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Bad crashes close roads
Series of accidents across Penrith prompts warning for drivers to be on alert
Motorists are being urged to be more careful on the roads after a string of serious crashes last weekend.
Last Friday, the M4 Motorway was closed at Orchard Hills following a bad crash in which a young child became trapped.
CareFlight’s specialist doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the patient, while Fire and Rescue NSW worked to free the child from the vehicle.
“The patient was transported by NSW Ambulance via road, accompanied by CareFlight’s specialist doctor to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition,” a CareFlight spokesperson said.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics also treated another child for minor injuries before transporting them via road to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a stable condition.
“Paramedics also treated a man for minor injuries before transporting him by road to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.”
The M4 was closed for several hours, causing major traffic issues.
The following night on Saturday,
September 21, Castlereagh Road was closed for several hours outside the Museum of Fire after a serious crash in which people were trapped.
The road was reopened late on Saturday night.
The news didn’t get any better as the working week unfolded, with a serious crash at Berkshire Park on Tuesday.
The three-vehicle crash closed Rich-
mond Road for several hours during the morning peak.
Two women were treated by paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital in serious but stable conditions.
With the horrific road toll this year, motorists are being urged to be extra careful on the roads, especially as the school holidays get closer and the busy Christmas period looms.
The CareFlight helicopter lands on the M4 Motorway last Friday night.
Traffic chaos at the M4 accident site at Orchard Hills.
TROY DODDS
Rule change welcomed
The boss of the city’s biggest club has welcomed a move from the State Government to scrap a rule that requires people living within five kilometres of a venue to become a member when attending.
Under the current legislation residents who live within five kilometres of their local club must sign up as a member and usually pay a membership fee, demonstrate a membership of a similar club elsewhere or attend as the guest of an existing member while those living outside the five kilometres of the Club can sign in freely as visitors.
“It is great news because if you live within five kilometres of the club you have got to be a member before you can go through the door,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“When you have big crowds after football matches and so forth, you get a long line-up and this just takes all the red tape out of the whole thing.”
Fletcher said there’s no doubt it will streamline the entry process for the clubs, though there will still be monitoring of who is coming into the venue.
“You’ve still got to show your licence to get in or if you are a member show your badge but it will free things up enormously and make life a lot easier at the front counter,” he said.
The rule being scrapped comes as part of the Vibrancy Reforms that are expected to be introduced into State Parliament next month.
These reforms will also see the rule that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside in a licenced premises thrown out.
Minister for Music and Night-Time Economy John Graham said by removing the rule more locals are expected to enjoy their clubs without being forced to be members.
“Red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go in the shredder under the Minns Labor Government,” Graham said.
“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal.
“Scrapping the five kilometre rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state which are all about boosting the night-time economy, treating adults like adults and stripping back redundant red tape.”
Clubs NSW CEO Rebecca Riant expects the rule change to
have a positive impact on clubs.
“We have long advocated for this change, so this is fantastic news for our industry,” she said.
“It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs – particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps – this will make a huge difference.”
Panthers Group CEO, Brian Fletcher.
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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion
Troy Dodds
troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds
Charlotte must be catalyst for change
When I was about 12-years-old, I was on the typical Gold Coast holiday with my family when my Dad said we were heading home the next day.
I said I didn’t want to go back to school, and he initially dismissed it as a typical almostteen just wanting another crack at the theme parks.
But in response I somehow summoned up the courage to tell him I didn’t want to go to school because I was being bullied.
In those days you could avoid the bullies by simply not going to school. It’s not quite as easy these days.
The bullying I was subjected to wasn’t relentless, but it was hurtful at the time and at times it made me miserable.
It’s a little ironic that I was bullied because in this job, I’m regularly subjected to unkind words directed at me but it has zero impact. Complete water off a duck’s back.
But when you’re 12-years-old, you don’t have that kind of perspective.
I remember my parents went to the school, discussions were had and things got a little better. They got much better when my dad opted to have a discussion with one of the bullies himself. Old school, but effective.
The tragic death of 12-year-old Charlotte has rocked Sydney to its core over the last fortnight.
She took her own life because she could no longer handle bullying at her school.
It is a line in the sand moment for the bullying conversation.
2GB’s Ben Fordham was meant to be on leave last week but came into the studios as normal last Monday, knowing Charlotte’s story could not wait.
A city’s heart was collectively broken as he spoke, detailing the tragedy that had unfolded.
The story dominated conversation across Sydney last week.
Parents hugged their kids a little tighter each night.
And then Cydonee Mardon produced one of the toughest stories you will read this year on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph on the weekend.
It was a gut wrenching story. Difficult to read, impossible at times, but oh so important.
Charlotte’s brave parents Mat and Kelly are speaking to the media so openly because their little girl wanted them to.
“Mama, please share my story to raise awareness,” she wrote in a message that showed maturity beyond her years.
And so Mat turned up at 2GB on Monday to speak to Fordham, now back from leave, and continue Charlotte’s wishes.
She sounds like the most amazing little girl.
Part of a normal family, in a normal part of Sydney.
But it will never be normal again.
Santa Sabina College’s response to Charlotte’s death has been the very definition of failing to read the room.
In short, it has been disgraceful.
“Who is guiding the school on their response to this tragedy?”
“In the past week, I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails and messages from our families that talk about their children feeling safe and cared for at Santa Sabina College, and objecting to the portrayal of our College as failing to deal with matters that cause distress amongst our students,”
Principal Paulina Skerman told News Corp.
Even if that were true, who possibly thought it was appropriate to use such words?
And even if it were true, those families talking about their children feeling safe and cared for got to pick up their kids today. They got to tuck them into bed last night.
Mat and Kelly did not.
What an absolutely heartless statement to put out as part of your public response to a student who felt so harmed by bullying at school that she took her own life.
On top of this, the Principal said the school’s anti-bullying policy was on its website, as if that was some sort of comfort to anyone.
Paulian Skerman’s statement to News Corp on Sunday did not mention Charlotte until the last of five paragraphs.
The first is the passage quoted earlier.
The second talks about not breaching student or family privacy.
The third is about the anti-bullying policy on the website and how families are informed about said policy.
The fourth is about Catholic beliefs and values.
And the fifth mentions Charlotte and the “unimaginable grief” her family is experiencing.
Who is guiding the school on their response to this tragedy?
Someone needs to step in to ensure it does better, because right now it is failing in its responsibility to parents and students.
Thankfully, Charlotte’s parents are not. They are a force to be reckoned with and their openness this week will be the catalyst for ongoing conversation and potential changes to the way bullying is dealt with. There is no single person or thing to blame here.
There is context at every turn and this is no doubt a difficult thing to navigate.
But it must result in change.
For Charlotte’s legacy, and for the next child and the one after that.
There is a lot of work that needs to be done in this space.
The advancement of social media and smart phones has only made the challenges harder and schools, parents and the wider community are struggling to keep up.
But this must be a line in the sand.
It is time for us all to do better.
Back to 12-year-old me for just a moment. I got through it just fine, and it left no scars. And for many this will be the case.
But we can’t just tell our kids to toughen up and that school will just be a blip on the radar one day down the track.
That’s not how kids’ minds work. At the first sign, we must act. And act hard.
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GP shortage impacts pressure on hospitals
New data has shown an increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits being linked to a shortage of General Practitioners (GPs).
The latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly results show GP shortages coincide with record pressure on EDs, including in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, which has seen an increase of 4.5 per cent to 37,593 presentations.
The BHI data show the pressure on NSW EDs corresponds with more residents struggling to access care through GPs.
The BHI results show a large decrease in the number of GP attendances per 100,000 people in NSW between June 30, 2020, and June 20, 2023, from 681,244 to 653,802. This is the first and biggest decrease in GP attendances in the last 10 years.
This number is consistent with the most recent data from the Federal Department of Health & Aged Care, which shows that there were fewer GPs in NSW in 2023 than there were in 2019 with the number falling from 9,700 to 9,485.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park shared his concern that people are putting off going to a GP for care, particularly for chronic conditions, which leads to the need to present to an ED when their condition deteriorates.
“We are so grateful for the hard work of our dedicated hospital staff who are confronted with unprecedented pressure,” Park said.
“While our EDs grapple with unprecedented pressure, I’m really encouraged by the work being undertaken in creating alternative pathways to care outside of the hospital. This is almost a quarter of a million people who may have otherwise ended up [waiting] a long time in a busy ED.
“We know that the Federal Government is working hard to undo the impacts of the Federal Liberals’ freeze on Medicare rebates which had severe consequences for the accessibility of GPs.
“While access to primary care and GPs is a Federal responsibility, the NSW Government is playing our part by investing in pathways to care outside of the hospital, while improving patient flow within the hospital. But we cannot do this on our own,
and we are continuing to see our state health system shoulder the burden of the crisis in primary care.”
But Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the government wasn’t doing enough.
“We’re seeing record wait times, overcrowded Emergency Departments, and critical services being cut, all while Chris Minns stands by doing nothing,” he said.
“NSW families are paying the price for his failure to invest in health care, and it’s clear that under Labor things are only getting worse.”
State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown thanked Nepean Hospital staff for their efforts while work is being done to increase access to GPs.
“The Minns Labor Government has been working hard to address the pressures that our Emergency Departments and staff have been facing,” McKeown said.
“We know that our hospitals cannot function without the work and efforts of its staff, we are so thankful for the work our staff at Nepean Hospital do every single day.
“It is great to see our State Government’s initiatives start to roll out in order to improve patient flow and wait times within our hospitals.”
Karen McKeown standing out the front of Nepean Hospital.
LAW and ORDER
Police Snapshot Legal Matters
St Marys: Man found with drugs after urinating in public
A man has been charged after being found carrying methylamphetamine after urinating on a public plant.
At about 11.10pm on Tuesday, September 17 police were patrolling Nariel Street in St Marys.
Police have seen a male who was urinating on a nearby plant outside a licenced premises.
Police stopped their car.
The man has quickly zipped up his pants and started to walk off. Police have then driven next to the man and told him to stop. The man refused and told police to leave him alone.
Police got out of the vehicle and the man was stopped. The man was rambling and refused to tell police his name. Police were able to calm the 32-year-old Kingswood man and had a conversation with him.
The man was searched, and police found in the front pocket of the man’s pants a small resealable bag containing methylamphetamine and a glass pipe.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, October 11.
Colyton: Man arrested after attempting to hit police with car
A man has been charged after trying to run police over as they attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.
At about 8.40am on Thursday, September 19 police attended a residence in Shane Crescent, Colyton to arrest a man for an outstanding warrant. As police approached the residence, they heard a car door close and saw a black Mazda 6 start reversing out of the driveway. The car continued to reverse out of the driveway slowly as police approached the rear of the car.
As police were behind the vehicle the man accelerated and reversed toward police. Police moved out of the way and attempted to open the driver’s door. Police looked at the man and identified him as the 27-year-old Colyton man they wanted for the outstanding warrant.
The man continued to reverse out onto the road at speed and narrowly missed hitting police. In the process, the man reversed over a mailbox, destroying it. The man then put the vehicle into drive and accelerated towards the police officers, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. The man mounted the kerb and drove off.
At about 1.00pm on Friday, September 20 the 27-year-old Colyton man was stopped driving the vehicle on Broughton Street, Parramatta.
The man was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was formally charged.
The man was bail refused and appeared in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, September 24.
St Clair: Man arrested after early morning attack on parked cars
A man has been arrested after an early morning violence spree saw him attack cars and resist arrest.
At about 6.30am on Sunday, September 22 a 33-year-old Schofields man was in company with two other males whilst walking down St Clair Avenue in St Clair.
The 33-year-old began to kick and punch a number of cars, resulting in a car alarm going off.
One of the other males has made multiple attempts to calm down and stop the 33-yearold but was not successful.
The 33-year-old continued to make so much noise that it has awoken residents who have come out of their houses.
The 33-year-old damaged eight cars, including smashing the side mirrors of each of the cars.
Police were contacted in relation to the ongoing incident.
The 33-year-old then headed towards Bennett Road, Colyton where he took possession of a shopping trolley which he pushed in the path of a moving car.
The car was able to drive around the trolley and missed colliding with it.
A witness has followed the man and alerted police to who the man was. Police have stopped the man and had a conversation with him.
As police were attempting to arrest the 33-year-old they asked him to place his hands in front of him, but the man became aggressive and has raised his arms at police.
Police wrestled the man to the ground where the man refused to place his hands behind his back so he could be handcuffed.
The man was eventually cuffed and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was formally charged.
The man was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, November 7.
BAIL IN NEW SOUTH WALES EXPLAINED
You might have heard of the term “bail” or “getting bail” in the context of criminal law proceedings.
Bail refers to a person who has been arrested and charged with a crime or crimes being released back into the community subject to certain conditions being met while they go through the criminal law process.
In deciding whether or not to grant bail decision makers take into account things such as:
• The seriousness of the offence or offences the person is charged with;
• Whether or not there is any risk that the accused will not return to Court on their scheduled Court date;
• The perceived strength of the prosecution case;
• The likelihood that if the accused is found guilty that they will have to serve a custodial sentence (i.e. a term of imprisonment).
Australia’s criminal law system operates on the basis of the presumption of innocence. That is, all accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.
This however needs to be balanced with the need to keep the community safe particularly in the circumstances of a person who is accused of, and on its face, there is evidence
to support, a serious offence or offences. The risk of a decision maker refusing bail is that if an accused is ultimately found not guilty or the charges against them are dismissed then an innocent person will have been detained without cause.
In New South Wales an accused essentially has two chances to apply for bail.
The first is right at the beginning of the criminal law process, usually before a Local Court Magistrate.
If a Magistrate refuses bail, an accused can elevate the matter to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and make a second bail application. Ordinarily, if the second application also fails a person will not receive bail and will be detained for the duration of their criminal law proceedings.
This can be a matter of months, or sometimes years.
An accused who is granted bail usually has to agree to meet certain conditions and/or observe restrictions.
This can include things like residing in a fixed address, refraining from certain behaviour like drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, submitting to a curfew, only leaving their place of residence for a particular purpose and reporting regularly to Police in person at a Police Station.
MAN CHARGED OVER CHILD ABUSE
The Australian Federal Police has charged a Kingswood man with allegedly abusing a child to produce child abuse material.
The AFP Child Protection Operations team charged the man earlier this month after executing a search warrant at his home.
Police allegedly identified the man following a report from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about an Australian user transmitting child abuse material online.
The AFP will allege the man abused a child known to him and produced and uploaded child abuse material to online forums.
The man was arrested and charged with four counts of aggravated use of a child under 14 years to make child abuse material, contrary to section 91G(3) of the Crimes Act
1900 (NSW); one count of sexually touching a child under 10, contrary to section 66DA(a) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW); and one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalties for the offences are 20 years, 16 years and 15 years’ imprisonment respectively.
The man did not apply for bail when he appeared in the Parramatta Local Court and was remanded in custody.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said producing child abuse material was an abhorrent crime.
“These children are real people and not commodities to be used for the grotesque gratification of predators,” Fogarty said.
with Daniel McKinnon
GO PENRITH PANTHERS
Pick up a limited-edition poster from Council’s Civic a bookmark from Council libraries to show your support for the Penrith Panthers.
Council Briefs
● There is even more to enjoy along the Nepean River with the latest stage of Regatta Park now open!
A new shared path connecting Regatta Park to the Bridge-tothe playspace, central staircase leading to the river foreshore, and landscaped open space on the eastern side of the park are ready to enjoy.
• Lot 5 DP 1302469, 7 Edgewater Drive, Glenmore Park Two-storey dwelling Administration Contact Centre Open
yoursaypenrith.com.au/regatta-park
● the school holidays.
penrith.city/events
● the people who are making a difference in Penrith.
Penrith a special place to live and whose spirit of generosity has changed the lives of others.
penrith.city/local-celebration-awards
Public Notice
Section 38B Roads Act 1993 – Proposed Road Closing Roads Act 1993, notice is
Schedule 1
Unsealed portion of road reserve, facing Prince Street (and the in red.
council@penrith.city, within
For all enquiries: laura.gray@penrith.city
Development Consent/s Determined
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Approved Development Applications
• Lot 7 SP 19924, 7/36 Peachtree Road, Penrith
• Lot 246 DP 1281686, 22 Major Tomkins Parade, Werrington
• Lot 186 DP 14333, 45 Orth Street, Kingswood
Link Wentworth celebrates 40 years of providing safe housing
Ahousing provider has this week celebrated a major milestone as they continue to provide safe housing for 10,000 people.
Link Wentworth staff and residents gathered at Penrith Bowling Club this week to acknowledge 40 years of providing safe and secure housing for those in need.
The not-for-profit manages 6,400 homes across Sydney and has 700 of those in Penrith, while also providing support services for people to sustain their tenancies and grow in their personal lives.
As NSW faces a housing crisis, Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said they will continue to work to provide accessible housing for those in need.
“40 is big, and we haven’t always had 10,000 people living in our homes,” McAnulty said.
“We started from very humble beginnings with a volunteer board and volunteer staff but there is a housing crisis in NSW, and we are doing our best and trying to play our
part and it’s important that we raise awareness.
“So, as well as having around a 100 of our residents [at the celebration] we’ve also got people from Council, people from State Government and some of our partners and we want to say, ‘[It’s] fantastic what we’ve all been involved in the last 40 years, but we can do more, and we want to
Dev. Consent/s Determined (cont.)
