Western Weekender September 30 2022

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grand final news

FANS OUT IN FORCE TO SUPPORT TEAM

“We weren’t able to do it last year until way after the Premiership, which means that every one is enjoying it so much more this year,” he said.

More than 6,000 fans turned out in force to watch the Panthers be put through their paces at an open training session on Tuesday.

The popularity of the Panthers was certainly in no doubt as the city came out to celebrate the team making a third straight NRL Grand Final.

Watching the players train with parochial fans cheering on in the background was Panthers Chairman Peter Graham, who said there was a tremendous buzz right throughout the club.

“I think there are three groups of people that brought us together today and you’d have to start with the players,” he said.

“We’ve got such a wonderful history here –right from 1967 – of players who show up every week – good times, bad times – but they turn up. These boys are really a product of that.

“You’ve got this wonderful team and the team behind the team – Matt Cameron and his wonderful staff over at the Academy. And also, all of our coaching staff, physio staff and all of those people. They’ve all added to this.

“And finally it’s what we see here today… the fans. The fans have been loyal to this club right from the start and today is a pay off for them, another Grand Final opportunity on Sunday –it's just fantastic.”

Graham is also aware of how much it means to the fans to be able to celebrate this week given COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney prevented such festivities last year.

“Everyone involved – the boys, the staff, the fans – they deserve this, they deserve to have this opportunity.”

Grand Final Week was officially launched on Monday on the shores of Sydney Harbour with representatives of the men’s and women’s Grand Finals, as well as fans.

It kicked off a huge week of formal ities, with the Grand Final back in full swing for the first time since 2019 after two COVID impacted lead-ups in recent years.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Grand Final would offer a tremendous culmina tion of the 2022 season.

“Grand Final Week is a celebration of the season, with the two remaining clubs in each of the NRL and NRLW Telstra Premierships compet ing to create a piece of history,” he said.

“We have the best sports competitions in the world and tribal clubs, brilliant athletes, loyal partners and passionate fans of rugby league will all converge in Sydney to cele brate this.”

– Additional reporting by Nathan Taylor

Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary swamped by fans on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

final word

Rugby league has a habit of delivering perfect scenarios and they don’t get much more perfect than a ‘Battle of the West’ on steroids for the Grand Final –the Panthers versus the Eels in a match that will cement the rivalry between these two clubs.

It is a rivalry that has bubbled away for years but successful periods were rarely played out in the same period, meaning the Panthers and Eels often avoided each other in the season’s biggest games.

Penrith were easybeats when Parramatta was dominating the early 1980s and by the time Phil Gould steered the Panthers to two straight Grand Finals in 1990 and 1991, times were lean for the Eels. It’s a scenario that continued to play out over the years back and forth.

That changed last year when Penrith pipped the Eels in one of the toughest Semi Finals you’ll ever see, followed up by a fresh instal ment three weeks ago in the opening weekend of the Finals. Those games put these two clubs on a collision cause of epic proportions.

Throw a few former Panthers now in Eels jerseys into the mix, along with the fact the Eels have beaten the Panthers twice this season, and you have all the storylines and sub-plots you need leading into Sunday’s decider.

As I predicted, last week's game against Souths was tight in the first half, but eventually Penrith’s dominance came to the fore. Yet again, they defended themselves to victory – and it’s a key note that the Panthers have conceded just three tries in this Finals series in a defensive showing not dissimilar to what they presented in 2021.

It doesn’t get talked about often but in an era where the NRL has desperately tried to make the game more about attack, Penrith has bucked the trend by focusing on defence (not that there’s too much wrong with the attack, either!).

A big question heading into the Grand Final is what Parramatta may have learned from that 27-8 loss in the first week of the Finals.

Certainly, you would think they’d try to give Nathan Cleary less time for his last-tackle kicks, something the Panthers may counter by kick ing regularly on the fourth tackle to ensure the game is played where they want it to be.

The inclusion of Nathan Brown, seemingly from left field, is obviously designed to throw as much at Cleary as possible right throughout the game in what is likely to be a relentless attack on his last tackle options.

It seems obvious to suggest the Panthers will

target Waqa Blake with plenty of high balls but you’d be foolish not to given what happened earlier in the Finals.

The other thing the Eels would have learned is that without their offloading game, things just don’t click. Their offloads have been a key factor of their success this season and were on show against both Canberra and North Queensland, but didn’t get all that much of a run against Penrith. It may be risky play, especially in big games, but the Eels can’t just put away one of the most dangerous aspects of their play.

Both sides proved last weekend that they can come from behind if need be, but in a Grand Final such opportunities may not present themselves.

I’m no coach, but holes were very much appearing in Penrith’s plan to start Mitch Kenny over Api Koroisau last weekend. I’m not sure if the ultimate victory will overshadow any potential change, but I’d certainly be starting Koroisau in a game such as this – jumping out of the blocks with your best 13 on the field has to be game plan.

The Panthers have lost Taylan May for this one but don’t lose all that much with the inclusion of Charlie Staines, who at least got the big game nerves out of the way last weekend.

A much bigger loss is Parramatta being with out Tom Opacic, who has been strong for them all season.

There’s part of me that can see Penrith doing what Melbourne did to them in 2020 and blowing the Eels out of the water in the first 20 minutes of the game.

But if Parramatta can find a way to make up for their lack of experience and aren’t caught up in the occasion, they could certainly get into the fight here.

Plenty of people want to read into Parramat ta’s two victories over Penrith this year as some sort of form guide; but I think their game when it mattered most in the Finals is more of an indication as to how things will go here.

Let’s not forget that in those regular season games, Nathan Cleary was sent off in one match while both sides scored four tries in the other, with goal kicking the difference.

In the end I think a few old rugby league clichés are at play here. You have to lose one to win one, and once you’ve won one, the experi ence counts for so much on game day.

Penrith just have too much class, too much experience and too much on their side not to get the job done here.

Tip: Panthers by 13.

The Panthers celebrate a try against Souths. Photo: NRL Images.

DODDS

2 |

| ACCOR

STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN | BUNKER: GRANT ATKINS

Dylan Edwards Charlie Staines

Izack Tago

Stephen Crichton

Brian To’o

Jarome Luai

Nathan Cleary (c)

Moses Leota

Apisai Koroisau

James Fisher-Harris

Viliame Kikau

Liam Martin

Isaah Yeo

Mitch Kenny Scott Sorensen

Spencer Leniu

Jaeman

Clint

Maika

Bailey

Dylan

the road to the big dance

ROUND 1

ROUND 2

ROUND 9

ROUND 10

ROUND 11

An eight match winning streak is ended when Parramatta records a 22-20 win over Penrith at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith’s first loss at the venue since 2019.

The Panthers turn it on in awful conditions in Magic Round, thumping a depleted Melbourne 32-6 at Suncorp Stadium. Izack Tago grabs a double.

A Jarome Luai double helps Penrith to an 18-0 half-time lead over the Roosters at the SCG. The Roosters offer little in the second half and the Panthers win 32-12.

Isaah Yeo scores in just the second minute to help Penrith take control against the Cowboys. The Panthers lead 16-0 at the break and win 22-0.

Filling in for Nathan Cleary, Sean O’Sullivan helps guide Penrith to a season-opening 28-6 win over Manly at BlueBet Stadium in front of 16,901 fans.

The Panthers hold off a strong finish from St George-Illawarra to record a 20-16 win at Kogarah. Viliame Kikau bags a double in the win.

Newcastle’s Mitchell Barnett is sent off in a high-scoring match at Carrington Park in Bathurst. The Panthers score five second half tries and win 38-20.

ROUND 3

Nathan Cleary plays for the first time in 2022, and despite an off night with the boot, leads the Panthers to a 26-12 win over South Sydney.

ROUND 4

Taylan May and Dylan Edwards score early tries as Penrith march to a 32-12 win over Canterbury at CommBank Stadium. Nathan Cleary kicks six from six.

Taylan May scores one of the tries of the season as Penrith record a 40-12 thrashing of Brisbane, winning their sixth straight game to start the year.

After a tight first half, Penrith pulls away from Canberra in the second half, scoring four tries in a 17 minute period to help set up a 36-6 thrashing.

Gold Coast take a surprise 4-0 lead into half-time, but the Panthers jump out of the blocks in the second half to eventually win 18-4.

Kurt Falls makes his NRL debut as an Origin-depleted Penrith surprises many by producing a 30-18 win over Canterbury at BlueBet Stadium.

ROUND 18

Nathan Cleary produces one of his best games of the season, tearing apart Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers win 42-6.

ROUND 19

The Panthers prove too good for the Warriors in Redcliffe, taking an 18-0 lead into half-time before a strong second half results in a 40-6 thrashing.

A controversial night at the foot of the Mountains sees the Panthers continue a strong winning run, defeating the Roosters 26-18.

ROUND 20 ROUND 21

An under-strength Penrith hold on to beat Wests Tigers 18-16 thanks to a late James Fisher-Harris try at CommBank Stadium.

Stephen Crichton is hurt in a fiery encounter that sees Penrith eventually out-pace Cronulla to record a 20-10 victory at BlueBet Stadium.

Nathan Cleary is sensationally sent off in a dramatic night at CommBank Stadium. Parramatta goes on to record a 34-10 victory in front of a strong crowd.

In a match overshadowed by Ricky Stuart’s post-match press conference, Penrith prove too good for Canberra in the nation’s capital, 26-6.

Penrith are held scoreless for the only time this season, with Melbourne taking advantage of an under-strength home team to win 16-0.

Liam Martin proves the hero as the Panthers secure the Minor Premiership with a 26-22 win over South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

FINALS WEEK 1

Jarome Luai returns from injury and the Panthers demolish the Warriors in their last home game of the regular season, posting a 46-12 victory.

A host of players make their debut as the Panthers rest most of the first grade squad in the final round against the Cowboys.

Penrith go down 38-8.

Nathan Cleary returns from a five match suspension to produce a masterclass performance against western Sydney rivals Parramatta. Leading 7-6 at the break, the Panthers go on to record a 27-8 victory, their stoic defence a highlight of the opening weekend of the Finals.

After going down 12-0 to South Sydney early and their Premiership defence at risk of ending a week before the Grand Final, two crucial tries close to half-time put Penrith back in the game. They go on with the job in the second half, eventually winning 32-12 to qualify for the Grand Final.

the players

It was the most pivotal try of Penrith’s season so far, in fact it arguably could be regarded as one of their most important tries in club history.

Brian To’o’s intercept try in the 40th minute of last Saturday’s epic Preliminary Final against South Sydney was an instant game changer.

With the Panthers surprisingly down 12-6 as half-time approached, To’o snatched the ball 25 metres out from his line during a Rabbi tohs backline shift and managed to sprint away and score one of the best tries of the year.

The stunning four-pointer instantly put the Minor Premiers back in the game, and it ultimately saw them go on to end the Bunnies’ season.

Speaking with the Weekender on Tuesday, the try-scoring hero himself said it was the try that almost didn’t happen.

“Yeah, I was thinking I wasn’t going to make it, to be honest,” To’o said.

“Once I caught the ball I knew I wasn’t going all the way, but I was grateful to get the try in the end.”

After a tough first half that saw Penrith chas ing points, To’o said he was surprised he had enough energy to race 65 metres – palming off defenders as he raced Steven Bradbury style towards the finished line.

“I actually didn’t know what was happening, all I knew was that I was blowing after the first 10 steps,” To’o admitted.

“I just closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

“I swear it was luck.”

When To’o returned to the sheds at half-time, his teammates not only showered him with praise for levelling the game, but they also had

a little joke with him about his speed, or lack of it.

“They were just all laughing at me, saying ‘you weren’t going to make it, hey’. I replied, ‘I wasn’t,” To’o said.

Fortunately To’o did have enough speed and power to score, which in the end helped Penrith reach their third Grand Final in as many years.

The St Marys junior said he can’t believe he’ll be playing in his third season decider on Sunday night.

“It’s kind of weird because it hasn’t sunk in yet,” To’o said, preparing for the possibil ity of claiming a second Premiership ring.

“Being 24 and playing in three Grand Finals, it’s such a massive achievement and I’m really grateful for the opportunity and I’m just looking forward to the big occasion.”

While the majority of Penrith’s 17 will play in Grand Final number three this weekend, their opposition only has one player with Grand Final experience – Eels lock Ryan Matterson from his time at the Sydney Roosters.

To’o said despite Parramatta’s inexperience on the big stage, he’s expecting them to come out firing in the decider.

“They will definitely be looking to come play hard. I know this is their first Grand Final since 2009, but I know that they’ll be coming hard and be ready to play a big game against us,” he said.

“Anything can happen on game day, I guess. But it just feels like another game and it’s some thing I’m really looking forward to.

“I’m really happy, excited and nervous at the same time.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Brian To’o scored a crucial try in the Preliminary Final. Photo: Melinda Jane.

GO THE PENRITH PANTHERS

Join the action and watch the excitement of the 2022 NRL Grand Final on the big screen at Penrith City Council’s live site in St Marys this Sunday with food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids.

Free ticketed entry to the family-friendly, alcohol-free event at Kokoda car park and Coachmans Park in St Marys is available at: https://bit.ly/3DWAIxu

Pre-event entertainment: 3.30pm start Kick-off: 7.30pm.

BYO chairs or picnic blanket.

LONG, SEPARATED HISTORY WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO COLLIDE

It’s taken 56 seasons but finally we have the first Golden West Grand Final – Penrith versus Parramatta.

The Panthers actually owe Sunday’s fierce rivals a debt of gratitude, not that history will be front of mind this week.

In 1966, when the NSWRL sought submis sions from District Clubs to join their ‘Big League’, Cronulla and Wentworthville were the better performing favourites. However, Penrith delegates Merv Cartwright and Ron Partridge argued their inclusion would have less impact on Parramatta’s junior competition and it worked!

So in 1967, Cronulla and Penrith joined the NSWRL – or Sydney First Grade Premiership, now the NRL – alongside 10 other teams, including Parramatta, who had been part of the previous expansion in 1947.

matt russell

As you’d expect for two teams separated by 35 kilometres of Great Western Highway and later M4 Motorway, these teams have since created one of the game’s great rivalries. Not that we’ve seen it often in the Finals, and never at this time of year!

In their 106 meetings so far, only four have been Finals. Parramatta won a Minor Prelimi nary Final in 1985 and an Elimination Final in 2000. There was last year’s classic Semi Final and the Week 1 Final this year, both won by Penrith.

Despite having two of the biggest junior districts in the world it’s been a long and diffi cult road to their first Grand Final meeting.

Parra’s first Premiership was 35 years in the making. Since the string of four Premierships in the 1980’s, the Eels’ 36-year drought is the longest of any current club.

Penrith went through 18 failed campaigns before making Finals in 1985 and then finally lifting the trophy in 1991. Other Premierships followed at significant spacing in 2003 and 2021.

