The heartbroken family of a man killed in a crash at St Marys on Tuesday has gathered at the accident scene, as details of the other driver’s behaviour come to light. Troy Dodds reports on Page 3
“He doesn’t get to work, he doesn’t go home, his family don’t get to see him” Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood
The NSW Opposition gathered its Shadow Cabinet in Penrith on Monday to discuss in depth the issues facing Penrith and western Sydney.
Led by the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman, Penrith was inundated with Coalition Shadow Ministers to hold a Community Cabinet meeting and a formal Shadow Cabinet meeting.
First Speakman visited Penrith café High Street Depot with Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston and Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James to meet with CEO of the Penrith CBD Corporation Gai Hawthorn and former Liberal Penrith City Councillor Tricia Hitchen to discuss how local businesses are travelling in Penrith.
Later, Speakman along with his Shadow Cabinet, attended Penrith Panthers Leagues Club to meet with local constituents.
“We’re here today not to talk at you but we’re here to listen and to learn because western Sydney and Penrith in particular is such a vital part of NSW,” Speakman said.
“We know that Sydney can only thrive if western Sydney thrives and half of the population of Sydney these days is west of Parramatta. NSW can only thrive if Sydney and therefore western Sydney thrives as well. We know this part of Sydney shares many of the problems NSW share.
“We have a cost-of-living crisis, we have a housing affordability crisis, we know that Sydney is now the second most expensive city
to rent or to buy a home in the English-speaking world second only to Hong Kong.
“We know from stats in the last 12 months that something like one in three Australians had some form of food poverty. That means they haven’t purchased all the food they’d like to purchase because their hip pocket is being hit.
“We know that’s not just the parts of society that we traditionally class as strugglers, it’s affecting all levels of society and certainly it’s an issue out here in Penrith and speaking to local businesses this morning I know it’s hitting people in High Street really hard, people are cutting back on their coffees, they’re cutting back on going out, businesses
are struggling, they are facing higher electricity prices, labour issues, insurance has gone through the roof.
“So, we know that there are many of these problems here in Penrith and western Sydney that the rest of NSW is suffering as well. Pretty much all of the Shadow Cabinet is here at the moment. It is really important that we get out to local communities and hear what is happening on the ground rather than being stuck in Macquarie Street.”
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston also spoke of the importance of western Sydney and said it was so important to take time to speak with the local community.
“Today is about western Sydney and we
particularly chose Penrith because it’s the heartbeat of western Sydney in many many ways,” Preston said.
“It’s an important day for us because politicians are here today to listen to you, not for you to listen to us.
“We will be talking to you about what’s not working well, what’s not right and how things can be done better because let’s face it western Sydney deserves it.”
The Shadow Ministers spent over an hour mingling and chatting with the community about any issues that were brought to them. It was then that the meeting went behind closed doors to discuss issues of high importance to the state.
TROY DODDS
Aman in his late 40s was killed in a crash at St Marys on Tuesday morning, with an independent review launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The crash happened at about 4am, throwing the morning peak into chaos with the Great Western Highway closed in both directions at Glossop Street for several hours.
In the minutes before the crash, two police officers in a fully-marked police vehicle saw a dark-grey Holden Insignia sedan stopped on Mamre Road at St Marys.
Police had stopped near the sedan when the driver allegedly accelerated towards the Great Western Highway, where police lost sight of the vehicle.
Police followed the car, but were not in pursuit of it, and found the sedan had hit a silver Toyota Corolla hatchback.
The driver of the sedan allegedly fled the scene on foot.
The driver of the hatchback, believed to be aged 49 and heading to work, died at the scene.
His body remained in the car for several hours on Tuesday morning while investigations took place.
Later in the day, his emotional family and friends gathered at the crash site.
incident team from North Shore Police Area Command is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation is also subject to an independent review.
Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood said it was a devastating situation, with a man leaving for work on Tuesday never to return home.
“You talk about tragedy, this is a tragedy. Make no mistake about it,” he said.
“For that poor man and his family and friends, their life has changed from this incident.”
Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV vision or information about the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Great Western Highway was re-opened just before the afternoon peak on Tuesday.
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Peter V’landys plays the game like nobody else in sports administration. In fact, V’landys is usually two or three steps ahead by the time you realise you’re even playing.
I have no doubt that he himself started the rumour last weekend that King Charles was considering coming to Randwick races for Everest day, and to watch a support race named in his honour.
And back in 2020, when the world was shutting down as a result of the pandemic, he bullishly declared the NRL would return on May 28 that year.
Politicians, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, were shocked.
Fellow sporting codes would make no such commitment.
And yet nobody was brave enough to suggest V’landys couldn’t pull it off and so on May 28, rugby league returned – albeit behind closed doors.
Like him or loathe him, V’landys is the best in the business.
He has breathed new life into racing in New South Wales, with a new generation flocking to race days and the sport somehow becoming more popular than ever in an age where you would think cancel culture and modern thinking may have just caught up with it.
As for rugby league, it’s flying. It has somehow come out of a pandemic that could have killed it in better shape than ever; with record ratings and sensational crowds leaving it as arguably the most watched sport in the country.
When V’landys wants something done, it usually happens.
So why then don’t we have a long-term deal for the NRL Grand Final?
Why is V’landys still playing the game; suggesting a Super Bowl style concept where the match is sold to the highest bidder could be an option.
The MCG has been spoken about, as has Brisbane; and there’s no doubt the Queensland Government would love to swoop on the decider.
I don’t realistically believe there’s any chance the Grand Final will be moved from
“There’s a growing feeling that their inability to get this done is a sign of weakness”
Sydney, so why are we stuck doing year-onyear deals?
Is it that Premier Chris Minns doesn’t realise he’s playing the game yet?
Minns may argue there are greater priorities than locking in a long-term deal for the Grand Final, and nobody is denying there’s plenty on his plate.
But Minns can simply not be the Premier that lets the biggest sporting code in his state take its marquee match out of Sydney.
And V’landys is just crazy enough to take it to Melbourne or Brisbane if he doesn’t feel he’s getting a good deal out of the NSW Government.
Accor Stadium is the logical long-term home of the Grand Final.
Sydney has proven it supports the event, along with interstate visitors, with crowds in excess of 80,000 every year.
Any suggestion that this year’s game not selling out would have an impact on decisions around the Grand Final’s future is foolish.
Apart from the variety of circumstances surrounding the slightly lower demand for the game, no Brisbane venue could hold the 80,156 who did turn up.
Minns and V’landys must sit down and lock in a 20-year deal for the Grand Final. Just get it done.
Rugby league fans are sick of the back-andforth that goes on every year and the pointless articles about the game potentially going elsewhere, before a late deal is done and the game ends up at Accor Stadium anyway.
The venue operators, sponsors, corporate partners, surrounding venues and fans deserve to have certainty that one of the biggest sporting events in the country will remain at Sydney Olympic Park.
The State Government may think this one is going under the radar but there’s a growing feeling that their inability to get this done is a sign of weakness.
V’landys, meantime, is holding all the aces. And the more you let him play the game, the more you’ll have to pay to make yourself look like you at least competed.
And another thing...
Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe popped up on Ben Fordham’s program on 2GB last week, defending herself against some of the breakfast host’s comments in recent times.
Just a few days later, she proved why Fordham has been so hard on her and why she’s an embarrassment to the country.
Her antics during King Charles’ visit to Canberra on Monday were about as low as it gets from an elected politician.
Thorpe is more than happy to cop a quarter of a million dollars a year from the system she apparently despises.
Her lack of respect on Monday was disgusting, but not all that surprising given her previous antics.
In any other workplace, Thorpe would have been marched out the door on Tuesday afternoon never to be seen again.
In Canberra though she rolls on, retweeting the minority on the insular world of X who thought what she did was right.
We are all told we must respect Welcome to Country ceremonies. That we must live with the guilt of the past.
Yet Thorpe is indicative of the reality that respect, apparently, does not have to be returned.
Wasn’t the place, wasn’t the time, yet she did it anyway. She’s a shocker.
“A pleasure to return to the neighbourhood”: King Charles visits western Sydney
TROY DODDS
They didn’t quite make it to Penrith but King Charles and Queen Camilla were just down the road on Tuesday –attending a community BBQ in Parramatta.
And if you can’t bring the King to Penrith, you bring Penrith to the King.
Among those meeting Their Majesties on Tuesday was Panthers legend Mark Geyer, among the guests at the invite-only community event in Parramatta Park.
Deputy Premier and Londonderry MP Prue Car also spent plenty of time with the King and Queen on Tuesday.
Spectators lined the side of the road to see Their Majesties, waving and taking photos as they arrived around lunchtime.
The likes of cricket legend David Warner, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and comedian Ahn Do were among the attendees, as well as religious leaders and volunteers.
And the Royals were also put to work – with Charles and Camilla both briefly spending some time with tongs in hand, turning
sausages.
“It is always a particular pleasure to return to the neighbourhood,” King Charles told the gathered crowd.
Premier Chris Minns formally welcomed Their Majesties to western Sydney.
“Your Majesty, this might be your first visit to Australia as a sovereign, but it’s certainly not your first visit as a friend,” he said.
“For 60 years, you’ve been coming to our city and our state.
“And in that time, you have witnessed the latest chapter in the long story of change that’s happened in western Sydney.”
Minns said western Sydney had become the heart of multicultural Australia.
“In the same way that the British Commonwealth pulls together 56 nations into a single body, western Sydney has stitched the world into a single community,” he said.
“And without being too immodest, I think it’s an example to the world of how we can live together, as one people despite our differences.
“That success is built on our citizens, on everyone here today.”
The Royals wrapped up their Australian tour on Wednesday.
Penrith: Man carrying knife through Penrith arrested
A man was caught carrying a knife to multiple places in the Penrith CBD last week.
At about 12.10pm on Tuesday, October 15 a 30-year-old Llandilo man attended a community centre on Lethbridge Street in Penrith. The man knocked on the front door of the centre and at the time was holding a kitchen knife.
The door was opened by a staff member and the man began waving the knife at the staff member while yelling and then left after a short time.
At about 12.25 on the same day, the 30-yearold man attended an adult store located on Woodriff Street in Penrith. The man then entered the bathroom in the store and closed the door. Once inside the bathroom the man damaged the window with the knife and left his blood in the bathroom. Police were called by staff and the man left the store.
At about 2.40pm on the same day, the 30-year-old man attended a community health centre located on Soper Place, Penrith.
The man entered the male toilets inside the community health centre with blood on his clothes. Staff had concerns about the man’s welfare and contacted police.
Police attended the centre and attempted to arrest the 30-year-old man, but the man resisted arrest. While the man was resisting his arrest, he assaulted one police officer and attempted to assault a second police officer.
The man also threatened to stab the arresting police. Once handcuffed, police searched the man and located a pair of scissors on him.
The man was charged with nine offences and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, December 6.
Penrith: Man caught with drugs at train station
A man has been caught carrying drugs on a Penrith train.
At about 4.00pm on Thursday, October 17 police were at St Marys train station where they boarded a train heading towards Penrith.
Once on the train police saw a 26-year-old Cranebrook man in the vestibule area of the carriage and asked him to produce his opal card. While police were checking the card the man was fidgeting and very jovial. Both the man and police got off the train at Penrith. While the man was walking on the platform, he was unsteady on his feet. The man was again spoken to and searched
where police found a small resealable bag containing methylamphetamines.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on November 18.
Penrith: Couple steal motorbike using trolley as a decoy
A couple have been arrested after they stole a motorbike out of a store.
At about 2.10pm on Friday, October 18 a man and woman entered a business on Henry Street in Penrith. They had a trolley in their possession and have walked around the store for a considerable amount of time which caught the attention of staff.
The pair selected a motorbike that was on display and used the trolley to obscure the motorbike and walked out of the store without paying for the motorbike.
A staff member saw and chased the pair out of the store. The staff member was able to retrieve the motorbike and return it to the store.
A short time later, the staff attendant flagged down a passing police vehicle and explained the situation. Police were given an in-depth description of the pair and within two minutes the pair were located in the car park of a nearby fast-food restaurant.
The male started to run away, and police began to pursue him on foot. The man suddenly turned and began to run towards an officer. The man was tackled to the ground. As the officer was on the ground with the male, the female grabbed the officer on the ground and was then pushed away by the second officer.
The pair were both arrested and handcuffed. They were identified as a 42-year-old man and his partner, a 45-year-old female from St Marys.
The pair were both bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court today.
Penrith: Man charged after allegedly touching teen girl on train
A man has been charged after he allegedly touched a teenage girl on a train last week.
Police say a 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually touched by the man whilst travelling between Blacktown Railway Station and St Marys Railway Station last Thursday.
Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 42-year-old man at a home on Adelaide Street, St Marys, about 6.15pm on Monday night.
He was taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged.
AN IMPORTANT TIP TO REMEMBER IF YOU ARE BUYING A BUSINESS OR ASSET
These days almost anything can be used as security/collateral for a loan.
The most common examples of this are things like a house and land being used as security for a home loan/mortgage, a car being used as security for car finance or a personal loan or in a business context all of the assets of a trading entity that seeks to borrow money or obtain some form of credit including assets held by the entity at the time the credit is obtained and assets obtained in the future being used as security.
The latter is what was following owners of fixed and floating charges, which is now known as an entry on the person property security register.
Essentially this is a register that lists encumbrances that may be registered against the assets of a person or entity.
If you are buying a business or business asset, you should make sure your solicitor conducts a search of the personal properties security register to ensure that creditors don’t come looking for an asset you have bought after you have already paid for it.
Examples include a business sale agreement or share sale agreement where the seller has purchased a motor vehicle or other asset (such as equipment to use in the business) and agreed to all of their present and future assets being used as security until the finance/credit associated with the purchase is paid down.
If a creditors interest is recorded on the personal property securities register, they have “perfected” their security and it acts like a mortgage in that they have first priority to access the relevant asset to satisfy the debt owed to them.
This could mean that you pay for and take possession of an asset or piece of equipment that is then the subject of an attempt to repossess it from you by the creditor to be sold to satisfy the debt owed to the creditor. In addition to securities being registered against a person or entity, individual assets can also be taken as security.
Therefore, if as part of a transaction you are requiring a specific piece of equipment, such as a motor vehicle, or a piece of plant and machinery, you should obtain the serial and model number and run a search to see if that specific equipment is noted as security for some form of debt.