• Tempo Living Pty Ltd
DA24/0602
Lot 33 DP 1299774, 8 Depot Circuit, Werrington
Two-storey dwelling
• Sunny Yu
DA24/0160
Lot 813 DP 818233, 39–41 Grays Lane, Cranebrook
Detached secondary dwelling and OSSM System
• The Trustee for Stimson & DA24/0194 Baker Unit Trust
Lot 11 DP 525103, 34–36 Preston Street, Jamisontown
Use of industrial unit complex as community facility and place of public worship including related internal building works
• GPT Platform Pty Ltd
Mod24/0108
Lot 23 DP 258414 and Lot 24 DP 258414, 771–781 Mamre Road, Kemps Creek
earthworks (including the realignment of a creek
updating the approved site plan for warehouse 2 showing correct driveway details
• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills DA23/0969 Unit Trust
Lot 6 DP 1344, Lot 7 DP 1344, Lot 9 DP 1344, Lot 14
DP 1344, Lot 15 DP 1344, Lot 16 DP 1344, Lot 17
DP 1344, Lot 36 DP 1344, Lot 37 DP 1344, Lot 8
DP 1344, Lot 2 DP 1302831, Lot 9 DP 1302833 and Lot 10 DP 1302833 , 114 Caddens Road, Orchard Hills
do more’. We are really looking forward to the next 40 years.”
One resident of Link Wentworth, Mary Conyard, said the extra support the organisation has given helped her to grow in confidence.
“They’ve spoilt me rotten… I got a letter inviting me to join the TAG group (Tenants Advisory Group) and do a course,” Conyard said.
“So, I decided why not? I’ve got the time… I thought I needed something a little bit different, so I thought ‘Why not?’ I live in housing, and I may as well know what is going on.
“From there, it has just opened up doors, it’s challenged me, it’s put me out of my box… it’s given me opportunities to get me out of
Integrated Development for Torrens title subdivision of 1 lot (Lot 10) into 87 residential lots and 2 residue
and associated civil works
• Salwa Yousif DA23/0857
College Street, Cambridge Park
Demolition of existing structures and construction of 10 x town houses (containing 8 x 2-bedroom and 2 x 3-bedroom units) with associated landscaping and drainage works and Strata title subdivision
Refused Development Applications
• The Trustee for Hsem Holdings Trust DA24/0493 Lot 4 DP 718232, 1 Water Street, Wallacia Fencing
• Western Sydney University C/- Higgins Planning Mod24/0031
Lot 1 DP 1268507, UWS Great Western Highway, Kingswood to amend Development Consent DA17/0995
development within the notice and determination and amend Condition (1)
Integrated Development
Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith City Council.
my comfort zone. It’s nice, where even though I was always busy and doing stuff, this has made things different, without it encroaching on my personal ethics and it’s given me a voice as well.”
Another resident, Christy Villarroel, shared that Link Wentworth helped her family out of a tough time.
“I was leaving a domestic violence relationship, and I ended up in emergency accommodation,” Villarroel said.
“So, we got offered a place in Ryde, a little one-bedroom property in Ryde and it was a bit too small for me and my two kids, so eventually we got a place in Cranebrook.
“Since then, we have got a lot of great opportunities with Link Wentworth.
“Me and my two kids got scholarships, and I spoke at Parliament house on behalf of Link Wentworth too.
“They’ve helped me a lot. It’s an honour to be here celebrating.”
If you or someone you know needs help, pop into the Link Wentworth office on Station Street in Penrith or visit www.linkwentworth.org.au.
• Proust & Gardner Consulting Pty Ltd DA24/0681
Lot 200 DP 1157160, 19 Silkwood Avenue; Lot 60 DP 1241192, 21 Silkwood Avenue; Lot 58 DP 1241192, 23 Pandorea Street; Lot 59 DP 1241192, 18 Pandorea Street; and Lot 317 DP 1175879, 8 Raintree Street, Claremont Meadows
Torrens title subdivision of 5 lots into 7 lots
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW
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 from Monday 30 September 2024 to Sunday 13 October 2024.
relation to the Development Application. Where a submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0681.
For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact James Heathcote on 4732 8378.
Viewing of Development Applications
The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker will be able to assist with your enquiries.
Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts
disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Christy Villarroel. Photos: Melinda Jane.
Andrew McAnulty and Mary Conyard.
EMILY CHATE
Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.
cupboard prize
It’s time to take another look at tea.
We have, arguably, the best cups of coffee in the world in Australia so we haven’t needed to look beyond. But our love of tea has slowly been creeping up with golden turmeric lattes, chai and of course, English Breakfast. It is time to give tea some long overdue love, but it has to earn it and like coffee, it is all about the quality and the smoothness of the drink! Now the perfect cup of tea is making its way to our shores and stores with the launch of 96° teas.
96˚ is a collection of only the finest quality black, green and herbal teas from around the world. They understand the love, care and knowledge that goes into high-quality tea and that it shows in every delicious sip. The tea is packed in large pyramid-shaped tea bags to allow the leaves to unfurl and release the full
paceway winners lucky
Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
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-
complexity of flavours. These are then sealed in individual air-tight envelopes to preserve the freshness of the tea (tea easily absorbs other smells).
Initially launching in Coles with four varieties – Chamomile, Chinese Green, English Breakfast and Mint teas – this premium quality tea promises to deliver the perfect cup of tea every time and priced at $10 for 20 tea bags, it is great value for the quality.
The Weekender has two prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Tea’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, October 6 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.
way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!
This week’s lucky winners are: 0111, 0428, 1022
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 large golden statue is located at the entrance of delicious restaurant Thai Thae, located near Coles at Westfield Penrith.
The Weekender is up for two awards at this week’s Mumbrella Publish Awards. Good luck to those nominated and let’s hope they bring home the trophies!
Anew collaboration between The Royce, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), and the Talent Development Project (TDP), has culminated in a special event wherein Penrith Panthers great Royce Simmons was presented with a song inspired by his life story.
The collaboration, an initiative called ‘Music and Memories’, aims to connect people with dementia with young singer-songwriters, who produce original music based on the life stories of participants.
According to Dr Craig Sinclair, Senior Research Scientist at NeuRA, the idea came about from his own background as a musician, inspiring him to do more research into the relationship between music and people.
“I love music, and I’ve always found that it’s brought me wellbeing, and that’s a really strong experience that lots of us face through our lives,” he said.
“For myself, as a scientist, and being very interested in conditions that impact on the brain, when we can see things that are available to everyone, like music, which can impact positively on our brains, that’s just such a wonderful thing to explore further.”
TDP Artistic Director and NeuRA Ambassador Peter Cousens said that he was keen to jump on board, due to the exciting prospect
of bringing a greater purpose to music, and using the young artists’ skills for good.
“Music, and musicians and art have a role to play in society that is essential, and directed in the right way, it can have extraordinary influence, and be a fantastic support for good,” he said.
“In pondering and contemplating the relationship that the Talent Development Project could have with NeuRA, what we had
to offer was extraordinary singer-songwriters – people who could take a subject and turn it into a piece of music that would be profoundly effective, beautiful, funny, exciting, thrilling, moving. That was our job.”
As part of the initiative, which began earlier this year, these singer-songwriters would create songs which bring out the essence of their subjects by conducting interviews with the person and those around them, and look-
ing at photos and other memories.
Two of these were The Royce residents Ann Aboud and May Martin.
Bianca Tulich said she was excited for these residents, and The Royce, to be involved in an initiative that not only fosters relationships, but furthers research.
“At The Royce, fostering connections is at the core of everything we do, and we are delighted to be a part of this program,” she said.
At last Thursday’s event, held at Café Royce, songs written by Jordyn Richards for Aboud and by Sam Green for Martin were performed. A new song written by Green for Royce Simmons was also performed for the first time.
Garnering emotional reactions from many, Cousens said he hopes that the songs, and the initiative as it continues, will have a significant impact on the lives of many.
“We hope that these songs [are produced] in such a way that, for their loved ones, as the person who they once knew disappears, they are able to hold onto this song, and as years go by, we hope that these songs will always encapsulate these loved ones, in a similar way, I suspect that a photo or a video does,” he said.
Sinclair said that NeuRA is involved in research in many sectors, and will continue to do so moving forward.
For more information, visit www.neura.edu. au.
Singer-songwriter Sam Green performing the song he wrote for Royce Simmons.
CASSIDY PEARCE
Approval for new homes
Subdivision approved at Orchard Hills North as new community
comes together
Nearly 90 new homes will be delivered after plans were given the green light by Penrith City Council.
The approved subdivision is set to cost $7.7 million and will see 87 new homes built after Council approved a bid to further subdivide the Orchard Hills North area.
The house blocks on offer are expected to vary in sizes.
“The proposed residential lots vary in size between 300m squared and 724m squared,” the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the Development Application (DA) said.
The approved subdivision will mark the first stage of residential land releases as Council looks to boost the area’s housing supply to meet demand.
In total Orchard Hills North is set to deliver 1,729 new homes and accommodate 5,400 residents who are expected to be living in the area by 2036.
“The residential subdivision fulfils the envisaged character of the area and provides for development that is envisaged for the area. Additionally, this development helps achieve Council’s housing targets,” the SEE said.
Along with the new homes the precinct will deliver a village centre, new roads, parks and other open spaces, and potentially a school.
“The intent of the precinct is to create a new residential development… whilst also creating new infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and employment opportunities, to support the new community,” the SEE said.
Upon completion the precinct will be serviced by the Orchard Hills Metro Station,
which is due to open in 2026 alongside the new airport.
“The future Orchard Hills Metro Station will be located within 2km to the east of the site and is anticipated to be fully functional from 2026. The closest train station currently is St Marys Train Station to the north-east
of the site. The site will also benefit from its proximity to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis located approximately 14km south of the site,” the SEE said.
Submission for further subdivision for stages two and three have been submitted and are awaiting approval.
Work is already beginning on the approved site. Photo: Melinda Jane. EMILY
Young firefighters are Champions of NSW
Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade is celebrating its youngest team members who took out the title of State Champions.
Earlier this month, six junior members headed down to Albury to compete in the 26th NSW Rural Fire Service State Championships where they competed against nine other junior teams in an effort to test their leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills through a series of different grass, bush and structural fire scenarios, and ultimately took out the title.
16-year-old Junior Crew Leader Emily Filewood said the key to the win was teamwork.
“There was eight events we had to do as a team,” Filewood said.
“A lot of it was thinking on our feet and working as a team. There was six of us that were working together and it was quite fun actually.
“It was all trying to think on our feet and using the skills that we had learnt here from all of our mentors.
“So, how we could do something quick and also trying to be safe.”
There is about 30 cadets at the Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade and of the six cadets chosen to go to the competition, Filewood was selected to lead the team.
“It was a lot of responsibility, but I think it kind of just washes over your head at times with all the adrenaline, but it’s what you have to do,” Filewood said.
“We all did it together.
“I couldn’t have done it by myself.”
Deputy Captain and Cadet Coordinator Paul Bridgman said Filewood was chosen as crew leader after showing she had the skills needed for the job.
“With the crew leader one thing is you need to have the visual aspect of what the scenario is going to be and have the confidence,” he said.
“She obviously knows the skills and what’s required. Nerves were a bit high, I’m sure, but when you look at all the scenarios it could be you look for people to work to their strengths.
“Once a command is given the crew follows her instruction and she’s clear and boisterous which you need to be on the fire ground. That’s why she was chosen.”
The tasks of the two-day event
reflected the real work of a firefighter.
“At some of the events they deploy a hose out and discharge water to knock down a target then make it up or go through obstacles,” Bridgman said.
“So, there was quite a few different things they had to overcome.”
Bridgman said the whole Orchard Hills Brigade was excited for the junior team and their success at the event.
“I was stoked,” he said.
“We don’t thrive for this, we try to teach the kids to be firefighters first but the fact that their skill and ability can push them to this level is great for us.”
At 16-years-old, Filewood is now a qualified firefighter and is encouraging others to give it a go and chase their dreams.
“It’s something you don’t get the opportunity to do a lot, so if you get the opportunity just take it,” Filewood said.
Locals can visit the Orchard Hills Rural Fire Brigade Facebook page online to learn more about cadet opportunities or to join at www. facebook.com/OrchardHillsRuralFireBrigade.
Emily Filewood and Paul Bridgman holding some of the trophies they won at State Championships. Photo: Melinda Jane.
EMILY CHATE
Remembering little lives lost: Event returns to local hospital
Amemorial event will be held at Nepean Hospital for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day next month, allowing for those who have suffered the loss of a baby to come together and share some time with others who are grieving as well.
Chaplain Michael Turner said that the event has been held at the hospital for a number of years on October 15, the international day of remembrance. However, after it was cancelled during the pandemic, Turner said that numbers have been dwindling.
“For many years, we’ve been doing it at Nepean Hospital on the 15th of October, and it was always very well supported. Then, we stopped with COVID, and since COVID, it’s almost like people have thought we don’t do it anymore,” he said.
The day specifically encourages people to share their own personal stories – something which Turner admitted can be extremely difficult to do.
“There’s many families that suffer this terrible loss, whether it’s a miscarriage, or a stillbirth, or a SIDS death, or even the death of a newborn child. That’s deep grief and loss that a family has to struggle with, very often on their own,” he said.
“When you’ve suffered a loss like that, very often you don’t even want to tell your family, because you don’t want to upset anyone, they don’t want to upset you, and as a result, this deep pain is very much so kept inside.”
It’s for this reason that the event is such an important one on the hospital’s calendar each year.
“This international day that the hospital joined up with many years ago is just this opportunity for families who have experienced the loss during a pregnancy or the loss
of an infant, to publicly acknowledge and honour the grief that the parents and families go through,” he said.
“The day is about raising awareness about these sorts of losses that happen so much more than we think, and it encourages support for these effected families.”
Turner said that the event is generally around an hour long.
“It will be kicking off at 10am at the hospital, in building C, level three,” he said.
“We have some beautiful music, we have
some poems, we have one of the chaplains giving a talk this year. We’ve got a lady playing some beautiful harp music this year which is really nice. There’s opportunity for prayer, and reflection.”
It also allows for attendees to participate in an initiative called the Butterfly Tree.
“All the names of the children that have been lost through our hospital that have passed, the parents get to write their name on a butterfly and bring it up and place it on this beautiful butterfly tree that we have,” he said.
Turner said he’s hoping to encourage those who need it to come out on the day.
“Some of the worst aspects of this is families know that someone’s had a loss, and it’s never mentioned. That child who’s been named, who was dreamed about, who they had the schooling planned and wondered what sports they’d play, this very special member of the family they were expecting suddenly isn’t there, and nobody wants to say the name of that child, because they don’t want to upset anyone,” he said.
“That’s what I love about a day like this – you don’t have to do that. There are no secrets here. It’s safe to feel what you’re feeling, to talk about what you’re feeling, and you get to do that with people who have experienced a similar grief and loss, and that can provide a lot of comfort for people who are up to that at the time.”
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day will be held next month.
CASSIDY PEARCE
Get ready for the HSC
Western Sydney University offers complimentary online sessions to prepare students
Western Sydney University (WSU) is offering Year 12 students the opportunity to participate in their free online HSC study sessions as they prepare for their upcoming exams.
Starting on Monday, September 30 to Friday, October 4, WSU will be offering 24 sessions across 15 key HSC subject areas which will give students the chance to sit practice exams and deconstructions with feedback and advice from experts.
HSC subject areas covered in this year’s free study sessions will include Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Community and Family Studies, Economics, English (Advanced), English (Standard), Geography, Legal Studies, Mathematics (Advanced), Mathematics (Standard 2), Modern History, PDHPE, Physics and Studies of Religion 1.
Recent Prairiewood High School graduate Danny Saadeh attended WSU’s free online HSC study sessions in preparation for his HSC exams and said they were informative and easily accessible from his
study area at home.
“Western’s HSC study sessions were extremely helpful as they provided valuable insights, study strategies and helpful resources that allowed me to understand complex subjects and feel more confident prior to the exams,” Saadeh said.
“I understand that senior years of high school can be stressful, so take care of yourself and utilise available resources like the HSC study sessions.”
The sessions will be led by qualified senior teachers and experienced HSC markers who will lead
the students in sessions including content analysis, learning tips and strategies and a detailed exploration of key syllabus and curriculum areas.
Director of Future Student Engagement at WSU, Sophie Partridge said the free study sessions are example
of WSU’s commitment to educational success and support of the young people in the community.
“Western’s HSC study sessions are designed to help HSC students achieve their best possible results by preparing and empowering them for the exams ahead,” she said.
“This means they can go into their exams with confidence knowing that they are on the front foot and feeling less overwhelmed.
“We know that the coming months are going to be huge for Year 12 students across the state, as they near the culmination of their schooling and make plans for their futures.
“Western is here to encourage all Year 12 students in our region to unlock their potential, as education transforms lives and communities.”
WSU’s HSC study sessions are offered in partnership with leading education services provider InspirationED, with their team of highly qualified HSC teachers and experienced markers to deliver the sessions.
To register for the sessions or view the schedule, visit www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/ events/free-hsc-study-sessions.
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Students can partake in free online HSC study sessions at WSU.
Bennett Road Public school was established in 1961 to service the growing suburb of St Marys, and the expansion of Erskine Park and St Clair.
Bennett Road and the schoool get their names from the Bennett brothers, James William and George Thomas, who established their successful wagon building businesses in St Marys, and operated there for 94 years.
The school is on the corner of Bennett and Desborough Roads, another reminder of the district’s history. In 1918, Bertha, the daughter of James Bennett, married Harry Desborough who worked in the family business, and whose family ran a tannery on the road later named to honour their enterprise.
Bennett wagons are on display in St Marys in South Creek.
Pictured is the Bennett Road Public School kindergarten class of 1976.
– Terry Gallaway
Δ Favourite treat drops sugar: Frosty Fruits has released a new treat ahead of summer – and its big sell is less sugar. The new Frosty Fruits Tropical 50 Per Cent Less Sugar offers the same zingy tropical burst of flavour Aussies know and love, now with half the sugar, giving you a refreshing treat option without compromising on taste or fun. Frosty Fruits Tropical 50 Per Cent Less Sugar joins the existing Frosty Fruits range including Tropi-
GM’s Message
The weekly views of Penrith’s General Manager
Celebrating Penrith’s Paralympians
The exciting 2024 Paris Paralympics wrapped up earlier this month with the games featuring some of Penrith’s most inspirational athletes. Either through birth, residency, school, training or club membership, they represented Penrith proudly on the world stage.