A story that started with convenient geogra phy and continued through many lean years separated as club captains Steve Edge, Ray Price, Greg Alexander, Craig Gower, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo lifted the trophy in differ ent eras.

Now their rivalry collides again. Is it back-toback titles for Penrith or ‘ding dong the witch is

dead again’ for Parramatta? The only certainty is these great clubs and feuding neighbors are about to play their biggest matchup.

STAT ATTACK 1 – Penrith’s Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary become the first halves pairing to start three straight Grand Finals since Parramatta’s Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling.

Credit: Fox Sports Lab.

STAT ATTACK 2 – Penrith can become the first team since Parramatta (v Canterbury) to beat an opponent twice in the Finals after losing to them twice in the regular season.

Credit: Fox Sports Lab.

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will create some rare history on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

Brought to

the players

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT EDWARDS

NATHAN TAYLOR

This time last year Dylan Edwards was in a moon boot.

It was NRL Grand Final Week up on the Sunshine Coast and the severely under rated fullback was nursing – what would later be revealed to be – a broken foot in the hopes of playing in that coming Sunday’s blockbuster decider against South Sydney.

As the record books would show, Edwards put up one of the bravest performances in Grand Final history – not only winning himself a coveted Premiership ring in the process, but later the club’s prestigious John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination.

A year on and in Grand Final Week yet again, Edwards is fit, firing and in career-best form.

“It’s definitely chalk and cheese this year compared to last year,” Edwards admitted.

“I remember having one run all week last year. I had my fitness test on the Thursday and that was my one run. I was in the moon boot for the rest of it.”

If Penrith are to knock off arch-rivals Parramatta this Sunday night at Accor Stadium, Edwards will no doubt be one of the keys to the Panthers winning back-to-back titles.

While the entire city of Penrith is bursting with joy this week celebrating the club’s rare achievement of making three straight Grand Finals, Edwards was rather subdued when asked what he thought of the side’s incredible feat.

“I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest,” he said.

“It’s pretty special, I suppose, to be able to keep performing well each week and making it to the big dance is pretty special… pretty cool.”

The 26-year-old enjoyed one of the games of his career last Saturday night in Penrith’s thumping Preliminary Final win over the Rabbitohs.

Edwards was in just about everything that evening – running a whopping 287 metres and winning praise from the entire rugby league faithful.

Asked how he’s handling the attention as one of the game’s most consistent performers this season, the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies was humble in his response.

“It’s nice mate but, in saying that, I play a team sport and I’m not here to win individual awards. I have a lot of people to thank in this team who make my job easier,” Edwards said.

“We’ve got a great squad who really like to learn, and I can’t rap the boys enough.”

Earlier this month, Edwards was bestowed the highest honour of his rugby league career so far – the 2022 Merv Cartwright Medal for Panthers Player of the Year.

Edwards said it was a special award to win after his standout regular season and some thing he’ll perhaps reflect on more when he hangs up the boots.

“It was nice to win, it’s definitely the best award I’ve ever won, that and the John Farragher Award I got last year,” he said.

“It’s very special and something I’ll reflect on later when I’m older.”

Panthers Player of the Year, Dylan Edwards. Photo: Melinda Jane.

RULE OF THREE: HOW PANTHERS TRIO HOLD KEY TO A WIN

Icall it the rule of three. Three players the Panthers will rely on to help keep the premiership trophy at Penrith and the three opposition players the Panthers have to keep quiet if they are to win back-to-back titles.

So, to kick things off, the three players I think will need to have a key role for Penrith are Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau.

I know I’ve just named the spine and it’s kind of an obvious selection, but it’s so true.

First up, the work Dylan Edwards does at full back is ridiculous. He’s playing in an era where we have freaks like James Tedesco and Tom ‘Turbo’ in the same position otherwise Edwards would be the incumbent NSW Origin fullback. Yes, he’s that good. He reads the play so well and his incredible fitness allows him to cover ground not every fullback can. His defence is also rocksolid and he barely drops a ball.

lang on league

with Peter Lang

Of course, Nathan Cleary is the key which fits every lock. At 24 he’s playing inspired football and is the general of the team. Cleary’s kicking game is superb, his bombs are explosive and his running game just keeps getting better. He sees the game in slow motion and if he spots a weakness, he’ll exploit it.

Finally, hooker Api Koroisau is in career best form. Nothing against Mitch Kenny but the side really comes alive when Api comes on. He’s smart, crafty, bamboozles the markers and knows when to run and when to pass. Close to the line, his decision making and passing game is near faultless.

On the other side of the fence, the three key players for the Parramatta Eels are Gutherson, Moses and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Yes, you read that right, RCG is a key player not Reed Mahoney.

Fullback Clint Gutherson is an outstanding fullback and a great leader. He often inspires his team from the back with great saves and wonderful runs. He is a smart footballer who knows how to read a game.

Halfback Mitchell Moses is THE player the Eels cannot win without. He is their main kicking weapon and he creates most of Parramatta’s try

scoring opportunities. We saw the impact of him not being there in the Qualifying Final.

Finally, former Panther Reagan Campbell-Gil lard is the leader of the pack. When he’s on, eating up the metres up the middle, the rest of the Eels pack follows his example.

And that’s the rule of three….times two. Panthers to win by 8.

Dylan Edwards is one of the key players for Penrith this weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

After being a spectator for the last two NRL Grand Finals, lovable Panthers utility Mitch Kenny will finally get to experi ence what it’s like to play on the game’s biggest stage.

The 24-year-old back-up hooker will get his chance to shine on Grand Final Day when the Minor Premiers take on Parramatta at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.

Earlier this week, Kenny said he was “feeling alright” heading into the biggest match of his career, but was expecting to get quite anxious as the game draws near.

“I think in the back end of the week, as it normally happens with me, the nerves and excitement will kick in,” he told the Weekender

“I’ve got a few things to tick off during the week and a few training sessions to get through, and I want to be training really well and I’ll play well off the back of that.”

Kenny was in Penrith’s 2020 Grand Final squad but missed out on selection for the big game. He was also part of last year’s Finals Series in Queensland but was dramatically injured during the side’s Semi Final win over Parramatta in week two.

Kenny said he always believed the club would reach another Grand Final, so he could finally get his long-awaited chance.

“I was pretty optimistic we would because I’m here every day and I get to see what’s here and what’s coming through, so I suppose I did have

confidence in the players and the systems that we could keep getting ourselves back here,” he said.

“It takes a lot of hard work and humility and you can never get ahead of yourself because these things are so hard to get to.

“It’s a credit to the leaders in the club, the coaching staff and all the boys for buying in and working really hard in each of these three years. Because, they’ve been long years, and to keep doing it is pretty cool and to be part of it is very cool.”

Kenny will have several family members and friends in the crowd for his Grand Final debut this weekend.

The Windsor Wolves junior said he’ll try steer clear from his nearest and dearest during the week to remain focused on the job at hand and avoid distractions.

“My family are pretty stoked about it all, but I’ll try not to talk about it to them too much this week because I don’t want to get overawed by it,” Kenny said.

“But they are always proud watching me play and this will mean a lot to them.”

With the countdown well and truly on until Sunday night, Kenny said the 2022 Grand Final will be the pinnacle of his rugby league career so far.

“These are the games you want to be a part of and the moments you want to work towards,” he said.

“Yes it’s the Grand Final and it’s the biggest stage and all that, but to me it’s another game I get to play for the Panthers and I’ll do the same thing I do every week.”

Mitch Kenny will play in his first NRL Grand Final on Sunday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

legends

PULETUA WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

special group of players and a special team. There’s great staff in the background doing great things.”

Big Tony Puletua knows a thing or two about Grand Finals.

He was in the middle of his 211-game Penrith Panthers career when he secured a Premiership ring almost 20 years ago on Grand Final Day.

Later, he would play in two losing Grand Finals with St Helens in the UK Super League – both of them to Leeds at Old Trafford.

It’s obviously 2003 he remembers most. But he also remembers how close that side came to achieving what the 2022 Panthers are looking to do on Sunday night – win back-to-back titles.

The Panthers were just one win away from the Grand Final in 2004 when their Premiership defence came to a crashing halt at the hands of Canterbury.

“It was quite difficult because in 2003 nobody paid attention to us until we were at the business end of the season. We really made a statement that year,” Puletua told the Weekender

“The following year everyone had taken notice of us and everyone wants to knock off the champions. It just makes every single game harder than the previous year. It was very challenging and we almost got there.”

Puletua, who played 22 Tests for New Zealand, rode the classic Panthers roller coaster during his time with the club and knows how special this period is for the team and community.

“It's unbelievable what this group of players has done in these last three years,” he said.

“They've only lost a handful of games, it’s a very

Puletua remains a passionate Panthers supporter and says he can’t wait for Sunday’s Grand Final against Parramatta.

“It’s awesome at the moment. It feels great to see the success the club is having and this team and how well they’re going. It’s just great to see,” he said.

“I’m seeing it from a different perspective as a supporter – it’s a really good feeling and it’ll be even better when we smash Parra on Sunday.”

Puletua recalls a great rivalry with Parramatta during his 12 seasons at Penrith but admits it’s gone up a notch in recent seasons and will reach fever pitch on Sunday.

“It’s great for the game and great for western Sydney,” he said.

“This is the first time in history these two sides have met in the Grand Final. You’d think growing up in Penrith and Parramatta there would have been a lot more between these two but it’s the one and only at the moment... it’s exciting and I can’t wait for Sunday."

Puletua is predicting a Penrith win on Sunday, but says the side needs to be careful in how it handles preparations for the big game.

“It’s obviously a big week going into the Grand Final. I just remember that week for us in 2003 it was just about soaking it all in and just enjoying the week,” he said.

“Everything comes at you during the week, you just need to sit back and know you’ve done all the work throughout the year to get you there and it’s a matter of enjoying the week.”

Tony Puletua with the trophy after the 2003 decider.

Photo: Action Photographics.

TROY DODDS

creating history

PANTHERS CHASING

Winning back-to-back titles is rare in the modern era, with only one team since the NRL was formed in 1998 managing to win Premierships two years in a row.

That team was the Sydney Roosters, who with Cooper Cronk at halfback were too good for Melbourne 21-8 in 2018 and backed it up 12 months later to beat Canberra 14-8.

Brisbane would like to also lay claim to backto-back titles, having won the Super League Grand Final over Cronulla in 1997 before winning the first trophy in the NRL in 1998.

The Broncos' feat of 1992-1993 is certainly not in question, winning back-to-back Grand Finals over St George during a powerhouse era that really saw Brisbane come of age in the first grade competition.

Canberra did it in 1989 and 1990, falling just short of a threepeat when Penrith spoiled the party in 1991.

The Bulldogs were back-to-back winners in 1984 and 1985, while Parramatta won three titles in a row back in the early 1980s.

In the eras before that, consecutive Prem ierships were not so rare – especially with less

OF

teams and lopsided competitions. But there is no question that managing to do it these days is an extraordinary feat – with salary caps, player movements and general hunger and desire all playing a role.

South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou, whose side was tossed out of Premiership contention by Penrith last weekend, certainly admires the rare feat the Panthers may achieve this week end.

“The competitor in me wants to hate Penrith, I really do. But the coach in me is so respectful of what they do," he said.

“It is a credit to Ivan and their club and what they have been able to produce for the last few years.

“They are the benchmark."

Nine commentator and rugby league immor tal Andrew Johns is convinced the Panthers are about to go back-to-back.

“I think they’re going to win,” he said.

He's not alone – the betting markets have the Panthers at short odds to win the title on Sunday night.

They've been Premiership favourites for the entire season.

Family Law

Fathers

a special relationship

that

father, and acknowledge how hard it can be at times.

The Sydney Roosters were the last team to go back-to-back.

Photo: NRL Images. Brisbane won back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.

Photo: NRL Images.

the coaches

TROY DODDS

Ivan Cleary all but confirmed his status as Penrith’s most successful coach in history when the club won last year’s title. Now, he has a chance to enter Panthers immortality by securing back-to-back Premierships.

In his four seasons back at the club, Cleary has guided the Panthers to three Grand Finals. Along the way he’s improved his win percentage to be behind only Ron Willey in club history. He left fellow Premiership winners Phil Gould and John Lang in his wake some time ago.

Cleary will coach Penrith for the 200th time on Sunday night against Parramatta. It is a milestone many thought impossible when he was dramatically sacked in 2015; only to be brought back by then-Chairman Dave O’Neill four years later in a shrewd gamble that has paid off in extraordinary ways.

Nobody has coached Penrith in more games than Cleary. Earlier this year he went past Royce Simmons (177), and Cleary’s record is unlikely to be beaten for decades to come, if ever.

Cleary has already created club history by guiding Penrith to three straight deciders. But he can grab another first on Sunday night if Penrith collect the title – it’ll be the first time the club has won back-to-back Premierships.

“It feels awesome. It’s fantastic,” Cleary said of reaching the Grand Final again.

“It doesn’t happen every day to make any Grand Final so we’re not too worried about

what we’ve done or what we might be able to do. Just to reach a Grand Final is a huge achievement.

“It’s a long, hard season. So many things go into it and you have so many ups and downs and different phases throughout the year.”

Cleary is sharing this period of success with a playing group that has become extremely close since his return to the club.

“I’m so grateful to be with this group and to be able to enjoy the week and have another crack at winning the title,” he said.

“It’s going to be fun times. We’ve got to embrace it and enjoy it but prepare well, like we have done right throughout the year.”

Cleary enjoys this special period even more given where he’s come from.

Tagged with being a development coach for much of his career, he came to Penrith in 2012 during what were lean times for the club.

The Panthers finished second last that season, ironically ahead of Parramatta who claimed the wooden spoon.

How so much has changed in western Sydney in the space of a decade.

The Panthers finished 11th in 2013 before reaching the 2014 Finals, Cleary finally starting to make the side his own.

An injury-plagued 2015 followed, with Cleary ultimately sacked by then football manager Phil Gould in one of the more bizarre rugby league decisions.

In 2019 Cleary returned to finish what he started, and he’s enjoying a long-lasting laugh over a band of doubters who have now been forever silenced.

Ivan Cleary will coach his 200th game for Penrith on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

the coaches ARTHUR SILENCES CRITICS IN STYLE

TROY DODDS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is getting very used to Grand Finals and preparing for the biggest game of the year, but this is new territory for Parramatta mentor Brad Arthur.

Under pressure for his Finals record in recent years and with his job somewhat in question, Arthur has guided Parramatta to their first Grand Final since 2009 and is now a shot of ending the club’s 36-year Premiership drought.

Arthur said he was thrilled to qualify for the season decider after nine seasons in charge of the club.

“I’m really happy for the boys. They made a lot of sacrifices along the way,” he said.

“We wanted it real bad. You could see that.”