Even if the debt is paid out, creditors do not always take the necessary steps to remove their entries on the register.
We have acted for lots of people or entities purchasing businesses or assets, in relation to which we have run a PPSR search and located an entry or multiple entries only to find out that the relevant debts have been discharged and the only steps the seller needs to take is to arrange for the former creditor to remove the entry from the register.
Contact us for assistance.
Two men have faced court after being charged over their alleged roles in importing cocaine worth more than over $3.5 million into Australia.
On Monday, police were called to a warehouse in Erskine Park, after alleged prohibited drugs were located.
On arrival, police seized approximately 5kg of cocaine in a package labelled ‘motor vehicle parts.’
“Detectives commenced an investigation into the incident,” a Police spokesperson said.
“On the same day, a 27-year-old man attended the warehouse, where police will allege in court the man attempted to collect the parcel.
“He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station.”
A short time later, police arrested a 26-yearold man at a motel in Doonside and taken to Blacktown Police Station.
Both men were charged with ‘take part supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity’. They were both refused bail to appear before Penrith Local Court this week.
Administration
Civic Centre, 601 High Street.
Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.
Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777
PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city
Services
Waste Services 4732 7777
Illegal Dumping
Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).
Freecall 1800 022 182
Meeting Dates
28 October 2024 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via penrith.city
penrith.city.council
penrithcouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au
● Have your say in a new survey for Council’s Events Strategy 2025–2030. We want to know what types of events you enjoy and ideas for making our City’s events better in the future. Your feedback will help us plan, develop and deliver great events across the Penrith region. Complete the survey (T&Cs apply).
Have your say at yoursaypenrith.com.au before Monday 25 November 2024.
● Penrith City Council is inviting community feedback on the proposed design for a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Cook Park in St Marys.
New football facilities are a key feature of the design including a new synthetic playing surface and amenities building,
Bill Ball Oval sporting infrastructure upgrades, car park improvements, more playspace equipment, pathways, lighting, new public toilets with Changing Places facilities, tree planting, and landscaping, are also included in the design.
You can share your feedback with Council in-person at Cook Park on Saturday 2 November from 9.30am until 11.30am.
Or have your say at yoursaypenrith.com.au/cookpark
Community feedback is invited until 11.59pm on Thursday 7 November 2024.
This project is funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($19.12 million) and the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program ($8.5 million), in partnership with Council.
● Bikes and their parts are valuable resources. NSW bike shops alone could generate up to 50 tonnes of rubber waste annually. Additionally, there may be up to 14 million tyres and tubes on unused bicycles in Australian homes, amounting to 10,000 tonnes of material.
It’s important to take unwanted bikes to the right place such as Council’s free Bike Drop-off and Repair Event, to be repaired, donated or recycled.
Join us at The Kingsway Playing Field from 9am on Saturday 2 November and make a Bike n’ Blend refreshing smoothie while you wait. For more information, visit penrith.city/events
The Penrith Local Planning Panel will meet to determine the following:
• DA24/0279
12 Raschke Street, Cambridge Park
Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 12-room co-living housing development
When: Wednesday 30 October 2024 commencing at 2pm
Where: The Penrith Local Planning Panel public meeting will be conducted in a hybrid environment with opportunity to attend the meeting in person or to connect online via zoom.
To attend the meeting or for an opportunity to address the Panel, please register via the Online Form at Penrith Council’s website yoursaypenrith.com.au/lpp-register-speak by 4pm on Monday 28 October 2024.
For any person intending to access the meeting remotely, a meeting invitation with log in details will be provided to those who have registered via the online form 28–48 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Any person joining the online meeting are informed that the meeting will be audio recorded, and a copy of that recording will be made publicly available following the meeting.
Relevant documents will be available on Penrith Council’s website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/building-development/ development/local-planning-panel
For further assistance: Please contact the Panel Management localpanel@penrith.city
The following Development Application has been received by Council:
• JP4 Property Pty Ltd
Mod24/0175 18–22 Ransley Street, Penrith
residential and retail development including increase in apartment numbers from 349 to 351 units, reduction in retail premises from 18 to 15 tenancies, addition of ground
ground level car parking layout and consent condition
Contact: Wendy Connell on 4732 7908
Closing Date: Sunday 10 November 2024
TROY DODDS
It’s almost as famous as the iconic Penrith Stadium itself but the stench from a sewage pumping station near the intersection of Ransley Street and Mulgoa Road is finally set to be a thing of the past.
The Weekender can confirm that Sydney Water is installing an Odour Control Unit and upgrading the pumping stations themselves in an effort to at least minimise the smell.
Holding your breath has become a common activity for footy lovers when arriving or leaving from games and walking past the pumping station. And while the current upgrades aren’t necessarily part of the overall Penrith Stadium redevelopment, Sydney Water is taking the opportunity to implement a fix.
“Sydney Water is in the process of upgrading two pumping stations located near the Penrith Stadium,” a Sydney Water spokesperson said.
“As part of the upgrades, Sydney Water will be installing a new Odour Control Unit which is expected to be complete along with the stadium upgrade.
“Some wastewater pumping stations do emit smells and this work will reduce the odour in this location.”
The news comes as the State Opposition this week declared the smell needed to be eradicated once and for all.
Shadow Minister for Water, Steph Cooke, said the infamous stench had been joked about by locals for too long – and was leaving residents and tourists in the dumps.
“It’s a poor outcome when the Minns Labor government can plan to build a whole new stadium and leave what is basically an outhouse at the front door,” Cooke said.
Cooke also has doubts that Sydney Water’s upgrades will solve the issue.
Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.
Refused Development Application
• Janssen Group Pty Ltd
DA23/0946
Lot 2 DP 1190616, 29–31 Castlereagh Street, Penrith
Construction of 5-storey Co-Living Housing Development including 3 x single occupancy rooms, 26 x double occupancy rooms and undercroft car parking
Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for the Development Applications is Penrith City Council.
• The Trustee for PR Investors DA24/0754
Fixed Unit Trust
Lot 381 DP 1011738, 110 Explorers Way, St Clair
Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a childcare facility for 185 children with basement parking and associated works, including an on-site drop-off area and new landscaping
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be
“Even after winning four premierships, 20,000 Panthers fans will have to walk past this smelly sewage station every time they leave the current and future Penrith Stadium on their way home, or to celebrate at the Leagues Club,” Cooke said.
“That doesn’t even begin to cover more patrons using the upgraded facilities at the stadium itself. The people of Penrith know this ‘improvement’ stinks.”
inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 21 October 2024 to Sunday 3 November 2024. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0754.
For any queries relating to the proposal:
Please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409.
• J Caires & S Khoury
DA24/0488
Lot 93 DP 16478, 45 Wedmore Road, Emu Heights Strata title subdivision x 2 lots
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 21 October 2024 to Sunday 3 November 2024. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application.
Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0488.
For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Alexandra Pearce on 4732 7757.
Penrith Council is seeking feedback on its 2025-2030 Events Strategy.
The survey asks participants what events they attend across our region, what types of events they would like to see more of, and ideas for making local events even better.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said that Penrith’s reputation as an events destination continues to grow thanks to world class venues, great access to public transport, the new Western Sydney Airport, and the majestic Blue Mountains as a stunning backdrop.
“Events play an important part in making our City and even greater place to live, work and visit,” Carney said.
For more information and to complete the survey, visit www.yoursaypenrith.com.au.
Preparatory work for much anticipated upgrades at Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains is now underway, with topographic surveying having commenced.
The NSW Government-funded Hazelbrook Village Upgrade program will address critical issues identified in the Hazelbrook Masterplan and improve local amenity for the benefit of residents and business owners in Hazelbrook.
Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Access is a critical issue for the Hazelbrook village centre and this program promises to deliver safety improvements for both drivers and walkers.”
• Oreana Project Management Pty Ltd DA24/0729
Lot 101 DP 1011735, 124–126 Explorers Way, St Clair Integrated Development for demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of a childcare facility for 100 children with at-grade parking, signage and associated works
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 21 October 2024 to Sunday 3 November 2024. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application.
Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0729.
For any queries relating to the proposal:
Please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409
Viewing of Development Applications
The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker
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
Send your jokes to
Following huge acclaim and sold-out seasons in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ arrives at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in November. In the title role of Jesus is international recording artist Michael Paynter.
Michael is a member of classic Australian band Icehouse, as well as the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band, and performs live with Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin and many others.
He has toured extensively in Australia and internationally, sharing arena and stadium stages with artists such as John Farnham, 5 Seconds of Summer, Miley Cyrus,
Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The green pot plant is located on the top level of Westfield Penrith Plaza. Have you seen this one while out shopping on the weekend?
Seal, Hall and Oates and The Script. The production is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
Get tickets at www.jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au.
The Weekender has two double passes to the Tuesday, November 12 7pm performance to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Superstar’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Tuesday, November 4 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.
bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.
Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-
way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!
This week’s lucky winners are: 0421, 0632, 1120.
The Panthers are Premiers again!
Celebrate this historic moment with the official Penrith Panthers 2024 Premiership Decal.
Perfect for cars, laptops or to keep as a collectible.
The team behind Fan Emblems has been in the Australian manufucturing industry since 1970 and have mastered the art of quality and durability when it comes to their products.
In 2017 it was officially the end of car manufacturing in Australia, which greatly impacted the company.
With cars now being manufactured outside of Australia, there was a void that needed to be filled. Fan Emblems was created to give people the opportunity to purchase premium emblems which in the past were only available for large corporations.
It's an amazing feeling giving passionate fans a premium way to show the world what they love. Your love doesn’t fade and neither will a Fan Emblem.
Get yours today at www.fanemblems. com.au.
The Weekender has 10 2024 Premiers decals to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Panthers’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Monday, November 4 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.
AGlenmore Park post office will be updating its policy around parcel pick-up after backlash from its customers.
The Australia Post outlet, located at the new Glenmore Village shopping centre, will now allow its customers to pick up their items using their Digital Driver Licence after many were turned away due to a policy implemented by the licensee at Glenmore Park.
Local residents have been expressing their concerns online as well as to the after the post office refused to hand over certain parcels to customers unless they produced a physical / hard copy of their driver licence.
When the Weekender contacted Australia Post this week, they were unaware that the licensee of the Glenmore Park outlet had implemented their own pick-up rule which went against company policy.
On the Australia Post website, it clearly states that customers can produce a Digital Driver Licence as photo ID when collecting an item from the post office.
The website also states, that if customers don’t have photo ID, they can show two valid forms of ID without their photo as long as one of them contains their address
and their details match the name or address on the article.
In a classic case of unnecessary red tape, a frustrated Glenmore Park resident named Peter (surname
withheld) contacted the Weekender after the post office refused to hand over his item – a new iPhone 16 – because he produced a Digital Driver Licence and not a hard copy
of his licence. When the customer said he didn’t have access to his physical licence, the post office essentially held his item ‘hostage’ and didn’t offer any other alternative for him to collect it.
The customer was then forced to order a new physical licence from Service NSW, but was told it could take up to three weeks to arrive at his address.
The Glenmore Park post office holds items for 10 business days before ‘returning to sender’, meaning the customer would miss out on collecting his new phone.
Following enquiries by the Weekender, Australia Post apologised to the customer and said they were working with the Glenmore Park outlet to rectify the matter.
“Australia Post apologises unreservedly to the customer and is working with the Licensee at Glenmore Park to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” the spokesperson said.
“New South Wales customers needing to pick up a parcel from their local Post Office are able to show their Digital Driver Licence as a valid form of ID, via the Service NSW app.”
Alocal business owner is encouraging the local community to head down to his store for a free BBQ.
Adam Samuels is the Director of Koala Mowers in Penrith, and each month hosts an afternoon BBQ for any customers who come and check out the store.
“We’ve only been open for about three months and we do the BBQ on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from 3pm until 5pm,” Samuels said.
“It’s literally just a free sausage sizzle, just sausage on bread with sauce and onions and it was just to try to get people aware that we are here and that we are a new mower shop and hopefully people come in for a sausage, but people don’t really know that it’s happening.”
Samuels said they have been advertising on Facebook as well as word of mouth but want to see more people come out to the shop.
“We’ve been doing a lot of Facebook advertising in the buy swap and sell pages, just letting people know ‘Hey, we are a new mower shop, and we are
doing a free BBQ on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month, come by!” Samuels said.
“You don’t have to be a tradie, it can be anyone and that’s really what we are trying to do. We just get 100 sausages and a few loaves of fresh bread and that’s really what we do.”
In the three months since starting the business and the BBQs, Samuels said they haven’t been getting as much traffic as they would like to.
“We haven’t really had a large crowd,” Samuels said.
The goal was to have a large crowd and have networking and chatting but there hasn’t really been a large crowd… to get a bigger crowd, that’s the goal.”
The offer of a free BBQ isn’t just for tradies, anyone is welcome, said Samuels.
“We want more people coming into the shop. It’s not really defined to tradies, it’s for anyone really,” Samuels said.
The next Koala Mowers BBQ will be on Wednesday, November 6 starting at 3pm.
Koala Mowers is not the only place offering free BBQs in Penrith, Hudson Trade Centre Mitre 10 offers a free BBQ breakfast on the first Friday of every month starting at 6.30am.
ALLY HALL
The photography bar is being raised in the west as Q Agency, Western Sydney University (WSU), and photographer Tom Wholohan upskill locals with a Photo Master Class.
Photographers of all abilities are welcome to learn from the WSU graduate, who now works with big names like Aldi, Woolworths, Archie Rose, and many more.
Organiser Michael Noone from Q Agency said attendees will be taken through Wholohan’s method.
“He’s bringing his stylist with him to set up some shots and he’s just going to go through his process –lighting, composition, styling, all that kind of stuff,” Noone said.
Photographers aren’t the only people jumping on board.
“There’s a million social media content creators out there and very few of them do it well, whereas I
think by watching Tom they’ll pick up on some little tips including just spending a bit more time with a stylist or styling to see how to raise the bar,” said Noone.
To make the workshop accessible, the class at Manufactor Penrith costs $15.
“We’ve deliberately made it affordable so that late-high school students and uni students through to people starting out their freelance journey or seasoned pros – anyone and everyone can afford it,” he said.
The workshop is currently a standalone event, but if successful, the marketing agency said they would consider running more.