After contracting glandular fever in May, Penrith’s Paralympic superstar James Turner defied the odds by breaking the world record and securing gold in the Men’s 400m T36 event! He also achieved another gold medal in the Men’s 100m T36 event. James now has an incredible four individual Paralympic gold medals to his name and was also selected as the Closing Ceremony Flag Bearer. An enormous congratulations to James!
Amanda Reid, Penrith’s proud Indigenous woman and now a three-time Paralympian won gold in the Women’s C1-3 500m Time Trial in the Para-cycling competition in Paris! The Penrith community is extremely proud of her and
cal, Watermelon and Fruit Stack flavours. It’s available now in supermarkets.
Δ Classic returns: The original ‘90s cult classic premix – Sub Zero – has been reimagined for a new generation. Exactly 30 years since Sub Zero’s launch in 1994, Carlton & United Breweries has listened to drinkers and released Australia’s first zero sugar cola and vodka drink, Sub Zero Alcoholic Cola. This
her amazing result on the track. A huge congratulations to Amanda!
While he no longer resides in Penrith after relocating to Queensland, Erik Horrie won bronze in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls in the Para Rowing event in Paris. Erik trained at the International Regatta Centre for many years. Now adding another medal to his previous three silver medals at 44 years of age – well done Eric!
Another huge congratulations is extended to Ella Jones (Swimming), Paige Leonhardt (Swimming) and Jonathon Milne (Para-archery) who also competed in Paris and represented Penrith at the Paralympics!
Congratulations to our Penrith Paralympians and we applaud and celebrate these latest examples of sporting success in connection with our City.
Council will recognise all local Olympic and Paralympic athletes at a civic reception later this year.
ANDREW MOORE General Manager
LOOKING FOR A PAPER?
Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?
Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.
icon of good times and great nights has been reim agined for Gen Z and will capitalise on the enduring popularity of alcoholic cola drinks among Aussie adults.
Δ Tasty touch of magic: Kinder is bringing a touch of magic to Australian shores with its new Harry Potter Funko POP! collection, which includes 16 figurines and accessories. Fans can now enjoy the delicious taste of Kinder Joy while discovering the new range, which features Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and other iconic characters, along with pencil toppers, sticky notes and bookmarks. The newest addition to the Kinder collection offers parents a fun way to add joy to their kids’ day and share the global phenomenon with a new generation of witches and wizards. Housed in the iconic Kinder egg shape that Australian families know and love, one half of the egg contains a delicious treat made of two layers of milky sweet creams topped with two crispy wafer bites filled with cocoa cream, and the other half of the egg holds an exciting toy.
field Penrith, on the ground level near
Cakes and coffee: Andrus Bakes & Cafe will open soon at Westfield Penrith, in the spot recently vacated by The Coffee Club. Presented by Plaza favourite Jack Little, it will be the perfect place for a delicate or filling big breakfast, a satisfying lunch or for your afternoon pickme-up. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Δ Dymocks returns: There’s good news for book lovers in Penrith, with Dymocks making a comeback. The Penrith store closed in 2021 but will open again soon inside West-
Δ Business as usual: Penrith-born paint and sip business Pinot & Picasso has entered Voluntary Administration. The company’s studios – including its Penrith location – will continue to operate while the company goes through a restructure process. There are seven company-owned studios across the country and 42 franchise stores. Seven redundancies have taken place.
property market leaders
Morton Real Estate, established in Penrith in 2016 under the leadership of Joint Managing Director Ewan Morton, is thrilled to announce their latest achievement.
Originally focused on offices throughout Sydney City, Ewan saw immense potential in the growing landscape of Penrith and set up a small kiosk office with founding staff member and Senior Sales Agent David Lipman.
Over the past eight years, Morton has steadily expanded its presence in Penrith, driven by a strong client-focused approach and a commitment to cultivating longterm relationships.
This dedication has paid off, as Morton Penrith is now ranked as the number one agency for both sales and property management in the area. The team is absolutely thrilled to have just won the Local Business Awards for the second year in a row.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and loyalty of our clients. We are incredibly grateful for their trust in us, and for being part of our journey,” said Belinda Martin, Senior Property Manager Team Leader.
David Lipman, Senior Sales Agent, added, “Morton understands that property is about people. We have a strong focus on maintaining the
human element in every interaction between staff, clients and suppliers, contributing to the community around us.”
Morton’s commitment to the community is evident in their sponsorship and organisation of a free community BBQ on the last Thurs-
day of every month for the residents of Thornton. This event ignites connections, fosters well-being and creates a vibrant neighbourhood. At the end of the night, additional trays of cooked food are delivered to the Penrith Community Kitchen.
Looking ahead, Morton is excited to continue building its presence in the community, fostering strong relationships and contributing to local growth and development.
People are at the heart of Morton’s business, and as they continue to expand, they are calling out for client-facing individuals who are seeking a rewarding career in real estate to join their dynamic team.
“At Morton Real Estate, we are big fans of Penrith and the surrounding area. There is so much opportunity, and we are excited to be part of it,” said Ewan Morton, who was recently awarded REINSW’s most prestigious honour, the Woodrow Weight Award.
If you are interested in joining the dedicated team, please scan the QR code below for more information. Morton looks forward to welcoming passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference in the community and grow with them. Visit www.morton.com.au.
PENRITH CITY LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS
This year’s Penrith City Local Business Awards was a sparkling spectacular that provided a fitting finale to the annual event.
This year’s winners exchanged exuberant hugs while cheers filled the room as they made their way to the stage on Wednesday, September 11.
Awards founder and Precedent Productions Managing Director Steve Loe said the evening was an exciting culmination to a successful awards program.
“The Local Business Awards recognise the vital role business people play in the lives of their communities,” he said this week.
“The presentation evening not only sees the announcement of the category winners but is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all the finalists.
“We had a sell-out crowd that included our finalists, their families and staff, as
well as our sponsors and local dignitaries, who helped to present awards to the winners.”
The Western Weekender captured all the excitement as the finalists in each category were announced, complete with images on the big screen, followed by huge cheers as the winners’ names were read out and they took to the stage to claim their trophies.
“The winners’ speeches are always heartfelt and emotional,” Loe said.
“This year was no exception.”
As official media partner for the Penrith City Local Business Awards, the The Western Weekender today publishes a winners’ feature, that recognises all category winners from the presentation evening earlier this month.
“Of course, the awards are only possible with the support of major sponsors NOVA Employment, SCB Legal and support sponsors, Westfield Penrith, White Key Marketing, Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Nepean Regional Security, Bx Networking, Penrith Homemaker Centre, Southlands Shopping Centre and Nepean Village,” Loe said.
“Their involvement proves their commitment to their community and the businesses that thrive there.”
Loe also thanked Western Sydney Conference Centre for the high quality food and service it provided.
“Thanks to them it was a five-star occasion,” he said.
“I would also like to acknowledge the incredible entertainment on the evening and our fabulous Jeremiah Hartmann who kept the evening flowing smoothly.”
Businesses can register for the 2025 Local Business Awards at www.thebusinessawards.com.au.
For more information about the Local Business Awards program, call Precedent Productions on 8363 3333.
Penrith City Local Business Awards
Imperial Hair Studio took out Outstanding Hairdresser.
Garth Butler from Penrith Toyota.
PENRITH WINNERS
CATEGORY WINNER
Antiques, Art, Cr afts & Gifts
Automotive Servic es
Bak ery / Cak e Busines s
Beauty Servic es
Business of the Year
Business Person of the Year
But cher / Delica te s sen
Caf e
Dental Servic es
Disability Support Servic es
Early Childhood Centre
E ducation Servic e
Fa s t F ood /Tak e away
Fitness Servic es
Floris t
Fruit & Vegetable Shop
Hair dr esser
Health Impr ov ement Servic es
Heirloom Body Car e
P enrith City Tyr es &
P oles Patisserie - Nepean Village
Beauty Room Penrith
St ev o’ s Plumbing Servic es
Bentle y’ s War dr obes and Kit chens
Gourmet Meat Compan y Fibonac ci Coffee
Southlands Shopping Centre
Bella Dental Penrith
Z enn Ability
Emp ow er Early Learning Gr oup
H & I Safety and Tr aining
P anthers Pizza & K ebabs
24 -7 Fitness Penrith
Beautiful Blooms Flor al Boutique
Trims Fr esh - Westfield Penrith
Imperial Hair Studio
Associat ed Ps y chology Pr actic e
CATEGORY WINNER
Home Based Busines s
Home Furnitur e & Furnishings
J ew ellery S to re
Most Inlcusive Empl oye r
Ne w & Used Mot or
Ne w Busines s
P erforming Arts
P et Car e
Pharmac y
Pr ofessional Services
Real Estate Agenc y Restaurant
Servic e & Tr ade
Sole Oper ator
Specialised Busines s
Specialised Retail
Tourism & Experienc es
Youth Awa rd
To wns Con v ey ancing Servic es
OZ Design Furnitur e
P enrith Homemak er Centre
P enrith J ew ellery Workshop
We s tfield Penrith
P enrith Party Hire
P enrith Toy ota
Topshelf Car e & Support
P enrith Ph y sical Cultur e Club
Or char d Hills Vet erinary Hospital
Cinc otta Disc ount Chemis t
P enrith
We s tside Con v ey ancing
Mort on Real Estate Penrith
P oppiT ino
St ev o’ s Plumbing Servic es
El eva t e Car eer Servic es
Sy dne y Solv ents
T hink Water West ern Water Syst ems iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Cafe at L ew ers
THINK WA TER
RETAIL BUSINESS
Think Water - Western Water Systems is a locally owned and operated pump and irrigation business with over 20 years of dedicated ser vice to the Penrith community Specialising in irrigation, pumps and filtration systems we take pride in our long-standing commitment to excellence.
Being honoured as a winner in the Penrith Local Business Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the loyalty of our customers and the hard work of our exceptional staff. This recognition highlights our ongoing dedication to providing top-quality ser vice and solutions tailored to the needs of our community
We extend our hear tfelt gratitude to everyone who has suppor ted us on this journey.
A: SHOP 3 100 OLD BATHURST ROAD, EMU PLAINS
P: 4735 4288 | W: THINKWATER.COM.AU/WWS
MORT ON REAL ES TA TE PENRITH
2024 WINNER REAL ES TA TE A GENCY
W e ar e deeply honour ed t o r eceiv e the 2024 L ocal Business Aw ar d f or Outst anding Real Est at e Agenc y.
At Mor t on P enrith, people ar e at the hear t of e ve r ything w e do . T his aw ar d is a t est ament t o the trust and suppor t of our incr edible clients the dedication of our passionat e t eam, and the vibr ant comm unity w e ar e privileged t o ser ve
W e ar e pr of oundly gr at eful f or the oppor tunity t o contribut e t o the gr o wth and w ell-being of P enrith, and w e look f orw ar d t o contin uing our journey t ogether
T hank y ou f or allo wing us t o be a par t of y our liv es and f or this r emark able r ecognition. LB A 2024
A: 5/86 HENR Y STREET, PENRITH
P: 1300 858 221 | W: MORT ON.COM.A U
PENRITH CITY TYRES & AU T OMO TIVE
2024 WINNER
AU T OMO TIVE SER VICES
Here at PCTA, we’re dedicated to providing the Penrith community with superior vehicle servicing repairs and modi cations with unmatched customer service and integrity
With a full service tyre and automotive workshop coupled with our dedicated Offroad centre, we’re able to assist with your most common vehicle servicing requirements through to cutting-edge modi cations for 4WD and adventure enthusiasts
We would like to say a very big thank you to our loyal customers for their support over the years as we celebrate our win in the Local Business Awards Without you, it wouldn’t be possible and it inspires us to continue working hard for our community!
A: 25-27 HENR Y STREET, PENRITH P: 4722 3655 | W: PCT A.COM.A U
HEIRL OOM BOD Y C ARE
2024 WINNER
, ART, CRAFT & GIFTS
Heirloom Body Car e is thrilled be honour ed with the pr estigious L ocal Small Business Aw ar d f or Antiques , Ar ts and Cr afts & Gifts! T his r ecognition r ef lects our dedication t o supplying high-quality natur al skincar e ingr edients that nourish both the body and the en vir onment. Our mission has alw ays been t o pr o vide our comm unity with ef f ectiv e, eco-friendly solutions that pr omot e w ellness and self-car e. W inning this aw ar d is incr edibly exciting f or our t eam! It v alidat es the har d w ork and passion w e’ v e pour ed int o our pr oducts and our commitment t o sust ainability W e ar e gr at eful t o our l oya l cust omers and the local comm unity f or their suppor t . T his achiev ement motiv at es us t o contin ue inn ov ating and enhancing our of f erings . T hank y ou f or believing in us — her e’s t o man y mor e milest ones t ogether!
A: UNIT 9, 28 COOMBES DRIVE, PENRITH P: 4722 2123 | W: HEIRL OOMBOD YC ARE.COM.A U
BEA UTY ROOM PENRITH
2024 WINNER BEA UTY SER VICES
My t eam and I ar e so honor ed t o be the winner of the 2024 Best Beauty Ser vice in P enrith!
W e ar e bey ond excit ed and gr at eful t o r eceiv e this aw ar d . T hank y ou t o e ve ry one who has suppor t ed us ov er the past 13 y ears—our l oya l clients our amazing t eam, and the local comm unity. T his r ecognition means so m uch, and w e couldn’ t hav e done it without each of y ou.
We ’v e w ork ed har d t o pr o vide the best in Lashes Br ow s , Tans , W axing, and F acial s, and it’s an honor t o see that w ork r ecognized . T hank y ou f or trusting us with all y our beauty needs , w e can’ t w ait t o contin ue ser ving P enrith in our Beautiful Salon.
Her e’s t o another amazing y ear ahead! If y our not alr eady fo llo w our inst agr am @beautyr oompenrith t o k eep up t o dat e with the lat est on of fe r.
T han ky ou fr om Alicia and the t eam at Beauty Room P enrith
A: SKIPTONS ARCADE, SHOP 11, 541 HIGH ST, PENRITH
P: 4732 5525 | W: BEAUTYROOMPENRITH.COM.AU
CA TESSEN
T he t eam at Gourmet Meat Compan y w ould lik e t o say a h uge thank y ou t o the P enrith and surr ounding comm unities f or y our ongoing suppor t. And if y ou hav en’ t popped b y y et, y ou need t o!
We ’r e a specialised wholesaler of f ering high quality, hand-select ed beef pork, lamb and poultr y, including specialised cuts and game meat, t o industr y and the gener al public. W e st ock e ve r ything fr om Gr ain F ed and Gr ass F ed meats t o house-made sausages and chef-pr epar ed r eady meals We ’r e all about health and co nv enience, so or der online and w e can deliv er
Congr atulations t o our t eam f or the r ecognition of their incr edible w ork, and thanks again P enrith!
Check out this w eek’s specials at www .gourmetmeatcompan y.com.au
On behalf of Gr ant and his t eam at Bentley’s Wa rd r obes & Kitchens w e w ould lik e t o thank our clients suppliers and f amily f or all their suppor t ov er the past 10 y ears
It is an incr edible honour t o be r ecognised as P enrith’s Business P erson of the Year
Bentley’s Wa rd r obes & Kitchens specialise in Kitchens Wa rd r obes & Bespok e Joiner y and ar e so pr oud of our business and its gr o wth ov er the last f e w y ears , including our new sho wr oom locat ed on P eachtr ee Road displaying our stunning kitchens and w ar dr obes Congr atulations t o all the W inners and thank y ou f or y our suppor t!
A: 44 PEA CHTREE RO AD , PENRITH
PIZZA
When the calendars show Milennials or Genaration Y was born year 1980 we were born as well. Our aim was to be the best Pizza and Kebab shop in the town. After 40 years, we are proud of becoming and sustaining our family business as the best one in the town. We always strive to understand our community needs, and in addition, we improve ourselves by taking recommendations/feedback of our customers on a regular basis We believe that our customers are crucial par t of our continuous improvement process While we act professionally for reaching best quality and our motive is ver y simple – to satisfy our customers by providing the best quality of food. There is a mutual trust between us and our customers During COVID times we built our own app to be competitive in the market rather than paying high commissions to service providers We do work with other service providers such as foodhub Uber eats Doorash and Menulog who provide the home deliver y to our customers
2024 WINNER DISABILITY SER VICES
Zenn Ability w as f ormed with a vision t o deliv er person-centr ed car e suppor ts that ar e t ailor ed t o meet the needs of each person living with a disability or ment al health, so our P ar ticipants can liv e lif e t o the fullest.
Zenn Ability is a leading r egist er ed NDIS ser vice pr o vider in the ment al health and disabilities sect or W e ar e in-home suppor t specialist. W e also of f er in-centr e and comm unity gr oup outings t o suppor t our par ticipants with capacity building, social engagement, comm unity par ticipation and building lif e skills
It f eels amazing t o win our cat egor y in the L ocal Small Business Aw ar ds We ’r e truly honour ed and h umbled t o be r ecognised in our comm unity f or the w ork w e do It’s incr edibly r ewar ding t o kno w that our ef fo r ts hav e made a positiv e impact. We ’r e gr at eful f or this r ecognition and the suppor t w e’ v e r eceiv ed fr om our amazing Pa r ticipants and comm unity
A: 18 EVAN STREET, PENRITH
P: 1300 999 366 | W: ZENNABILITY.COM.A U
EDU CA TIONAL SER VICES
Since 2014 H&I Saf ety & Tr aining has been the leading pr o vider of W orkplace Health and Saf ety Tr aining f or Tier 1-5 w ork ers acr oss civil, construction, building maint enance, f acilities and asset management industries
W e maint ain a highly experienced and fully accr edit ed t eam of industr y tr ainers ser vicing NSW QLD, VIC , and the AC T.
H&I specialises in Civil Construction ear thmo ving High Risk , T r anspor t tr aining, Plant machiner y inspections plant specif ic Risk Assessments and Saf e W ork Method St at ements f or machiner y.