Parramatta has got to the Grand Final the hard way, losing their first Qualifying Final to Penrith, losing the opportunity for a week off. They then thrashed Canberra at CommBank Stadium before heading to Townsville to take on the Cowboys.

North Queensland appeared headed for victory when they took an eight point lead but Parramatta simply wouldn’t go away.

“They’re a very good team and they’ve played well all year but I felt like we were in control,” Arthur said after the game.

“I felt like they looked a bit tired and out on their feet. We felt if we got possession and field position we would finish over the top of them.”

Arthur will forever enter Eels immortality if he can guide the club to its first Premiership since 1986 on Sunday night.

It would definitively end talk that Parramatta are too inconsistent to win a title.

Despite rumours that his head was on the chop ping block if Parramatta didn’t make the Grand Final this year, Arthur is adamant he hasn’t been distracted by it.

“I haven’t been worried about my future because I know the boys have got my back,” he said.

“We need to be excited about the opportunity that we’ve got and the occasion that it’s going to be during the week and enjoy it.

“I’ve got no idea how to handle it because I haven’t been there before but we’re just going to take it a day at a time and when we get there we’re going to have a real crack at that 80 minutes and hopefully I’ve got a real smile on my face at the end of the game.”

Arthur said he knows how much a Premiership would mean to the fans.

“I know they’ve been waiting a while,” he said.

“It’s a reward for them in supporting our team, but we’ve still got 80 minutes ahead.”

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has silenced his doubters.

Photo: NRL Images.

weekender

TWO OF THE BEST

After being delayed over two years due to COVID-19, two local businessmen and philanthropists have been bestowed the highest accolade that the City of Penrith can award to an individual.

Managing Director and Owner of civil construction company JK Williams Leigh

Joining JK Williams in 1974 and buying the company in 1992, Mr Hartog has contributed to Penrith’s development whilst employing over 200 people.

Mr Hartog has provided free earth moving

and project management services to commu nity organisations along with sponsoring sporting groups, Council events and individ uals.

He also donated and improved land along Nepean River which now forms part of the Great River Walk.

While over the initial surprise, Mr Hartog told the be recognised.

“It is very humbling, and we don’t get involved with these things for recognition, but it is lovely,” Mr Hartog said.

“We try to pick projects that mean some thing to people connected to JK, and we do it because we love supporting Penrith and making it a better place.”

Hartog and Former Penrith Mayor John Bateman OAM were awarded the title of ‘Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith’ at a ceremony on Thursday night for their contri bution to the community.

EMILY FESZCZUK

John Bateman. Leigh Hartog.

continues on

Shop 4, Memory Mall 429 High Street, Penrith

Melbourne

Lunch

TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2022

Lakeside Restaurant Regatta Centre $80 per ticket (tables of 10 available)

Join us for champagne on arrival, fresh prawn platter & breads on each table plus a delicious 2 course lunch A networking fun day of sweeps, music, fashion on the fields, prizes, while fundraising for Pink Up Penrith

To book please contact: beth@penrithcbdcorp.com.au or 4722 5556

EMILY FESZCZUK

Councillor Todd Carney will bring a fresh take to Penrith City Council after being elected as Deputy Mayor for the first time.

Labor’s Cr Carney, who was elected to Council six years ago, replaces Councillor John Thain in the role and will serve along side Mayor Tricia Hitchen until September 2023.

Cr Carney defeated the only other nomi nee, Independent Kevin Crameri, 10 votes to three during Monday’s Ordinary Council meeting.

Cr Carney told the Weekender he felt honoured to be able to take the next step in his Council career.

“It can be tough to be on Council and work full time, but my family knew this was some thing I would love to do so they have been fantastic in letting me try to pursue that,” Cr Carney said.

“For my Councillor colleagues to give me the same opportunity is a true honour and I thank them for that.”

Continuing to represent the people of the East Ward will be a main priority for the Councillor over his next term.

“It’s a continuation of what I’ve always spoken about with the growth of St Marys and what we can deliver for our community especially with the success it will be in the future with the North South rail link,” he

“We can’t forget the rest of the Penrith area but the future of the eastern part of the city has to be a key priority for us at Council and I will champion it while I’m in this position and also as a Councillor.”

Cr Carney said he looks forward to using the wealth of knowledge of his fellow Councillors to best serve the people of Penrith.

Tricia Hitchen remains Penrith’s Mayor, with only the Deputy Mayor changing annually.

In other Council news, Alan Stoneham has been appointed Council’s Interim General Manager, following the recent departure of Warwick Winn.

Londonderry MP Prue Car has returned to work this week after successful surgery to remove a large tumour on her kidney.

The Deputy Labor Leader said she will continue to go undergo surveillance testing.

“I am deeply grateful to the medical profes sionals who ably and tirelessly supported me throughout my treatment and recovery. My tumour ended up being so aggressive that it was double the size of what was predicted," Ms Car said.

“I have no doubt that without the work of these incredible people, things could have turned out very differently for me. The level

of care they have shown me has been second to none.

“I am delighted I will now be back out and about in my beloved western Sydney community, who have shown me such humbling love and support over the past few months.”

Ms Car is recontesting the seat at London derry at the State Election next March.

“I look forward to working as hard as I can as the Member for Londonderry and as Deputy Labor Leader in NSW to elect a Minns Labor Government in March next year,” she said.

“Thank you to everyone for your support, I

Back at work: Prue Car recently underwent surgery after being diagnosed with cancer.

Penrith Deputy Mayor Todd Carney with Mayor Tricia Hitchen.

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Opinion

Troy Dodds

league

One intriguing sub-plot to Sunday’s NRL Grand Final is the huge reality check for the AFL and the fact the sport’s assault on western Sydney is failing dramatically.

We’ve heard for years about the millions and millions of dollars the AFL is pouring into western Sydney and the GWS Giants, playing the long game through schools and banking on generational shift.

But it’s now been a decade since GWS entered the competition and their impact has been minimal.

They were formed at around the same time the Western Sydney Wanderers were attracting huge fanfare in the A-League and it seemed rugby league’s dominance in the west was under serious threat.

In fact the year the Giants and Wanderers came into their respective competitions, Penrith finished second last and Parramatta got the wooden spoon.

A decade later and rugby league has won the turf war.

And if there was any doubt, Penrith and Parramatta have delivered the dream Grand Final the NRL needed.

Walk through Penrith and Parramatta this week and you’ll only take a few steps before you run into someone wearing club colours.

You’d have to walk for a whole day before running into someone in a GWS guernsey.

The AFL can do as many school visits as it likes, can keep pouring money into GWS and can take little wins like goal posts going up in sporting ovals, but nothing is shaking the reality that rugby league owns western Sydney.

Not that there was really ever any doubt. Any sport that can survive the Super League war, countless scandals and years of dominance from out-of-town teams like Melbourne was always going to bat away a threat from the AFL.

I’m far from an AFL hater and enjoy watch ing plenty of games throughout the season. The atmosphere for a Swans match at the SCG is epic. And Grand Final Day in the AFL is absolutely sacred and no sporting event matches it for fanfare and tradition.

Index

But the audience in western Sydney has barely shifted from a casual glance at the Grand Final.

There’s certainly a strong support in Sydney for the Swans and there’s no question that parts of Sydney are AFL tragics.

But every sport knows it needs to win over western Sydney to emerge triumphant in the battle for bums on seats and viewers’ eyeballs on TV.

GWS making the AFL Grand Final back in 2019 could have been a watershed moment for the sport in western Sydney but the 114-25 thumping put paid to that.

Then the Swans turn up at the MCG last Saturday and get thumped by Geelong. The game was over and I hadn’t even got half way through my first beer.

Neither Grand Final result has done anything to shift the mindset of Sydney audiences.

And what about crowds? The Giants attracted an average crowd of 9000 this year and even that sounds generous when you see the vision of the stands on TV.

It is by far the worst in the AFL and if any Melbourne side was pulling in those numbers they’d be under serious threat of relocation or collapse.

By contrast no Sydney NRL club averaged below crowds of 12,000 this year.

Penrith averaged 17,588, Parramatta 20,015 and the battling Wests Tigers even managed an average of 12,862.

Down in Melbourne the Storm averaged 18,390; achieving double in the AFL’s home than what GWS is grabbing in Sydney.

The AFL is unlikely to give up and will keep pouring cash into GWS, believing that eventually, the crowds will come.

But Sydney is a stubborn city; and western Sydney even moreso.

You can open as many fancy bars and modern restaurants as you like but western Sydney will always be a working class region and rugby league is a working class game at its core.

All rugby league needed was to get its house in order in western Sydney and this Sunday night’s Grand Final proves it has.

Penrith and Parramatta in a battle for the ages; a Grand Final that will remind us that rugby league is still western Sydney’s game.

Try as they might to shake its foundations, rugby league continues to thrive and survive, much to the AFL’s frustration.

And another thing...

I have no idea exactly how they fix it, but it’s become clear the NRL needs to adjust how The Bunker operates.

Fans are now scared to celebrate tries because they know The Bunker might get involved and come up with a bizarre ruling to cancel out a four-pointer.

We want to get decisions right and I’m all for using technology in the game, but we need to pull back on how it’s used and in what circumstance.

The Bunker is ruling on intricate details; it’s a way rugby league was never intended to be officiated.

The obstruction rule has become a ridicu lous lottery that rewards defenders for poor decisions because of technicalities.

We’re going back plays and plays because of Bunker involvement and robbing referees of the ability to allow the game to flow.

I’m not suggesting we blow up the Bunker, but I’m more convinced than ever that it needs some major tweaking.

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

“All rugby league needed was to get its house in order in western Sydney and this Sunday night’s Grand Final proves it has”

All eyes were looking up as a rare Wollemi Pine was craned to the rooftop of Nepean Private Hospital on Monday morning.

The sight was part of a topping out ceremony to celebrate the milestone of reaching the highest point of construction for its multi-mil lion-dollar expansion.

Nepean Private Hospital General Manage ment Tim Sinclair said the construction work ers had done well dealing with wet weather caused by La Niña.

“It has taken us a little longer to reach the pinnacle of the building today, but the team has done an extraordinary job despite the challenges like pumping out water every morning until we got out of the ground and we haven’t lost that much time in the scheme of things,” Mr Sinclair said.

“We are at the highest point of the building and more than halfway through the project so this time next year the building will be a hive of clinical activity, so we are really excited about that.”

Estimated to cost around $40 million, the expansion on Barber Avenue, Kingswood will connect to the existing building which will also be redeveloped.

“We are creating a brand-new purpose-built day surgery along with four new operating

theatres, a large sterilising department and we are building 17 consulting suites where we will house various doctors who buy those suites,” he said.

“There will be a new café downstairs in the new foyer and we will be doing a refur bishment of the existing main foyer and an upgrade of our car park.”

With topping out a tradition of the construc tion industry, Mr Sinclair explained the significance of the chosen tree.

“In 1994 a canyoner was abseiling in the Blue

Mountains when he came across a canyon filled with strange massive pines that towered above the surrounding foliage with fern-like leaves and lumpy bark,” he said.

“The chance finding of Wollemi was one of the most significant botanical finds in the last 100 years because the ancient tree species was thought to be extinct millions of years ago. We have craned ours into the box but later it will be planted on the ground where we hope to see it flourish for many decades to come.”

Mr Sinclair said the whole team at Nepean

Private looks forward to being able to provide more care for the community in the years to come.

“The enhanced volume of patient services we are going to provide will meet the demand and the needs of a rapidly growing popula tion,” he said.

“One of our key aims is to satisfy the demand of the local area than to see patients travel further east to other hospitals.”

The project is set to be completed in June 2023.

Construction crew and staff from Nepean Private Hospital with the rare Wollemi Pine. Photo: Melinda Jane.

RARE HONOUR FOR LOCAL LEGENDS

Mr Hartog is also a member of the Nepean Philanthropists along with fellow recipient Mr Bateman, that provides funding to medical research.

Establishing the legal firm Bateman Battersby Lawyers Penrith in 1984, Mr Bateman served as a Penrith Councillor from 1995 to 2004 and was Mayor from 1998 to 2000.

With the status of ‘Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith’ only being bestowed on six others since 2003, the lawyer said he was similarly “humbled” to be included.

“It is a tremendous honour when you look at the recipients to date and to be placed in that category of individuals who have contributed significantly to what Penrith has become,” Mr Bateman said.

“One of the things I am proud of is the Olympics and the lasting legacy we got out of being a host city with two permanent venues, a great time for the city and a lot of infrastructure upgrades.”

Serving on many boards and committees across a range of fields, along with support ing high school students to complete their legal education, the desire to give back was something Mr Bateman said his parents instilled in him.

“The Bateman Battersby Law Bursary has had 33 kids from local high schools go on to study law and some have had phenomenal careers,” he said.

“As we head into this weekend’s Grand Final, I’m also very proud to be one of the five directors on the Panthers Board that voted against amalgamation with Parramatta in 1999.”

A roaring thanks

Commemorative garden pays tribute to local Lions Clubs

CASSIDY PEARCE

This year, Lions Australia set a goal to plant at least 75 gardens across the country before their official 75th Anniversary on Thursday, September 29.

Now, with the addition of a commemorative garden in Emu Plains, this goal has well and truly been reached.

Earlier this year, local Lions approached Penrith Councillor Ross Fowler seeking support of the garden.

Noting the Lions’ long history of service both locally and across the country, he was more than happy to make it happen.

“This commemorative garden is our way of saying thank you to the local Penrith, Cambridge Park and Emu Plains Lions Clubs for their ongoing commitment to the local community,” Cr Fowler said.

The garden, a colourful floral tribute to the local Penrith, Emu Plains and Cambridge Park Lions at the Lions Park at Emu Plains, was unveiled at a free community barbeque held on Sunday, September 18.

Zone Chair of the local Lions Clubs, Linda Lamond, who worked with Penrith City in the planning of the commemorative garden, expressed her appreciation to Council staff for their support in the design and delivery by the anniversary date.

“By providing a lovely venue for our Commu nity BBQ including this beautiful garden, Council has hugely assisted our Lions Clubs to connect with the community and celebrate our achievements,” she said.

But not surprisingly, the Lions will move on from celebrations quickly and get back to serving the community.

“Our Lions members are looking forward to continuing the service we give to the commu nity, and would also like to thank the many local people who came along made donations on the day. We were delighted to receive close to $1,000 and these funds will be directed to the Australian Lions Foundation to be used for flood disaster assistance in the Nepean Hawkesbury area,” she said.

Derek Margerison, President Cambridge Park Lions; Linda Lamond, Treasurer Cambridge Park Lions and local Lions Zone Chairperson; Councillor Ross Fowler; Cheryl Devine, President Emu Plains Lions; and Steven Holley, Chair of Sydney District Australian Lions Foundation and Past President of Penrith Lions.

greyhound racing ban as industry defends reputation

EMILY FESZCZUK

The debate over greyhound racing continues with animal welfare groups calling for the sport to be banned, but the industry says it has made significant safety improvements.