“We’d probably get a different discipline or a different service that we do a Master Class on, or if the one with Tom goes really well, we might do another one,” Noone said.
For now, polish your lenses and charge your camera’s batteries before Friday, November 15. Visit www.qagency.com.au.
Penrith-born paint and sip business Pinot & Picasso has exited Administration, ending uncertainty over the organisation’s future.
As reported by the Weekender last month, Pinot & Picasso entered Voluntary Administration and made seven people redundant, attributing a reduction in discretionary consumer spending to the decision.
The company’s studios – including its Penrith location – continued to operate.
Last Friday, the company exited Administration after a successful vote on the Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) was tabled for creditors.
“The Directors are thrilled for the next chapter of the company,” Pinot & Picasso’s Directors said in a statement.
“Hopefully this festive period regains momentum in the discretionary spending businesses after an incredibly tough 2023 and 2024.”
The business is hoping its more stable future combined with the upcoming festive and party season will see strong growth in the concept.
JB Hi-Fi says it will continue to stock CDs, vinyl and DVDs at its Westfield Penrith location, despite the products being taken off the shelves at Jamisontown.
Visitors to the Penrith Homemaker Centre store in recent months would have noticed that traditional media products have disappeared from the shelves.
But those desperate for their fix of classic media or vinyl revival won’t have to travel too far, with the company confirming its Westfield location wouldn’t be changing its product line-up.
“JB Hi-Fi remains committed to music, movies, TV shows, including CDs and vinyl,” a JB Hi-Fi spokesperson said.
“Our Penrith Store is home to a massive
range of CDs, vinyl and DVDs. Customers can shop in-store and enjoy the great service from our team including our resident music and movie specialists, Bill and Amy.
“Customers can also browse and shop at JB Hi-Fi online, with chat and phone service options.”
The Jamisontown store appears to be moving towards a more bulky goods, big ticket retail outlet.
Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have changed the way many, particularly in Australia, consume music.
The same goes for movies and TV shows –once hot sellers are now only purchased by a small section of the market.
Last year, Disney announced it would stop selling DVDs and Blu-Rays in Australia, a result of dwindling physical sales in this part of the world.
Penrith City Council is inviting community feedback on the proposed design for a multi-million-dollar upgrade of Cook Park in St Marys.
The project will be funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($19.12 million) and the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program ($8.5 million), in partnership with Council.
The grant funding has been awarded to provide new football facilities including a new synthetic playing surface and amenities building, resurfacing three fields with natural turf, grandstand refurbishment, floodlighting and new seating.
In addition, there will be upgrades to sporting infrastructure at Bill Ball Oval, car park improvements, more playspace equipment, pathways, lighting, new public toilets with a Changing Places facility, tree planting, and landscaping included in the design.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney encouraged the community to share their feedback on the design to ensure Council delivers a space
that suits the needs of residents and sports clubs.
“Our community deserves high-quality sport and recreation facilities so they can enjoy getting outside and being active whether that’s through organised sport, going for a walk, kicking around a ball with friends, or having places for kids to play,” Carney said.
“This project will build on Council’s improvements across the precinct in recent years including installing outdoor fitness equipment, the new Bill Ball Oval amenities building, and upgrading the playspace.”
The popular sport and recreation precinct attracts an estimated 175,000 people annually for football and cricket competitions and training, school events, and casual recreation. The planned additions will provide even more opportunities for the whole community to enjoy the precinct.
Locals can share their feedback with Council in-person at Cook Park on Saturday, November 2 from 9.30am until 11.30am. Or have their say online at: www.yoursaypenrith. com.au/cookpark. Community feedback is invited until 11.59pm on Thursday, November 7.
Young musicians in Penrith got the chance to play with some of the best this past weekend at a special gig.
Penrith’s Terry Rae has been a professional musician since he played his first gig when he was just 15-years-old. He then went on to play with Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.
Now at 88-years-old Rae wants to provide musical opportunities to the next generation of talented musicians in the Penrith area.
Rae invited a group of young music students from across the Penrith region to sing with his Big Swing Band after he heard them sing recently.
“I recently attended an event where I saw these students sing and knew I’d come across some incredible new talent,” Rae said.
“I wanted to give them the opportunity to sing with a Big Swing Band, foster a love of music from this era and hopefully inspire the next generation to continue to play this incredible music.
“Their performances were incredible, and the audience loved them!”
They performed at the Kingswood Sports Club to hundreds of spectators and played songs from all genres.
“They were singing songs that a lot of would-be pro singers in this town can’t handle,” Rae said.
“When two boys sung, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ it was unbelievable, and two little girls of seven and eight sung ‘A Thing Called Love’, they were marvelous, and they brought the house down.”
The students have been learning their trade under St Marys vocal coach Natalie Carboni who said the opportunity was something the students would value for a long time.
“It’s been such a wonderful opportunity for
these students to not only learn some of the classics, but to work with live musicians,”
Carboni said.
“It’s invaluable experience. They’ve learnt so much.
“They will take what they have learnt from this show into their future performances.”
It was the first time the students had the opportunity to sing with a big band and worked hard to prepare for the big gig.
“We had one rehearsal with them, and they were all a bit nervous,” Rae said.
Rae was highly impressed by the efforts of the young musicians on the weekend and wants to perform with them again in the future.
“This bunch of young children – I’m still over the moon about it at the moment,” Rae said. “It was as good as a show by professionals! That’s how good it was.”
NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750
Giants abandon the west
They abandoned Blacktown after convincing the local councils to pour money into BISP (Editor’s Desk, Weekender October 18).
Held a few token pre-season games there and packed up for Homebush. They’ve lost a generation of supporters, will be counting on the next to be members, but money is already scarce with cost-of-living, who can afford a membership?
PETER KYLE, VIA FACEBOOK
West not taken care of
Thank you very much for raising this issue on something I’m very passionate about.
Growing up a rugby league fan (still am) but now having two AFL loving kids who play and being a long-term member of the Giants, I sadly agree with much of what you have written. Could ramble on for days on what I think needs to happen
PETER MCGARRIGLE, VIA FACEBOOK
Western Sydney’s fake team?
They abandoned it ages ago. A team that plays 16 or so km from the city when Penrith is 55km from the city shows that they’re not interested in the west one little bit. They should stop pretending that they are.
MICHELLE HALLS, VIA FACEBOOK
Bus shelters needed
Thank you for your report appearing in the Western Weekender on Friday, October 11 (Commuters left to swelter). I think that it is a great shame, perhaps a disgrace, that Penrith City Council admits to providing funding for the construction of only four new bus shelters each year if it is currently
responsible for such works, as you report. If that is the case, I consider that at least some additional funding or infrastructure should be provided by the NSW Government to adequately service its own facilities, such as hospitals and schools, if not generally. Unfortunately, I have a number of medical conditions that necessitate my frequent attendance at the Nepean Public Hospital, Nepean Private Hospital and adjacent medical specialist precincts. I can no longer drive a car and only have one family member nearby that I can impose on from time-totime to transport me to appointments, and that can be difficult to coordinate because of the nature of her employment. The stops on my bus route closest to the public hospital, at the top of High Street, do not have any seating or shelter. In the event of likely inclement weather I have had to postpone appointments for weeks or else pay expensive taxi fares (I live just outside the Penrith local government eastern boundary). I have attended many of the impressive facilities at the revamped Nepean Hospital, including the new car parking complexes when I am able to get a lift. If the NSW Government can afford multi-millions of dollars to upgrade the hospital facilities and parking for the fortunate, surely it could voluntarily spend a few more dollars to provide shelter for those of us that need to travel by bus to reach essential medical services. Will the new airport have unsheltered bus stops? Poor analogy jurisdictionally, but I think not. Surely common sense should sometimes prevail between and within squabbles amongst levels of government.
JEFF FOLLEY, ROPES CROSSING
The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.
Panther pride is abundant in western Sydney and is set to be amplified by an upcoming exhibition at Penrith Regional Gallery starting early next month.
‘Spot the Difference’ will feature the work of 18 artists from Penrith, western Sydney, and beyond to pay homage to sporting icon and local legend – the panther.
Gallery Director and Exhibition Curator Toby Chapman said he moved to Penrith four years ago, and the recurring image of the black cat was the first thing he noticed.
“Everywhere I looked there were panthers,” Chapman said.
“It’s not just a football team… there’s lots of small businesses that have taken it on as their own mascot themselves.”
Chapman not only saw the predator donning store windows and front yards as tributes to the beloved NRL team, but also spotted the elusive creature said to roam the Blue Mountains.
“I was on my lunch break from the gallery and went to the local shops to get a sandwich and I was sitting out the front and saw – let’s just say it looked like an oversized black feline lurking around a park,” he said.
“I took a quick video, and it’s some of the promotional material we’re using right now.”
He describes the experience from four years
ago as a light bulb moment, inspiring the exhibition.
“Dating back to 2020, obviously the football team was doing such amazing things, it felt like there was this synergy and opportunity to really have a conversation not just about mythology, but also ideas of community representation and what local pride looks like,” he said.
Now in the year of Penrith’s NRL four-peat, the vision has come to life with new commissions by Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Billy Bain, Claudia Nicholson, Jason Phu, and Regina Walter ranging from paintings and drawings to ceramics and textiles.
Chapman said there’s obvious synergies between art and sport, which helps make the exhibition something everyone in Penrith can get something out of.
“Both sport and culture offer something external and bigger than an individual for communities to connect over,” Chapman said.
“The opening is an invitation for all of the public – all of our communities – to come take a peek at what these artists have developed. “It’s almost entirely new work… and we’re really excited to share it.”
The exhibition will run from November 9 to February 16, with the opening night scheduled for November 15.
You can find out more on the Penrith Regional Gallery website.
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With only nine weekends left until Christmas, locals are preparing their homes for the arrival of Santa Claus.
According to a Christmas expert, this year’s trending decorations are florals, candy cane swirls, light displays, and Grinch-themed ornaments.
“More people have been asking for Grinch products,” said Shar Beyer, Store Manager at Christmas Warehouse Penrith.
“The biggest Grinch we have is $699 – it’s a life-size Grinch and it has a sensor you walk past, and it sings and it sways its hips.”
The manager at the one-stop-Christmas-
shop said the store brightens visitors’ days as the festive season looms.
“A lot of the children that have disabilities, they love coming and just walking through and seeing the lights,” she said.
“The lights light up their faces, it’s amazing.”
She told us it’s important to prepare for the festive season sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.
“A lot of people like to get their decorations up by the 1st of December, so… the second week of November there’s a big rush,” she explained.
Christmas Warehouse Penrith is open seven days a week and boasts an undercover parking area and a grand entrance that teleports visitors straight to the North Pole.
After unfortunately experiencing a stillbirth earlier this year, Colyton mum Elvira Nikolaou is aiming to raise awareness and funds to ensure other women in her position have access to cuddle cots.
Nikolaou said that the stillbirth of her son Leon Alexander due to a rare type of fetomaternal hemorrhage came out of nowhere.
“At 32 weeks, I felt reduced movement, presented to the hospital, and there was no heartbeat,” she said.
Initially, she was given a cuddle cot from Bears of Hope, allowing her to have a memorial service in the hospital, as well as taking it home to spend time with her baby.
But, after her experience was plagued by negativity due to a lack of cuddle cots for those in need, Nikolaou is now aiming to raise money to donate a new one in her son’s memory.
“I feel like it would be nice to have something in my son’s legacy, just for other parents going through what I’ve gone through, so they
can have a little bit more time with their kid,” she said.
Nikolaou is also aiming to raise awareness of breast milk donation, having just returned from a road trip which saw her donate milk to those in need from Victoria, to South Australia and Western Australia.
“Through the Red Cross, you can donate breast milk for babies. I’m still expressing milk now,” she said. To donate to the fundraiser, go online and visit https:// bit.ly/47KFUBk.
Events Strategy 2025-2030
Survey
Events are an integral thread in Penrith’s cultural fabric, contributing significant economic and social benefits. They bring our community together, celebrate diversity and foster pride in our City. Events also attract visitors and encourage repeat visitation, injecting money into the local economy and helping to make Penrith a vibrant, thriving city.
Penrith’s reputation as an events destination continues to grow thanks to world class venues, great access to public transport, the new Western Sydney Airport, and the majestic Blue Mountains as a stunning backdrop.
Penrith City Council is drafting an Events Strategy for 2025–2030 to help us plan, develop and deliver great events across the Penrith region into the future. The strategy will set robust foundations to enable Penrith to grow and shine as a host of major and iconic regional events and supporter of community events.
While Penrith attracts and holds many events each year, Council recognises there are opportunities to achieve greater eco-
nomic and social outcomes. We are now inviting people to have their say in our Event Strategy 2025-2030 survey before Monday, November 25. Participants will answer questions such as what events they like to attend across our City, what types of events they would like to see more of, and ideas for making our events even better. Those who complete the survey and fill in their details at the end will also have the chance to win one of two $100 Westfield gift cards (T&Cs apply).
Events play an important part in making our City an even greater place to live, work and visit. The Events Strategy 2025–2030 will further consolidate Penrith’s reputation as an innovative and creative destination that is renowned for its world-class events. I encourage everyone to have their say in our Events Strategy 2025–2030 survey and help us to continue to deliver great events into the future. Complete the survey at yoursaypenrith. com.au/events-strategy-2025-2030.
CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of
Penrith
Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.
Last Saturday thousands of war widows gathered together to pay their respects and recognise the sacrifice of widows from various conflicts around the world.
Saturday, October 19, honoured the over 10,000 widows in NSW and brought them to the forefront of the community’s mind.
Renee Wilson, CEO of the Families of Veterans Guild, said war widows are an integral part of the veteran community who deserve to be honoured and supported.
“War Widows Day is not only about paying homage to the sacrifices war widows have made but also bringing war widows together to provide them with a community of similar lived experiences,” Wilson said.
To mark the day the Guild put together a number of events and fundraisers including commemoration services, the Buy a Widow a Coffee campaign, and selling of a limited-edition War Widows Day wattle pin.
gap, we need to continue to connect war widows right across Australia, so that those who understand the nuances can support each other.”
A local Penrith war widow, Dallas Alderson, shared that the community they have built through the Guild is a big part of the support system.
“We all come to meet each other for company and friendship, that is what we try to organise,” Alderson said.
“Everybody enjoys themselves. We have a meeting once a month and it’s here at Penrith RSL.”