W e underst and the impor t ance of pr actical f acet o-f ace tr aining and pr o vide our cust omers with r eal on-sit e experience at y our location, or w e can accommodat e y our t eam at our f acility Deliv ering ov er 50 tr aining courses all of which ar e nationally r ecognised.
A: 18-20 CO X AVENUE, KINGSW OOD P: 8610 5937 | W: HISAFETYANDTRAINING .COM.A U
LB A 2024
TO WNS CONVEYANCING SER VICES
2024 WINNER
HOME-B ASED BUSINESS
To wns Co nvey ancing Ser vices w as thrilled t o be one of eight Finalists at the L ocal Business Aw ar ds , celebr ating the night with anticipation and excit ement. When the winner w as announced — ”To wns Co nvey ancing Ser vices” — the t eam w as ov erj oy ed.
T he L ocal Business Aw ar ds r ecognise the impor t ant r ole businesses play in their comm unities , and To wns Co nvey ancing appr eciat es the platf orm t o gr o w its pr of ile.
Since st ar ting in 2012, the compan y has par ticipat ed in the aw ar ds , pr e viously winning Most Outst anding Home-Based Business in 2016. W inning again in 2024 is a t est ament t o their har d w ork, r esilience, and persist ence. To wns Co nvey ancing cr edits their dedicat ed t eam f or pr o viding exceptional ser vice and aims t o contin ue building pr of essional, ethical r elationships within the comm unity
THANK Y OU PENRITH!
IMPERIAL HAIR STUDIO
2024 WINNER HAIRDRESSER
At our salon, w e f ocus not only on cr afting beautiful hairstyles but also on cultiv ating a comm unity wher e e ve ry one f eels w elcomed, appr eciat ed, and emp owe r ed. Each client who ent ers our doors is embr aced with w armth and the pr omise of a tr ansf ormativ e experience. Our de vo t ed t eam of stylists is her e t o suppor t y ou, pr o viding t ailor ed advice and exper tise t o ensur e y ou leav e f eeling conf ident and r ejuv enat ed. W e hav e pr oudly ser v ed the P enrith comm unity f or sev en y ears I am truly gr at eful f or the st eadf ast suppor t y ou’ v e sho wn thr oughout this journe y. It’s an honor t o hav e cr eat ed a space that not only highlights stunning hair but also f ost ers meaningful connections with each of y ou. A hear tf elt thank y ou goes out t o m y incr edible t eam. Imperial Hair w ould not be what it is t oday without y our ener gy dedication, commitment, and passion; y ou truly bring jo y t o m y hear t . To our cherished P enrith comm unity—thank y ou! I v alue each and e ve r y one of y ou. No w, let’s celebr at e!
A: UNIT 9/37-47 BOREC RD , PENRITH P: 4707 7669 | W: IMPERIALHAIRSTUDIO .COM
2024 WINNER NEW BUSINESS
Topshelf Car e & Suppor t, an NDIS pr o vider of f ers ser vices in Suppor t Coor dination, Psychosocial Rec ove r y Coaching T her ap y Assist ance, and Shor t-Term Accommodation. W ith ov er 20 y ears of experience in the Comm unity Ser vices sect or the f ounder launched the business in Mar ch 2023 t o impr ove NDIS par ticipants’ suppor t. Ov er the past 18 months the y hav e emp owe r ed mor e than 70 par ticipants t o achiev e their NDIS goals and impr ov e their quality of lif e. T he business t ak es pride in deliv ering high-quality ser vice and suppor ting par ticipants thr oughout their NDIS journe y. Topshelf Car e & Suppor t looks f orw ar d t o expanding int o additional capacity-building ser vices W inning the aw ar d f or Most Outst anding New Business w as a surprise, but it holds gr eat meaning f or the t eam . T hey cr edit their success t o the trust and suppor t of their par ticipants without whom their w ork w ould not be possible.
A: SOUTH PENRITH P: 0435 354 889 | FB: T OPSHELF C ARE & SUPPORT
PENRITH JEWELLER Y W ORKSHOP
2024 WINNER JEWELLER Y ST ORE
We hav e managed to take out the 2024 P enrith L ocal Business Aw ards Most Outstanding Jew eller y S to re for the four th y ear in a row, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024!!!
What an honour to even be nominated again from our l oy al customers who hav e contin ued to suppor t us ov er the last 41 y ears; but to win four y ears in a ro w is v er y h umbling F or all those who vo ted for us thank y ou!
To our sta ff, it is y our dedication that contributed to our success thank y ou for all y ou do
We w ould also like to congratulate all the nominees & winners for being recognised in our local comm unity as the best in their field, it is such a great achievement.
A: WESTFIELD PENRITH, SHOP 203, LEVEL 2/585 HIGH ST, PENRITH P: 4732 3688 | W: PENRITHJEWELLERYWORKSHOP.COM.AU
2024 WINNER
NEW & USED MOTOR VEHICLES
P enrith Toyo t a has pr oudly ser v ed P enrith and its surr ounding ar eas f or ov er 30 y ears
Since 1980, our t eam has been dedicat ed t o pr o viding exceptional ser vice t o the P enrith r egion.
Our commitment t o quality spans ever y aspect of our oper ations , fr om new and pr e-o wned v ehicle sales t o par ts and accessor y sales , ser vice and administr ation, and f inance and insur ance options
A: 87/101 GREA T WESTERN HWY, KINGSW OOD
P: 4778 0099 | W: PENRITHT OYOT A.COM.A U
ORCHARD HILLS VETERINAR Y HOSPIT AL
2024 WINNER PET C ARE
As an independent, f amily-friendly pr actice and a pr emier small-animal ve t erinar y pr o vider in the gr eat er P enrith r egion, w e ar e committ ed to deliv ering af fo r dable, f irst-r at e sur gical and medical car e. Our dynamic t eam, led by D r. Camille Br andt, is composed of both seasoned pr of essionals and enth usiastic newcomers blending y ears of experience with inn ov ativ e thinking to o ff er personalised ser vice t ailor ed to the needs of our clients and their pets
We a re p r oud to maint ain str ong lasting connections with our comm unity and we a re committ ed to suppor ting and engaging with it as we g ro w. As we celebr at e this achiev ement, w e look f orw ar d to contin uing to exceed expect ations pr o viding exceptional car e to both new and l oy al clients f or y ears to come.
A: 49 WENTW ORTH RO AD ORCHARD HILLS P: 4736 2027 | W: ORCHARDHILLSVET.COM.A U
PENRITH T OYO TA
WESTSIDE CONVEYANCING
2024 WINNER PROFESSIONAL SER VICES
First and f or emost, I am deeply honour ed and incr edibly gr at eful t o be the W inner of the Pr of essional Ser vice Aw ar d fr om the L ocal Business Aw ar ds . T his r ecognition is not just a t est ament t o m y ef fo rt s, but t o the suppor t and har d w ork of e ve ry one i nv olv ed in this journe y.
A h uge thank y ou t o m y amazing St af f at W estside Co nvey ancing who w ork tir elessly e ve ry day W ithout y our dedication, passion, and commitment, none of this w ould be possible. I am bey ond f or tunat e t o hav e such a suppor tiv e and t alent ed gr oup of people b y m y side.
I w ould lik e t o ext end a hear tf elt thank y ou t o our l oy al clients . Your trust in W estside Co nvey ancing ov er the y ears has been incr edible. W e ar e truly gr at eful f or the oppor tunity t o ser v e y ou, and y our contin ued conf idence in us driv es e ve r ything w e do . T hank y ou f or choosing W estside Co nvey ancing and being such an impor t ant par t in our journe y. It’ s because of y ou that w e striv e t o be bett er e ve r y day and w e ar e pr oud t o ser v e a comm unity that v alues local business
A big thank y ou t o our Real Est at e Agents who hav e been incr edible suppor t ers of W estside Co nvey ancing ov er the last f e w y ears . Your trust and collabor ation hav e made a h uge dif fe r ence, and w e ar e so gr at eful f or the r elationships w e hav e built with y ou all.
On a personal not e, I w ant t o expr ess m y deepest gr atitude t o m y f amily. To m y par tner, Br endon, thank y ou f or y our unw av ering l ov e and suppor t—y ou’ v e been m y r ock thr ough absolut ely e ve ry challenge, and f or pushing me t o st ar t W estside Co nvey ancing and having the conf idence in me that I w as lacking. To m y beautiful daught ers , Rub y and Geor gia, thank y ou f or alw ays inspiring me and being m y const ant sour ce of jo y and motiv ation. And t o m y par ents thank y ou so m uch f or y our endless l ove , and f or helping and suppor ting the kids and the house while I’ ve been busy w orking. I couldn’ t hav e done this without y ou.
Lastly, thank y ou t o the or ganisers of this ev ent and the judges f or r ecognising the har d w ork and dedication of local businesses
W e ar e truly honour ed and look f orw ar d t o contin uing t o ser v e our comm unity and gr ow W estside Co nvey ancing
A: SUITE 2/20-22 W OODRIFF ST, PENRITH
STEV O’S PLUMBING SER VICES
2024 WINNER
B USINESS OF THE YEAR SER VICE & TRADE
St evo’s Plumbing Ser vices specialises in high-quality plumbing solutions f or cott age housing, alongside all aspects of plumbing, of f ering inst allation, r epair , maint enance, leak det ection, pipe r eplacement, and emer gency ser vices
T heir t ar get audience includes builders , homeo wners , and pr oper ty managers in the cott age housing sect or K ey selling points include pr of essionalism, with cer tif ied and experienced plumbers , excellent cust omer ser vice, and the use of high-quality mat erials f or lasting solutions
St evo’s Plumbing Ser vices is dedicat ed t o deliv ering exceptional w orkmanship , int egrity , and cust omer satisf action. Having gr o wn fr om a small local business int o a trust ed name in the building industr y, they hav e earned a r eput ation f or excellence and r eliability thr ough their t eam of dedicat ed pr of essionals
A: EMU HEIGHTS
P: 0447 615 845
2024 WINNER
SPECIALISED BUSINESS
Sydney Solv ents is a f amily-o wned and oper at ed business based in Sydne y, A ustr alia, specialising in high-quality solv ents and chemicals
F ounded b y Dean and K ylie Douglas we identif ied a mark et need f or solv ent sizes lar ger than those av ailable in supermark ets but smaller than bulk quantities
Ov er the y ears our commitment t o excellent cust omer ser vice and comm unity suppor t has driv en our gr o wth fr om one w ar ehouse t o thr ee, with ov er 93,000 cust omers ser v ed.
W e man uf actur e a v ariety of pr oducts in-house and maint ain accur at e st ock lev els t o ensur e pr ompt or der fulf ilment.
At Sydney Solv ents w e ar e dedicat ed t o contin uous impr ov ement and pr o viding our cust omers with the best solutions f or their needs
A: UNIT 10/10 PRODUCTION PLA CE, J AMISONT OW N P: 4722 5060 | W: SYDNEY SOLVENTS .COM.A U
POPPITINO
2024 WINNER
REST A URANT
Getting t ogether with friends and f amily f or an incr edible meal is one of lif e’s gr eat est jo ys and that is what w e ar e all about!
P oppiTino… y our P enrith It alian r est aur ant, locat ed in the Cadden’s Corner Our r est aur ant has no w been open f or 3 y ears and w e could not hav e been pr ouder of our achiev ements One r ecently being nominat ed as a Finalist of the P enrith L ocal Business Aw ar ds
W e ar e so gr at eful t o our comm unity f or incr edible suppor t thr ough this time. Our dr eams and goals ar e t o alw ays deliv er delicious , authentic f ood and memor able cust omer ser vice.
A: 82A O’CONNELL ST CADDENS CORNER, SHOP 1, KINGSWOOD
P: 8824 9111 | W: POPPITINO .COM.A U
Tips for success amidst rising costs BUSINESS
AWITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK
WESTERN
SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011
s the festive season approaches, retailers are gearing up for the annual Christmas sales and New Year bonanza. However, this year’s shopping landscape is significantly different from previous years due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Rising inflation, interest rate hikes, and supply chain disruptions are putting a strain on consumers’ wallets, making it imperative for businesses to adopt strategic approaches to attract customers.
Here’s some ideas for success as the busy sales season approaches...
1. Special offers
Only promote your most popular or unique products to create excitement and desire. You can leverage your other products off your hero piece campaigns once you get the customer in your business or on your website.
You can also help make Christmas shopping easier by providing curated gift ideas, this helps simplify the buying process for your customers.
With over 34 million gift cards sold in Australia every year you should also capitalise on the popularity of gift cards as a convenient and thoughtful gift option.
2. Create value through bundling
Offer bundles of related items at a discounted price to enhance perceived value. Bundling can help decrease marketing and distribution expenses.
3. Utilise promotional offers
Consider promotions like “buy one, get one free” or free delivery to attract customers. You can incorporate the cost of free items
into your pricing strategy to ensure profitability.
Or offer free gift wrapping or other small perks to enhance the customer experience.
4. Optimise online sales
Ensure your online store is user-friendly and optimised for mobile devices.
Can your customers easier navigate your site to find what they are looking for and is your point-of-sale process simple and does it work?
You should also monitor stock levels closely to avoid out-of-stock situations. As well as closely monitoring deadlines for mail deliveries before Christmas.
Plus offer convenient payment options across a variety of payment methods to cater to different preferences.
5. Plan for staffing and supply chain challenges
Create Robust Rosters that ensure adequate staffing to meet increased demand during the holiday season.
Your casual staff are key during this busy period.
With an increase is supply and demand, be prepared for potential supply chain disruptions and communicate any delays to customers. Also be aware of freight and deliver timelines when ordering from your supplier.
By implementing these strategies, retailers can navigate the challenging economic climate and maximise their sales potential during the upcoming Christmas season.
And if you need any help, reach out to us at Western Sydney Business Centre.
A1 AAA ARDV ARK BUDGET GARDEN SERVICE
•
•Hedging
•Concrete
•General
RECORD BREAKER
ISAAH YEO WILL THIS WEEKEND BECOME THE MOST CAPPED PANTHER IN HISTORY, SURPASSING THE LONG-TIME RECORD OF STEVE CARTER COVERAGE: PAGES 41, 48 AND 49
Photo: NRL Photos.
Hthe finalword
ow much do Cronulla want it?
That is the lead question heading into Saturday night’s Preliminary Final between the Panthers and Sharks at Accor Stadium, but there’s plenty of follow-up queries too.
Is breaking the Finals hoodoo and getting over the Cowboys last week enough for Craig Fitzgibbon’s side? Is the sheer relief of that victory enough?
Can they back it up two weeks in a row? Will the fact nobody expects them to win work in their favour?
Is the fact they haven’t scored against Penrith in their last two outings a factor?
Meanwhile, There’s little questions surrounding Penrith. They know Preliminary Finals. There would only be standard nerves heading into this one, nothing out of the ordinary. The preparation, you would imagine, will be first class.
And there’s no doubt that the week off works
to Penrith’s advantage. The likes of Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards, both carrying injuries, would have soaked up the break.
But more than the physical advantage, the week off gives the coaching staff the opportunity to plan the fortnight before the game in meticulous detail. In the first week, there’s no media commitments to worry about and all the focus is off you. In the second week, it’s all about going through the motions – nobody is talking about your game from last week or what it all means.
But we go back to that question: How much does Cronulla want it?
They’ll say they want it, of course. But there will always be clues along the way to suggest they might not have.
Take Craig Fitzgibbon’s press conference after the win over the Cowboys for instance.
“We’ve got a decent challenge on our hands,” he said.
“We’re so grateful just to still be here.
“It’s going to be a stiff challenge... we’re so excited to be here.”
Now the Sharks coach was talking after an important win and the most crucial words he uses this week will be to his players.
But does the above sound like fighting words? Not to me.
Indeed, it sounds like a coach who probably knows Penrith has his side’s measure – but they’ll give it one mighty crack anyway.
Cronulla’s win over North Queensland last weekend didn’t set the world on fire. The Cowboys missed 50 tackles and it was only the strong performance of Braydon Trindall that kept the pressure off Nicho Hynes, who was having cups of tea with Harold Holt for portions of the game.
But here’s the main thing I learned out of last week’s semi final: Cronulla can’t go with Penrith for 80 minutes.
Does that guarantee the Panthers a win? Of course not. The Sharks could hit gold and go
up 18-0 thanks to strong momentum and then defend their way to a victory. Indeed, I expect them to start strong. They would have talked about it all week after the way Penrith started against the Roosters.
But Penrith’s strength is toying with you; letting you think you’re on top and then suddenly putting the foot down to go past you. They will control the tempo of the game and when momentum is lost, they will strangle you until they get it back.
Anything can happen in 80 minutes of football. A send off, a sin bin, a big injury.
And Cronulla didn’t make it to the Preliminary Final by accident. They’ve had a decent season.
But you can’t ignore the reality that Penrith are just better from 1-17.
The Sharks will go with the Panthers for a little while, but in the end, the cream will rise to the top.
Tip: Panthers by 16.
CAN THE ROOSTERS SPRING AN UPSET?
Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters. Friday, September 27, 7.50pm. AAMI Park.
According to most experts, victory for Melbourne in this Friday night Preliminary Final against the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park is almost a certainty.
In fact, it’d almost be worth the Roosters giving up their plane seats for Melbourne-bound Swans fans desperate to get to the AFL Grand Final.
But of course, not everything always goes to plan in rugby league.
Yes, this Melbourne team has been dominant all season. Yes, they finished Minor Premiers comfortably. And yes, they easily got through their week one Finals clash with a comfortable victory over Cronulla.
But there’s just something about this Roosters team that would suggest they’re not dead yet.
Sure, the loss to the Raiders in the penultimate round of the competition proper was costly, both in terms of a home Final and more importantly season-ending injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith.
But the Roosters have enough
quality across the park to recover and reset from those blows, they just needed time to do it.