Racing happens locally at the Richmond Race Club in Londonderry, with meetings usually held twice a week.

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds Strategy and Campaigns Director Jerone van Kernebeek said locals need to speak up against the sport.

“Four in 10 Australian households have a dog but to be treating one particular breed in a very dangerous and unhealthy way is some thing I think everyone would oppose,” Mr van Kernebeek said.

“Tens of millions of dollars in government funding goes to Australia’s dog racing indus try every year. Australians must challenge their state governments on this and demand that their tax revenue is used to benefit society and not to hurt dogs.”

As part of a statement to an inquiry into the sport, CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Rob Macaulay said statistics showed the industry had improved from July 2018 to June 2022.

“Greyhound rehoming numbers are up 176

per cent due to welfare program investments and catastrophic injuries have more than halved due to track improvements,” Mr Macaulay said.

“Breeding numbers are down 14 per cent compared with the previous four-year period and dogs whelped that go on to race has risen from 68 per cent to 74 per cent due to better education and practices.”

GRNSW also opened the Greyhound As Pets NSW adoption centre in Londonderry in July this year to manage the transition from racing to rehoming.

Despite these investments, on Saturday, September 16 a steward’s report stated in Race 9 at Richmond Race Club a dog called Frankie Foe collapsed post-race and failed to recover consciousness.

Mr van Kernebeek said this case is a prime example of why the organisation wants to end the practice.

“No matter how much effort you put into bringing these numbers down you are never going to get injuries or deaths down to zero with an activity like this,” he said.

“We are only one of seven countries where commercial dog racing is legal, and we will continue to try to make the government understand there is no justification for it.”

A spokesperson from the NSW Office of Racing said the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission operates inde pendently of the government to ensure the highest level of care.

“It has been given strong powers to enforce the highest standards of integrity and target the small minority of industry participants who think they can get away with doing the wrong thing,” the spokesperson said.

“There is simply zero tolerance for any form of animal cruelty, and initiatives like track safety upgrades and the world-first wholeof-life e-tracking system are ensuring the welfare of racing dogs is put first.”

The spokesperson said research found that the value-added economic impact of racing in NSW in 2018/19 was estimated to be almost $510 million.

Ban or no ban? Email your thoughts to news@westernweekender.com.au.

Rachel McGarry with Zara and Hayley Weston with Timmy at Greyhounds As Pets.

Positively Penrith

Administration

Penrith Office

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

St Marys Office

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri.

4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city

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

Services

Waste Services

4732 7777

Illegal Dumping

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

Graffiti Hotline

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

11 October – 7pm

Onine via penrith.city (Policy Review Meeting)

31 October – 7pm

Onine via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Council Briefs

● Penrith City Council congratulates the Penrith Panthers as they prepare for the Battle of the West against the Parramatta Eels in the 2022 NRL Grand Final on Sunday. Council and the entire community is cheering on the team as they look to take out back-to-back premierships!

Council is showing its support by lighting up the Civic Centre in shades of red, yellow and green this week and the community can be part of the action at a grand final event in St Marys on Sunday from 3.30pm.

Let’s go Penrith Panthers!

● As the recent flood events in Penrith reminded us, there’s more to a flood than just the water. People who experience floods often have to contend with scared children and animals.

An emergency plan can help, but if you don’t know where to start, you’re not alone.

The FREE Get Prepared app includes tips on how to stay calm, find important information, save key contacts and helps to pin-point what you could do and where you could go in a flood event. With disasters becoming more frequent, it has never been more important to get prepared.

Get the app yourself, and tell your family, friends and neighbours to download it at penrith.city/emergencies

● Council’s latest e-waste drop-off day was a great success with 451 attendees, which proves that Penrith residents continue to protect our environment by keeping e-waste items out of their household bins. Of those attendees, 82% told Council they preferred the new location at The Kingsway Playing Fields car park.

Thank you, Penrith, for never wasting a chance to take your e-waste to the right place!

Residents can take their e-waste to Penrith’s Community Recycling Centre (CRC) in St Marys year-round for free.

The CRC is located at Gate 3, 96 Dunheved Circuit, St Marys. For opening hours and to find out what problem waste can be dropped off, visit penrith.city/crc

● Following its reschedule in July due to wet weather, Council will host a fun and inclusive NAIDOC event at Jamison Park on Friday 7 October, between 10am and 4pm.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate the significance of our Aboriginal heritage and the important contribution Penrith’s Aboriginal population make in our community and across our vibrant City.

The free community event will feature cultural performances, market stalls, workshops, BBQ lunch and more. Come along and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and heritage!

Find out more at penrith.city/events

Development Application

The following Development Applications has been received by Council:

• Morson Group Pty Ltd

32–36 Lethbridge Street, Penrith

Mod22/0166

Section 4.56 modifications to DA16/0521 for 6-storey residential flat building including increase in building height by 720mm, relocation of fire services pump room to basement Level 1, reconfiguration of basement car parking layout, removal of light weight roofing for central void space and consent condition modifications

Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222

Closing Date: Monday, 17 October 2022

Development Consent/s Determined

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

Approved Development Applications

• Jacob Andrew McCracken DA22/0722

Lot 49 DP 237405, 4 Regatta Place, Leonay Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of a split level dwelling, tree removal and retaining walls

• Trojan Developments Mod22/0147

Lot 142 DP 803478, 187–193 Capitol Hill Drive Mount Vernon Section 4.55 (1A) modification to floor plan and façade of DA21/0814 for first floor dwelling addition

• Penrith City Council DA22/0518

Part Lot 1 DP 342116, Part Lot 2 DP 342116, Lot 3 DP 342116 and Lot 4 DP 342116, 36–42 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains Maintenance and restoration works to relics of former Union Inn (local heritage item) including reinforcement & reinstatement of original standing walls, demolition of later addition structures to ground level, retention of original verandah walls & associated earthworks, landscaping and heritage interpretation signage

• Castlebrook Constructions Pty Ltd DA22/0714

Lot 503 DP 1187286, 6 Highdale Terrace, Glenmore Park Alterations to existing dwelling including a first floor addition

Approved Development Application for Deferred Commencement

• Hamptons Property Services DA20/0396

Lot 111 DP 1035909, 121–133 Blaikie Road, Jamisontown Torrens title subdivision x 3 lots and public road construction and dedication including related civil engineering works

Viewing of Development Applications

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

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

It’s our nature

In Penrith nature goes beyond beautiful parks and waterways to encompass the positive spirit of our community.

Local student to become first deaf solo performer at Schools Spectacular Spectacular achievement

CASSIDY PEARCE

Nepean Creative and Performing Arts student Josephine Woods has proven once again that she is spectacular, having been named a Featured Artist in this year’s Schools Spectacular – and the first ever deaf performer to do so.

18-year-old Josephine, who is profoundly deaf with bilateral Cochlear Implants, first joined Nepean as a Hearing Unit kid, where she was introduced to the Signing Choir and began learning Auslan.

In 2018 and 2019, she then participated in the Schools Spectacular Signing Choir – an opportunity Josephine said was unforgetta ble.

“The experience was phenomenal; I still keep in touch with a few of the performers and featured artists!” she said.

“What really stood out to me was the inclu siveness of the entire show, the immense encouragement, support and positivity toward each and every individual and the incredibly uplifting acceptance and original ity that the show radiates and promotes.”

It was the 2019 Schools Spectacular perfor mance ‘I See Stars’ that inspired Josephine to take a leap of faith and audition to be a Featured Artist this year. Being the first deaf performer selected is not something that she takes lightly.

Public Notice

“It’s a huge achievement in my life, I never imagined performing on stage at all as a kid, let alone as the first solo deaf artist,” she said.

“I am overjoyed to be able to share my passion for performing in Auslan with so many talented people in the industry and for what I do to be recognised as an artist. There is a sense of belonging and pride that I am seen for who I am and what I do, along with connection and inclusivity. I feel like it’s a massive step toward inclusion and awareness of Deaf culture.”

In this year’s show, Josephine will be signing in Auslan in collaboration with some of the vocalists. With rehearsals already underway, she said she’s already seen this notion of acceptance followed through.

“Rehearsals have been super fun and excit ing, I’ve met so many people and learned so much already, how they’ve shaped their own craft so far and how I can be a better performer and individual both on and off the stage!” she said.

“Everyone has been super accommodating and compassionate while rehearsing and chatting as I can’t hear in noisy situations well, sometimes I miss what they say. It really brightens my day to be able to feel included and understood.”

Listing some of her own inspirations as former Featured Artist Molly Parrish-Gib bions and actress Lauren Ridloff, Josephine can’t wait to take on that role herself, encour

aging others to follow their dreams.

“I absolutely hope I inspire others, even just one person – no matter if they’re deaf or hearing – to chase their dreams and reach their goals,” she said.

“I hope anyone can look at me and believe in themselves that they can perform too. I wouldn't have had the belief of being able to do this without the massive support and encouragement from the arts unit.”

2022 Schools Spectacular ‘Creating the Magic’ will be on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26. For more infor mation, visit schoolsspec tacular. com.au.

Proposed Easement on Community Land

Under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council PCC and Blue Mountains Council BMCC intends to grant an easement located at Regatta Park Emu Plains as detailed below.

Description of Land and Owner: Lot 5 DP342116 BMCC*, Lot 125 DP751662 BMCC*, Lot A DP420745 PCC, Lot 126 DP751662 BMCC*, Lot B DP420745 PCC, Lot 1 DP1117991 PCC, Lot 15 DP751662 BMCC*, Lot 2 DP1117991 PCC, Lot 124 DP751662 BMCC*

* Land subject to title transfer from BMCC to PCC

Term: Perpetuity

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal.

Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 28 of the date of this notice.

For all enquiries, please contact Tara Braithwaite, on 4732 7777 or tara.braithwaite @penrith.city

penrith.city

Josephine Woods.

Joke Week of the

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

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Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@west ernweekender.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

Last week’s image of the ice cream cup was taken at Cook ies Ice Creamery, located at 92, Shop 11/112 Henry Street, Penrith.

environment. The Outdoor Module could be placed on a balcony, or outdoor area to allow users to explore the real-time weather data that is gathered from its sensors right on your doorstep.

The Weather Station App allows users to analyse past data, observe the present and forecast the future.

The Weekender has two Smart Home Weather Stations to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competi tions@westernweekender.com. au with ‘Weather’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, October 14 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweek ender.com.au or Weekender reception

The terrible data breach at Optus will raise questions about why some of these companies need the infor mation they do, especially when it comes to driver’s licence details.

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: 0080, 0320, 0470.

The AFL Grand Final entertainment was brilliant yet again last Saturday. Robbie Williams absolutely knocked it out of the park. His rendition of ‘You’re The Voice’ was amazing.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Enjoying a few drinks whilst painting has become a popular pastime and a new art studio may allow the commu nity to get even more creative.

A Development Application (DA) has been lodged with Penrith City Council to transform the former Muscle Bros store in Penrith into an artist’s paradise.

If approved, the retail space at 544-548 High Street, Penrith will house a new business which the Weekender understands will be called ART.N.B.

The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) said the 60 square metre shop will undergo minor alterations.

“It’s an open plan layout with no internal walls, glass front door and secure rear door leading to the outside with one allocated car spot along with a locked outdoor bathroom with toilet and sink,” the SEE said.

“There are no external developments to be proposed apart from changing of the front retail signage above the door. All proposed work will be internal which involves the removal of merchandise shelving only.”

Fitting with the business type, the develop ment will incorporate high-quality murals completed by professional artists that people can take photos in front of.

While well-established Pinot & Picasso is located further up the street, the SEE states that there is room for both studios to add to the art culture of the city.

“This development allows another niche market to enter allowing our growing community to invest time into culture and the arts,” it said.

“The development will seek to involve people of all ages and all interests to a singular output of art and community.”

The proposed hours of operation are Monday to Sunday between 10am and 10pm, depending on if bookings are made online or via walk-ins.

A DA document said that there will be no food and drinks to be sold by the business, but they can provide their own drinks and own finger food which cannot be cooked onsite.

Using a simple but effective model, the busi ness is predicted to provide a range of benefits for the owners and local area, particularly budding amateur artists.

“This can provide a positive impact socially as the development’s purpose is to bring people together and enjoy art related activ ities while enjoying a beverage with friends and family,” the SEE said.

“Economically, it will bring more people into the Penrith area from higher social economic areas where art is seen as high in social struc ture.”

“They will include icons of Hip Hop, RnB, and street culture. These include Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson,” it said.

“There is no plan to have words or graffiti within the development and a pastel colour palette will be adopted to give a bright and energetic feeling.”

The proposed location of ART.N.B on High Street, Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Fusion Western Sydney is inviting the community to step away from the daily stress of everyday life and enjoy some fun to highlight the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.

The youth and community organisation is hosting a free event on Friday, October 7 at Coachman’s Park in St Marys for Mental Health Month.

With the theme for the awareness month being ‘Tune In’, people are encouraged to tune in to how they are feeling, how others are going and the broader community.

“It is about reminding people how impor tant it is to focus your mind and understand what is going on for you and others,” Fusion Western Sydney Team Leader Judy Tweed dale said.

“Tuning into communities and the impact of mental health stigma can help ensure that people who need support have safe places to talk about their experiences and reach out.”

Fusion also wants to remind the commu nity what services it offers to youth and their families.

“We are based in St Marys but go from Penrith through to Blacktown with our programs for young people which we also

run in schools to build their resilience and self esteem so they see their purpose and value,” she said.

“We also have a parenting course called Families which focuses on strengthening relationships within your family to also lead to a better sense of wellbeing.”

Working primarily with young people aged 12 to 17-years-old, Ms Tweeddale said the team had to think creatively to connect with individuals during the pandemic.

“Our youth workers struggled to keep contact with the young people, so they used the platform Discord with different rooms where there was always someone from our team available for them to talk to,” she said.

“We also had set activities at set times during the week as we had to be innovative and creative on how we could keep young people engaged with us during a vulnera ble time.”

Using that same creativity, there will be a range of activities at the event to engage people in positive experiences.

Running from 11.30am to 1.30pm, Olym pic canoeist Jessica Fox will also be making a special appearance for a portion of the event to speak.

“We are committed to transforming communities so we wanted to do some thing in the month to bring life to St Marys so we will have simple things like giant

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Go the Mighty Panthers!

The whole Penrith community is once again celebrating the Penrith Panthers making the NRL Grand Final – that is three years in a row, with the chance to make it back-to-back premierships too!

After beating the South Sydney Rabb itohs last Saturday night, the Panthers continue to write history in what will be a western Sydney Grand Final match against one of our most fierce rivals, the Parramatta Eels.

