden’ will be out soon on Vimeo.

The cover image of the new Jessica Fox documentary, ‘Golden’.

Aidan Williams is behind the film.