And the loss of Jared Waerea-Har-
greaves around the same time through suspension didn’t help either. In fact it was probably the most crucial factor in the side’s slow
start against the Panthers in week one of the Finals. Had he been there, I question whether the Roosters would have fallen behind 24-0 before
clicking into gear and putting up some sort of fight. The Roosters got their opening all wrong.
The Roosters showed a steadying of the ship against the Sea Eagles last Saturday night. They were helped by two unlucky injuries to the Sea Eagles in the opening set of the game, but they turned up with a different mindset to the one they took to Penrith the week prior.
Waerea-Hargreaves was superb, while Sandon Smith is finding his feet steering the side around. And then Victor Radley’s desperation to play – and subsequent reward with the first try – suggests the Roosters still have plenty of belief.
And then there’s James Tedesco: a flash of career-best form at the back end of the year.
I’ve almost convinced myself to tip the Roosters here.
But then I look at the side Melbourne will run out with on the weekend and it’s hard to go past them. There’s just so much quality there and I feel Jahrome Hughes will own this contest and won’t let the Storm faithful down.
I’m expecting this to be a much closer game than many predict, but Melbourne’s professionalism combined with their freshness from a week off should be enough.
Tip: Storm by 6.
panther rumblings
CHEERS FOR JESS AND NICK!
! Former Pantherette ties the knot: Jessica Gilarte, who won Big League’s coveted Cheerleader of the Year competition in 2015, was married to her long-time partner Nick last weekend. The former Pantherette tied the knot at Jaspers in Berry in front of family and friends.
! Bizarre Buzz: Telegraph journalist Phil Rothfield knows the rumour around Nathan Cleary quitting the NRL and playing in the English Super League is absolute hogwash. And he even checked it with Panthers boss Brian Fletcher and Cleary’s manager, just in case. Both shut it down, but ‘Buzz’ published it on Sunday anyway. Despite its lack of substance, the story spread like wildfire over the next 24 hours. I’m not having a crack at rumours being published (after all, I often do the same!) but they need to come from at least half-respectable sources if you’re going to publish them, names and all. The Cleary rumours do not. Ironically, Buzz’s team the Sharks just happens to be playing Penrith this week.
! Spotted: Channel Nine NRL commentator Mat Thompson stocking up at Gourmet Meat Co in Emu Heights last week. Gourmet Meat Co is run by Bill McDeed, a mad Panthers fan and sponsor (pictured below with Jarome Luai). A number of Penrith players use Gourmet Meat Co as their go-to butcher.
! Behind the Panthers: It’s great to see so many businesses and schools already getting behind the Panthers ahead of the Preliminary Final this weekend. Nangamay Public School even blared ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ through its speakers this week. How good.
! Busy week ahead: Should the Panthers make the Grand Final with victory over Cronulla on Saturday it will kick off one of the busiest weeks of the year for the club. The
way earlier in the week, and then there’s the Dally M Awards on Wednesday night. The final public commitment will likely be on Thursday before the two competing sides bunker down for final preparations.
! Moseley’s double crown: Kierran Moseley’s NRL career never quite took off, but he’s never given up on footy. The hooker played one NRL game for Penrith in 2014 (pictured) after coming through the NYC
games with the Titans across 2015 and 2016, he disappeared from the NRL landscape. He’s been plying his trade as captain of the Norths Devils, who won the QLD Cup competition last weekend. The 30-year-old will now be at Accor Stadium on Grand Final Day as part of the State Championship.
! Dream team: Four Penrith players have been included in the Rugby League Players’ Association Dream Team for 2024. Isaah Yeo, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Dylan Edwards have all made the team. The Panthers had the most representatives in the 14-man team, which is designed to recognise the best players in each position.
! Yeo honoured: As part of celebrations surrounding Isaah Yeo’s record-breaking 244th game for Penrith, a commemorative t-shirt has been released by the club. You can get it from the Panther Shop.
! Spotted: Which Panthers official had a heated conversation with a News Corp journalist over recent coverage surrounding the club?
! NRLW Finals are here: The NRLW Finals kick-off this weekend with the Broncos taking on the Sharks and the Roosters tackling the Knights. It’s been one of the most competitive NRLW seasons on record. The winners of matches this weekend will go straight through to the Grand Final, which will be played prior to the NRL Grand Final next Sunday.
! See you next week: I’ll be back on deck next week regardless of Penrith’s result on Saturday night. Here’s hoping it’s part of the Weekender’s Grand Final commemorative wraparound feature, but if not, there will be a special season review edition of Extra Time
Nick and Jess.
TO’O AND PRELIMS GO HAND IN HAND!
Big game player is a term often used to describe a person who can deliver on the big stage and is not overawed by the occasion.
One man who screams ‘big game player’ more than most is three-time Panthers Premiership winner, Brian To’o.
To’o, or ‘Mr Prelim’ as Extra Time has coined him this week, knows exactly what it takes to perform when everything is on the line.
The 26-year-old State of Origin champion is the only player in Panthers history to score in four consecutive Preliminary Finals – crossing the line an incredible five times, to help his side to the first Sunday in October.
Speaking with Extra Time ahead of his fifth straight Prelim this Saturday night, To’o said despite obvious pre-game nerves, he rises to the occasion for one very simple reason.
“It pretty much comes down to being a do-or-die game, it’s all or nothing,” he admitted.
“There’s definitely a bit of nerves there. But I always try and treat every game – no matter the occasion – like it’s every other game, but there’s definitely a lot of high emotions throughout Prelim week.”
Emotion in sport can often be a good thing if a
player is able to harness that energy and put it to a positive use out on the field.
To’o will be hoping to do just that when his side take on the Cronulla Sharks at Accor Stadium. The Samoan international said it’s hugely important that this weekend’s game isn’t the last for a number of departing Panthers stars.
“Obviously the boys that are departing have done so much for the club and I think it will be a good to send them off on a high note,” To’o said.
“Hopefully we can dial it in with all that emotion and try and win the next two games.”
Penrith go into Saturday’s clash as heavy favourites over Craig Fitzgibbon’s men, with not many punters – apart from the odd die-hard Sharkies supporter – giving them much of a chance to stop the defending Premiers from contesting their fifth straight decider.
To’o said, despite Penrith’s monster 42-0 victory over the Sharks in Round 12, anything can happen during Finals’ time.
“This whole competition has been a different kind of rollercoaster, and the Sharks have been a top tier team. Last week’s game [against the Cowboys] showed what they can do, and it makes me excited for the game ahead,” he said.
“Any game [in the NRL] is pretty much unpredictable and it could go anyone’s way, but I think it’s about which team is ready to turn up on the day. I can’t wait for it!”
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Brian To’o is keen for another Preliminary Final on Saturday. Photo: Melinda Jane.
MILESTONE MAN: YEO’S PLACE IN HISTORY
During the 2014 season, a few months after making his NRL debut, a 19-year-old kid by the name of Isaah Yeo sat down with Extra Time to talk about his rookie season so far and his hopes for the future.
The interview took place at Penrith Park in early June, and Yeo hadn’t lost a game in first grade or NSW Cup yet – it was the perfect start to what would end up being an amazing career.
“I’m loving life at the moment,” Yeo said to your writer at the time.
“I honestly didn’t think I’d be playing first grade at all this year. I thought I’d play Under 20s all year with a handful of NSW Cup games, so it came as a real shock.”
With a host of talent coming through the Panthers system like Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Bryce Cartwright, the Penrith supporter base was also in shock when a tall, lanky kid from Dubbo became the first of them all to get a crack at the big time.
Yeo’s current coach, Ivan Cleary, was the man to hand him his surprise debut during a Round 1 match-up at home against Wayne Bennett’s Newcastle Knights.
“Ivan just said he was happy with my work ethic during the pre-season and the year before that in the Under 20s. I think that helped me a fair bit being picked,” Yeo said in 2014.
Yeo played in the centres that Saturday afternoon and no one could’ve predicted he’d carve out an illustrious career as a lock many years later.
“I’m a really big fan of Elijah Taylor’s work ethic… I’m not much of a flashy player, so I try and do what he does by making lots of tackles and hit-ups,” Yeo said.
“I hope to continue improving.”
And improve he did.
Yeo would go on to play for his state and country, co-captain his club, and win three consecutive NRL Premierships – and possibly a fourth, if things go to plan in the coming weeks.
But among all the Preliminary Finals hype this weekend, Yeo will unlock an achievement no-one would’ve predicted a decade ago would ever come his way.
When the proud father of three steps out onto the Accor Stadium pitch this Saturday night, he’ll break the all-time club record for the most games played. With his 244th appearance, Yeo will surpass club legend Steve Carter, who held the record with 243 caps.
a home for himself at lock. He was playing second-row and centre when I first came in and his meteoric rise has been crazy, but he’s always been a really reliable guy and just a good guy to have around.”
To celebrate Yeo’s record-breaking achievement, the club this week released a commemorative t-shirt for fans to purchase ahead of this weekend’s clash against Cronulla.
Cleary said Yeo is like an older brother to him and that he deserves everything that comes his
“244 games is incredible feat and I know Yeoy will be humble about it, so I’ll talk him up,” he
“Yeoy has been there since I debuted and I’ve always seen him like an older brother, and he’s probably formed into more of a dad figure to the rest of the group now. He’s the sort of guy everyone looks to, to see if we’re doing the right thing – he keeps everyone in check.
“But the thing that stands out the most is his consistency, it’s unbelievable. What he does every single week, in the middle, playing 80 minutes – you don’t see that often – and he’s the big reason for our success.
“To see him break the record… I still look at him and think he’s quite young – even though he looks old – he’s still quite young. And to be the most capped at a club like Penrith, I couldn’t think of a better person than him. Just his leadership and consistency really stand out for me and I love that guy.”
In a soon to be released podcast by the Western Weekender, 54-year-old Steve Carter said he couldn’t think of a better player to break his long-standing record than Yeo.
“He’s tough, he’s durable, he’s skilful. He’s come from the bush and he’s just a great footballer and a great person off the field,” Carter said.
“You wouldn’t get a better player on or off the field than Isaah Yeo.”
Yeo said he was honoured to hear Carter’s praise for everything that he’s achieved after 243 games.
“Steve’s said nothing but nice things about me and I’m very grateful for that,” the 29-year-old said.
“I received a message before the Roosters game last week when I was tying the record and it said, ‘Steve was a wonderful player and an ultra-competitor’. And I guess anytime you can be associated with someone like that, that’s a good feeling.
“He’s obviously a legend of the club, very durable, played a number of different positions like myself, so it’s pretty special.”
Lock Isaah Yeo will break Steve Carter’s record this weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane.
panthers
Extra Time Issue Number 2023-30
PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender
EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 4722 2998 / sales@westernweekender.com.au
You can’t be a great team without a great coach. So, it’s not surprising that all teams in the top four have the best coaches in this year’s competition.
However not all coaches are born equal, so I thought I’d rank the top four coaches in order, how they performed this year and their team’s chance to win the 2024 NRL Premiership.
The rankings are for the 2024 season only, not on their overall coaching record. Let’s get started...
way his side plays. He may tinker with the game plan depending on the opponent though, but that’s about it. The Storm deserve outright favouritism for the 2024 Premiership as they’ve been the best side all season.
Premiership ranking: A+
Cleary, well he guided the Panthers into their fifth straight Preliminary Final.
Premiership ranking: A
Craig Fitzgibbon – 7/10:
RANKING THE FINAL FOUR COACHES lang on league analysis
Craig Bellamy – 9/10: I have great respect for “Bellyache” and how he moulded this team into a genuine Premiership contender.
The side only lost five games all year despite some serious injuries to key personal. The Storm are very experienced when it comes to finals football and I don’t expect Bellamy
Ivan Cleary – 8/10: It was a great coaching performance by Ivan Cleary this year considering his son and halfback Nathan Cleary only played 10 first grade games. There were other key players injured throughout the season and this, plus the release of Taylan May, made for a very disrupted year. Still, it did give coach Cleary the chance to blood some promising young players like Casey McLean, Luron Patea and Trent Toelau. Now while Penrith weren’t as dominant in 2024 as in past seasons, they still finished with the number one defence in the league, while Ivan
Trent Robinson – 7.5/10: Despite rarely giving credit to the opposition, Trent Robinson had a great year coaching his side to third place at the end of the regular season. Robinson had the Chooks humming at one point and looking every bit a premiership contender. The attacking brand of football played by the Roosters was sensational. They may not have the best defence but they don’t have to because they blitzed every other team in attack, scoring a phenomenal 738 points. If Robinson can navigate his troops, minus halfback Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith to a premiership in 2024, it could well become his greatest coaching achievement ever.
Premiership ranking: B
Fitzgibbon is the least experienced coach of the four remaining in the competition, but he still deserves plenty of credit. In only his third full year with the first-grade whistle, he guided the Sharks to a top four finish. He also broke his ‘no finals win hoodoo’ with a victory over the Cowboys last weekend. Fitzy has also had his fair share of coaching dramas in 2024 with key players injured and halfback Nicho Hynes suffering a crisis of confidence. The Sharks are at long-odds to defeat the Panthers this Saturday night and book an unlikely Grand Final appearance, but if anyone can inspire such an upset, Fitzgibbon and his team of Sharks can.
Premiership ranking: C+
My tip for the 2024 Premiership decider: Penrith v Melbourne. The two best teams – and coaches – all year deserve to be there!
Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
panther memories
Check out this photo of Penrith Park from the 1984 season.
The most obvious flashback is the famous electronic scoreboard, still only a few years’ old at this point.
Old sponsorship signs including Winfield, McWilliam’s Wines, AGC and 2SM can be seen.
The amenities block at this end of the ground was upgraded down the track, with a security box also installed to the right of the scoreboard.
A bar was also installed at this end of the ground, and it soon became known as ‘beer hill’, though for obvious reasons the club never gave it that name officially.
(Photo by Ivan Woolfe)
GRINSPOON HITS THE ROAD AGAIN
Over the years, Triple J Unearthed in its many forms has been responsible for introducing Australia to what are now some of the country’s most prominent and highly celebrated musical acts, including Vance Joy, Flume and Missy Higgins.
In 1995, it began as Triple J’s regional talent competition – asking bands from all over Australia to submit their demos for the chance to have the track professionally recorded and then played on the station.
The first ever winner, with their song ‘Sickfest’, was Lismore post-grunge band Grinspoon.
Now best known for their 2002 hit ‘Chemical Heart’, Grinspoon has performed just about everywhere, and though he admits he doesn’t keep up with Triple J as much as he used to, guitarist Pat Davern said he hopes the band’s story gives newer artists something to strive for, almost 30 years later.
“I think there’s a lot of young bands who still tour with us who know our story, and hope that they can keep going as long as we have, and achieve the same level of success that we’ve been lucky enough to achieve,” he said.
“It’s a lot harder these days. Back when we first started, you would record an album, and your record company would put it out and people would go to a music store and buy it.
Now, with streaming, there’s lots of different avenues for people to discover music, and
there’s a lot more music out there because people can make an album in their bedroom.”
Up until this year, Grinspoon hadn’t released any new music since 2012, with album ‘Black Rabbits’.
However, just last month, the band made a return to our airwaves with ‘Whatever, Whatever’, a brand-new album preceded by singles ‘Unknown Pretenders’ and ‘Never Say Never’.
“Back in 2020, we were doing a corporate show in Adelaide – very early, pre-COVID,” he said.
“We got into a studio because we’d just done a greatest hits tour, and we’d just done the 20th anniversary of [our first record] ‘Guide to Better Living’ in 2017, and we felt like we just didn’t want to keep churning out nostalgia. Why don’t we try and do something not only
for us, but for our fans, to put together some new music?”
They went on to record what would be their first single back, ‘Unknown Pretenders’, just before COVID hit, ultimately putting recording on hold for two years. But, they didn’t stop working, adding music to a Dropbox folder as they were writing it in isolation until they could finally get together last year to put it together.
Alongside the album announcement came the announcement of the almost 50-date Whatever, Whenever, Wherever tour, resulting in excitement from fans.
Grinspoon will be on at Sydney Coliseum on Friday, November 1 at 8pm. Tickets start at $79.90. For more information or to book, visit www.sydneycoliseum.com.au.
CASSIDY PEARCE
WesternSydney GigGuid e
IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
Mesagroove
From 9pm
Members Lounge
St Marys Rugby Leagues Club
Steven J. Whiteley & Friends National Stand Up Tour
From 8pm
Tickets from $30 Guildford Leagues
The Hype BOys
From 9pm Jamison Hotel
Live DJ @ the Cow
From 8pm
Red Cow
Golden Rose Day
Demage Duo
From 8:30pm @ Dom’s
Panthers Rugby League CLub
SEattle Sound
From 9pm Richmond Club
Flame Fest
5:30 - 11:30pm
Tickets from $10
Penrith Showground
Oz Icons with Mike Whitney & Wayne Pearce
8:30 - 11:45pm
Toongabbie Sports
Tickets from $25 pp Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
Shake it off - the Taylor SWift Experience
From 2:30pm
Tickets from $28.60
Lone Pine Tavern
THINGS TO DO
Watercolour workshop at gallery
Spend a day immersed in nature and creativity in a watercolour workshop led by Blue Mountains artist Jennie Deane of Hiccup Art. On this Sunday, September 29, this workshop designed for adults will teach participants simple landscape and plant drawing, and how to use, mix and control watercolour paints. To book, visit www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au.
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
Visit Western Sydney Airport during the school holiday break to enjoy fun and interactive activities to keep the kids entertained. From Saturday, September 28, to Monday, October 14, there will be workshops such as Build A Plane Craft, First Nations Craft and International Destinations Craft. Activities are free, though some require bookings. Holiday fun at future airport site
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
Family fun at Museum of Fire
This Sunday, September 29, the Museum of Fire is hosting a spring Family Day filled with fire engine rides and fun. The free outdoor event will include face painting and a petting zoo, in addition to plenty of displays by Fire & Rescue NSW and the Museum of Fire. For more information or to book, visit 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.
Norman Lindsay Gallery comes alive after dark with live performances from Devi Mamakand the Caravan Band. Food
9thNOVEMBER, 5.30PM- 9.30PM
‘The Wild Robot’ follows Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot that washes ashore on a deserted island.