The Panthers are also on the verge of breaking a record that has stood unat tained for the past 113 years – one club winning all four premierships in the same year. After a stellar year across all grades where the Panthers won premierships in SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, a win on Sunday evening in the NRL would be history making and a wonderful endorse ment of the strength and passion of the players, coaches and staff of the entire club.

Adding to the occasion too is Ivan Clear ly coaching his 200th game for the Pan

thers – a feat that has surpassed the many coaches who have come before him.

Over the past few weeks, Council has again thrown its support behind the Pan thers. We’re ramping things up this week with supporter messages, banners and posters throughout the city; even the Civic Centre has been lit up in the Panthers’ colours.

For the Grand Final, locals can enjoy all the action and excitement on the big screen at our live site at Kokoda car park and Coachmans Park in St Marys. This will be a family-friendly, alcohol-free event, with food trucks, entertainment and activi ties for the kids.

I’m really excited about this weekend, and am proud of what our local team has achieved through their efforts this year. Three grand finals in three years is an outstanding achievement, and I congrat ulate them.

Go the mighty Penrith Panthers.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

Jenga, face painting, tug-o-war, dancing and Nin Yoga and Maya Movement will do a mindfulness and breathing exercise,” Ms Tweeddale said.

“There will be a free BBQ and people can spin the Wheel of Fun to win prizes which are donated by great St Marys businesses.”

For more infor mation, visit www.west ernsydney. fusion.org. au.

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

The Fusion team want to have some fun to celebrate Mental Health Month.

CADDENS

CADDENS NEWS (CADDENS CORNER)

CLEMENTINE’S CAFÉ

WOOLWORTHS

CAMBRIDGE GARDENS

COLES

M c DONALD’S

OVERLANDER HOTEL

CAMBRIDGE PARK CAMBRIDGE PARK NEWSAGENCY

CELLARBATIONS

FRIENDLY GROCER

CASTLEREAGH

AMPOL SERVICE STATION

CLAREMONT MEADOWS

IGA CLAREMONT MEADOWS

COLYTON

COLYTON CENTRE PHARMACY

COLYTON FRIENDLY GROCER

COLYTON HOTEL

COLYTON NEWSAGENCY

HEWITT STREET TAKEAWAY

CRANEBROOK

ALDI CRANEBROOK

CRANEBROOK COMMUNITY HEALTH CRANEBROOK VILLAGE

M cDONALD’S

MOTHER EARTH NURSERY PLUS PHARMACY

WOOLWORTHS CRANEBROOK

EMU PLAINS

ADLI CHAMBERS CELLARS

LENNOX CENTRE NEWSAGENCY

M c DONALD’S

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY

7/11 EMU PLAINS (GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY)

7/11 EMU PLAINS (OLD BATHURST RD)

EMU HEIGHTS

SUPER SAVE COMPOUNDING CHEMIST

ERSKINE PARK

ASHCROFT’S IGA

ERSKINE PARK CTC

GLENMORE PARK

COLES

MAGS NEWS

M c DONALD’S

MEDI ADVICE PHARMACY WOOLWORTHS

JAMISONTOWN

ABCOE

ABEL STREET EATERY (HAPPY HARRYS)

BATT STREET TAKE AWAY

GREY GUMS HOTEL

NEW ON YORK TAKEAWAY

PARRABEY GOURMET KITCHEN (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SALT CAFE (PENRITH HOMEMAKER)

SHELL SERVICE STATION

THE COFFEE CLUB NEPEAN RIVER

THREE SUGARS CAFÉ

WESTERN WEEKENDER YORK TAKEAWAY ZOO FITNESS

7/11 JAMISONTOWN

JORDAN SPRINGS

JORDAN SPRINGS NEWSAGENCY WOOLWORTHS

KEMPS CREEK

CALTEX SERVICE STATION KEMPS CREEK BOWLING CLUB

HALLANI’S

KINGSWOOD HOTEL

KINGSWOOD NEWSAGENCY KINGSWOOD SMASH REPAIRS

KINGSWOOD SPORTS CLUB PENRITH GAELS CLUB

RADHE INDIAN GROCERY STORE VOLUNTEERS DESK NEPEAN HOSPITAL 7/11 KINGSWOOD

LEONAY EMU SPORTS CLUB WILLOW TREE CAFÉ

LLANDILO IGA

LONDONDERRY LONDONDERRY LIQUOR STORE SHELL X ROADS

LUDDENHAM AMPOL AUSTRALIA POST IGA LUDDENHAM MINCHINBURY McDONALD’S MINCHINBURY FRUIT MARKET

MOUNT DRUITT WESTFIELD MOUNT DRUITT MULGOA GLENMORE HERITAGE GOLF CLUB MULGOA NEWSAGENCY MULGOA PHARMACY

NORTH ST MARYS

LUCKY AUSTRALIAN HOTEL MFC FOOD STORES

ORCHARD HILLS FLOWER POWER

OXLEY PARK ST MARYS FOOD STOP SUPERMARKET UC STORE

PENRITH ALDI ASTINA ATMOSPHERE GYM AUSTRALIAN ARMS

BOREC ROAD TAKEAWAY (VALLEY CAFÉ)

BRISKET BOYS CALTEX COREEN AVENUE COLES PENRITH (NEPEAN VILLAGE)

CRESCENT MINI MART

HIGH STREET PIES

HOYTS WESTFIELD

JOAN SUTHERLAND ARTS CENTRE

LIQUOR STAX PEACHTREE

M cDONALD’S HIGH STREET

M cDONALD’S PANTHERS LEAGUES

M cDONALD’S PEACHTREE

MERCURE HOTEL

MUSEUM OF FIRE

NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE

NEPEAN MOTOR GROUP CAFÉ

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE COFFEE CLUB

NEPEAN VILLAGE NEWSAGENCY

NEXTRA WESTFIELD

ONE POINT HEALTH

PANTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

PEACHTREE HOTEL

PENRITH BOWLING CLUB

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL

PENRITH CITY LIBRARY

PENRITH GOLF CLUB

PENRITH HOTEL

PENRITH PACEWAY PENRITH RSL PENRITH SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE PIONEER TAVERN

RE/MAX

SITTANO’S RESTAURANT

TATTERSALLS HOTEL

THE CHICKEN RUN

THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ

THE LOG CABIN

WESTFIELD WORLD GYM 7/11 HENRY STREET

REGENTVILLE 7/11 REGENTVILLE

ROPES CROSSING COLES

ROPES CROSSING NEWSAGENCY

SILVERDALE

IGA

THE CHEMIST SHOP

SOUTH PENRITH BUDGET SERVICE STATION FISH FISH

FRIENDLY GROCER GROSE’S PHARMACY SOUTHLANDS NEWSAGENCY SOUTHLANDS TAKEAWAY WOOLWORTHS

ST CLAIR

BLUE CATTLE DOG HOTEL FOODWORKS MELVILLE ROAD TAKEAWAY ST CLAIR SHOPPING CENTRE

7/11 ST CLAIR

ST MARYS

AMPOL FOODARY

ASTLEY PHARMACY CASSANDRA’S ON QUEEN GUIDO’S HAIR CARE

JAYAM SUPERMARKET

M cDONALD’S ST MARYS SOUTH MONFARVILLE CORNER STORE QUEEN ST NEWSAGENCY

ST MARYS BAND CLUB

ST MARYS FISH MARKET ST MARYS LEAGUES CLUB ST MARYS LIBRARY ST MARYS PHARMACY QUEEN ST ST MARYS PIZZA HUT

ST MARYS RSL ST MARYS VILLAGE

WAGON WHEEL HOTEL

WALTER’S NEWSAGENCY

THORNTON PETRAMART THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

WALLACIA WALLACIA GOLF CLUB

WALLACIA HOTEL

WALLACIA POST OFFICE WALLACIA TAKEAWAY

WARRAGAMBA WARRAGAMBA SPORTS CLUB

WERRINGTON COLONIAL HOTEL

CROSSROADS CONVENIENCE STORE

DIRANI’S MFC

GEORGE’S CHARCOAL CHICKEN HENRY SPORTS CLUB

M

DONALD’S

KINGSWOOD BARISTA BAR COFFEE SHOP (NEPEAN PRIVATE HOSPITAL) COUNTRY BREWER

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

COMPILED BY EMILY FESZCZUK

Cambridge Park: Former employee stole money from gaming room

A man has been arrested after stealing from Cambridge Park.

About 10.45am on Saturday, September 24, it is alleged a man attended a hotel in Cambridge Park where he entered a gaming room and stood near a Cash Redemption Machine (CRT).

Once the attendant left the area the man allegedly swiped an access card and entered a pin into the machine.

The man removed the cash cartridge from the machine after it opened and placed it into a bag he was carrying before he left the hotel.

The man was seen to get into a vehicle and leave the car park.

The manager noticed the CRT had been broken into and notified police who commenced investigations.

It was determined that the cartridge would have contained a considerable amount of money.

Police identified a 35-year-old St Marys man as the offender, who is alleged to have been a prior employee of the location for a short time.

About 2.45pm on Sunday, September 25, the man was stopped in his motor vehicle on Adelaide Street, St Marys where his vehicle was seized and searched.

There was allegedly an amount of money in $50 notes located in the vehicle.

The man was arrested and a search warrant for his home was applied for and granted.

Officers allegedly located a safe in the premises which contained a large sum of money in $50 notes.

The man was charged with ‘Larceny greater than $15,000’ and will appear at Penrith Local Court on Monday, October 31.

Kingswood: Drugs and cash found during search of bike rider

A man has been charged after supplying prohibited drugs and having goods in custody in Kingswood.

About 9.30pm on Saturday, September 24, police were patrolling the Great Western Highway when they spoke to a man who was riding an electric bike on the footpath.

The 37-year-old St Marys man was searched, and it is alleged that in his back pack was a large clear resealable plastic bag containing two sets of small digital scales, two small resealable plastic bags containing methamphetamines and a larger re-sealable bag containing cannabis.

The man’s wallet was also located with over $700 cash in various denominations and four clear resealable plastic bags containing methylamphetamines.

Checks on the bike revealed that it was stolen, and the man was arrested.

Police seized the man’s phone that allegedly contained images of drugs.

Officers asked the man for consent to search his home in Saddington Street, St Marys where it is alleged further cannabis and methylamphetamines were located.

The man was charged and was set to appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, Septem ber 29.

St Clair: Man records positive breath test after traffic accident

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

About 9.20pm on Monday, September 26, police were called to a traffic accident on Erskine Park Road, St Clair.

Officers spoke to both drivers and submit ted them to a breath test.

It is alleged a 72-year-old Oxley Park man’s test proved positive.

The man was arrested for the purpose of a breath analysis.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.154.

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

Cranebrook: Trio charged after fight erupts at shopping centre

Three people have been charged following a brawl in Cranebrook.

About 6.15pm on Monday, September 26, police were called to a supermarket on Borrowdale Way, Cranebrook, after reports of a brawl.

A 42-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were allegedly shopping in the supermarket when they were approached by two women and three men who allegedly assaulted them before fleeing the scene.

The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a seri ous but stable condition.

The teenage girl was assessed at the scene by paramedics.

Following inquiries, a 46-year-old woman, 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were arrested.

All three were later charged in relation to the brawl.

BATTLE OF THE WEST – LEGAL NEED TO KNOWS AHEAD OF THE GRAND FINAL with Daniel McKinnon

For the third year in a row, our mighty Panthers have made it to the big dance –Grand Final Day on the grandest stage of all against bitter rivals Parramatta.

The feeling in the community is electric right now.

I have been saying for weeks that if it is a Penrith versus Parramatta grand final, they will have to close the M4 west of Church Street on Sunday, and I think I may be right!

Heading into the long weekend, we wish the Panthers all the best.

Commiserations to all of our clients and referrers who barrack for Parramatta – the football gods might not be on your side, but we certainly are!

Here are a few legal titbits you should keep in mind during Grand Final week:

If you live with a Parramatta fan and are finding it simply too difficult to bear, we can help.

We are experts in property transactions and conveyancing.

We can help you buy or sell residential property, commercial or industrial units, or any other type of property in New South Wales.

If, like me, in the excitement of Grand Final Day you sometimes find yourself in the back

yard running full pace at your Nan emulating Viliame Kikau, we can also assist you with some last minute Estate planning.

If you need a Will, Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship, or find yourself involved in a Will dispute, we have over a decade of experience handling these types of matters.

If you are a Parramatta fan who needs somewhere to store your Parra memorabilia for the next decade until you make your next Grand Final, we can help you lease a property – no trouble.

We assist Landlords and Tenants alike leasing retail and commercial properties of all different types.

As you can see, we offer a range of different legal services to clients all across Western Sydney.

We can assist with everything from convey ancing and leasing and Deceased Estates to Estate planning and commercial/business law.

We hope everybody has a fantastic long weekend.

What a great time it is be a part of this excel lent community.

Stay safe and go the mighty Panthers on Sunday night.

COUNCIL CELEBRATES MILESTONE

Penrith City Council is celebrating a special milestone – the 30-year anniversary of the Access Committee and its valuable contri butions to making Penrith a more accessible and inclusive City.

The Access Committee was one of Coun cil’s earliest initiatives to embed lived and professional experience of disability in our decision-making processes.

Since 1992, members with lived and profes sional experience of visible and invisible disability have encouraged Council to strive beyond compliance with legislated stand ards and shape a more accessible Penrith for all.

The committee’s advice and hard work has led to significant improvements across

Council business, including improved pedestrian safety, public facility upgrades, transport connections and more inclusive arts programs and recreational spaces.

Importantly, they’ve also helped shift attitudes and boost awareness through events like International Day of People with Disability and Nepean Jobs for All business breakfast, to address myths about employing people with disabilities.

An afternoon tea event was held at the Civic Centre last week to mark the 30th anniversary and celebrate the contributions of members.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen wholeheart edly thanked all committee members for their invaluable input and contributions.

BOARD MEMBERS

Non-Executive Directors

Voluntary

CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT

• Providing services to the communities of Blue Mountains & Penrith Valley

• Non-Executive Board roles in Holistic Health Care & Allied Services

• Guide strategic direction and implementation of the new Strategic Plan

• Provide governance and general oversight of the organisation

• Use your connections to introduce CWS to key stakeholders

Established in 2005, Cancer Wellness Support (CWS) is an innovative, compassionate, and community-driven organisation that provides holistic, person-centred and complementary care. We support people living with cancer and their families in always retaining their sense of control and balance whilst giving hope to those in challenging circumstances.

Our Values are:

Compassion, Care, Confidentiality, Respect, Collaboration, Community and Innovation

We make a difference; and you can too

Do you have a genuine interest and/or a lived experience of supporting people living with cancer and their families through challenging circumstances?

Can you listen, analyse and work with people?

Do you have skills and expertise in one or more areas of:

• Accounting, Financial Management/Auditing

• Strategic Planning and Evaluation

• Legal/Risk Management/WHS

• Senior Management/Leadership in corporate or public sector

• Social Enterprise or Not for Profit governance

Do you have established networks or connections that can support CWS?