Alderson also shared that the community extends to those who can’t attend the meetings, saying everyone deserves support.
Wilson encourages all people to get behind the widows in their community and show them their support.
“We are also encouraging those who may not be able to contribute to these commemorations or fundraisers to spend time with the war widows in their lives, to remind them they are supported and not alone,” Wilson said.
Wilson said the war widow community across Australia can be quite isolated, so it is important to facilitate ways for widows to connect with each other.
“In Australia, just over one in seven (15 per cent) experience social isolation and one in six (16 per cent) experience loneliness,” Wilson said.
“However, for those connected to the defence forces, particularly those who have lost someone to service, this statistic is much higher.
“Being a war widow can often be a lonely and nuanced experience due to the complexities of a life tied to the defence and service of Australia.
“To bridge this social isolation
“We have a few war widows that can’t make it to the meeting sometimes because they are housebound. We keep in contact with them, but it is just a friendship of getting to know people because a lot of the widows don’t have families,” Alderson said.
“Everything is the friendship with us.”
To support the war widows in your community, visit www.familiesofveterans.org.au.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT DAY AT SCHOOL?
CELEBR ATING AMAZING TEACHERS!
I love being able to teach a subject I’m passionate about, and there’s nothing better than seeing that passion spark in my students as they discover and develop their own interests and abilities. It’s especially rewarding when I see students helping one another, sharing the knowledge and skills they’ve developed confidence in.
WHAT ACC OMPLISHMENT FILLS YOU WITH PRIDE THIS LAST SCHOOL YEAR?
I’m proud of how students persevered when challenges arose in their learning. Seeing their determination pay o is always rewarding. I’m especially proud that two of my Year 12 Design and Technology students had their major projects nominated for SHAPE, an exhibition of outstanding HSC major projects. It’s a testament to their creativity and dedication throughout the year
WHAT WOULD YOUR S TUDENT S BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?
Even as a teacher, I am still learning new things! I am currently learning to read and speak Spanish!
AKingswood local has reached an exciting milestone, celebrating her 100th birthday.
Kostka Newham has lived in her house in Kingswood for over seven decades and last week officially turned 100.
Newham said that on her birthday she celebrated with her family.
“On my birthday they all came and all my grandchildren and great grandchildren,” Newham said.
“I have three children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren!”
Newham was excited to reach such a rare milestone in her life.
“Yes, it was exciting,” Newham said.
“I was happy to get there!”
Originally born in Spencer, Newham moved to Penrith in 1942 where she got a job as a telephonist during the war.
“I’ve been in Penrith most of my life,” Newham said.
“I love living in Penrith. I love everything about it. It keeps getting better.”
It was in Penrith Newham met her husband.
“I met him a couple of days after I came here but I never started going out with him, but I thought he was very good looking. He had beautiful wavy hair,” Newham said.
“I didn’t start going out with him for a good while, he was more interested in motorbikes. We got married in 1952 in Penrith at Saint Nicholas.”
Since then, Newham’s husband has passed away, but she remembers him fondly.
“I’ve had a good life,” Newham said.
“I married a good man, unfortunately he died 15 years ago. I’ve outlived him a good while!”
Looking back on her life Newham said she remembers the births of her children the best.
“The birth of my children were the greatest things,” Newham said.
“Billy is my eldest and then I’ve got Joe and Maureen. Three of them. I’ve given them all simple names!”
Newham said she is proud to have raised her family in Penrith.
“I’ve been here 72 years, since 1952,” Newham said.
“All my children were born here, every one of them.
“All my grandchildren all born here. We are real Penrith people.”
As for her secret to living a long life?
“I’ve had a good doctor, the same doctor for about 25 years!” Newham said.
“Doctor Wong at the Tindale Medical [Hub]. He keeps me alive!
“And my son’s wife she does all my cooking, and she keeps me alive.”
Whether it’s carving pumpkins or making decorations, Halloween is a great opportunity to engage in creative activities that celebrate fun, imagination and family togetherness.
“Crafting requires cooperation and shared decision-making. Families can share laughs, stories, and ideas, creating lasting memories whilst crafting. The process of crafting together nurtures relationships and fosters a sense of belonging, making everyone feel more connected,” said Shannon Wong-Nizic, who runs online parenting resource, Oh Creative Day.
Wong-Nizic said that one of the most significant barriers to creativity is the fear of making mistakes.
“Children often associate mistakes with failure, which can stifle their creative instincts,” she said.
She said that as parents, it’s vital to shift this perspective by promoting a growth mindset. She shares the following tips:
1. Model a positive attitude: Children learn by watching their parents. Demonstrate a healthy attitude toward mistakes by sharing your own experiences. Talk openly about times you’ve made errors and what you learned from them. This will help normalise mistakes in your child’s eyes.
2. Praise effort over outcome: Focus on the process rather than the final product. When your child engages in a creative
activity, commend their effort, enthusiasm, and exploration. For instance, if they’re drawing, celebrate the fact that they tried a new way to depict something, regardless of the result.
3. Create a safe space: Establish an envi-
ronment where mistakes are welcomed. Encourage your child to take risks in their creative endeavours without the pressure of perfection. Allow them to express their ideas freely, knowing that the outcome isn’t what matters most. This is really important.
4. Provide resources: Stock your home with a variety of creative materials –paints, clay, craft supplies, and recycled materials. The more resources available, the more opportunities your child will have to explore their creativity. Erasable markers and textas are great as kids can rub out mistakes or change their mind as they go. It’s a great way for them to build confidence.
5. Engage in creative activities together: Dedicate time to engage in arts and crafts as a family. This not only allows children to learn new skills but also strengthens family bonds. Choose projects that encourage collaboration, such as directed drawing together or projects for special occasions.
6. Incorporate play into learning: Turn everyday activities into creative projects. For instance, cooking can become a fun science experiment, while gardening can spark conversations about nature and responsibility.
This Halloween, Wong-Nizic has developed free downloadable craft activities with ‘directed drawing’ techniques.
“Directed drawing can help develop children’s fine motor skills, boost confidence and encourage creativity and critical thinking,” she said.
To download, visit www.pilotpen.com.au.
Get ready for a spine-tingling Halloween experience at Sydney Zoo.
From Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3, families are invited to immerse themselves in a weekend full of eerie
Join the fun at the Monster Mash Disco, where kids can dance alongside goblins, werewolves, and mummies for a monstrous party that will keep everyone on their toes. For those looking for an extra scare, the zoo’s Reptile & Nocturnal House
encounters, thrilling activities, and spooky surprises.
Dress up in your most creative costumes and prepare for a ghoulishly good time with Sydney Zoo’s ultimate trick-or-treat adventure. Explore the zoo, collect candy, and meet some spooky friends along the way!
a pumpkin bucket, bonus candy, gooey slime, an animal toy, and plenty of spooky surprises to take home.
But the excitement doesn’t end there! Adventurous visitors can test their courage in the spooky maze,
transforms into a Spook House, daring visitors to face off with creepy, crawly creatures.
Say “Trick-or-Treat” as you explore the zoo, collecting delicious candy along the way. For extra special Halloween fun, upgrade to a Pumpkin Pass! This exclusive pass comes with
and don’t forget to stop by Fangelica’s Web – featuring a giant spider – for the perfect spine-chilling photo opportunity, proudly supported by Carnival Cruise Lines.
This spooktacular event is FREE with your zoo ticket or yearly pass, but spots are limited! Visit www.sydneyzoo.com.
This Halloween make sure to stop by Penrith’s prestige party store, Sydney Party Decorations, to get your fun costume in time to celebrate.
Located in High Street there is nothing you can’t get your hands on here!
Dress up as a witch, vampire, skeleton, clown and more with the wide range available in store. You could even elevate the costume you already have with their range of makeup, hair accessories, hats and props to make sure your outfit is as ready as it can be come Halloween.
If you already have your costume sorted don’t worry Sydney Party Decorations have so many different home and yard decorations as well to make sure everyone knows that you are in the spirit. Hang up some spider’s webs, place a skeleton in your front yard or get a blood-spattered tablecloth! There is so much to choose from!
Don’t know what to wear? Come in store and get some inspiration from all
the options Sydney Party Decorations has available. They have both ready to wear costumes and items you can build a costume around. Either way they have something for you. It doesn’t have to be spooky, you can be a superhero, an astronaut, a doctor or look like you are in another decade!
There is nothing you can’t get your hands on at Sydney
Party Decorations so make sure to visit the store before Halloween.
Open until 7pm on Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26, 9am to 5pm on Sunday, October 27 and until 7pm from Monday, October 28 up until Saturday, November 2, make sure to visit the store or give the team a ring on 4722 4026 now.
24/10/2024 THURSDAY
25/10/2024 FRIDAY
26/10/2024 SATURDAY
27/10/2024 SUNDAY
28/10/2024 MONDAY
29/10/2024 TUESDAY
9AM TO 5:30PM
30/10/2024 WEDNESDAY
31/10/2024 THURSDAY
1/11/2024 friday 2/11/2024 saturday
9AM TO 5:30PM
9AM TO 7PM
9AM TO 5:30PM
9AM TO 7PM
9AM TO 7PM
9AM TO 7PM
9AM TO 7PM
9am to 7pm 9am to 5:30pm
After making waves across the US, Aussies will now be able to kick off spooky season in true Macca’s style, with the legendary Happy Meal Halloween Boo Buckets making their debut on our shores.
For a limited time only, the Macca’s Happy Meal will have a Halloween makeover, with four Happy Meal Boo Buckets to collect – a nostalgic must-have McDonald’s collectible, perfect for carrying those trick-ortreat hauls.
Customers are in for a spook and delight, with the four spook-tacular bucket designs available in white, orange, green and blue, featuring frighteningly cute creatures, a sticker activity and an iconic Golden Arches handle, all of which has never been seen in Australia… until now.
“Over the decades our McDonald’s Boo Buckets have become one of our most loved Happy Meal collectibles, with last year’s selling out within days in the US,” said Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director for McDonald’s Australia.
“With Halloween popularity on the rise in Australia, we’re excited to be introducing them for our Aussie customers, helping to create even more feel-good Halloween
moments for families. They’re only available for a limited time and while stocks last, so head to your local Macca’s before they disappear quicker than you can say boo.”
McDonald’s Boo Buckets launched globally nearly four decades ago.
Since then, they have become a fan-favourite, thrilling Halloween-lovin’ big and little kids alike and now Aussie customers can join in on the fun.
The Halloween Boo Buckets follow the launch of never-before-seen
Δ More than a shake: Maintaining optimal health is a complex challenge influenced by the balance of biology, behaviour, and environment. While many Aussies turn to protein powders as meal replacements, most are designed for muscle support during physical training and don’t meet the strict nutritional standards of a true Formulated Meal Replacement (FMR). Bridging the gap in comprehensive daily nutrition, Australian wellness brand Healthy Trim has introduced a calorie-controlled meal replacement range (pictured left) designed to support holistic health, boost energy, and fill dietary gaps for a balanced lifestyle. Healthy Trim’s formula contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals, two billion CFU of pre- and probiotics, 31 grams of Australian whey protein, and 2.5 grams of hydrolysed collagen peptides to boost metabolism, enhance energy, support gut and digestive health, and aid in muscle recovery, tissue repair, and skin elasticity. Try them out at www.healthytrim.com.au.
Δ Addressing skincare’s blind spot: Combatting free radicals and bridging the gap between luxury and affordable beauty, award-winning olive grove, Valanolia, has recently launched their first antioxidant body treatment, the Olive Essence Body Wash (pictured right), to cleanse, protect, and nourish skin below the neck. Packed with a potent blend of antioxidants – including beta-carotene, vitamin E, squalane, and polyphenols like oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol – the oil-in-gel formula harnesses the benefits of over 360 cold-pressed olives to neutralise free radicals and boost the skin’s resilience
and radiance. Find out more at https://www. valanolia.com.au.
Δ Mud cake makeover: A brand new Mud Cake flavour has arrived at Woolworths. For a limited time only, the Pumpkin Spice Mud Cake 600g (pictured above) will be available to customers shopping in-store and online. Developed by the Woolworths Bakery team, the Pumpkin Spice Mud Cake combines the warm flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg and is topped with a chocolate ganache.
Δ Spud Bar open: Love a spuddy? Spud Bar has finally opened at Westfield, serving delicious bowls from gluten-free to high protein. You’ll find them in the main food court, near KFC.
Δ Got some source? We’d love to hear about new products, store openings, closings, new menus and more. Email news@westernweekender.com.au.
The ribbon has finally been cut at Specialist Radiology Kingswood as the clinic celebrated its launch last week. Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh performed the honour and highlighted how important clinics like this one are.
Specialist Radiology Kingswood is a prestige clinic that prides itself on delivering exceptional care, maintaining the highest professional standards and offering specialised services tailored to the local community.
Located on the ground floor of the Somerset Specialist Centre in Kingswood this clinic has cutting-edge technology to ensure all clients are given expert and swift care.
Specialist Radiology Kingswood offers a range of services including 3T MRI, general x-ray, CT scans, injections and biopsies and OPG.
The clinic offers both general x-rays and orthopantomogram or ‘OPG’ x-rays as noninvasive methods of medical imaging while providing valuable insights into the body’s structures. X-ray is a safe form of radiation which will produce clear images of bones and soft tissues which can assist in diagnosing various conditions. OPG produces a two-dimensional view of the face and includes teeth, gums and bones assisting in diagnosis.
which is ideal for patient comfort and optimal image output. This machine uses a magnet twice as potent as a standard MRI machine to produce clear, high-quality images of organs and soft tissue. The machine can also provide scanning of the brain, spine and musculoskeletal conditions and can detect smaller abnormalities than a traditional MRI. Utilising ground-breaking artificial-intelli gence software, the 3T MRI will reduce the scan time for the patient but will maximise
images.
CT scans create detailed, computer-generated images of specific parts of the body. This procedure will sometimes require a contrast medium to be injected to enhance the visibility of certain structures including body and cardiac angiograms. Specialist Radiology Kingswood also offer guided interventional procedures using CT scans, these precise procedures target specific areas and are overseen by a specialised radiologist.
The injection and biopsy procedures include cortisone injections which are designed to reduce inflammation, CT-guided Facet Joint Injections which can be effective treatment for alleviating pain caused by facet joint arthritis or instability and CT-guided nerve root injections which can be a helpful treatment option for patients experiencing symptoms of sciatica.