A tale of survival and discovery begins when she becomes the unexpected protector to an orphaned gosling, named Brightbill. Together they struggle to survive the harsh environment, but only succeed with the help of a close-knit group of misfit animals, who become first friends, then family. Ultimately Roz and company save the island from a robotic invasion by Roz’s manufacturer, looking to bring her back to civilization by any means necessary.
Evil’
www.hoyts.com.au
ZOO COOLS DOWN!
These school holidays, Sydney Zoo is launching its newest attraction for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and it includes a few familiar faces.
The weather might be warming up, but Sydney Zoo is cooling down these school holidays.
From Saturday, September 28 to Sunday, October 13, families will be able to dive into a world of adventure with a thrilling new attraction featuring Creatures of the Ice Age.
Visitors can grab a map upon entry and embark on an unforgettable journey transporting them into a world frozen in time,
encountering prehistoric giants like the mighty mammoth, ferocious sabre-toothed tiger, playful polar bears, woolly rhinos and many more.
For the very first time in Australia, you can also come face to face with a life-sized, moving Megalodon Shark.
Creatures of the Ice Age is free with your zoo ticket, with which you’ll be able to meet hundreds of loveable animals, including new arrivals like baby meerkats, capybaras, and fluffy koala joeys.
Creatures of the Ice Age will be on at Sydney Zoo at Eastern Creek from Saturday, September 28 to Sunday, October 13. For more information or to book, visit www.sydneyzoo.com.
COUNTRY CORNER
Luke Combs returns
Without doubt the biggest story in country this week is Luke Combs announcing a new Australian tour.
After the ticketing debacle of last year, Combs is this time taking on the big stadiums – including Accor Stadium in Sydney.
He will play two shows in Sydney in the upcoming summer.
Local audiences have well and truly embraced Combs, evidenced with Sydney and Brisbane amongst his top four global streaming cities on Spotify.
The tour follows the release of Combs' new album.
Released in June, Combs’ 'Fathers & Sons' album is a collection of 12 poignant tracks featuring his most personal songwriting to date. Recorded entirely live, the album sees Combs reflect on his own experiences being a dad to his two sons and the unique bond between parents and their children, and features lead single ‘The Man He Sees In Me’.
Head to www.lukecombs.com for all the ticketing details.
Urban releases new album
Keith Urban has released 'High', his first album in nearly four years – a musical journey, intentionally sequenced through themes of what it is to be alive, human connection, cutting loose, huge hook chorus’, hope, nostalgia, shredding solos, straight-up fun and some personal life revelations.
“I’ve always been drawn toward the subject of living in the moment, because it’s all there is, and it’s hard to do,” Urban said.
“And these days with so much ‘content’ flying at us, it can feel like drinking from a fire hose.”
The ambiguity of the word ‘high’ peaked Urban’s curiosity and so the name of the album.
“What makes you ‘high’ can mean whatever you want it to mean,” he said.
“It might be physical, spiritual, herbal, meditative, chemical or musical, but it’s definitely a place of utopia”
The album is
NUMBER 1S N U U M M B E R 1 S
MONDAY OCT 7 M M O N D D A Y O O C T 7 8A M- 6PM 8 A M - 6 P M
CASSIDY PEARCE
Nathan Taylor
TV NEWS
Ê Channel 10 held their Upfronts for 2025 last week, with plenty of new and returning shows ahead. The biggest surprise was the announcement that ‘Big Brother’ was returning to the network where it all began. Mel Tracina from ‘The Cheap Seats’ will host the new ‘BB’ and it will feature live nominations, live evictions and 24/7 streaming – just like the good old days. In other reality news, ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!’ returns in January with Robert Irwin and Julia Morris, while there are two seasons of ‘Survivor’ with ‘Australian Survivor: Brains v Brawn II’ and a shorter season of ‘Survivor: Australia v The World’ both filmed in Samoa. ‘MasterChef Australia: Back To Win’ was also confirmed with Gordon Ramsay as a guest judge.
Ê Other 10 shows to look forward to next year include ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen’, a local version of international hit ‘Ghosts’, ‘House Hunters Australia’, ‘Airport 24/7’ based out of Melbourne, and a new show called ‘The List’, which is a new bucket list comedy travel series.
TUESDAYS 7.30PM TASKMASTER AUSTRALIA, 10
LOCAL ITALIAN FAMILY OWNED FRESH SEAFOOD
Open fordinner and lunch on weekends.
Bookings preferred.
Restaurant dates are on our website.
THURSDAYS 9.30PM PARIS HAS FALLEN, SBS
Ê Some of the network’s favourite shows are also confirmed to return including ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’, ‘The Cheap Seats’, ‘The Dog House Australia’, ‘Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia’, ‘Deal or No Deal’, ‘Gogglebox Australia’, ‘The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers’, ‘NCIS: Sydney’, ‘The Project’ and ‘Neighbours’.
Ê Still on 10, and I was lucky enough to catch some of the new season of ‘Taskmaster Australia’, which returned on Tuesday night at 7.30pm. 10 are renowned for their regular comedy programming and I reckon they’ve nailed it this season when it comes to ‘Taskmaster’. Having not seen an episode previously, I was pleasantly surprised with how much it made me laugh and I think the show’s format is fun, easy to follow but also a bit ‘out there’ – which isn’t a bad thing! For those new to ‘Taskmaster’, it’s fronted by the legendary Tom Gleeson and his sidekick Tom Cashman. Competing for Gleeson’s cranium in gold trophy form and stepping into his ‘house of fun’ is Aaron Chen, Concetta Caris-
to, Mel Buttle, Pete Helliar and Rhys Nicholson. Throughout the show, the comedians must tackle a series of tasks and are then judged on how well (or unwell) they complete them. It’s a fun ride and I’ll definitely be watching again!
Ê Following a sensational fourth season, ‘Emily in Paris’ has been renewed for a fifth season on Netflix.
Ê Euro-action series ‘Paris Has Fallen’, based on the ‘Has Fallen’ film franchise (‘Olympus Has Fallen’, ‘London Has Fallen’, ‘Angel Has Fallen’) premiered on SBS this week. When a terrorist group led by the villainous Jacob Pearce attacks a high-profile event, with the French Minister of Defence as their target, protection officer Vincent Taleb finds himself working with street-smart MI6 operative Zara Taylor to save the day. But when events take a dark turn, Vincent and Zara soon realise that the plan extends beyond just one politician. New episodes air Thursdays at 9.30pm.
(02) 4729 3222
Sydney International Regatta Centre GateA,Old Castlereagh Road, Penrith Lakes, Penrith2750 info@lakesiderestaurant.com.au
TV Guide: September 27 – October 3
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
3:30 Storage Wars
(PG) 4:00 AFL Women’s: Week 5: Kilda v Fremantle *Live* 6:00 American Restoration (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL Women’s: Week 5: Western Bulldogs v Sydney *Live* 9:15 Armchair Experts
3:10 Modern Family (PG) 3:40 First Dates UK (M s) 4:45 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:05 Movie: “Shanghai Knights” (M v) (’03) Stars: Jackie Chan 8:30 Movie: “Fifty Shades Of Grey” (MA15+) (’15) Stars: Dakota Johnson 3:00 The Magic Canoe 3:35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Land Of Primates (PG) 7:30 Little J & Big Cuz 6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 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 v) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (M)
Mexican
6:30 Food Safari
7:00 The Cook Up With
Liaw 7:30 World Of Flavor With
Cason 8:30 Inside Iceland: A
9:30
Me
Dine
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
5:40 The Toys That Built The World (PG) 6:30 The Engineering That Built The World (PG) 7:20 Jeopardy! 7:45 NITV News Update 7:50 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:45 Cycling: UCI Road World Championships *Live*
7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 4:00 Desert Collectors (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 AFL: Grand Final: Post Match 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (M l,v) (’03) Stars: Sean Connery
1:15 The Food Trail 2:15 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 3:35 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:30 Movie: “A Dog’s Way Home” (PG) (’19) Stars: Ashley Judd 7:30 Movie: “About A Boy” (M l,s) (’02) Stars: Hugh Grant
4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Interstellar Ella 6:25 Pfffirates 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:30 The Crystal Maze (PG) 8:15 Movie: “The Pirates! Band Of Misfits” (PG) (’12) Stars: Hugh Grant 9:45 Officially Amazing 2:00
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 2:25 Darby And Joan (PG) 3:10 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat 3:40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 4:30 Restoration Australia 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Return To Paradise (M v) 8:30
3:40 Fresh Off The Boat (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 Mythbusters (PG) 5:25 Long Lost Family (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) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M)
4:40 Jimmy Shu’s Taste Of The Territory 5:20 Kairakau 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Chuck And The First Peoples’ Kitchen (PG) 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M I) 8:30 Movie: “Take Home Pay” (PG) (’19) Stars: Tofiga Fepulea’i
5:30 Lorraine Pascale: Baking Made Easy 6:00 David Rocco’s Italia 6:30 River Cottage Forever 7:30 Alex Polizzi Secret Italy 8:30 Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Road Trip 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover 10:30 River Cottage Australia
12:00 Australia By Design 12:30 Exploring Off The Grid 1:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 9:30 Bull (M v)
4:15 PBS News Hour 5:15 Extreme Food Phobics 6:10 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) 6:45 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life (PG) 7:50 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:45 Cycling: UCI Road World Championships *Live*
3:00 Bewitched 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (M v) (’13) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence
Stars: Sean Connery
1:45 The Voice (PG) 3:30 Movie: “A Dog’s Way Home” (PG) (’19) Stars: Ashley Judd 5:30 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law & Order (M) 11:30 Monk (M) 4:40 Movie: “Murundak: Songs Of Freedom” (M l) (’11) Stars: The Black Arm Band Artists 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Animal Babies (PG) 7:30 First Australians (PG) 8:40 Movie: “I Am Not Your Negro” (M l,n,v) (’16) Stars: Samuel L Jackson
(PG) 8:30 ABBA: Against The Odds (M)
1:30 Becker (PG) 2:00 Frasier (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) 10:30 Rhys Darby: Mystic Time Bird (MA15+)
3:30 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 5:30
Movie: “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (PG) (’17) Stars: Dave Franco 7:30 Movie: “Batman Begins” (M v) (’05) Stars: Christian Bale 10:15 Movie: “Species” (MA15+) (’95)
Revealed 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
12:15 Movie: “Second Fiddle” (G) (’57) Stars: Lisa Gastoni 1:45 Movie: “Red River” (G) (’48) Stars: John Wayne 4:30 Rugby Union: Wallabies v New Zealand *Live* 6:50 Rugby Union: Post Match 7:15 M*A*S*H (PG)
2:30 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 3:30 On The Fly 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 2: New Zealand Breakers v S.E Melbourne Phoenix *Live* 6:30 Football: Australia Cup Final: Melbourne Victory v Macarthur FC *Live* 10:00 NCIS (M) 7:30 Neighbours (PG) 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 11:00 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 The Middle (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00
Eating Inn 6:30
Raymond
7:30 Be My Guest With Ina Garten 8:00
Bourdain: The Layover 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 Cooking With Curtis 4:30 Australiana: Island Queens (PG) 5:10 France 24 English News 5:35 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 6:00 Travel Man: Seville (PG) 6:30 Cycling: UCI Road World Championships *Live* 1:30 Vice Guide To Film (M)
9:30
8:30
Stein’s
Kerridge Cooks
3:20 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over (PG) 5:20 Movie: “The Nanny Diaries” (PG) (’07) Stars: Scarlett Johansson 7:30 Movie: “Man Of Steel” (PG) (’13) Stars: Henry Cavill 10:15 Movie: “The Rhythm Section” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Jude Law 2:15 Movie: “Passport To Pimlico” (G) (’49) Stars: Stanley Holloway 4:00 Movie: “What Did You Do In The War, Daddy?” (PG) (’66) Stars: James Coburn 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (M l) (’11)
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
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5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Little J And Big Cuz 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 7:50 Operation Ouch! (PG)
3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00
(PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (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)
News With Joe O’Brien 6:00
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Little J And Big Cuz 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00
News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 4:35 Mythbusters (PG)
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman
Los Angeles (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)
Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 The American Buffalo (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) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (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)
7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)
3:30 Movie: “Against The Wind” (PG) (’48) Stars: Simone Signoret 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Assembly 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:30 Back Roads (PG) 3:00 Whale With Steve Backshall 4:00 The Assembly 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow
SEASIDE ESCAPE AT HEADLANDS HOTEL: STAY, DINE, AND UNWIND WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS
Nestled on a cli op, Headlands Hotel is the perfect loca tion to meet, stay and celebrate by the sea. Situated north of Wollongong and just 1.5 hours from Western Sydney, Headlands o ers bites, beverages and boutique stays for those seeking a seaside escape Starting from approximately $200 per night, Headlands Serviced Apartments o er comfortable stays with the option of breathtaking views, and all the conveniences necessary for a welcoming getaway by the sea (including generous balconies and kitchenettes!)
e venue also boasts a laidback, coastal dining experience, with the bonus of a wood red pizza and dumpling bar pop up on the
weekends. Newly renovated, the pub o ers multiple indoor seating options, as well as outdoor areas to take in the 360-degree views of the surrounding Paci c. S o whether you’re planning to road trip for the day or stay awhile, this is the perfect time o adventure to Headl
HOT TIP: It’s Whale s eason! Watch the world’s most majestic creatures whilst sipping on an a ernoon beverage, or two!
Serviced apartments by thesea
&Home Lifestyle L
DEVELOPMENT TO PLUG SOCIAL HOUSING GAP
Arare property featuring 44 apartments (43 of which are social housing) and four retail shops has come to market.
In a market starved of completed residential stock and a burgeoning residential market underpinned by net migration, the property is expected to appeal to a broad buyer group seeking to extract the entrapped value from this prime complex.
The property at 315-323 Merrylands Road comprises a well appointed mixed-use develop-
ment of 44 apartments and four retail shops above 69 car spaces on two basement levels.
With a land area of 2,076sqm and a total of 4,985sqm in total strata area, the building was completed in circa 2019 and was recently strata subdivided.
The complex is located 25km west of the Sydney CBD and just 2km south of Parramatta CBD, with Merrylands being the largest town centre and suburb within the Cumberland local government area. The complex enjoys its proximity to Stockland Mall and
Merrylands Station.
The apartments are considered a premium offering in the Merrylands market given their high-quality finishes, well-appointed layouts and ample parking allocation. Internally the apartments feature modern kitchens equipped with gas cooktops and dishwashers.
Typically the floors are carpeted, bathrooms tiled and walls and ceilings plasterboard.
The Colliers team of Matthew Meynell and James Cowan have the exclusive listing on behalf
of vendor, Costa Nicodemou of Newpoint Advisory, with price expectations into the $20 millions.
“Nationally, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) recorded 380,000 new migrants into Australia through FY2022-FY2023, while only 148,000 new dwellings were built. Within NSW, net overseas migration is forecast to reach a record high +174,000 in FY2023. This alone demonstrates the sharp supply cliff we have already reached and until meaningful stock is delivered to the market we will continue to see strong rental and price growth,” Meynell said.
“THERE IS AN ALARMING UNDERSUPPLY OF APARTMENT STOCK”
“The median apartment price in Merrylands is $479,500, whilst the median house price is $1,265,000 meaning the average house is 2.6x more expensive than the average apartment. With the low level of completions throughout 2022, 2023 and 2024, there is an alarming undersupply of apartment stock in this location which is a concern due to the affordability crisis that freehold dwelling prices have created. We expect investors will take this into consideration when conducting their due diligence and ultimately competing on this opportunity,” Cowan added.
315-323 Merrylands Road is for sale via an Expressions of Interest campaign until Thursday, October 10 at 2pm.
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park
CONTACT:
Oran Park Sales Office
Jeff Webb • 9043 7500
OPEN YOUR EYES TO BEAUTIFUL ORAN PARK
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!
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to transform your current home into your forever sanctuary, our floors can make all the difference. Our flooring solutions are crafted to adapt to the changing needs and tastes of homeowners at every stage of their lives.
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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 Or an 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
You
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Smash Repairs
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo
IGA
Londonderr y
Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
The Bunker
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
MFC Food Stores
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
C altex Coreen Avenue
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Tattersalls Hotel
The Chicken Run
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Mobil Ser vice Station
The Chemist Shop
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St Mar ys Fish Market
St Mar ys Le agues Club
St Mar ys Librar
McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store
The Experts
THE DANGERS OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-ion batteries, found in a wide range of modern devices, have undoubtedly transformed our lives. However, their widespread use has also brought to light potential safety hazards. They power devices like power banks, portable speakers, and eBikes, making it crucial to be aware of their potential risks.
Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density, which allows them to store a large amount of energy in a compact size. However, this also means they can get hot, and if they get too hot, they can catch fire or even explode. This condition is called ‘thermal runaway’ and can be triggered by overcharging, physical damage, or manufacturing defects.
Many people leave their devices plugged in overnight for convenience. While modern chargers are designed to stop charging once the battery is full, not all devices have this feature. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid leaving
devices plugged in overnight to minimise the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards. Being able to identify the signs of a faulty lithium-ion battery is a key step in preventing accidents.
immediately.
• Overheating: It may be faulty if the battery becomes excessively hot during use or charging.
• Reduced capacity: If the
Here are some common indicators to look out for:
• Swelling or bulging: A swollen battery is a sign of internal damage and should be discarded safely and replaced
battery discharges quickly or doesn’t hold a charge as long as it used to, it might be nearing the end of its life.
• Unusual smells: A strange smell from the battery can
indicate leakage or other internal issues.
• Watch out for safety recalls
– there is a large recall on power-walls.
By following a few best practices, you can play a significant role in ensuring the safe use of lithium-ion batteries: Use reputable products, avoid overcharging, inspect them regularly, store them in a cool, dry location, and handle them with care.