Do you have experience of a director’s governance role including legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial accountabilities?

At Cancer Wellness Support we value an inclusive and diverse Board membership and workforce. In particular, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants for all advertised positions. We are excited to hear what you have to offer.

Please send your contact details and a short summary of your experience to patrickm@strategicaustralia.com.au

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Turning the river pink

After a two-year hiatus, popular cancer research fundraiser returns in October

CASSIDY PEARCE

Ha ving fundraised for cancer chari ties every year since 2012, Tony Tanti and the team from Tanti Financial Services were devastated that the COVID pandemic meant putting a pause on their Turn The River Pink walk. But, with cases at an all-time low, the event is set to return, bigger and better than ever.

Turn The River Pink was founded in 2017 with the intention of raising funds and aware ness for the National Breast Cancer Founda tion (NBCF). The event got larger and larger, until hitting its peak so far in 2019.

“We had some really good awareness in 2019,” Mr Tanti said.

“We had the dragon boats all dressed in pink, they were rowing up and down the river for us, we had everyone dressed in pink, we had a lot of dogs all dressed in pink with pink bows and balloons, so it was really good.”

But, the COVID pandemic meant putting the event on hold for two years – something Mr Tanti was devastated by.

“It was pretty hard. Like all charities, they really struggled,” he said.

“We also run a golf day for the Cancer Council in June, which we didn’t do this year because we didn’t know how things were going to go with COVID, but we thought we’d be right to do the walk, come October.”

On Saturday, October 22, the walk will return to the Nepean River.

Participants are being asked to register on their website, with the fee covering their participation, as well as breakfast, and a guar anteed morning of fun.

“We’ll get there, kick off the registration, then the walk commences at 8am,” he said.

“When we come back, we’ll have someone playing some music for us, there’ll be a barbeque happening, and it will just be a great family morning.”

Mr Tanti emphasises the importance of

THE COMMUNITY

The Australian Ladies in Business Initiative is a free community for Australian women from all backgrounds, experiences, qualifications, and knowledge that can come together to educate, empower, and motivate each other to reach success in their business. This community has now grown to incorporate a library of business courses, hands-on coaching and mentoring, business conferences and events, a business awards programs with more projects and collaborations planned for the future.

A previous Turn The River Pink event at the Nepean River.

Previous participants turn out in pink.

The ALIBI Awards showcase incredible women in Australia, from the coast to the outback, who, despite setbacks, continue to show up every day!

These awards are here to support these outstanding women and let them know that we see them, they’re not alone, and they’re doing an incredible job”, said Kylie King, Founder of the ALIBI. “It’s been a tough few years and many businesses didn’t survive. We want to reassure our community members that we will continue to be here to support them and celebrate their perseverance and resilience along the way.

Δ Saying goodbye: The owners of the popular Nook restaurant at Blaxland (pictured above) are moving on. The restau rant has become a favourite amongst local diners in recent years – but Tiarne and Kai are ready for their next adventure, including welcoming their first child. New owners will take over from October 1.

Δ Perfect frozen treat: Remember spiders?

Not the scary ones, but those fizzy, creamy sodas. Get ready for a blast from the past but with a re-imagined twist with Peters’ latest creation, Twin Pole Blue Raspberry Spider, a duo textured treat with one side delicious creamy vanilla and the other a Peter’s Orig inal fruity blue raspberry flavoured sorbet. Twin Pole Blue Raspberry Spider (pictured) will be available in all major supermarkets and convenience stores from later this month.

Δ Judging begins: There’s a perfectly logical reason why Mount Druitt and St Marys business people may have a slightly nervous edge to their smiles when new customers walk through their door – judging is underway for the 2022 Local Business Awards. Entries for the Mount Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards have closed and anonymous judges are now visiting finalists where they will look at all aspects of customer service, including greeting and customer acknowledgement, detailed product knowledge and value for money. The awards presentation will be held on Tuesday, November 15.

Δ 2GB still on top: Despite a slight dip in the ratings, 2GB remains Sydney's favourite radio station. Ben Fordham's breakfast show maintains a 4.1 per cent lead over his nearest

rivals, Kyle & Jackie O on KIIS FM. 2GB is Sydney’s overall number one station, followed by Smooth FM and then KIIS.

Δ McHappy Day locked in: McHappy Day is set to take place on Saturday, November 19 with Hollywood actress, businesswoman and mother, Eva Mendes (pictured), touching down in Australia to return as the National McHappy Day Ambassador in 2022. Mendes, who was the virtual McHappy Day Ambas sador in 2020, is in Australia to meet families staying at Ronald McDonald House and will visit a McDonald’s restaurant on McHappy Day. Local stores will as usual take part in celebrations on November 19.

This stunning photograph shows the aftermath of the bushfires at Londonderry and Cranebrook in 1988.

Taken by Grant Turner and entered as part of the 1988 Spirit of Penrith Photo graphic Competition, the photo shows the blackened remains of a gate the morn ing after the fires.

The photograph was taken on October 31, 1988 in bush land near Fire Trail Road, Londonderry.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

TURNING

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS FROM PENRITH’S PAST – INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

HOSPITALITY

EXPO

Youth Employment Services are hosting a Hospitality Expo in Penrith, providing an opportunity for Penrith employers to connect with local job seekers and recently trained candidates currently looking for employment.

BUSINESS

WITH NATHAN TODD WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

How to create the best content for the ever-changing social media world

There is no doubting the influence social media can have on your business, but are you struggling to market your business?

You may have realised recently that the organic reach for posts on Facebook and Instagram are currently very low, which makes it very hard to compete with other brands if you are just starting up. So where to now?

If you are keeping up with the latest trends, you would have found that video is becom ing more and more important when it comes to marketing your business.

TikTok/Reels changed the game for a lot of businesses, and those that made great video content saw drastic changes in both their organic reach and interactions.

But what content actually works, and what is going to get you results?

Here are a few tips/tricks for you next Reel/ TikTok.

Follow the trends

Use the latest trends, music and sounds.

Yes this may be easier said than done, but the best way to do this is to get scrolling on Reels and click on ‘Use Template’ and then add your content. This will literally make the video for you!

Create original content

Be yourself!

And if you don’t want to be feature in the

video, make sure it’s on your products/ services.

Put content across all socials

If you make a Reel on Instagram, make sure you also put it on Facebook Reels and TikTok!

Cover all bases.

Use text

Make sure the text you use is brief and to the point (summary of what you are speak ing about)

Know your market

This is pivotal!

Use your content to find out what your audience wants to see and post more of it. This can be done by looking at your page’s analytics and seeing what gets the most interactions/views.

Include hashtags

Three to five will be enough for each post and make sure they are relevant to the post!

Although TikTok and Reels have a great organic reach, don’t make the mistake of marketing there if that’s not where your clients are. Not every platform is suited for every business. If you would like to find out the best ways to market your business online, please feel free to get in touch at any time.

SO FUNNY YOUR FACE WILL HURT!

Having revolutionised the ven triloquism scene in the 1980s, David Strassman is no doubt one of the biggest names in the industry.

Though David notes his characters have changed over time, audience members will see this happen in real time, in his new show, ‘The Chocolate Diet’.

“The Chocolate Diet is pretty much all about our addictions in our lives, that we are pretty much slaves to,” he said.

“For example, Ted E. Bare is addicted to chocolate, and in this show, he goes through some pretty drastic transitions and transfor

mations. He gained a couple stone during COVID, and he decided to go on a diet, but he comes back so impossibly thin that his ribs are showing, and that’s a whole funny routine.

“From that, he decides to eat again and he comes back impossibly obese, he has folds on folds, and so, it’s Ted E.’s journey, but we all ex perience that.”

His latest production is one of his biggest yet, including special effects, music, and a set to die for.

“It’s an amazing production, I have these massive sets, giant stacks of chocolate Kris py Kreme doughnuts and stacks of Tim Tams covered in chocolate sauce, and these massive banners of Sunday roasts and burgers with the lot,” he said.

“It’s just a place of the most delicious food

as the backdrop of the set, and then all my other puppets that are going through person ality and identity crises which are absolutely shocking and hilarious at the same time.”

But, there’s no doubt that the show will fea ture David’s trademark humour that will have you in stitches.

“My show is a laugh every 10 seconds,” he said.

“I do so much local material and local hu mour – I’ll be making fun of everybody.”

David is currently on a two-month long tour of his second home in Australia, including a whopping five dates at Penrith Panthers, which are already on track to sell out. But, it’s not just the shows he’s looking forward to for when he makes his way west.

“Penrith is absolutely amazing, we love it. It’s

one of the most beautiful clubs in Sydney, in all of New South Wales. It’s like you’re going to Vegas or something!” he said.

“Plus, the food options around Panthers is awesome. When you’re traveling and you have shite food options, it doesn’t really make for a good time, so I’m pleased it’s really gone off in Penrith.”

As for who will enjoy this show, David is promising a good time for all.

“If you love chocolate you’re going to love this show,” he said.

“It’s a great night out, your face will be hurt ing after my show.”

David Strassman’s ‘The Chocolate Diet’ will be on at the EVAN Theatre from October 15. Tickets are $54.35. For more informa tion, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

One-of-a-kind show coming to the Band Club

On Tuesday, October 4, take the kids to Panthers for Lego themed Kids Bingo. Each Kids Bingo session is two hours long and includes sheets, markers, lollies and a raffle ticket. Plus, save some money by purchasing the combo package, which includes a yummy lunch afterwards in Kelly’s Brasserie. For more information, visit penrith.panthers.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.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Regular events.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL. Rhonda 0408 218 965.

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

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

This school holidays, keep active kids entertained at Penrith Skatel, as Team Skatel is bringing you weekday afternoon skate lessons, for beginners, or anyone who wants to brush up on their skills with expert coaches. Sessions will be on from Tuesday, October 4 to Friday, October 7 at 3pm. Bookings are essential. Head to penrithskatel.com for more information.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Penrith Rotary Club

Mondays 6.30pm. 0416 157 668.

New members welcome. The Rotary Club generally meets at Penrith Bowling Club.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Cambridge Park Lions Club

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the second Tuesday of each month from 9am-2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

JP Service Victor Glanville – 0416 157 668.

Nepean Food Services

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

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia.

Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am-2pm. 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains. A great place to discover the local history of Penrith.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

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

Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484.

Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

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

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

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

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Keep the kids entertained with bingo at Panthers

Head to St Marys Band Club this Saturday, October 1 for ‘The World’s Greatest Freakshow’. Despite being inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster, ‘The Greatest Showman’, ‘The World’s Greatest Freakshow’ is truly the first of its kind, with the show having undergone a global search to unearth and discover unparalleled talent. For tickets, visit stmarysbandclub.com.au.

Everything is working against ‘Bod ies Bodies Bodies’ when deciding what movie you might want to see over the weekend. Granted, it looks a little tacky and the trailer doesn’t provide a lot of hope.

But while it’s not exactly family enter tainment, this horror / whodunit is a really entertaining ride that refuses to take itself too seriously while providing a running commentary on Gen Z.

The film opens with a very passion ate kiss (and I mean very) between two young women – almost a declaration from the very beginning that director Halina Reijn isn’t afraid test bounda ries with her audience.

Those snoggers are Sophie (Amandla Stenberg) and Bee (Maria Bakalova),

the first of a group of friends we meet who are gathering for a house party while a serious storm unfolds outside.

When the group plays a murder mys tery game, things take a turn – you guessed it, the game becomes more than just a bit of fun as some real deaths start to mount up.

Along the way we tackle all the big Gen Z issues – led by lack of mobile phone signal, though things do get somewhat deeper than that as mental health and the fragility of relationships becomes part of the conversation.

The pay-off after 90 minutes of blood, gore and a few shocks to the system is a very clever ending that you probably won’t see coming.

– Troy Dodds

See this movie at...

PENRITH

Ê New 10 series ‘The Real Love Boat’ will sail onto our TV screens on Wednesday, October 5 at 7.30pm. The Darren McMullen hosted dating series is set to be a huge hit for 10, so let’s hope the promos live up to the hype. It will also air Thursday nights.

Ê The new season of ABC comedy ‘Fisk’ is on its way, with new episodes set to drop on Wednesday, October 26 at 9pm. Austral ia’s number one scripted show in 2021, the returning cast includes Julia Zemiro, Marty Sheargold, Aaron Chen, John Gaden and Glenn Butcher.

Ê Channel Nine’s ‘The Block’ is searching for couples for its 2023 season. If you think you have what it takes to build a home from scratch and make some serious cash at auc tion, you can apply at theblock.realitystore. tv.

Ê

US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will remain the host of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

for a few more years yet after the comedian signed a new deal with US network ABC. The new three-year deal means that he will surpass Jay Leno, who hosted NBC’s ‘The To night Show’ for 22 years, but he trails Conan O’Brien (28 years), Johnny Carson (30 years) and David Letterman (33 years) in late-night. Catch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ episodes and clips on YouTube.

Ê The new season of ‘The Amazing Race’ returned to Channel Seven this week. Season 34 of the US version is currently airing on Wednesday nights at 9pm. If you missed the first episode, you can catch it on 7Plus.

Ê The third season of ‘Celebrity Letters & Numbers’ returns to SBS on Monday, October 7 at 7.30pm. Hosted by Michael Hing and fea turing David Astle and Lily Serna, each week three celebrity contestants compete in a

hilarious version of the classic show ‘Letters and Numbers’.

Ê A tribute to the great Ray Warren will air at 7.30pm tonight, Friday, September 30 on Channel Nine. Hosted by James Bracey, ‘Ray Warren: Calling Time’ will feature Ian Thor pe, Paul Vautin, Peter Sterling, Phil Gould, Giaan Rooney, Bruce McAvaney, Andrew Johns, Johnathan Thurston, David Gyngell, Billy Birmingham (The 12th Man), Peter V’landys and more. Warren announced his retirement from calling earlier this year, but he’s still a big part of the Nine family.

Ê New property series ‘Selling in the City’ is coming to Binge and Foxtel on Wednesday, October 19. The eight-part series sees design er Rosie Morley and landscaper Paddy Milne helping young millennials with the inner-city property market.