The clinic is led by medical imaging experts who are committed to ensuring their clients’ wellbeing through personalised and high-quality diagnostics and will provide unwavering support every step of the way. Easy and convenient doctor and patient access to imaging is a key reason why Specialist Radiology Kingswood stands out from other clinics.
Visit the website today at www.specradkingswood.com.au to see all the treatments available or give the clinic a call on 4713 1600 to book in an appointment. Walk-in appoint ments are also available for most treatments for convenience for patients.
TWITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK
he past few years have been challenging for businesses and their employees. The combined pressures of the post pandemic work we now live in, economic downturns, and rising cost-of-living have taken a toll on mental and physical wellbeing. It’s essential to prioritise team wellbeing and create a supportive work environment to navigate these challenges.
One of the most significant issues facing businesses today is employee burnout. Long hours, increased workloads, and remote work isolation can lead to exhaustion and decreased productivity. To combat this, it’s crucial to implement strategies that promote work-life balance and reduce stress. Encourage employees to take regular breaks, set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and prioritise self-care activities.
Team-building activities can also play a vital role in boosting morale and fostering a sense of purpose. Community group programs are extremely rewarding. While activities like Yoga and other forms of meditation help with stress.
Recognising and rewarding employees for their contributions is another essential aspect of a healthy workplace. Public praise, personalised thank-you notes, or small tokens of appreciation can go a long way in boosting morale and increasing job satisfaction. Or you could reward staff with gift vouchers to massage and float experiences
In addition to these strategies, it’s important to address the financial challenges that
many employees are facing. Consider offering financial wellness resources, such as budgeting workshops or access to employee assistance programs. By providing support in this area, you can help alleviate stress and improve overall wellbeing.
Instead of the same old office Christmas party, look at alternatives and unique experiences that for the team that will have them talking about and remembering for months and years. We are fortunate in western Sydney to have everything from cute and cuddly animal experiences to the adrenaline rush of Motorsport and Indoor Skydiving. Or creative workshop where teams can channel their inner Van Gogh or Picasso.
Ultimately, creating a supportive and thriving workplace requires a holistic approach. By prioritising employee well-being, fostering a positive work culture, and providing the necessary resources, businesses can help their teams navigate these current challenges and thrive.
1. The proposed facility consist of the addition of new Vodafone and Optus 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Removal of existing Three (3) Vodafone and Optus shared passive antennas and associated headframe;
• Installation of Three (3) Vodafone passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto the proposed new headframe;
• Installation of Three (3) Vodafone 5G antennas not more than 1.2m in length onto the proposed new headframe;
• Installation of Three (3) Optus passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto the proposed new headframe;
• Installation of Three (3) Optus 5G antennas not more than 1.2m in length onto the proposed new headframe;
• Installation of Twenty One (21) Remote Radio Units (RRU's) installed behind the antennas;
• Installation of ancillary equipment, cabling, GPS antennas and other items associated with the safety and operation of the facility; and
• Recon guration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter
2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as proposed installation as Exempt Development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the description above
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0413 809 856 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com until 5pm Friday 08 November 2024 Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2759004
Born and raised in England, it’s no surprise that chef Jamie Oliver has become a household name there, with a number of restaurants, a cooking school and television series’ airing daily across the UK.
But, according to Oliver, Australia is his second home.
“It’s always a joy to come to Australia – it’s probably the easiest place for me to cook in my natural way,” he told the Weekender “In a way, when ‘The Naked Chef’ started 23 years ago, its style was naturally a bit more Aussie and I think the Aussies embraced it straight away – I’ve always felt my style is a bit more Australian than British.”
Over the years, Oliver has become renowned for his work around casual cooking and quick
and easy meals, with over 30 books on these topics now under his belt.
Though he said after 25 years of writing cookbooks the process feels like second nature to him, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy, with the want to be useful in people’s lives driving him to continue creating.
“I think it’s something like one in every five people in Australia have a Jamie Oliver book, which is quite extraordinary and very humbling,” he said.
“I think my dyslexia has meant I approach cookbooks as a whole experience – not just words. I’ve always had a close relationship with photography, design, font and application – what kind of paper, what kind of layout. I’m very visceral. When I write recipes, I’m there – I can imagine cooking it, tasting it, smelling it. And I’m 80 per cent accurate, then I finesse it through testing to get it to 100 per cent.”
Last month, Oliver added the newest title to his collection, Simply Jamie – a book full of fast and simple recipes to make a chef out of even the most beginner cooks.
And, it’s these beginners that he said the book is perfect for, providing a few pieces of advice for amateur chefs to up their game.
“Just give it a go! Start with an easy recipe, something you really want to eat, like pasta, and just try it. Confidence only comes from practice, so the more you do it, the better you’ll get,” he said.
“And, the other thing you must remember, is not to worry if things don’t quite go to plan –food can be very forgiving and actually sometimes when things go a bit off-piste, you often end up creating something equally delicious but entirely unexpected.
“Have fun with it.”
On Saturday, November 9, Oliver will be dishing out even more words of wisdom when
he steps on stage at Sydney Coliseum for ‘Jamie Oliver – The Joy of Cooking’.
The show will see Oliver undergo an in-depth interview, discussing everything from his early days in cooking to his television career, and how he balances it all as a father of five.
Then, he’ll be taking questions from the audience – and nothing is off limits.
“[I’m excited to meet] the people who’ve made the effort to come out and see me. I love chatting to my audience, they’re just brilliant,” he said.
“Of course, it’s nerve-wracking to talk in front of all those people – I feel nervous before I go on stage – but once I’m out there, the atmosphere is always buzzing and I love it.”
‘Jamie Oliver – The Joy of Cooking’ will be on at Sydney Coliseum on Saturday, November 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at $99. For more information or to book, visit www.sydneycoliseum.com.au.
IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
Parramatta Lanes
5pm - 10pm Everyday
23rd / 25th
Watkins Hoedown
From 7:30pm
Mr Watkins
Moet & CHandon Spring
Champions Race Day
Gates open 11:15am
Tickets from $30pp
Royal Randwick
Bottomless brunch
1pm - 3pm
Tickets from $79pp
CHechos
Mothers of Rock
Sydney International women’s jazz fest
6pm, 7:15pm & 8:30pm
Tickets from $30 The Joan
Albion Fridays
Tickets from $20 Albion HOtel
DJ Synergy - We like to party retro saturday
From 8pm
Seven HIlls RSL
Great Whitewater Duck Race
Gates open 9am For Penrith & Nepean Rotary
Penrith Whitewater stadium EVERY Saturday& sunday saturday wednesday
From 2pm in the Beer Garden
Parramatta last sunday of every month
Tate’s HOtel
Karaoke
From 6pm
Blue Cattle Dog Hotel
Famous
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.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
CLASSES AND FUN
Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong
Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Jordan Springs Probus Club
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.
Nepean Riverlands Probus Club
Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club
St Marys turns it on for Halloween
Get into the Halloween spirit on Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 2pm at the St Marys Trick or Treat Trail and Spooky Fun Day. The event boasts a busy schedule of free activities including slime workshops and a spooky flash mob, as well as live entertainment. Register for free, bring your own treat bag, and pick up your clue sheets before the event.
from 10am. New members are always welcome.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Nepean Valley RSL Day Club
Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary
Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.
Red Cross Penrith
Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and
Fire engine rides at Museum of Fire
Wannabe firefighters unite! Museum of Fire is hosting vintage fire engine rides this Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Attendees can sit in a genuine Ford D200 fire engine and imagine themselves attending a country fire in the 1960s. Rides will cost an extra $3.50 on top of the museum admission fee. Find out more at the Museum of Fire website at www.museumoffire.net.
volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
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 for more details.
Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
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.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.
Enjoy sun soaked moments with champagne sips, Clicquotinspired canapes and a luxe oyster bar while dancing the day away on a superyacht.
Select Saturdays, 12:00-3:30pm
WHAT’S INCLUDED
» Up to 3.5hr Cruise
» A glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival
» Clicquot inspired canapes
» Top Sydney DJs
Sip, dine and soak in the sun with spirtz in hand on Sydney’s most luxurious superyacht.
Select Saturdays, 12:00-3:30pm
WHAT’S INCLUDED
» Up to 3.5hr Cruise
» Free-flowing Chandon bubbles or Altina nonalcohlic wine
» Long Lunch menu with canapes
» Live music
Catch the Live Race Day action with friends & colleagues in unmatched style.
Tuesday 5 Nov, 12:00-4:00pm
WHAT’S INCLUDED
» Up to 4hr Cruise
» Free-flowing Chandon bubbles
» 3-Course Lunch menu by Celebrity Chef
» 5m LED screens
» Entertainment and DJ
1 hour, 38 minutes
For 20 years, Amy Adams has been one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. The 50-yearold is so good at what she does, that no role is out of her reach.
Throughout her career, Adams has been nominated for an incredible six Academy Awards and, after seeing her latest release ‘Nightbitch’, another nomination could easily be headed her way.
‘Nightbitch’ is a film like no other.
Until I was invited to its Australian premiere in Sydney last week, I hadn’t heard anything about it and went into the movie completely in the dark.
All I knew was the plot: a woman, thrown into the stay-at-home routine of raising a toddler in the suburbs, slowly embraces the feral power deeply rooted in motherhood, as she becomes increasingly aware of the bi-
zarre and undeniable signs that she may be turning into a dog.
Armed with this small bit of information, I was ready to give it a go and… I’m glad I did! I must admit, I thought the premise of this movie sounded a bit silly on the surface, but when you see it play out on the big screen, you totally get it and it’s actually quite clever how the whole ‘stay-at-home mum’ thing is portrayed.
And it seems I’m not alone because I read the movie was originally meant to be released straight-to-streaming, but test audiences gave it such a good response that the movie company Searchlight Pictures decided to give it a wide theatrical release instead.
While ‘Nightbitch’ is a little while off from playing in Aussie cinemas, it’s certainly getting people talking on the global film festival
circuit and has even collected a couple of awards already. At 100-odd minutes, ‘Nightbitch’ is an entertaining flick. Although parts of it are a little farfetched, it all comes down to how each viewer interprets it.
Mums will relate to this in a big way, per-
haps some dads will too. And if you’re neither, like me, you’ll still learn a thing or two about the importance of parenthood as well as the dos and don’ts for a successful and supportive marriage.
– Nathan Taylor
Cooke joins Johnson tour Rising country star Ashley Cooke (pictured below) will open for Cody Johnson on his Australian tour next year.
Johnson, who was the support act for Luke Combs last year, returns to our shores in his own right next year and will play Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. Tickets are on sale now.
Cooke is one of the next gen stars about to take off globally in country music.
Chalking up over 352 million global streams with chart-climbing hits like ‘Never Til Now’ with Brett Young, she has a knack for skilfully crafted lyrics and unforgettable performances.
With a 2024 CMT Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year (‘Your Place’) and an ACM New Female Artist of the Year nomination, along with opening slots for Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Brett Young and more, Cooke continues to reach new heights.
‘Your Place’ recently went to number one in America.
Tickets to the Leather Deluxe tour are on sale now through Ticketek.
Ballerini drops new album
Country superstar Kelsea Ballerini releases her brand new album ‘Patterns’ today.
The highly anticipated project will see 15 new tracks, a couple of which have already landed on streaming services.
‘Patterns’ seeks to unpack the patterns that get in our way, the fights that could be final and the friends who pull up and get you through.
The album is out today on all the usual streaming services with CD and vinyl versions also available to order online.
Ê Do you want to see Ant Middleton scale one of the world’s highest mountains? Well, 7Plus has you covered! ‘Killer K2 with Ant Middleton’ sees the ‘SAS Australia’ host tackle the world’s second highest peak. Middleton, renowned for his elite military background and high-profile expeditions, faces a mountain unlike any he’s conquered before. Having previously reached the top of Everest, he reveals the dangers and physical demands of K2 surpass anything he’s ever experienced. Known for its unpredictable weather and gruelling conditions, K2 has claimed many lives. But Middleton’s unyielding determination and unshakable spirit shine through as he takes viewers along for the climb, providing intimate access to the mental and physical battles endured on this death-defying journey. It’s now streaming on 7Plus.
Ê New music doco ‘Beatles ‘64’ is coming to Disney+ on Friday, November 29. From legendary film producer Martin Scorsese, the film captures The Beatles’ first visit to America in February 1964. Featuring never-before-seen footage of the band and the legions of young fans who helped fuel their ascendance, the film gives a rare glimpse into when The Beatles became the most influential and beloved band of all time.
Ê Four-part special ‘Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now?’ will premiere on the ABC on
Sunday, December 1 at 7.30pm. From beloved season one winners Frank and Annie in Queensland to the charismatic duo Joni and Chet in Western Australia, superstars Cilla and Ash, also in Queensland, and season two winners Zoe and Buddy in the Northern Territory, presenter Lisa Millar covers the breadth of the country to find out how Muster Dogs has changed their lives and impacted the communities in which they live. Meanwhile, it’s also been confirmed a third season of ‘Muster Dogs’ is coming in 2025.
Ê Still on music docos, and Disney+ will be streaming ‘Music by John Williams’ from Friday, November 1. From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an indepth look at Williams’ countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
Ê US workplace comedy ‘Unstable’, starring Rob Lowe and his son John Owen, has been axed by Netflix after two seasons. Lowe starred as an eccentric and narcissistic father who runs a high-tech bio research facility with his son trying to save him from spiralling further following the death of his wife.
Ê Australian Cricket Test captain and Penrith Cricket Club junior Pat Cummins has been named as Prime Video’s newest ambassador. Cummins’ new role was announced at Prime Video’s ‘Primeville’ event at SXSW Sydney last week.
Ê Congratulations to Drink West co-owner and local UFC star Tai ‘Bam Bam’ Tuivasa after he and his brother Logan were crowned winners of ‘The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition’ last Sunday. The pair, who also attended St Dominic’s College in Kingswood as teenagers, were the first team to hit the pit stop, winning the glory and $100,000 for their chosen charity, the Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation.