ABC News reports that the waste and recycling industry puts out over 12,000 fires a year caused by discarded batteries. This underscores the importance of not throwing away lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash, as they can cause fires in garbage trucks or at recycling facilities. Home fires started by lithium-ion batteries are over 200 a year. Toxic fumes caused by the battery, if breathed in, can cause a person to become unconscious in a few breaths. So it is worthwhile checking all your devices for any of the indicators above.
A TALE OF 2 TRADIES AND WHY INSURANCE IS VITAL
Coincidently, a few years ago I spoke to two tradies on the same day, both had suffered serious long-term injuries from seemingly innocuous workplace falls, with vastly different results.
The first tradie is a new client who came into the office because he was in some financial trouble and was looking for a way out. This client was hardworking, had savings, owned his house midway through minor renovations with a minor mortgage, was living within his means and was doing well. Not the sort of person we think of getting into financial trouble.
Unfortunately, a fall at work resulted in a broken femur and six months without income. This brought about some credit card debts and mortgage payments being put on hold. A loan re-finance was required at a higher interest rate as the client was now considered high risk, despite being a model client for the previous 20 years.
Once back at work, the client was really struggling, barely making repayments with no support behind him – he was just hanging in there. No room for even minor financial setbacks. Regrettably, a second minor injury was the
the renovations to make it sellable. A short-term, high interest loan was required to complete these renovations, the interest on the second loan accrued on top of the original debt.
A few injuries have forced this
straw that broke the camel’s back.
A further two months without income and now the client was behind on the mortgage with no way of rectifying the situation.
The client decided to sell the house, but first he had to finish
client to lose his house. It is a terrible situation and by the time the client came to us there was not much we could do to help.
The second tradie is a long-term client and a fall resulted in his shoulder being so badly damaged
that it he was told almost immediately that he’d never work again. Thankfully, this client had Income Protection and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance.
Since the time of the injury, the client has been receiving an Income Protection payment. This has meant he has been able to meet living costs over this period. The client’s cover is significantly less than what he was earning previously, but enough to meet expenses – he and his wife are getting by. This will continue until he is 65-years-old.
Today we received confirmation that this client was going to receive a lump sum payment from his TPD insurance. This means he can repay the last of his remaining mortgage and will have some funds left over to top up his superannuation so he will be able to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement. Having insurance or not having insurance meant a world of difference to these two tradies.
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NAVIGATING IBS WITH A LOW FODMAP DIET
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a daily challenge, with symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements disrupting one’s routine. The diagnosis of IBS is typically made based on a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and exclusion of other potential gastrointestinal disorders. There is no specific diagnostic test for IBS. Once diagnosed, it is important to consult with a dietitian to trial ways of managing symptoms. Many individuals find relief through dietary changes, and one approach gaining popularity is the Low FODMAP Diet. FODMAPs, which stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, are a group of poorly absorbed carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals. They are found in common foods, such as wheat, onions, garlic, dairy, certain fruits, and sugar substi-
tutes. The Low FODMAP Diet is a therapeutic dietary approach designed to manage symptoms of IBS. The diet consists of an elimination phase of all FODMAPs to alleviate symptoms, followed by a systematic reintroduction of specific FODMAP groups to identify individual triggers and customise a sustainable, symptom-relief plan.
The duration of the Low FODMAP Diet can vary from
person to person. Typically the initial strict elimination phase lasts two to six weeks. During this period, high-FODMAP foods are avoided to alleviate IBS symptoms. Following the elimination phase, there is a gradual reintroduction of specific FODMAP groups to identify individual triggers. The entire process, including reintroduction and personalisation, may take several weeks to a few months.
It’s important to note that the Low FODMAP Diet should only be conducted under the guidance of an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Dietitians offer personalised guidance where tailored meal plans are created, progress is monitored, and nutritional adequacy is ensured. Dietitians are experts in reintroducing FODMAPs systematically, addressing potential nutritional deficiencies, and offering behavioral support enhances the effectiveness and long-term success of the diet, optimising symptom management for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Additionally, dietitians collaborate with the healthcare team, such as your GP, to provide comprehensive care aligned with overall health goals.
In essence, a dietitian’s expertise is integral in guiding individuals with IBS through the Low FODMAP Diet, facilitating effective symptom management and improving overall quality of life.
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
If you’re someone who works through the week, sometimes the 5-9 after your 9-5 is the only time you get to yourself. After you commute home, make dinner, and check everything else off your list, you might not even get that.
But, on the odd night you do get to pamper yourself, it’s important to make the most of it.
Here are a few things you can do to elevate your night routine, ensuring that you go to sleep relaxed, and wake up feeling ready for the day.
Step one: Brushing your teeth
For most people, brushing your teeth is like any other chore. But, if you’re not a fan, investing in oral health products that look a little better on your shelf could be the way to
go. LOVEBYT represents a new trend infusing wellness into the simple step of brushing your teeth. Despite being higher in price to your everyday products, their Charcoal and Mint Botanical Toothpaste and Peppermint Botanical Mouthwash look absolutely stunning, and definitely get the job done. Depending on your preferences around oral health, you may not want to use them every day, but it definitely feels fancier than Colgate.
Regardless, it’s important to brush your teeth before moving on to skincare – this ensures that any bacteria will be washed away, and your skin won’t be irritated by toothpaste that might otherwise stick around.
Step two: Skincare
My nighttime skincare routine is my personal favourite time to take some me-time where possible. Though, for me personally, a good cleanser and moisturiser are always necessities, adding a few extra steps does a lot to elevate your evening.
This could be in the form of a few night-specific or active products. Recently, I’ve been loving Bondi Sands’ skincare range. Though previously I’ve only used their tanning
products and sunscreens, their Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser is absolutely adorable and works incredibly well to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep. For those with acne or looking for anti-ageing benefits, the new Baby Face Retinol Serum is also an easy and affordable way to introduce your skin to a more intense product.
Face masks are also a great way to bunker down and focus on you. The Lust Minerals Clear + Glow Sheet Mask is a great option if you’re looking for hydration and reducing hyperpigmentation.
Or, reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Immediate Eye Revival Patches. Though I wouldn’t recommend these if you have particularly sensitive skin or eyes,
they feel very luxurious and do a great job to reduce puffiness and fine lines.
Step three: Sleep
You’ve brushed your teeth, finished your skincare, and now it’s time to head to bed. But, there are a few more things you can do to ensure you wake up looking and feeling refreshed. For years, I’ve used a satin or silk pillowcase almost exclusively. The brand Slip is my go-to (especially when it’s on sale at Sephora) though any will do. Silk is a lot gentler on your skin, and especially your hair, meaning less time brushing and restyling in the morning.
Recently, I’ve also started using a sleeping mask. Again, mine is from Peter Alexander, though any will do. They’re super cute, and also really help if you struggle to fall asleep.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATING YOUR DOG
As the holiday season approaches, many pet owners are preparing to book their dogs into boarding facilities. Whether it’s for the upcoming long weekend or during Christmas, ensuring your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations is vital, especially when they’ll be in close contact with other pets. Boarding facilities typically require proof of vaccination to safeguard all animals, as contagious diseases can spread quickly in such environments.
With recent vaccine shortages and the challenges brought on by the cost-of-living over the past few years, annual vaccinations for pets may have been overlooked. However, vaccinating your dog is just as essential to preventing the spread of common but potentially deadly diseases. Prevention, as the saying goes, is better than cure.
Here are the diseases our dog vaccinations aim to prevent:
Parvovirus (Parvo): Parvo is a highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss. It can survive in the environment for extended periods, making it hard to control. Parvo spreads easily, particularly in places where dogs gather, such as boarding facilities. Untreated, it can be fatal, but early intervention offers a better chance of survival.
Canine distemper: This airborne virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes and nose, but it can progress to neurological damage. Like parvo, distemper has no cure, and prevention through vaccination is crucial.
Canine adenovirus (Infectious canine hepatitis): This disease targets a dog’s liver, kidneys, and eyes, and is spread through bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. Symptoms can range from lethargy and vomiting to abdominal pain and sudden death.
Canine cough (Kennel cough): Boarding facilities, dog parks, and shows are hotspots for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness. It presents as a persistent cough and can lead to more severe complications like pneumonia in puppies. Vaccination is a must for dogs spending time in these environments.
Leptospirosis and coronavirus (C2i): Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria spread through the urine of infected rats. Dogs can contract the disease by coming into contact with contaminated food, bedding, or – most commonly – stagnant water. The bacteria can enter a dog’s body through broken skin, the mouth, or by
swallowing contaminated water. This makes dogs that spend time on rural properties or near standing water, like ponds or puddles, particularly vulnerable. Leptospirosis can cause severe damage to the kidneys and liver, and in some cases, it can be fatal without treatment.
Leptospirosis and coronavirus (C2i): Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria spread through the urine of infected rats and mice. Dogs can contract the disease by coming into contact with contaminated food, bedding, or –most commonly – stagnant water. Canine coronavirus, is inflammation in the stomach and intestine, which are characterised by symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. Recently, there was a shortage of the C2i vaccine, which protects against both diseases, but supply has now returned to normal. Ensuring your dog is vaccinated against these diseases is particularly important if they spend time on rural properties and have contact with rats, mice, or birds.
To protect your dog and others, it’s essential to stay on top of their vaccination schedule. Contact us on 4736 2027 to discuss a tailored vaccination plan that suits your dog’s needs, lifestyle, and boarding arrangements.
Stay ahead of the holidays and give your pet the best protection possible.
Relax & Unwind
my name: Buddy my proud owner: Kate i live in: Penrith
Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the
a bit about me: Buddy is a three-year-old golden retriever with the sweetest and most gentle nature, but with that silly and sassy golden attitude. He will do any trick you want for a piece of chicken or cheese, and loves to go for zoomies outside. He’s also a huge Panthers fan!
Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.
Zambi Wildlife Retreat is an exclusive and unique Not for Profit Animal Sanctuary, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.
A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings
The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.
There is also the opportunity to add on animal encounters such as hand feeding the big cats and meeting the meerkats and little marmoset monkeys. This can be booked at the same time as your tour or added during your visit.
Entry is 9 years of age and older and a further age restriction of 12 years and older will apply to hand feeding the
HOROSCOPES
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Are you restless for physical adventure and mental challenges? The Solar Eclipse illuminates your travel and education zone, so it’s time to explore, study and experiment! Negotiation planet Venus also encourages you to compromise and hold out the olive branch of peace (especially to a stressed colleague at work). Attached Aquarians – don’t put your career before relationships. Singles – you could meet your soul mate via a colleague, client or customer.
TAURUS
The mid-week Solar Eclipse stimulates your daily routine/work/wellbeing zone (and taskmaster Saturn trines your ruler Venus). So it’s time to be disciplined as you draw up a to-do list, apply for a new job, or reboot your diet and exercise routine. And don’t be disappointed if something comes to a natural end. Be inspired by birthday great, singer and actress Julie Andrews (who turns 89 on Tuesday), “When one door closes, another window opens.”
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
You’re in the mood to talk, text, tweet, publish and/or podcast as the Solar Eclipse activates your communication zone. New connections within your local community are also likely. But there’s a Mercury/Mars square, so make sure you convey your message clearly and concisely, otherwise disagreements are likely. Are you keen to borrow money, make an expensive purchase or sign an important contract? Saturn cautions you to be patient and wait.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Scorpions are sometimes stubborn creatures, which can put others offside. You can also be jealous, possessive and materialistic, as your acquisitive side goes into overdrive. This week Venus is visiting your sign, which highlights your desire for harmony and balance. So strive to be more adaptable, as other people won’t behave in predictable ways. Smart Scorps will choose compromise over confrontation, diplomacy over drama, and generosity over greed.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
The mid-week Solar Eclipse spotlights close partnerships, intimacy, secrets, trust issues and joint finances. With Saturn still transiting through your sign, you will make messy mistakes and experience disappointments along the way. But don’t let them deter you from your chosen path. With hard work and a positive attitude, you can turn things around. As birthday great Truman Capote wrote “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavour.”
GEMINI
Mercury (your patron planet) and the Solar Eclipse are energising your creativity and peer group zone, so it’s a wonderful week to create, inspire, socialise and fraternize. An exciting new romance or friendship could be just around the corner! Are you single and looking for love? You could be introduced to your future partner via a work colleague, client or customer. Monday is the best day to tick the to-do list and get things done financially and professionally.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
The mid-week Solar Eclipse signals a fresh financial chapter, so start planning now. Long-term partnerships (of the romantic, platonic and business variety) are also highlighted. Saturn tests perseverance, Venus – cooperation, and Mars – passion. But don’t get bogged down in gossip and criticism. Keep the conversation inspiring and uplifting! Your weekly motto is from birthday great, actress Julie Andrews, “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The mid-week Solar Eclipse is the perfect time to revise, reassess and reboot your hopes, goals and dreams for the future. Think of creative ways you can navigate the unpredictable economic landscape, adapt professionally and pivot personally. Taskmaster Saturn also encourages you to be more responsible at home and more accountable with family members. If things aren’t going well with loved ones, then it’s time to communicate and cooperate!
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
The Solar Eclipse revs up your relationship zone, so you’ll experience the greatest satisfaction if you share your goals and dreams with other like-minded people. Collective collaboration is the key. But you need to think long-term and be patient. Do your best to get the balance right between being creative and being productive; between having inspirational ideas and making practical progress. On Sunday, resist the urge to speak impulsively and act rashly.
With the Solar Eclipse and Mercury stimulating your domestic zone, it’s time for a new DIY project or a fresh family chapter. But there’s also a tricky Mercury/Mars square on Sunday, so slow down and think things through, otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident. There is much inner peace to be found via activities like meditation, contemplation, yoga and tai chi as you listen to the wisdom from within.
With a Solar Eclipse in your sign (and Mars visiting your professional/life direction zone) be more proactive about where you are heading. Don’t just hope that things will magically change. The mid-week eclipse is the ideal time to set intentions and make wishes involving personal projects, physical appearance and individual goals. Most of all … enjoy yourself! Draw inspiration from birthday great, Kate Winslet, “Life is short, and it is here to be lived.”
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Mercury and the Solar Eclipse light up your career zone, so utilise your communication skills and natural charm to attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. Monday’s terrific Mars/ Saturn trine reminds you to be proactive and practical. Preparation is the key. As singer/actress (and birthday great) Julie Andrews observes, “Work hard, apply yourself and be ready. Then, when an opportunity comes, you can grab it.”
THE HIDDEN TREASURES
It will come as no surprise to learn that our neighbours across the Tasman are enjoying a boom in cruising at least as exciting as our own. With its diverse geography and geology plus rich Polynesian culture, New Zealand really is an ideal destination for ships of all shapes and sizes.
“NEW ZEALAND REALLY IS AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR SHIPS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES”
The myriad wonders and blockbuster scenery of Aotearoa (the land of the long white cloud) are well known thanks to movies like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and it seems everyone wants a piece of the action.
But looking at the map, it’s easy to see how much of this intricate coastline would be overlooked if one were restricted to port-hopping with the larger cruise ships. Captain
Cook himself, aboard the tiny Endeavour, was perhaps the first European to sing the praises of his newfound southern paradise and he used every opportunity to return and rest his
men in the peaceful surrounds of places like Queen Charlotte Sound.
From my own experience, many great attractions exist in smaller cities and towns where large numbers of disembarking passengers could spoil the special appeal of these out-ofthe-way places. Bay of Islands, for example, is where kilometre after kilometre of intricate coastline, little nooks, coves and crannies, thickly wooded islands and headlands are all interwoven to create a convivial natural latticework perfect for smaller vessels. Drop into little Kaikoura and discover its very deep secret. Only a few hundred metres off shore, the seabed plunges into a massive submarine canyon, creating a marine smorgasbord attracting an array of aquatic mammals, fish, birds, and tourists. Whales, dolphins, seals, and all manner of aquatic birds abound in and around Kaikoura.
One of the cruise areas that you will see on many itineraries is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland which encompasses Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound. It was James Cook who named them ‘sounds’ when in fact they are proper, glacial fjords. No one has dared correct him. While the big ships cruise in and out, the smaller ships land guests ashore and conduct excursions as far afield as Queenstown.
Bay of Islands.
Napier is a must-visit location in New Zealand.
A Zodiac Cruise at South East Island.
AWAITING YOU IN NEW ZEALAND
Napier is another intriguing port. Totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the art deco style. Apart from its heritage architecture, its unique assets include the vast Hawke’s Bay, which is widely recognised as New Zealand’s leading wine and food region. Around the corner is the Bay of Plenty, the gateway to Rotorua from the deep sea port at Tauranga.
Down at the foot of the South Island is remote Stewart Island, a haven for travellers looking for nature, tranquility, and adventure. While it is ideal for small ship visits, bigger ships occasionally creep in, too, putting passengers ashore by tender to visit the small village or take shore excursions into the lush Rakiura National Park.
Now for those really looking for a dash of
adventure, New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands hundreds of kilometres south of Stewart Island are an ideal location for bird and animal lovers.
Several specialist cruise lines are particularly interested in New Zealand and its potential for boutique travel. However, you’ll pay a bit more for these cruises.
Cruise lines regularly visiting New Zealand
on comprehensive itineraries include Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, APT, Hapag-Lloyd, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas. Niche adventure operator, Heritage Expeditions regularly sail from Bluff, near Invercargill.
Visit Expedition Cruise Specialists at www. expeditioncruisespecialists.com or call 1800 90 20 80.
A magical part of the world: Bay of Islands.
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Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: THE MOON
ARISTARCHUS
ARMSTRONG CRATERS
CRISIUM
CRUST
DORSA
ESCARPMENTS
GIBBOUS IMBRIUM
LANDING
LOW DENSITY
LUNAR MOUNTAINS
NEAR SIDE
ORIENTALE
PROMONTORIUM
RILLES
RIMA
ROCKY RUBBLE
SERENITATIS
TERRA TIDES
WANE
WAX
WINDING VALLEYS
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about rugby league Grand Finals in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. Before Penrith, who was the last team to win three consecutive Grand Finals? 2. In what year was the Grand Final played at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the last time?