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Q+A (PG) 11:10 Extraordinary Escapes 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Savage River (M l,s) 1:55 Death In Paradise (PG) 3:00 Escape From The City (PG) 4:00 Think Tank (PG) 4:55 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Movie: “Misbehaviour” (M) (’20) Stars: Keira Knightley 10:10 ABC Late News 10:30 Summer Love (M) 11:00 rage (MA15+)

TV Guide: September 30 – October 6

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

Summer Love (M) 10:00 Savage River (M l,s,v)

2:00

Mighty Cruise Ships (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30

Escape To The Country

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Darrow And Darrow: The Key Of Murder (PG) 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:30 TBA 8:30 Movie: “Forrest Gump” (PG) (’94)

Stars: Tom Hanks 11:30 TBA 12:30 Home Shopping

3:00 Modern Family (PG) 3:30 The Simpsons (PG) 4:30

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “A Summer To Remember” (PG) (’18) Stars: Catherine Bell 1:45 Garden Gurus Moments 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Ray Warren: Calling Time (PG) 8:30

Movie: “Gladiator” (M v) (’00) Stars: Russell Crowe 11:30 First Responders (M l) 12:25 Tipping Point (PG) 1:20 Talking Honey (PG)

Movie: “Looney Tunes: Back In Action” (G) (’03) Stars: Brendan Fraser 6:30 Movie: “Cars” (G) (’06) Stars: Owen Wilson 9:00 Movie: “The Other Woman” (M l,s) (’14)

6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:25 Peter Rabbit 7:00 Grace’s

Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Kids Are All Right” (MA15+) (’10) Stars: Annette Bening 10:15 Doctor Who (PG)

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 10:45 Here For The Horses (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Flemington *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Independence Day” (PG) (’96)

Stars: Will Smith 10:30 Movie: “X-Men United” (M v) (’03) Stars: Hugh Jackman

4:30 Barter Kings (PG) 5:30 Last Stop Garage (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 6:30 Movie: “Wrath Of The Titans” (M v) (’12) Stars: Sam Worthington 8:30 Movie: “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (M l,v) (’14) Stars: Colin Firth

4:00 Raven’s Quest 4:35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Extreme Africa 7:30

Movie: “Yogi Bear” (G) (’10) Stars: Dan Aykroyd 9:05 Bedtime Stories (PG)

6:30 Food Safari 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 8:00 Cook Like An Italian With Silvia Colloca 8:30 Curtis Stone’s Travel, Cook, Repeat 9:00 Adam Liaw’s Road Trip For Good 9:30 Come Dine With Me

6:00 The Talk 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30

The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 8:00 10 News First 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 The Living Room 2:00

Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Ultimate Classroom 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30

Freshly Picked 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30

The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10

News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Living Room (PG) 8:30 TBA 9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M s)

12:00 The Love Boat (PG) 1:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 2:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Blue Bloods (M)

5:15 Shortland (PG) 5:45 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l) 9:20 Atlanta (MA15+)

7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Cybershack (PG) 12:30 Rivals (PG) 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 Movie: “The Black Stallion Returns” (G) (’83) Stars: Kelly Reno 3:30 The Bizarre Pet Vets (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus (PG) 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Wonder Woman” (M v) (’17)

Stars: Gal Gadot 10:15 Movie: “Green Lantern” (M v) (’11) Stars: Ryan Reynolds

2:45 Movie: “Looney Tunes: Back In Action” (G) (’03) Stars: Brendan Fraser 4:45 Movie: “Alice Through The Looking Glass” (PG) (’16) Stars: Alan Rickman 7:00 Movie: “Beauty And The Beast” (PG) (’17) Stars: Emma Watson

6:05 Kangaroo Beach 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Tom Gleeson: Joy (M) 9:35 Sammy J (PG) 9:45 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M) 10:10 Mock The Week (PG) 10:40 Doctor Who (PG)

4:20 Hockey: WA Women’s 5:50 Songs From The Inside (PG) 6:20 Kriol Kitchen 6:50 NITV News Update 7:00 True North Calling (PG) 7:30 Black Mamba: Kiss Of Death (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Moogai” (M v) (’20) Stars: Shari Sebbens

5:30 Adam & Poh’s Malaysia In Australia 6:00 Cheese Slices 6:30 Ainsley’s Good Mood Food 7:30 Hairy Biker’s Route 66 8:40 Jamie’s Food Escapes 9:35 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (PG) 10:30 Gordon Ramsay Uncharted (PG)

(MA15+) 9:40 Movie:

Brother, Where Art Thou?”

(’00) Stars: George Clooney

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Peer To Peer (PG) 10:05 Ability Film Festival 2021 (PG) 11:05

Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:10 First Ladies: Michelle Obama (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Good With Wood (PG) 8:30 Secrets Of The Lost Liners (PG)

10:00 The Middle (PG)

11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30

Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00

Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s)

4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” (PG) (’00) Stars: Eddie Murphy 7:30 Movie: “Dolittle” (PG) (’20) Stars: Robert Downey Jr. 9:30 TBA 11:30 The Emily Atack Show

12:00 Luxury Escapes 12:30 The Living Room (PG) 1:30 Healthy Homes Australia 2:00 Australia By Design (PG) 2:30 Taste Of Australia 3:00 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork (PG) 4:00 Ultimate Classroom 4:30 Food Trail - South Africa (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Luxury Escapes (PG) 6:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:00

Football: Australia Cup Final: Pre Game 7:45 Football: Australia Cup Final: Sydney United 58 FC v Macarthur FC *Live*

12:00 The Love Boat (PG) 1:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 2:00 MacGyver (M) 4:00 Roads Less Travelled 4:30 I Fish 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 Scorpion (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) 10:20 Blood & Treasure (M v)

5:30 Insight (M) 6:30 Domino Masters (PG) 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 The Good Fight (M) 9:30 The Handmaid’s Tale (MA15+) 10:30 Crusaders: Ex Jehovah’s Witnesses Speak (M) 12:05 Colony (MA15+)

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Tiny Paradise 4:30 Log Cabin Living 5:00 Beach Hunters 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Stone House Revival 8:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 9:30 Building Off The Grid

3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “Happy Go Lovely” (G) (’51) Stars: David Niven 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Antiques Downunder (PG) 8:00 Antiques Detectives (PG) 8:30 TBA 11:00 The First 48 (M v)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 How To Get Fit Fast (PG) 9:55 Earth’s Natural Wonders (PG) 11:00 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Motorsport 2:55 Gymnastics 4:40 KGB: The Sword And The Shield (PG) (In English/ Russian/ Ukrainian) 5:40 Secret Nazi Bases (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Greatest Train Journeys From Above (PG) 8:25 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces (PG) 9:20 Secrets Of Tutankhamun (PG)

10:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:15 Friends (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 1:45 Mom (M) 2:45 The Neighborhood (PG) 3:35 Nancy Drew (PG) 4:30 Home Shopping

3:10 TBA 5:30 Movie: “Grumpier Old Men” (PG) (’95) Stars: Walter Matthau 7:30 Movie: “Now You See Me 2” (PG) (’16) Stars: Jesse Eisenberg 10:00 Movie: “Sicario: Day Of The Soldado” (MA15+) (’18) Stars: Benicio del Toro 12:30 Stunt Science

2:30 Stone House Revival 3:30 Beach Hunters 4:30 Australia’s Best Pools 5:30 Australia’s Best House 6:30 Building Off The Grid (PG) 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International

2:50 Movie: “The Indian Fighter” (PG) (’55)

Stars: Kirk Douglas 4:40 Movie: “Shane” (G) (’53)

Stars: Alan Ladd 7:00 Movie: “True Grit” (PG) (’10) Stars: Hailee Steinfeld 9:40 Movie: “The Jackal” (MA15+) (’97) Stars: Bruce Willis

October

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Rosehaven (PG) 1:25 Vera (M v) 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:00 Think Tank (PG) 5:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Four Corners (PG) 9:20 Media Watch (PG) 9:35 Planet America 10:05 Parkinson In Australia (PG)

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

12:00 Movie: “At Home In Mitford” (G) (’17)

Stars: Andie MacDowell 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 9:10 9-1-1 (M) 10:10 S.W.A.T. (M v) 11:10 The Latest Seven News

7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 American Pickers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”

12:00 Movie: “Cooking With Love” (G) (’18)

Stars: Ali Liebert 1:45 Garden Gurus Moments 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Block (PG) 9:00 Under Investigation (M) 10:00 Tom Daley - Illegal To Be Me (M)

6:00 Modern Family (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30

Family Guy (M s) 8:00

American Dad (M) 8:30 First Dates Australia (M s)

7:00 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong 8:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 9:15 Restoration Australia 10:15 Catalyst (PG)

6:30 NITV News

Update 6:40 Extreme Africa 7:30 The Blinding Of Isaac Woodard (PG) 8:30 Karla Grant Presents (PG) 9:30 Lake Of Scars (M)

7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 8:00 Poh

2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Kitchen 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Fork 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Schofield 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M) 9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M)

3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 Blue Bloods (M v)

News 7:30 Celebrity Letters And Numbers (M) 8:30 Iceland With Alexander Armstrong (PG) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Beforeigners (MA15+) (In Norwegian/ English)

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

5:00 Good Bones (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Outgrown (PG) 9:30 Why The Heck Did I Buy This House?

RSPCA Animal

6:00 Modern Family (PG)

The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Longest Ride”

Co. 8:30 Jamie & Jimmy’s

Fight Club 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK

6:15 Forged In Fire (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Dark Side Of The 90s (M)

6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30

Murder,

Wrote

Antiques Roadshow

Dalgliesh

Today

11:30 NINE’s

(M) 8:30 Bull (M)

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

Stars: Reese Witherspoon 9:30 TBA

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 Dales For Sale 9:30 Restored

5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG) 8:40 The Closer (M) 9:40 Rizzoli & Isles (M) 10:40 Law & Order: SVU

Today

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 Taronga: Who’s Who

The Zoo (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon

5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE

Current Affair (PG)

7:00

The Block (PG) 8:40 My Life As A Rolling Stone (MA15+) 10:00 TBA

Moana

2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Food Trail South Africa (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Real Love Boat Australia (PG) 9:00 My Life Is Murder (M) 10:00 Bull (M) 11:00 The Project (PG) 12:00 The Late Show (PG)

2:00 Dateline (M) 2:30 Insight (M) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Animal Einsteins 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Australian Wars (M) 8:40 Nine Perfect Strangers (MA15+) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 No Man’s Land (MA15+) (In French/ English)

Bamay

Great Blue Wild

The

Land Wars (PG)

Story

(M)

The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Hawaii Five-0 (M) 10:20 Tommy (M)

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

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Boise Boys 8:30 Home Town 9:30 TBA 10:30 Caribbean Life

1. Who is scheduled to perform the National Anthem at this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium?

2. Who was the headline act at the 2020 NRL Grand Final between Melbourne and Penrith?

3. In 2002, which artist famously had to cancel his performance due to a power outage?

4. The cast of which Australian TV show performed the National Anthem in 1986?

5. In what year did Tom Jones highlight the NRL Grand Final entertainment?

6. Which ‘American Idol’ winner performed at the 2003 decider?

7. Who was the lead singer of INXS when the band performed at the 2006 game?

Are you a Western Sydney-based attraction, tourism activity or restaurant and want to be part of the Western Sydney Pass? Email info@westernsydneypass.com.au to find out more.

Str8ts

How to beat Str8ts -

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But...

rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, e.g. [4,2,3,5].

Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

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

Wheel Words TEST YOUR BRAIN

Emotion runs high Aussie country star Morgan Evans (pictured) captured the hearts of the crowd at the CMC Rocks festival in Queensland last weekend with an emotional performance.

He revealed a new song, ‘How Long’, which reflects on his recent split from wife and fellow country artist Kelsea Ballerini.

The heartbreaking song hasn’t been released but footage of the performance last weekend is on YouTube.

Davis, Bradbery team up Jordan Davis and Danielle Bradbery have joined forces on a

new single, with ‘Midnight Crisis’ released to streaming services last week.

According to CMT, the radioready hit conveys a story about ex-lovers reflecting on their past relationship after getting hit “out of the blue” with feelings.

It’s available to stream now.

Munsick drops new music

Ian Munsick has released a new single, ‘Horses and Weed’.

“I hope this strain of lyrics and melody takes you to greener pastures, far beyond the reaches of trucks and beer,” he said.

The song is out now on all streaming services.

Create words of four letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the middle letter. Do not use proper names or plurals ending with S. See if you can find the nine letter word using up all letters

BY

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

It’s a good week to expand your world via exciting local friendships and international contacts. If you link up with like-minded people, then it will open up new doors of opportu nity. But be careful what you post on line, as a casual comment could lead to controversy. And expect the sparks to fly on Sunday when the Full Moon and Jupiter fire up your adventurous, spontaneous side. If you must be re bellious, then aim to be a rebel with a worthy cause.

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

With Mercury moving forwards in your partnership zone, you’ll feel more motivated to sort out relation ship problems than at other times. And you have a good chance of suc cess, especially if you are proactive about finding solutions and are pre pared to compromise. But money matters could come to a head on the weekend when the Full Moon lights up your financial zone. Maybe it’s time to boost your cash flow or re-de sign your dreams?

Harmonious partnerships and crea tive coupledom are highlighted as the Full Moon and Jupiter (in Aries) plus the Sun and Venus (in Libra) rev up relationships and joint ventures. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with a sense of ad venture) then you’ll sail through chal lenges. Balance is the key. Your motto is from actress Claire Danes (who has Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra) “Re lationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”

Expect a rather intense week as the fiery Full Moon stirs up inner compul sions, submerged secrets or hidden resentments. You could also become obsessed about someone or some thing from your complicated past. If you’re a bright Bull, you’ll learn from your mistakes, let go and move on. Inspiration for the week is from actress Kate Winslet (who turns 47 on Wednesday), “The good and bad things are what form us as people … change makes us grow.”

VIRGO

AUGUST

This week the Full Moon focus is on friendships. How to nurture them, keep them … and then let them go if you have outgrown each other. You’ll find mutual interests are essential to long-term platonic relationships. Attached Twins – stop being scat terbrained and superficial! Mercury (your patron planet) is moving for wards again, so your sweetheart is looking to you for some sensible and balanced advice. Singles – love and friendship are linked.

Are you making the most of your mind? With Pluto and Mercury (which is now direct) activating your commu nication zone, detailed research and strategic thinking will take you far.

Courtesy of the Full Moon, it’s a good week to increase your public profile, complete a professional project, give a speech, launch a website or start a social media campaign. But don’t underestimate the hard work and pa tience it will take to keep the wheels of progress turning.

The Full Moon and Jupiter rev up your gypsy gene and activate your adventure zone. So it’s a good time to escape somewhere special, whether it’s a much anticipated holiday or a spontaneous weekend getaway. With Mercury moving forwards in your money zone, don’t let fleeting whims and luxury fever get in the way of longterm financial planning. Your motto is from fellow Leo, artist Andy Warhol “Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

Mercury is moving forwards in your sign so communication, travel and re lationships should all start to improve. But the big lesson to learn is how to diversify and delegate. No one (not even a super effective Virgo) is indis pensable. And expect some dramatic developments to do with lust or loot, as the Full Moon stimulates your sex and money zone. Single? It could be difficult to differentiate between a dream date and a disappointing dud so tread carefully.