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Olympus Has Fallen”
3:30 Cities Of The Underworld (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 AFL Women’s: Week 9: Adelaide v North Melbourne Tasmania *Live*
12:00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer (M) 3:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:00 First Dates UK (M s) 5:00 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:15 Movie: “The Next Karate Kid” (PG) (’94) Stars: Hilary Swank 8:30 Movie: “The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty” (PG) (’13)
4:40
5:00 Peppa
5:35 Fireman
6:05 Kangaroo
6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 8:00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? (PG) 8:30 Mythbusters
2:45 Doctor Who (PG) 4:05 Teenage Boss Next
(PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Merlin (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 My Family (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Fabelmans” (PG) (’22) Stars: Michelle Williams
Valley/
4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:30 Black As (PG) 6:40 Volcanic Odysseys (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Super Mario Bros.” (M) (’93) Stars: Bob Hoskins 6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Healthy Homes 8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Dr Phil (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 FBI (M) 12:15 Home Shopping 2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The
5:30 Luke Nguyen’s India 6:00 River Cottage Australia 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Jamie’s Food Escapes 8:30 Donal’s Feasts, Fasts And Festivals 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw
5:05 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) 5:40 The Casketeers (PG) 6:10 Secret World Of Las Vegas (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey (PG)
3:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “A Simple Favour” (M d,l,s,v) (’18)
*Live* 5:30 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Woman King” (PG) (’22) Stars: Viola Davis 10:20 Movie: “Flatliners” (M l,s,v) (’90) Stars: Elliot Page 12:35 Repco Supercars Highlights 1:35 Harry’s Practice 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Cross Court 12:30 Saltimbanco To Luzia - 25 Years Of Cirque Du Soleil In Australia (PG) 1:00 Great Australian Detour 1:30 My Way 2:00 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 Rugby League: Fiji v Cook Islands *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Edge Of Tomorrow” (M l) (’14) 10:00 The Weekly Kick Off 10:30 TBA 11:30 Dessert Masters (PG) 12:30 Are You RV Safe? 1:00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:30 The Dog Down Under 2:00 Planet Shapers 2:30
2:00 AFL Women’s: Week 9: GWS v Fremantle *Live* 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Bargain Hunt 5:30 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol 6:30 The Highland Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Repco Supercars Championship: Gold Coast 500 - Day 1 *Live* 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Storage Wars (PG) 8:00 AFL Women’s: Week 9: Essendon v Richmond *Live* 10:15 Movie: “Waterworld” (M l,v) (’95) 11:00 Holistic Living (PG) 11:40 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 1:00 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 2:20 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:00 Movie: “A Hidden Life” (PG) (’19) Stars: August Diehl 7:30 Movie: “Yesterday” (M l) (’19) Stars: Himesh Patel 4:20 Movie: “Frog Dreaming” (PG) (’86) Stars: Henry Thomas 6:00 NITV News Update 6:10 Pacific Island Food Revolution (PG) 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M I) 8:30 Movie: “Dark Age” (MA15+) (’87) Stars: John Jarratt
4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Merlin (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00 QI (PG)
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Poh’s Kitchen 2:45 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat 3:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:00 Restoration Australia 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Grand Designs Australia 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00
5:30 Lorraine Pascale: Home Cooking Made Easy 6:00 David Rocco’s Italia 6:30 Beyond River Cottage 7:30 Alex Polizzi Secret Italy 8:30 Rick Stein’s India 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 River Cottage Australia
12:30 Tough Tested 1:00 JAG (PG) 3:30 On The Fly 4:00 Reel Action 4:30 Football: Round 2: Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:35 Football: Round 2: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory *Live*
4:00 BBC News At Ten 4:30 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 5:00 PBS News Hour 6:00 The Future With Hannah Fry (PG) 6:30 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life (PG) 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Crush (M)
1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:20 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 TBA 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 South Park (M) 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Just For Laughs Montreal (MA15+) 5:00 Home
3:45 Movie: “Hating Alison Ashley” (PG) (’05) Stars: Saskia Burmeister 5:50 Movie: “The Addams Family” (PG) (’19) Stars: Oscar Isaac 7:30 Movie: “The Addams Family 2” (PG) (’21) Stars: Oscar Isaac 9:20 Movie: “Hot Pursuit” (M) (’15)
Weekender (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Voice (PG) 9:05 TBA 10:35 Crime Investigation Australia - Most Infamous (M v) 12:00 Ant Middleton & Liam Payne - Straight Talking 1:00 Repco Supercars Highlights 2:00 Home Shopping 3:30
6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law & Order (M) 11:30 Monk (M) 3:30 Movie: “The Gospel According To André” (PG) (’17) Stars: André Leon Talley 5:20 Stan Walker: Impossible Live (PG) 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Nature’s Great Migration (PG) 7:30 First Australians (PG) 8:25 Incarceration Nation (M I) 1:00 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 1:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 2:25 Dessert Masters (PG) 3:35 Destination Dessert 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 6: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 Bull (M) 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 11:00 Family Feud (PG) 1:00
9:30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 Gourmet Farmer Afloat 1:30 Field Trip With Curtis Stone 4:30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 4:55 Scandinavian Star (PG) (In Various) 6:05 Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes In 12 Hours 6:40 Mysteries From Above (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (M) 8:30 Disaster Autopsy (M)
3:45 Movie: “Penguins Of Madagascar” (G) (’14) Stars: Tom McGrath 5:30 Movie: “Monster Family 2” (PG) (’21) Stars: Emily Carey 7:30 Movie: “The Great Wall” (M v) (’16) Stars: Matt Damon 9:30 Movie: “Hercules” (M l,v) (’14)
Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence
12:30 Movie: “The Land That Time Forgot” (PG) (’74) Stars: Susan Penhaligon 2:30 Movie: “The Day The Earth Caught Fire” (PG) (’61) Stars: Janet Munro 4:30 Rugby League: Fiji v Cook Islands *Live* 7:00 M*A*S*H (PG)
1:30 Movie: “Murphy’s War” (PG) (’71) Stars: Peter O’Toole 3:40 Movie: “The Secret Of Santa Vittoria” (PG) (’69) Stars: Anthony Quinn 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” (MA15+) (’95) Stars: Steven Seagal
6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 Little Lunch 7:50 Operation Ouch! (PG) 8:25 Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch
4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Merlin (PG) 6:10
Dr Phil (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 FBI (M) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 The Force - Behind The Line (PG)
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 Little Lunch 7:50 Operation Ouch!
News With Joe O’Brien
4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00
3:00 Jabba’s Movies 3:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Glee (PG) 5:30 The Goldbergs (PG) 6:00 Modern Family (PG) 6:25 First Dates UK (M s) 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wild Rockies (PG) 7:30 Philly D.A: Breaking The Law (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Once Were Warriors” (MA15+) (’94) Stars: Rena Owen 12:30 Dr Phil (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS: Origins (M v) 8:30 FBI (M) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Windy City Rehab 5:00 Fixer To Fabulous
5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:35 Movie: “Confession” (PG) (’55) Stars: Sydney Chaplin 5:30
Stockland’s latest release of 31 new land lots in its Elara masterplanned community has been popular among first homebuyers and those looking to upgrade, with nearly 80 per cent of lots sold over 48 hours.
The new release includes land in the Elara Place residential precinct, providing lot sizes ranging from 260 to 420 square metres – the largest land release for Elara Place since its launch earlier this year.
Within Elara’s newest neighbourhood, the community has convenient access to major transport links, making it easy to travel to city centres in Blacktown, Parramatta, and the Sydney CBD.
Young couple James and Ainsley (pictured on cover), who purchased in the first release, are looking forward to moving into
their new home in the Elara Place neighbourhood.
“We chose Elara Place to be close to our family, and the area is so picturesque and offers a great quality of life, so it feels like an easy transition. We’re excited to settle there and can see ourselves calling it home for at least the next 10 years,” said James.
Stockland Project Director, Alex Koerber, said there has been a high level of interest from existing Elara residents who want to remain in the community.
“More than half of the lots sold in the first stage of Elara Place were purchased by existing Elara homeowners. The range of housing options and lot sizes means there’s been strong demand and a high level of enquiry from first homebuyers looking for affordable options, upgraders looking to build larger homes for their
growing families, and families who are wanting to build homes for multigenerational living with shared spaces for their immediate and extended family,” he said.
“THE AREA IS SO PICTURESQUE AND OFFERS A GREAT QUALITY OF LIFE”
“Our vision at Stockland is to be the leading creator and curator of connected communities, and this is underpinned by our purpose – a better way to live. We know from our residents that Elara is a community that will grow with
them and their families."
Elara is surrounded by childcare centres, state and independent schools, a water-themed inclusive playground, a dedicated dog park, expansive green spaces spanning 40 hectares, and approximately seven kilometres of interconnected cycling and walking trails leading to a three-hectare lake.
The next release is available from November 9, with land starting from $733,000.
For more information, visit the Stockland Elara Sales and Information Centre located at Elara Boulevard, Marsden Park between 11am and 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am and 5pm on weekends.
More information on Elara Place can be found at: https:// www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/elara.
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park
CONTACT:
Oran Park Sales Office
Jeff Webb • 9043 7500
What is so great about this property?
Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its
foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.
With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.
Who does this property suit?
Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.
Tell us about the suburb this property is in?
Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.
Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s. The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!
You don’t have to sacrifice style & beauty to create an asthma & allergy friendly home for your family
Our range of flooring options will give your home a breath of fresh air
Visit us in-store or view at choicesflooring.com
Choices Flooring Penrith 131 Coreen Ave, Penrith • (02) 4731 4242
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me
impression
GIZZELLE
Iwas devastated this week to hear of the tragic drowning deaths of a mother and her two young children in Fairfield.
Less than a half hour drive from Penrith. Far too close to home, and a shocking reminder that drowning does not discriminate.
I simply cannot imagine the sorrow the family is experiencing, and whilst the circumstances around this tragedy are unclear, news outlets have reported that Hoai Nguyen, 32, and her two children, Mitchell, seven, and Hazel, five, had been at Shearer Park at Lansvale in Fairfield when they were spotted struggling in the Georges River about 10.15am.
Hoai was pulled to shore shortly afterwards, but despite the efforts of a number of bystanders and emergency services, couldn’t be saved.
The children’s bodies were recovered by emergency services sometime later.
The investigation into how
the mother and her children ended up in the water is ongoing.
A father has lost two of his three children, and a baby is without his mother and siblings.
A fundraiser has been set up for the family and reads “a beloved mother and her two young children tragically drowned... leaving behind a profound void in our hearts and a father and baby who is only one-years-old”.
These are the stories behind the scary statistics.
323 people drowned in Australia in 2023-24, a 16 per cent increase on the 10-year average. 83 of these people were born overseas, representing just over a quarter of all drowning deaths in this period. In the 10-year period 2013-23, 933 people born overseas drowned in Australia, representing 34 per cent of all drowning deaths in this period.
Royal Life Saving Australia data looking at the countries most represented by drowning found that people
SHELDRAKE
Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
born in China were most heavily represented in the data (113), followed by the UK (109), New Zealand (55), India (46), Vietnam (40), South Korea (35), Italy (29), the US (28), Germany (24) and Nepal (22).
A recent forum in Melbourne in response to the 25 per cent of drowning deaths of people born overseas saw over 60 delegates from across Australia come together to address drowning among our multicultural communities.
We promote learn to swim for everyone, children and adults, and it’s never too late no matter a person’s background or previous experience.
Financial planning involves the balancing of a number of priorities, making tradeoffs and compromises, much like life.
When it comes to investing money, there is the risk/ reward trade off. In simple terms growth assets such as shares and property have far more potential for growth than defensive assets such as cash and bonds. However growth assets are also far more volatile and offer much less certainty.
Each individual will be comfortable with a different level of risk, and has a different requirement for growth. Arguably the biggest balancing act we face in financial planning is weighing up meeting goals for our current lifestyle versus preparing for the future. Achieving long term goals such as buying a house or having a comfortable retirement usually come as a result of making compromises to ongoing lifestyle or foregoing short term goals.
Unfortunately many people don’t adequately prepare for the future and are unable to achieve their long term goals. This may be a conscious choice to live for the now, and allocate their income and assets to having a wonderfully rich life and they are prepared to live more frugally in the future. This is a perfectly reasonable trade off. Others just don’t consider the future and are maybe a little wasteful in the now. This can be problematic.
Others do the opposite, and are ultra-concerned about setting up their future. These people are very diligent in ensuring that they are putting money away for their long term goals and wealth creation. This is wise, however there is always a risk of over committing, it is becoming more common for people to acquire far more wealth than they will need in retirement. This is itself is not a problem, however if they have foregone lifestyle in order to achieve this
wealth this is potentially a problem. Again the key is balance. There are so many more of these trade-offs. In retirement we compare the Centrelink friendly guaranteed income of the Life Long annuity against the flexibility and liquidity of the allocated pension. We compare the tax advantages of Superannuation against the loss of access to those funds until we retire or meet a condition of release. We choose between repaying our mortgage or investing our surplus funds. All of these options are valid and have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Fatty liver disease, characterised by the accumulation of fat in liver cells, has become increasingly prevalent due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices. However, the good news is that with the right nutrition and lifestyle changes, it is possible to reverse fatty liver and restore optimal liver function if it hasn’t developed into liver cirrhosis. Here is a quick summary of some nutritional strategies for reversing fatty liver disease:
Healthy fats
Incorporating healthy fats into your diet is crucial for reversing fatty liver. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, help reduce inflammation and promote liver health. Replace saturated and trans fats, which is found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, palm oil, coconut oil, processed snacks, and fast foods, fried items and commercially baked goods with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds, to support your liver’s recovery.
Balanced diet
Adopting a well-balanced diet is essential for managing fatty liver disease. Ensure that your meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and lean proteins. This diverse range of nutrients provides essential vitamins and minerals that aid in liver repair.
Limit added sugars
Excessive sugar consumption is linked to fatty liver disease. Cut down on sugary beverages, processed foods and sweets.
Moderate alcohol intake
Alcohol can exacerbate liver damage, so it’s crucial to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption when trying to reverse fatty liver. Alcohol-free periods allow your liver to heal and regenerate. Binge drinking will also damage the liver so try to stick to no more than four standards per sitting and no more than 10 standards across the week (the less the better).
Stay hydrated
Adequate hydration supports overall health, including liver function. Water helps flush toxins from the body. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your liver and body hydrated.