4. Who did Jonathan Thurston give his Grand Final ring to in 2004?
5. Who was the last team to fail to score a point in a Grand Final?
6. When did the Wests Tigers win their one and only Grand Final?
3. The current trophy features Norm Provan and Arthur Summons embracing after which famous rugby league Grand Final?
Refreshed Camry on sale
Toyota has launched its new hybridonly Camry range in Australia, with a new-generation Hybrid Electric powertrain, stylish exterior and interior redesign, and substantially upgraded multimedia and active safety technologies.
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to fuel-saving technologies and its multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, the new Camry sees the introduction of Toyota’s fifth-generation 2.5-litre Hybrid Electric powertrain to its Australian line-up for the first time.
The new generation Hybrid Electric powertrain delivers more power, improved drive performance and reduced fuel consumption of just 4.0L/100km.
Complementing the new powertrain is a sleek exterior design which adopts Toyota’s Hammer Head design language, along with the addition of Toyota’s latest active safety technologies and increased standard equipment for comfort and convenience.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new Camry delivered on what customers want, with improved driveability, fuel economy and equipment levels, all packaged in a very stylish contemporary sedan.
“Customer demand for Toyota’s fuel-saving
Hybrid Electric technology has grown everstronger in recent years, and the new Camry’s hybrid-only line-up reflects that demand,” he said.
“With incredibly low fuel consumption, improved output and driveability, the new Hybrid Electric Camry range offers the performance and driving dynamics our customers demand.
“At the same time, its stylish good looks make it a standout on the road with all the
safety, comfort and advanced technology that will ensure it remains Australia’s favourite mid-sized sedan.”
The new Camry range starts from $39,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Ascent, packed with standard equipment and features including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, daytime running lights and rear combination lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display for the multimedia system.
The mid-range Ascent Sport is available from $42,990 plus on-road costs, and adds high-grade LED headlamps and tail-lamps, LED foglamps, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, wireless smartphone charger, and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display.
Priced from $53,990, the flagship SL is differentiated by new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, rear side and back privacy glass, and heated side mirrors with reverse and memory function.
Inside, the flagship model features leather-accented upholstery, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front seat heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel with power adjustment, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system.
A 12-month complimentary subscription to Toyota Connected Services provides a range of welcome benefits to customers through the Camry’s inbuilt data communication module.
The new Camry is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage that includes a five-year/ unlimited kilometre coverage term.
The Toyota Service Advantage provides Camry owners with five years of capped-price servicing, spread over 12-month or 15,000km intervals at a price of $255 per service.
The new-generation Camry range is available with the choice of eight exterior colours offered across the range.
NATHAN TAYLOR
2024 Toyota Camry range. (L-R) Camry SL, Camry Ascent and Camry Ascent Sport.
Visser wows with record
Former local cricketer hits mind-boggling 39 from six deliveries in T20 clash
Alittle over a month ago, a young bloke who grew up, went to school and played cricket in the Penrith area broke a major world record that had stood for an incredible 17 years.
The man was Darius Visser and he broke the men’s T20 International record for most runs in an over, clobbering 39 runs from six legal deliveries while representing Samoa against Vanuatu.
The astonishing feat took place last month at the T20 World Cup Sub Regional East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers in Apia, Samoa.
Facing Vanuatu bowler Nalin Nipiko at Apia’s Garden Oval No.2, the 28-year-old cleared the boundary rope six times during the 15th over of the innings, which featured three no-balls.
Making Visser’s achievement even more remarkable was the fact he was unaware that he broke the record for most runs in an over until International Cricket Council (ICC) staff at the ground caught up with him.
Speaking with the Weekender, the former Claremont Meadows resident explained how the historic moment played out.
“Throughout the innings and the record breaking over, I had no idea it had happened or that I was even on track for it – it just happened to be that way,” Visser recalled.
“So, when the ICC staff told me that I broke a world record, I didn’t have time to process it properly as we were still playing games daily.
“It wasn’t until we finished that I sat at the hotel with the boys and opened my phone. It was mental, absolutely mental! I would have got hundreds of messages.”
Running his own cricket coaching business called Hype Cricket Academy, the former Colyton-St Clair Cricket Club member said he didn’t tell too many people he was representing the tiny island nation on the big stage. So, when news started to trickle in that Visser
went berserk with the bat, chaos ensued.
“I told a lot of my clients that I coach that I was going overseas to play cricket but a lot of them didn’t know who I was playing for as I kept it under wraps,” the Penrith Cricket junior said.
“I hate any sort of attention. My Instagram is on private. I’ve said no to a lot of the media companies that want to interview me because I like the quiet life.
“But the ICC started posting about it online and then everyone started messaging me asking what the hell was going on?.”
Visser’s record was huge for the people of Samoa, but it wasn’t the only record he conquered that day. The St Marys Senior High School alumni was also responsible for 75.84 per cent of Samoa’s runs – another record in men’s T20Is.
Visser recorded a whopping 132 runs from 62 deliveries, including 14 sixes and five boundaries, to help Samoa defeat Vanuatu by 10 runs and ultimately win the tournament.
“It was the first time in Samoan history that we won that tournament, and we beat some pretty good teams,” he said.
“Next up is a trip to Dubai next June to play for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The top three teams will advance.”
For the record, the previous men’s T20I record for most runs in an over was 36, achieved on five occasions, the first of which was India’s Yuvraj Singh smashing six straight
sixes against England’s Stuart Broad during the 2007 T20 World Cup.
“I don’t think I’ve ever tried to hit that many sixes – I didn’t even go out to do it in that game,” Visser said.
“We were 4/14 and needed the runs. It was one of those moments where the bowler comes on and you’ve got to take him on.”
And take him on he did, with the bowler Nipiko benched from delivering any more overs for the remainder of the tournament.
“He’s actually a good cricketer, but when you bowl your first three balls and they all go for six, the mind starts playing games. And then he bowls a no-ball, and it all starts going sour,” Visser said.
Celebrating 100 Years of Tennis in Blacktown
If you have a connection to Blacktown Tennis over the past centur y, you are warmly invited to join us in celebrating this special milestone. Come and reminisce, reconnect, and enjoy a cuppa with fellow tennis enthusiasts.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, 12 October 2024
• Time: Noon - 4:00pm
Schedule:
• 12:30pm: Formalities
• Venue: Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope, Tennis Centre Function Room.
• 2:00pm: Demonstration match on Cour t 1, featuring current tennis talents
• 2:00pm - 5:00pm: Cour ts 3 to 10 available for casual play.
Dress Code: Casual
For catering purposes, please RSVP by emailing Yvonne at info@blacktowntennis.com.au or calling 0421 645 286
Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope, Blacktown Leisure Centre Tennis function room, Cnr Sentr y Drive & Stanhope Parkway
We look for ward to seeing the word spread through the tennis community and hope to have a wonder ful afternoon together
NATHAN TAYLOR
What a knock from Darius Visser.
Darius Visser in action for Samoa.
Fox finishes in style
Jess ready for a break after huge year on the whitewater
Penrith sporting superstar Jessica Fox can finally enjoy a well-earned break after wrapping up her final competition of the year last weekend in sunny Spain.
The 30-year-old completed her season in the Canoe with a Gold medal and overall World Cup title at the 2024 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Final in La Seu.
With two gold medals and a silver in the Canoe already this season, Fox was determined to bounce back from a fifth place finish in the Kayak final earlier in the meet.
After finishing fifth in the semi-final, the Penrith local knew she had to put down a time that her competitors would find hard to chase, a position similar to that of the Paris Olympic Games.
Crossing the line in a time of 104.30 was enough for Fox to claim Gold, 0.11 seconds ahead of Czech Republic’s Gabriela Satk ova in second and Great Britain’s Kimberley Woods in third.
“It’s been a great season and it is so
special every time to put down a good final run to stand on top of the podium and overall ranking,” Fox said.
“Anything can happen in La Seu with double points on offer and being the World Cup Final, so I’m just really happy to put down a good run and sharing the podium with the Satkova sisters is awesome.”
While her Olympic Champion sister Noemie Fox competed and won bronze in the Kayak Cross in Italy last week, Fox chose to skip World Cup 4 for “strategic” reasons. She admitted it was quite a challenge to find the motivation for the final World Cup of the year.
“I have definitely felt a little bit tired and flat coming into this World Cup,” Fox said.
“I decided to miss the Ivrea World Cup and come straight here for the World Cup Final, so that was a strategic decision to try and get more time on the course here and just try and feel good again after the Games.
“It’s hard with the motivation and the fatigue, but I’m really pleased to come away with the win in the Canoe. It’s been an amazing season and to finish this way is so special.”
In her final event, Fox closed out the season with a fourth place finish in the Kayak Cross Final, and third place overall in the Kayak Cross World Cup standings.
She’s expected to spend some quality time holidaying in Europe before heading home.
KINGSWOOD HOSTS BIG EVENT
Story continued from » p.84
“The Penrith and St Marys area has the highest amount of women’s major league teams in NSW, and we also have an extensive number of young female baseballers in the area.
“Following discussions between Baseball NSW and Penrith City Council, it was decided that our brand-new facility at Chapman Gardens was deemed suitable to host a large tournament like the Barclay Cup.”
Seven teams will compete at next week’s Barclay Cup, with NSW fielding three sides while teams from Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia are also taking part.
Gately said he’s particularly excited about having the tournament on his home turf because he gets to watch his daughter Georgia represent NSW.
“It’s very exciting,” he said.
“There’s five girls from local baseball clubs playing at this tournament.
“We’ve got a pretty good stack of talent hiding out here, I think they are the future of women’s baseball.”
Now all Gately and his army of volunteers need to do is prepare the Second Avenue facility for a week’s worth of baseball action.
“We host games at our fields about 46 weekends a year – they are always ready for games,” he declared.
“We rely on a strong army of volunteers to dress the diamonds every day and look after the canteen facilities.”
Jessica Fox (centre) in La Seu last week. Photo: ICF/ Damiano Benedetto.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Fast times and exciting racing highlighted Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney last Sunday, with more than 1600 age-group athletes taking part.
Athletes from every Australian state and territory, along with 21 other countries, took on the 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith.
First across the line was Kurt Hanson, who covered the course in 3:54:54, just two seconds clear on the timing board from Thales Da Silva Souza, with Jack Pringle third.
The rolling age-group start made for a nervous wait on the finish line for Hanson, with Souza’s incredibly quick run time almost claiming him the victory.
“Amazing, I’m absolutely over the moon, but Thales, he ran a 1 hour 13 [minutes], he beat me by like 10 minutes in the run, I’m stoked but absolutely pooped, well done to the other boys because I’ve never worked that hard in my life,” Hanson said.
“I didn’t really have a plan, I just got with Cam, Leon and a couple of boys on the bike and those guys are so quick and full credit to those boys they did a lot of work, I biked with them and I took off on the run in front and thought there was no way I was going to hold on to this and expected Cam to come flying
past me, but he hung about 100 metres behind the whole run and it was agony, but anyway it doesn’t get any better.”
In the women’s race, Rachael McCarthy dominated from start to finish, crossing the line in 4:25:11, over 17 minutes clear of Emma Fessey in second with Tanya Fraser rounding out the overall women’s podium.
“I’m exhausted, that was tough, that run is never easy, it looks close but it’s a long way to go,” McCarthy said.
“I was trying to be tactical and take it easy on the swim and the bike and see what I could do on the run and it turned out not much on the run, it’s still extremely tough. This is my fifth half [Ironman] and with each one I’m just trying to progress and improve and work out my strengths and weaknesses and get better with that.
“It’s such a special feeling, there’s nothing like it to be honest, you work so hard for a four, four-and-a-half-hour race, taking the tape
makes it worth it.”
Last Sunday’s event got underway with a Sprint Triathlon, with more than 300 athletes taking on a 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run.
Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney also hosted the NSW Long Course State Championships last weekend.
Due to its raging success, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney is expected to return to the Regatta Centre in 2025.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Women’s champion Rachael McCarthy. Photo: Tim Bardsley-Smith. A picture perfect day last Sunday. Photo: Tim Bardsley-Smith.
SPORTS SHORTS
WITH NATHAN TAYLOR
Get behind the Starlight Scramble
GOLF: Penrith golfers can hit the green and do their bit to help sick kids with X-Golf Penrith’s inaugural Starlight Scramble, which kicked off earlier this month. Formed from a new partnership between X-Golf and the Starlight Foundation, the initiative will take place until October 12 with the national goal of funding five life-changing Starlight Wishes. At a cost of $7,500 per wish, X-Golf’s sights are set high, but they’re confident punters will join in to support the little ones of the local community. X-Golf’s Peter Nolan said that when sick kids’ worlds are filled with hospitals and treatments, a Starlight Wish is an incredible gift of happiness. “It’s a cause that’s close to our hearts here at X-Golf and we’re pleased to work together to help these families leave the pain of illness behind for a moment to enjoy more of what matters most,” he said. There are 25 participating X-Golf locations Australia-wide where golfers can hit for the happiness of Starlight kids including York Road in Penrith. When entering, Starlight Scramble participants must pass on the $70 savings from the discounted simulator hire to the Foundation for four players to enjoy a nine-hole scramble, plus go in the draw to win other great prizes. To learn more about X-Golf’s inaugural Starlight Scramble, or to find a participating venue near you, visit www.xgolf.com.au/ promos/starlight-scramble.
SPORT: Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) is now accepting nominations for its 2024-25 sport development programs. Developed in partnership with State Sporting Organisations, these programs offer athletes a pre-elite development pathway to advance their skills and progress within their chosen sport. The following sports are currently open for nominations: BMX, Cycling, Digital Realty Netball, Digital Realty Netball Umpire, Softball, Softball Umpire, and Indoor Volleyball. If you are an aspiring athlete looking to take the next step in your sporting journey, WSAS encourages you to apply. Nominations close soon, so don’t miss this opportunity! For more information and to view the nomination details, visit www.wsas.com.au.
SPORT: Western Sydney Academy of Sport held its Annual Athlete Awards Dinner on September 13 at Wenty Leagues Club to recognise the achievements of athletes, coaches, and the support of its government and corporate partners throughout the season. Athletes from 11 sports disciplines were recognised for their talent and dedication, including BMX, Cycling, Netball, Rowing and
Para-sports. The event’s highlight was the presentation of Athlete of the Year awards for each sport, culminating in the prestigious Academy Athlete of the Year award. Aside from Program Athlete of the Year Awards, two feature awards were also presented The Steadfast Coach Leadership Award was awarded to Penrith-born diver Melissa Wu The Western Sydney University Excellence in Education Award was presented to softballer Liam McRae for academic excellence. Service
awards were given to coaches Nikki Welsford, Heather Smith and Martin Bullock for their long-standing contributions. Other local award winners included Lara Hodges for Indigenous Future Stars Athlete of the Year; Penrith’s Ethan Mackie won the Steadfast Athlete Leadership Award; and Matthew Engesser was crowned Western Sydney Academy of Sport 2024 Athlete of the Year.
AFLW: The GWS Giants have lost their second game of the season, going down to the Sydney Swans 43-40 in Round 4 of the AFLW. Played down in Canberra last weekend, the Swans opened up a convincing lead until the contest turned into an arm wrestle after the main break as the Giants kept challenging without quite reclaiming the lead. GWS will look to bounce back when they host the West Coast Eagles at Henson Park this Sunday afternoon.
CRICKET: Penrith have defeated Sydney in the opening round of the Kingsgrove Sports T20 competition. Played last Saturday at Merrylands Park, Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. Penrith were on fire, scoring 7/193 after 20 overs. Penrith’s Dave Dubey smashed 93 in an incredible display. When Sydney hit the crease later that afternoon, they fought hard but ultimately fell 43 runs short. Penrith will take on old foes Parramatta this Saturday at Howell Oval.
FOOTBALL: Inaugural Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has been named the head new coach of the Socceroos. A highly respected figure in Australian football, Popovic brings an impressive depth of experience in both domestic and international football. His achievements include coaching Wanderers to the AFC Champions League title in 2014 and winning two A-League Premierships. He is now tasked with guiding the Socceroos toward qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. “I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Socceroos as head coach. It’s a role that comes with great responsibility, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
BASEBALL: The Greater Western Warriors first grade team have had mixed results in Round 2 of the 2024/25 Baseball NSW State League competition. Last Wednesday, Greater Western went down to Canterbury 4-3, while last Sunday the Warriors bounced back to defeat the Vikings 6-4. Greater Western, who remain on top of the table, will battle the Cronulla Sharks in Round 3
GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message me on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.
Dave Dubey scored 93. Photo: Barry Clarence.
Matthew Engesser with his prizes.
X-Golf Penrith will take part in the inaugural Starlight Scramble.
GIRLS SET TO SHINE
Baseballers from around the country have descended on Penrith for the prestigious Barclay Cup.
Played for the first time in NSW, the premier junior female baseball tour nament will kick-off this Sunday, September 29 and run until Satur day, October 5 at Chapman Gardens Baseball Oval in Kingswood.
The Barclay Cup, now in its third year after a successful debut in Queensland in 2022, has quickly become the pinnacle event for junior female baseballers in Australia.
The tournament is named in honour of Jacinda Barclay, who played a major role in women’s baseball and women’s sport overall in Australia.
Barclay was an Australian repre sentative baseball player and played professionally in three different sports over her career, including with the GWS Giants AFLW team.
She passed away in 2020 after taking her own life.
The upcoming Barclay Cup, which will be hosted by MacKillop Baseball Club, will bring together the nation’s most talented young female players, aged 13-16, for a week-long showcase of exceptional skill, competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
Speaking with the Weekender MacKillop Baseball Club President Josh Gately said he’s incredibly proud to have the opportunity to host the 2024 Barclay Cup.
“There hasn’t been many all-girl tournaments available in baseball for an extended period of time, but this one kicked it all off,” he said.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Georgia Gately, Madi Forbes and Bree Zavec. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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