Manage weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is key to reversing fatty liver. Gradual weight loss through a combination of proper nutrition and exercise can significantly reduce liver fat. By embracing a diet rich in nutrients, avoiding harmful substances, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can promote liver health and set the stage for a renewed, healthier you. Behavioural support is a crucial aspect of reversing fatty liver. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can help you overcome challenges related to food choices, emotional eating, and adherence to dietary recommendations.
Finding the right fake tan for you is nothing short of a challenge. There are hundreds of options on the market, but almost all of them have their pitfalls. Will it make me green, or orange? Is it patchy? Streaky? Will it give me tiger bread hands? But, I think I may have found a new favourite in Camino Rose.
Camino Rose is an Australian brand that started during COVID. Of course, self-tanning is a fairly saturated market here in Australia, with people willing to try anything to create a natural, bronzed look without having to submit to harsh sun rays. But, Camino Rose has a point of difference – the owners wanted to create a fake tan that looked anything but fake. And, I think they’ve done it.
Application
Camino Rose currently sells two shades in their fake tanning mousse – Dolce (Light-Medium) and Toffee (Medium-Dark). I opted for the shade Dolce.
One of the most unique things about this tan right off the bat is their choice of applicator. Whilst most come with a tanning mitt, Camino Rose recommends using a dispos-
able glove, saying that not only does it guarantee a streak-free tan, it also doesn’t absorb any product, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
As someone who’s used to using a mitt to apply fake tan, using a glove was a bit awkward. It took longer to blend everything out, and I was overly cautious of creating streaks.
The consistency of the tan itself was relatively similar to others I’ve used, however it felt a little drier, which didn’t help with the glove situation. However, the flip side to that is that this is the fastest drying tan I have ever tried. When the bottle says it dries in five minutes, it wasn’t lying. This meant that almost as soon as I finished applying the tan, I was able to get dressed and sleep in it very comfortably – as the bottle says to leave it on for four
to eight hours before rinsing.
Appearance
I will admit, I was a little bit scared when I woke up the morning after tanning, as the colour appeared to be quite dark.
In saying this, once I rinsed it off, I was pleasantly surprised. It has a really pretty neutral undertone, meaning you don’t look overly green or orange, and overall it looks quite natural. This is also the best my hands have ever looked in fake tan, and I credit this to the application method with the rubber glove, and accompanying buffing brush.
The colour of this tan is still a little deeper than other Light-Medium tans that I’ve used in the past, however this could be amended by washing it off sooner. I did find that it also stuck slightly to dry
patches, especially on my legs. However, I believe that moisturising prior to use would amend this.
Removal
Over the following days, I did notice the tan fading quite nicely, rather than cracking or getting patchy.
I found that it exfoliated off fairly easily using exfoliating gloves, though you could use a tan remover to provide the most seamless canvas for reapplication.
Should I try it?
In short, yes! Due to how quickly it dries, I found it to be incredibly convenient. Whilst with other tans you may be standing there for hours and still won’t feel fully comfortable touching anything, this one was completely dry to the touch after about 10 minutes.
Spring is often the season for itchy skin problems in pets. As the weather warms up, the increase in allergens and parasites can cause discomfort in our furry companions. The condition of your pet’s skin and coat is a crucial indicator of their overall health, and itchy skin could point to an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD):
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most prevalent skin disease in pets. Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva after being bitten, leading to intense itching, especially near the base of the tail. Contrary to popular belief, a dog doesn’t need a massive flea infestation to react – just one or two fleas can trigger FAD. It’s important to regularly use flea prevention, as untreated flea allergies can lead to secondary skin infections.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy):
Atopy is another common cause of itching in dogs and occurs when a dog develops an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mould spores. This condition tends to affect areas like the flanks, armpits, and other skin folds. Dogs with atopy often have a genetic defect in their skin barrier, making them more susceptible to environmental triggers. Atopy can progress from mild itching to more severe, widespread dermatitis if left untreated.
Food Allergy Dermatitis: Food allergies in dogs typically develop after one year of age. Common allergens include beef, chicken, and wheat. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, a food elimination trial may be needed. This involves feeding a novel protein diet (like kangaroo and pumpkin) for three months, then reintroducing their regular diet to see if symptoms reoccur. If itching improves during the trial,
there’s a strong chance your dog has a food allergy.
Mange: Mange is a skin disease caused by mites, such as Demodex or Scabies. It often results in intense itching, hair loss, and secondary infections. Scabies, in particular, is highly contagious, so immediate veterinary treatment is essential if you suspect mange.
Hot spots: Hot spots, or traumatic pyodermatitis, are moist, itchy patches of skin that are often painful. They can arise from any skin irritation – such as a flea bite, wound, or even persistent
chewing and licking. Hot spots can quickly worsen, leading to secondary infections, so early treatment is vital.
Signs of itchy skin problems
Dogs love a good scratch, but how do you know when it’s a sign of something more serious? Watch for:
• Constant licking, biting, or chewing at specific areas
• Redness, scabs or sores
• Hair loss or bald spots
• Rubbing their face, belly or paws excessively
• Reduced playfulness or appetite due to discomfort
If your dog shows any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. Skin issues can range from mild to severe, but early intervention can prevent chronic problems.
For professional advice and treatment, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help your pet feel comfortable and happy again!
Boho Astro bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
The Mercury/Uranus opposition suggests a house move, family drama, uninvited guests dropping in or some other kind of domestic disruption. And some Aquarians could experience changes at work. Whatever happens, strive to get the balance right between your public life and your private responsibilities. The planets also push you to reinvent a professional relationship. Just be careful you don’t get carried away and throw the baby out with the bathwater.
21 TO MAY 21
Bulls prefer to plod along in a methodical fashion but this week, you could experience challenges and disruptions! Saturn squares your ruler Venus, and Mercury opposes Uranus (in your sign) so life could be stressful and unpredictable. If you prioritise and are mentally flexible, then you’ll handle the hurlyburly with less stress and strain. Close relationships are also in a state of New Moon flux. The more adaptable you are, the better the final outcome will be.
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Leos love to be Top Cat but this week you need to ask yourself, “Am I leading others or just bossing them around?” If you power ahead without considering other people, then you’ll create unnecessary chaos and disruption. Do your best to accommodate the needs of those around you. Life will also run more smoothly if you incorporate a spiritual ritual into your daily domestic routine. Something like yoga, tai chi, chanting, meditation or creative visualisation.
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
This week the Sun, New Moon and Mercury are transiting through your sign. And the Mercury/Uranus and Mars/ Pluto oppositions could disrupt relationships and rattle your resilience. But it’s time to bounce back, as you demonstrate (and celebrate) your strengths – including courage and persistence. Your motto is from Scorpio actress Julia Roberts (who turns 57 on Monday), “I’m better for all the things that have happened to me, the good and the bad.”
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Are your aspirations for the future ambitious enough? The current stars favour ruminating over big-picture ideas. And there’s no room for false modesty or passive Piscean procrastination as you enjoy talking, texting, posting, promoting, socialising and circulating. The terrific Mars/Neptune trine encourages you to come up with a creative plan, and then pursue it. An unwelcome surprise could unsettle you, so hold tight and expect the unexpected!
22 TO JUNE 21
You could become anxious, as your daily routine is disrupted in some way or your enthusiasm for a work project could overtake your ability to knuckle down and get the job done. If you promise more than you can deliver, then other people will just end up disappointed. So slow down and listen to the wisdom of your inner voice – it will point you in the direction that’s right for you. Being creative and proactive will also lead to success and satisfaction.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
When it comes to the way you think, blast out of a boring rut and jump into an exciting new phase. Use your imagination and think outside the box as the Sun, New Moon, Mercury and Uranus activate your communication zone. So stop avoiding issues and start discussing what you really want and need. You can’t expect other people to magically read your mind! For some clever Virgos, a joint venture or a creative online project has the potential to fly.
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Sagittarians can be feisty folk, but don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a heated exchange this week (especially involving family and/or finances). It would be better to watch the fireworks from the sidelines. With the Sun, New Moon and Mercury visiting your privacy zone, slow down and chill out as you relax, rejuvenate and contemplate. After some quality ‘me-time’ and soulful reflection, you’ll start to see things from a refreshing new perspective.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Expect some highs and lows this week Rams. Your ruler Mars trines Neptune and Mercury, which is terrific for creativity and communication, as you get your message out loud and clear. But Sunday’s Mars/Pluto opposition could stir up anger or resentment, especially involving work issues or a family matter. Try to release angry feelings in appropriate ways – via a good cry, a deep and meaningful talk with a friend, or a robust pillow-punching session!
This week a child, teenager, friend or lover could shock you by making a surprise move or a group project could suddenly veer off in an unexpected direction. If you keep your adaptability muscles well-flexed, then you’ll adjust to the constantly changing landscape accordingly. With peace planet Venus visiting your job zone, stop sulking and stewing over a perceived slight from a work colleague, client or customer. It’s time to compromise and sympathise!
The week starts with taskmaster Saturn squaring your patron planet Venus, which could increase self-criticism and your obsession with perfection. Then Friday’s New Moon illuminates your self-esteem zone, when it’s a good time to boost your confidence, be the authentic you, and celebrate your so-called flaws! The New Moon and Mercury-Uranus opposition also highlight the importance of having a smart savings plan and a well-stocked emergency fund.
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The week starts with a tricky Venus/ Saturn square, which could exacerbate a relationship issue or a financial problem. With the Sun, New Moon and Mercury visiting your hopes and wishes zone, it’s important to have ambitious longterm goals that you’re working towards. You’ll have to be patient though, as you focus on bringing your dreams down to earth via a practical plan. Then – when everything is in place – you’ll know the perfect time to pounce.
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Treat yourself to enchanting escape at Novotel Sydney Darling Square inspired by Cirque du Soleil “LUZIA” This package is available for Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from December 4, 2024, to February 9, 2025
This experience includes:
25% discount on tickets to see "LUZIA," Cirque du Soleil
A superior room
A spicy margarita for each adult
Buffet breakfast
A unique Mexican-inspired gift
Book your magical stay by emailing the code “LUZIA”to h3021@accor.com and your contact details andwe will contact you as soon as possible
IF YOU BOOK BY NOVEMBER 4, 2024 You will also enjoy abottlecomplimentary of wine in your room!
Anight in the city can quickly escalate in price when it comes to booking the accommodation.
And it can be a painful moment handing over that credit card for a room you’re only going to spend a few hours in, or that’s sole purpose is to sleep and get going again the next day.
The Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites should be on your list for the next time such an occasion arises – it fits the bill perfectly as an affordable option close to everything in the city, but it’s far from a budget option in terms of its amenities.
Located adjacent to Darling Harbour and the Sydney Fish Market, the Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites is located within a herit-
age listed building with unique architecture.
The check-in process was smooth, and while finding your room can prove a little daunting given the uniqueness of the floors that make up the hotel, once you’re in – you’ll be soaking up the ‘wow’ factor.
“ONCE YOU’RE IN, YOU’LL BE SOAKING UP THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR”
I stayed in a one bedroom suite – larger than your average hotel room, and with the perfect city skyline view that allowed you to really soak up the hustle and bustle of the city. I happened to stay on a rainy night and there was just something about watching the world
go by as the rain fell that made you want to sip a glass of wine and stay beyond just a glance.
There’s a spacious and comfortable lounge room and a fully equipped kitchen – perfect if you want to cook a meal for yourself or if you’ve got young kids in tow.
The bedroom was extremely comfortable and its separation from the main living area meant there was no issues in terms of noise or privacy.
The Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites also offers a two bedroom suite, and studio options.
You can relax by heading down to the swimming pool or jacuzzi, and while there’s no on-site restaurant, I found a nearby cafe for a hearty breakfast at much better value than your traditional hotel buffet.
The Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites may not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury hotel, but it’s a wonderful option for a night or two in the city – especially if you’re on a budget.
Visit www.oakshotels.com.
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Apps and much more on our store.
Last week’s solution
Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order,
Use the key to crack the telephone code.
m i n i s u d o k u
Fill in 1 to 6, in each row across and down, and in each rectangle.
Letters A to Z have a number value, some are shown in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value Some are shown in the right hand cells Create remaining values using clues in centre cells
A G+N N H-J 4 B Z-P O M+G
C Y×I P J÷X
D M+K Q L-N E R-P R V÷N
F K+C S Y+I G I×P 10 T A+B H C+E U L-Y I B-R 2 V R×N 24 J P×X 15 W I×G
K R+E X J-U
L Y+U 21 Y E×Y 9 M C-I Z K+R
hidd e n w o r d s
Find ten words beginning with ‘e’ from these jumbled letters.
Here’s a hungry frog looking for a delicious fly. Can you help him catch it?
HIDDEN WORDS: Elephant, eat, eel, elf, echo, ecoli, elect, election, ethanol and elope.
PHONE CODE: “I must say, my new job driving a rubbish truck has bin going OK.”
JUNIOR PUZZLERS: 1. Bonsai. 2. A rabbit. 3. Haiti.
Echo - Repetition of sound by reflection of sound waves.
Special word:
ALFAKODO: MINI-SUDOKU:
PIC PUZZLE: Full, run, under, in, tight. Pelly’s favourite food - fruit.
NATHAN TAYLOR
As MG celebrates 100 years of automotive excellence, the brand has announced a significant milestone that embodies the future of MG’s innovation.
The all-new, all-electric MG Cyberster, is a groundbreaking addition that represents a major leap forward in both technology and design. The unveiling marks a new era for MG, merging a century of heritage with cuttingedge advancements to redefine the future of automotive excellence.
Drawing on the history of MG and classic models such as the MGB, the Cyberster brings EV motoring to the modern sports car space.
According to MG, the Cyberster isn’t just here to be another car, it’s here to make a statement and continue to propel the legacy of MG into the modern era.
“MG Cyberster marks a groundbreaking evolution for our brand, seamlessly merging the legacy of MG Roadsters with a daring, forward-thinking vision. Its bold design and exhilarating performance sets an unprecedented standard, making it one of the most advanced vehicles MG has ever unveiled,” MG
Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao said.
“The all-new MG Cyberster presents uncompromising levels of power and performance, while also continuing our development as
a leader in the electric vehicle space here in Australia.
“Crafted with precision from the ground up, this car is not only a tribute to MG’s storied heritage but also a clear statement that we
are unwavering in our pursuit of leadership and innovation in Australia’s automotive landscape.
“The incredible value the Cyberster delivers will amaze car lovers. Priced at $115,000
(MSRP) plus on road costs, Australian drivers will be blown away when they get behind the wheel. We’re proud to launch what is sure to become MG’s next iconic model.”
The Cyberster can generate up to 375kW of power as well as a mind-blowing 0-100km/ hr time of just 3.2 seconds. There’s a 77kWh battery set between the axles featuring an electric motor at each end for four-wheel drive.
The Cyberster is engineered for seamless cruising and spirited driving, whether you’re navigating city streets or testing your limits at the track. With an impressive range of up to 443km WLTP and rapid charging capability that can power the vehicle from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes using a 150kW CCS Public Charger.
Then there’s the MG Cyberster’s size. At 4535mm long and 1913mm wide, that two-seat body manages to hide its dimensions well, and the car’s proportions imitate those of a front-engine machine, with a long bonnet, a set-back cockpit and short boot lid reminiscent of the old days when the MGB was around.
From the front, the pointed nose sweeps up and back to create a smooth shape, while the rear end is broken up by a set of Union Jack-inspired LED lights. The big arrows that point in the direction of the indicators pay their respects to the origin of the brand.
Western Sydney will travel to Melbourne this weekend after losing their season opener against Sydney FC 2-1 last Saturday night.
A sold-out CommBank Stadium was on hand for the 39th meeting between the old foes, with Joe Lolley and Patryk Klimala securing the victory for the Sky Blues in what was a tough and tight contest.
The most talked about match of the weekend certainly lived up to the pre-game hype, with both sides debuting their marquee players in Juan Mata and Douglas Costa.
It was also new Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic first A-League match in charge of the Red & Black since switching from Perth in the off-season.
Sydney FC led the Wanderers 1-0 at half-time after Lolley scored in the 17th minute.
It took 11 minutes of second half action for Western Sydney to get their first goal when young gun Aydan Hammond got the ball past Sydney keeper Andrew Redmayne
and into the back of the net. With a spring in their step, Stajcic finally brought on Mata in the 60th minute but, just seconds after the former Manchester United star entered the field, Sydney FC would regain the lead through a Klimala header.
The Wanderers continued to fight for an equaliser for the remainder of the game but were unable to convert the opportunities that they had despite getting agonisingly close on several occasions.
Speaking after the match, Stajcic was rather upbeat despite his side losing to its arch rivals.
“I thought it was a great spectacle, a great game, obviously a great crowd and a good way to kick it off in terms of the entertainment.
Obviously, we’re disappointed and gutted at the result but I think both teams showed promising signs of being top teams in the league this year,” he said.
“Maybe Sydney just had a touch more cutting edge at different moments, but I don’t think there was much in the game, to be honest. I thought it was one of those that could’ve went either way and they just produced that moment of qual-
ity when they needed it.”
Stajcic also answered questions surrounding his marquee in Mata, who made his Wanderers debut midway through the second half, playing 37 minutes.
Stajcic explained why he chose to play his star midfielder in the second stanza instead to begin the match.
“We knew it was going to be high
tempo especially at the beginning of the game, so I just didn’t want to waste his energy in the first 15 minutes to half an hour when I knew the game would be at its highest tempo,” he said.
“I think it was at that period and we really need his quality to shine in crucial moments of the game and it was a flip of the coin whether to start him or not.
“I think he does have the fitness to play longer, but it’s going to take him some time to get used to playing regular match minutes again but he’s a world class player and we saw some of his touches out there.”
The Wanderers will look to bounce back when they take on Western United this Sunday afternoon at Ironbark Fields in Melbourne. The game is live on Paramount.
We hear stories all the time about parents going above and beyond to give their children the best possible chance to live out their sporting dreams.
The father of Sydney Thunder all-rounder Anika Learoyd is just another example of parents going to extreme lengths to assist their child’s sporting journey.
“I’m actually from the north coast, near Coffs Harbour, and I remember my Dad used to drive me six hours each way to Grade cricket every weekend,” the now 22-year-old told the Weekender
The hundreds of kilometres there and back every single week throughout the hot summers well and truly paid dividends for Learoyd, who is now playing professional sport for not only the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, but also the NSW Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League.
“I performed well in Grade cricket with Northern District and earnt myself some offers,” she said.
“I had a couple of offers from a few different clubs but, in the end, it was my housemate Hannah Darlington who gave me a call out of the blue and talked me into signing with the Thunder.”
ever to prove a point this season as the new campaign looms.
“I think we’ve done really well to keep together a core group of players,” she said.
“Seeing the calibre of domestic players we have within the squad, we were all very disappointed being knocked out in the semis last year, but I think that fuels a little bit of extra hunger.
“I’m really excited to see what happens when we play with that bit of hunger and with the talent that we’ve got in this squad. I think we’re going to be quite dangerous.”
The Thunder will kick off their 2024 WBBL campaign on the road when they play the Hobart Hurricanes this Monday night in Tassie.
The upcoming season will also be reduced from 14 games to just 10, making every game – and win – crucial.
“It’s such an exciting time and we see each year that the WBBL grows, the standard lifts, and the crowd numbers increase,” Learoyd said.
“I actually moved out yesterday,” Learoyd revealed on Monday.
“Hannah and I lived together for four years, so we’re close. I moved out with my partner to Terrey Hills. Hannah was sad I was leaving, but we’re definitely going to stay close.”
Learoyd and Darlington, a former captain of the Thunder and St Clair Hawks junior, lived together for a whopping four years until Learoyd moved out just last weekend with her partner.
While the pair will no longer share a kitchen and bathroom anymore, they will remain teammates on a Thunder side keen on proving the doubters wrong.
After finishing fourth last season, the Thunder exited last year’s playoffs with an Elimination Final loss to eventual runners-up the Brisbane Heat.
Learoyd said the Thunder are hungrier than
“This season is another exciting one and it’s WBBL|10, how cool is that? To think a couple of years ago we were really struggling to get numbers to games and now, all of a sudden, we’ve got some marquee games at the SCG and MCG.
“As a whole, Sydney Thunder is shaping up really well, so I’m really excited to see what this team can pull out in 10 games.”
Story continued from » p.72
While Huxley only held the head coaching role at Penrith for one season, Walker said he learned a thing or two about dealing with the pressure of coaching one of the most talked about sporting teams in Australia. He said he expects the Emus job to still be just as challenging and demanding despite the club not playing in a top tier competition like the Shute Shield or John I Dent Cup.
“I think it’s still going to be a high-pressure gig with a lot of eyes on us, but we’ve gained a lot of support from the local community and from the Subbies as well,” Walker said.
“By no means am I taking it as there’s no pressure there or anything like that but, for me, it’s business as per usual. We’re going to build a competitive side and grow a winning culture.
“Most importantly, we want to bring the families and fans back to the ground each Saturday. It will be a lot of work, but it’s nothing that can’t be done and I’m really excited for that challenge.”
The Emus are currently recruiting for players of all grades for next season, with pre-season training schedule to get underway at Nepean Rugby Park on Tuesday, November 19 at 6.30pm. Interested players should contact the club via social media or the Emus website.
“I’m confident in us as a club that we will be able to put competitive teams out on the field come Round 1,” Walker said.
History will be made this Sunday when three Panthers premiership winners captain their respective international teams.
On Sunday afternoon, Isaah Yeo and James Fisher-Harris will lead their Australian and New Zealand outfits onto the Apollo Projects Stadium pitch in Christchurch for the Pacific Championships, while departing Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai will skipper Samoa when they face-off in the first of two International fixtures against England in Wigan.
Samoa, who touched down in the UK last weekend, will have plenty of Penrith flavour in their side with Luai and centre Izack Tago set to play against England, while new Panthers recruit Blaize Talagai is also expected to suit up for the Samoans.
Back home, Australia will be looking to book their place in the Pacific Championships Final when they tackle the Kiwis in Christchurch.
Australia have named the same side that enjoyed an 18-0 win over Tonga last Friday night in Brisbane, while New Zealand will run out a new-look outfit that includes five Test debutants
including fullback Keano Kini, winger Will Warbrick, hooker Phoenix Crossland and bench players Naufahu Whyte and Jordan Riki.
The Kiwis side will also include
several Panthers players, with Fisher-Harris named at prop and Scott Sorensen and Isaiah Papali’i in the back-row.
For the Aussies, Dylan Edwards will return at fullback, while Lindsay Smith has been named on the extended bench for the Kangaroos.
“We want to build our combinations and keep improving our cohesion,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said.
“The squad’s attitude and mentality towards the Pacific Championships has been excellent with everyone contributing.
“We know we are in for a tough battle against New Zealand and we are focused on being better every day.”
Meanwhile, outgoing Panthers fullback Sunia Turuva and his Fiji Bati team will be looking to bounce back following a shock 22-10 loss to Papua New Guinea last weekend.
Fiji will once again be at home when they battle the Cook Islands this Saturday night at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. A loss would end their Pacific Championships campaign.
FOOTBALL: Glenmore Park FC junior and former Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Patrick Beach enjoyed a memorable A-League debut last weekend, putting in a Player of the Match performance for Melbourne City. Not only did the young goalkeeper keep a clean sheet, but his side got the victory over the Newcastle Jets 1-0. Following the match, the 21-year-old reflected on the result and what it meant to make his professional debut for City. “I’m ecstatic with the win,” Beach said. “We had to dig deep there, especially in the last 20, but the boys stuck together and we saw the game out. I thought we played really well, especially in the first half where we kept the ball and we stuck to how we wanted to play, and it showed. I’m just proud of the boys and grateful to be able to help and do my part.” Beach began playing football in Glenmore Park as a four-year-old and hasn’t stopped since. In an interview with the Weekender in 2019, Beach said he’s played in every position on the park but didn’t realise how much he loved goalkeeping until he was thrown in the deep-end as a 13-yearold. “People want the glory, they want to be remembered for scoring goals, but goalkeeping is such an important position as well,” he said. “It’s one of those positions that is very tough on you mentally but if you can stay mentally strong you will do well at it.”
CRICKET: Penrith have failed to win back-toback games, going down to Sydney in Round 2 of the NSW Premier Cricket Women’s first grade competition. Playing in a T20 match at Howell Oval, Sydney won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith posted a lacklustre 5/83 after 20 overs.
Skipper Sam Arnold was best with the bat with 38. When Sydney hit the crease, they reached Penrith’s target with ease, scoring 1/84 after 14.3 overs. Penrith will aim to bounce back when they travel to Raby Sports Complex to play Campbelltown Camden this Sunday.
CRICKET: Penrith are in a strong position against Hawkesbury in Round 4 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day Match at
Howell Oval, Hawkesbury won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith were strong with the bat, dismissed for 233 runs. Tyran Liddiard top scored with 67 before he was bowled out. When Hawkesbury hit the crease later that day, they struggled to fire and were a disappointing 4/43 at stumps. Penrith’s Kaine Balgowan took 2/6. Both sides will return to the crease this Saturday morning at Howell Oval, with Penrith well on their way to their first win of the season.
AFL: Following investigations by the GWS Giants and the AFL, the AFL have handed down sanctions to members of the club’s AFL playing group. The allegations pertained to an event organised by, and attended by, the majority of the AFL playing group following the team’s exit from the AFL Finals last month GWS says it acted swiftly upon receiving a complaint and co-operated fully with the AFL to ensure both parties fully investigated the facts. “There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,” said Giants Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews. “As a club built on the values of inclusiveness and respect for all, it was a clear breach of the club’s policies and values as well as a significant departure from the standards of behaviour that we expect of our players. We have taken these matters seriously from the outset with a full investigation by the
club, alongside the AFL. On behalf of the club, I apologise to our members, partners and all stakeholders. The players involved have apologised unreservedly for their behaviour and take responsibility for contravening the standards we expect in relation to respect, equality, inclusion and safety. We believe this is an isolated incident, but we understand the severity of the situation and the sanctions reflect that. As a club, alongside the AFL playing group, we take full responsibility and are implementing measures to ensure this never happens again.” Josh Fahey received a four-match suspension for his costume and involvement in a skit. Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas, Joe Fonti and Cooper Hamilton received two-match suspensions for their costumes and involvement in skits. Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield were each fined $5,000 for their costumes and involvement in a skit. Skipper Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Tom Green, Lachlan Keeffe and Harry Perryman were each fined $5,000 for failing to uphold the values of the club as player leaders in attendance.
AFLW: The GWS Giants have notched up their sixth loss in a row, this down going down to the Hawthorn Hawks 61-24 in Round 8 of the AFLW competition. Played at Kinetic Stadium, the Hawks shook off a sprightly Giants side to win their sixth on the trot with a 61-24 victory last Saturday afternoon. The Giants, now out of Finals contention, will take on Fremantle this Saturday afternoon at Henson Park.
RUGBY: The third round of the newly launched Sydney Women’s 7s competition will take place at Nepean Rugby Park, hosted by Penrith Rugby, next Saturday, November 2. The day will run from 9am to 3pm. The Emus Board invites all former players, particularly female players, the Shemus, along to the day as a reunion for former teammates and officials. The club has asked players to bring their photos, records and stories as they aim to collate and recognise their past contributions
Following three decades involved in rugby, Daine Walker says he’s ready to tackle one of the toughest coaching gigs in Australian sport.
Earlier this month, Walker was named the newest head coach of the Penrith Emus, who will contest the Suburban Rugby competition, otherwise known as Subbies, from next season.
Walker, who has enjoyed a long involvement in the game through playing and coaching, scored the coveted position after hearing through word of mouth that the Emus were hiring.
“One of my closest mates is a sponsor and they were talking about how there was an opportunity for the head coaching role,”
Walker explained to the Weekender
“So, I thought I’d have the conversation because I was looking to get back into a head coaching role. I sat down with Adam
Fletcher (Emus President) and the Board and we chatted about goals and plans for next year and beyond and it sounded like a really good challenge and something that I wanted to be a part of.”
Helping Walker’s case for the gig was not only his extensive coaching background, which included a long stint at Blue Mountains Rugby, but also the fact he already worked as a coach for the Emus in the past.
In 2017, Walker was an assistant coach when former Wallaby Julian Huxley was in
charge at Nepean Rugby Park.
“I was the second grade assistant coach, but I worked closely with Julian at training sessions and on game days,” Walker said.
“That experience working under a former international like Julian was invaluable and I learned a lot about him back then.
“I learned a lot from that period and over the years I have been implementing that where I can.”