Expect some relationship rumbles, as the Full Moon stimulates your part nership zone. Singles – look for love with an amorous Aries or an adven turous Aquarius (but don’t let them walk all over you). If you’re attached, now is the time to stand up for what you believe in. Otherwise your proac tive partner could take the reins and ride the relationship in the direction and manner they prefer, with little in put from you. A shared vision is vital for romantic longevity.

You have strong likes and dislikes, and you don’t do things by halves. Es pecially when there’s a Full Moon! You love to call the shots and be in control, but you’ll find another ‘c’ word – co operation – will get you a lot further, with less tantrums and tears. Positive Pluto aspects promise group activ ities, intense communication and powerful conversations. Don’t over think things though! As Bill Gates (a fellow Scorpio) says “Often you have to rely on intuition.”

The Full Moon and Jupiter light up your drama zone so expect a week of extremes – everything from passion and flamboyance to arguments and dummy-spits. A troubled teenager or a feisty friend could push your but tons. So try to keep your composure, and don’t give them the satisfaction of a response! Professional projects are favoured – as long as you don’t be a Sagittarian smart-aleck. Listen to the wise advice of a trusted colleague, teacher or mentor.

The Sun’s visiting your career zone, which boosts your ambitious streak. You’re keen to get ahead but don’t trample over others on your climb to the top! Aim to get the balance right between your personal and profes sional lives. Relationships will be complicated this week when passion is combined with power plays, and ro mance is coupled with responsibility. So expect some domestic dramas, as the Full Moon triggers prima donna moments or a family fiasco.

Joanne Madeline Moore

Don’t feed dogs your footy snacks!

As we prepare our COVID-safe gatherings to celebrate the Panthers in the NRL Grand Final this weekend, it is important to remember your pets that may be hiding under the table waiting for the food and snacks to drop.

While party food is appropriate for people, that doesn’t automatically mean that it’s also safe for your pets. In fact, when you have a BBQ or picnic, you need to keep a very close eye on what foods are within reach of your dog. Many foods are not only bad for your dog’s digestive system, but they can even be deadly for him to eat.

Here are a few common BBQ and party foods that are dangerous for dogs.

Ribs and other cooked meat bones: While it’s tempting for many people to give cooked bones to dogs, it can have its problems. Cooked chicken bones and rib bones can splinter very easily, becoming lodged in a dog’s throat or digestive tract. Bone fragments can also become lodged in the small intestines, causing a complete intestinal blockage. If bone fragments travel down the gastroin testinal tract and reach the large bowel, they may collect and cause constipation. This is painful for dogs, as the bone fragments scrape the lining of the colon and rectum and lead to significant trauma.

Onions: Onions add flavour and can often be found in many party foods. All members of the onion family including shallots and garlic are toxic to dogs. Although not as bad as grapes or xylitol, avoid giving onions to your dog regardless of if they are raw or cooked. Cooking onions doesn’t have an impact on the safety of onions and cooked onions are still poisonous to dogs because of their toxic effect on a dog’s red blood cells. All forms of onion can be toxic to dogs — whether powdered, dried, fresh or cooked.

Potato Chips and Pretzels: These may seem like simple snack foods, but in reality, pretzels and chips are loaded with sodium, which isn’t good for dogs. Too much of either of these snack foods can upset a dog’s stomach, as well as cause excessive thirst and urination. In severe circumstances, it can result in vomiting, tremors, diar rhea, seizures and fever. Discourage your guests or other partygoers from the temptation of feeding these snacks to dogs.

Chocolate desserts: Desserts are everyone’s favour ite part of the BBQ, but they can be deadly for dogs especially if they involve chocolate. The compounds in both chocolate and xylitol can be fatal to dogs. The symptoms of chocolate poisoning include seizures, heart arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. Within 30 minutes of ingestion, xylitol will cause a fast, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels accompanied by disorientation and seizures. Some dogs can even develop liver failure, which may lead to death.

Fruit salad with grapes: Some fruits are perfectly fine for dogs to eat in moderation, but grapes are not one of them. If you include grapes in fruit salads or desserts, make sure your dog cannot eat them. Grapes cause kidney failure in dogs and can cause lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting about 12 hours after ingestion. The dog will become increasingly dehydrated, may refuse to eat, and will show either an increase in or decrease in urination.

Long-term kidney disease or death follows.

Grand Final celebrations are associated with friends, food and fun. Keep your dog safely locked away this weekend and celebrate the Panthers’ win at home rather than in a vet emergency waiting room. For more infor mation, contact the team at Greencross Vet Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

Pet of the Week

A bit about me: Cavoodle, Murphy, is quite the local celebrity. In addition to spending her time swimming at Yarramundi Reserve and adventuring through the Blue Mountains, Murphy is an ambassador for local brands such as The Bespoke Creation Co, who will be running Pink Up Your Pooch this October.

Email Cassidy.Pearce@westernweekender.com.au

favourite picture

suburb and

TALKING TECH

WITH DAVID NORRIS NORTEC IT • 9894 9514

The best way to improve the strength of your struggling Wi-Fi connection

Acommon question I’m asked is how to fix up poor Wi-Fi reception around the home or office. Most homes and offices still use the Internet router as their Wi-Fi source. These devices’ primary purpose is to provision the Inter net and not to provide Wi-Fi to your home or office. They are often located in the corner of the house and do not have the signal strength to deliver Wi-Fi throughout the house.

One solution is to get a Wi-Fi booster or range extender. These devices pick up a weak signal and boost it. As a result of the lower signal, you can expect to get a decreased speed across the network as a result. The better solution is to use a Mesh Wi-Fi system. These systems are designed to blanket the home or office with overlapping Wi-Fi signals from multiple devices set up as a mesh. Mesh systems operate on both the 2.4 and 5Ghz radio bands and, depending on the solution, can offer throughput speeds of up to 9.6Gbps.

These devices are generally sold in packs of three; one of the units connects to your Internet router and becomes the central hub. The remaining units, known as nodes, are plugged into a power point and will capture and rebroadcast the Wi-Fi signal. Additional nodes can be purchased depending on the size and configuration of your home or office. There is no limit on the number of nodes that can be added, so the

mesh solution can be expanded as needed.

Mesh Wi-Fi devices are by design userfriendly and require very little technical knowledge. A mobile application will guide you through the installation and advise you on the nodes’ placement. Most also support additional features, including parental controls.

The power of a mesh system is that once connected to the Wi-Fi, no matter where you are, your device will switch to the most robust signal mesh node seamlessly. This means you have a single SSID, username and password for the Wi-Fi throughout the mesh. Even if a node fails, the system will adjust the mesh accordingly to compensate.

There are multiple providers of meshbased Wi-Fi systems. These include TP-Link Deco, Google Nest, Asus ZenWifi, Netgear Orbi, Dlink Covr and Amazon. These products can be obtained from your local computer retailer. Alternatively, call me if you are struggling with your WiFi.

HEALTH

WITH ERIN BURNS

ONE POINT HEALTH • 4732 5188

Exercise after a knee replacement: What you need to know and follow!

Sometimes non-surgical treatments can become no longer helpful in managing knee pain associated with damage from conditions such as arthritis or injury.

When pain becomes unmanageable and simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs are too difficult, a total knee replace ment (TKR) may be warranted.

Building strength and range prior to TKR is just as vital as post surgical rehabilitation.

Rehab can start hours after the operation with an initial focus of range of motion and strength to return to walking and other activities of daily living (ADLs).

Normal activities should be able to be completed within three to six weeks.

But what exercises should take place?

Walking! Build up your walking in small bouts to slowly increase mobility and inde pendence, along with ADLs such as house hold chores, stair climbing etc.

Strength exercises will improve your ability to complete such activities to reduce your limitations.

A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist will be able to assist you with rehabili tation and may deliver exercises such as sit to stands, knee extensions, calf raises, hamstring curls etc.

Completing walking and strength exercise develop both aerobic fitness and muscular strength allowing you to walk for greater distances, perhaps at a quicker pace, allow

activities and can get you back to your usual routines.

A big fear people may have post surgery is kneeling, however although uncomfortable it is not harmful. Most people will be able to fully straighten and bend their knee enough to complete activities like stair climbing, getting into cars and walking with a typical gait pattern. My take home message both before and after a TKR, motion is lotion!

Call OnePointHealth on 4732 5188 to book an appointment to manage your knee pain prior to or following a knee replacement.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No 47058 being property situated at 1-3 Inga Place, Quakers Hill, NSW Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar General for an order terminating the above Strata Scheme and the consequent winding up of the Owners Corporation, pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW). Any person having any claim against the Owners Corporation of the above Strata Scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the Strata Scheme is required, on or before the date not less than 14 days after publication of the advertisement, to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to: E. Vaiciurgis, 17 Collett Crescent, Kings Langley NSW 2147.

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Seeking experienced bricklayers and labourers for ongoing work in Badgerys Creek and Oran Park

White Card essential EBA rates and conditions apply.

Reliable transport

The ability to work autonomously and part of a team

Please call 9540 3855 to apply! WW49198

On behalf of Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd (a trading entity of Lendlease), GML Heritage (heritage consultants) seek registration from local Aboriginal groups and people with respect to the future application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) under Part 6 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Please address correspondence to GML Heritage, at ach@gml.com.au. The Lendlease contact is Dael Palte, dael.palte@lendlease.com

The land subject to an AHIP is located in Jordan Springs, within the Penrith LGA. The study area comprises part of Lot 6, DP 1248480, marked on the map below The proposed development involves stormwater and regional park upgrades requiring minor earthworks.

The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist Lendlease in the preparation of an application for an AHIP and to assist the Director General of Heritage NSW in their consideration and determination of the application.

GML invite local Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the signi cance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the study area to register an interest in community consultation regarding the proposed activity If you wish to register please provide in writing (a letter or email) a brief statement clarifying that you wish to be involved in future Aboriginal community consultation and how you will assist with the assessment of cultural signi cance associated with the subject land.

All registrations should be received by GML no later than 15 October 2022

Andie Coulson, ach@gml.com.au, referencing ‘Jordan Springs Stage 6’.

GML Heritage, Level 6, 372 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Please be advised that the details of all parties registering interest will be forwarded to Heritage NSW and the Local Aboriginal Land Council unless it is speci ed that these details should not be released.

Group

Marys

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Receive daily

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Casual, full time and part time roles

Interaction

required therefore

racking

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SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Forklift and stock picker licence required

Physically t to work with bulky and heavy stock items 2+ years previous warehouse experience

Ability to work unsupervised, prioritise your workload and meet deadlines in a fastpaced warehousing environment.

Send applications to: careers@sleepinggiant.com.au

line: Applying for WHS Storeperson position

Aboriginal Registration for Community Consultation— Jordan Springs Stage 6 Aboriginal Heritage Project

Toyota

Corolla is on the way

Australia in first quarter of next year

Toyota’s Australian GAZOO Racing stable will further expand in the first quarter of 2023 when the GR Corolla hot hatch arrives, with approximately 500 units secured for Australia in the first year of production.

The GR Corolla will bring the number of GR models in Australia to four, sitting alongside the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR86.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the GR Corolla continued the brand’s commitment to offering customers exciting and engaging vehicles.

“With the GR Corolla nearly here, Toyota’s mantra of building fun-to-drive cars is clear to see,” he said.

“With the GR brand’s motorsport DNA, the new GR Corolla promises to deliver on just what driving enthusiasts desire – high performance turbocharged power, agile and dynamic handling, and stylish good looks.”

The new GR variant will also complete the Corolla family, which will be offered locally in hatch, sedan, SUV and performance hot hatch form.

Pricing for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to the model’s launch, however dealers have begun taking expressions of interest.

The new performance car will bring sports

DNA back to the Corolla nameplate, using the powerful and responsive engine borrowed from the GR Yaris.

Under the bonnet of the GR Corolla, the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo charged engine has been enhanced further with more power to suit the larger hatch, with a 10 per cent increase in power to 220kW.

Mated exclusively to an intelligent six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla employs the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system developed through Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship.

Customers will have the choice of four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Track and Custom –allowing them to finely tailor the drive mode to the conditions, all with the support of a limited-slip differential for superb grip and roadholding ability.

The GR Corolla is easily distinguished as a member of the GAZOO Racing family thanks to its expansive lower grille opening shared by other GR products, while the rear triple-exit exhaust tips and aerodynamic spoiler make the GR Corolla’s performance intentions clear.

Large 18-inch black alloy wheels shod in

high-performance Yokohama ADVAN Apex tyres provide visual and dynamic enhance ments, as do the widened front and rear tracks.

Inside, the GR Corolla features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display screen with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, all included as part of the info tainment system.

For clear and instant information for the driver, the GR Corolla incorporates a 12.3inch full digital instrument cluster display, head-up display and a wireless smartphone charger.

Comfort features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather trim for the steering wheel, parking lever and shift knob, power windows, smart entry and start, illuminated entry and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

GR Corolla will arrive in Australia with a high level of active safety features as standard, including pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, intersection assist, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, active cruise control, blind spot monitor, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Toyota Connected Services will also provide owners with greater peace of mind, safety and convenience.

Further details on the GR Corolla including pricing will be announced soon.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SPORT

NAME NEW CAPTAIN

Football season looms. See back page.

Top conditions for big race

NATHAN TAYLOR

ore than 1,500 athletes from across the country descended on the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith last weekend, with Thomas Kearns taking out Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney.

Kearns was the first athlete to cross the finish line last Sunday morning, showing impressive speed across the three disciplines.

“I had a really nice swim, we had a good pack there and I managed to come through transi tion pretty fast and came out onto my own and held the gap from then on and then on the run I was just trying not to get caught for the entire 21.1km,” Kearns said.

“It was absolutely stunning out there, as good as it gets with the conditions, no wind, not too warm, enough aid stations so you can cool off all the time, it was a good day.”

Vanessa Murray claimed the overall women’s age-group title, crossing the line in 4:24:14, more than eight minutes clear of Claire Dedden and Jessica Mitchell.

“It was pretty good, the swim was really calm, a little foggy to start with but cleared up pretty quickly, it’s a nice swim out there with just the nice, easy, straight line,” Murray said.

“The bike was really good, a little rough in patches, so you had to be on guard, but the conditions were great, light wind and the run was tough but I quite like the three lap break down because there were quite a few people around.

“It didn’t get too hot today, it wasn’t really a factor for me, but I had a few nutrition issues which were my biggest hurdle today.”

Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney was the culmination of years of work for Paratri athlete Minda Dentler, with the American completing her goal of finishing six Ironman 70.3 races on six continents.

In 2013, Dentler became the first female wheelchair athlete to finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Hail ing from Arizona in the US, Dentler contracted polio as an infant in India, resulting in the paralysis of her legs.

Throughout her years racing triathlon, Dentler has inspired countless others, contin uing that trend last weekend in Penrith.

“Racing on six continents was a personal

goal of mine, I have a family and we use these races as a race-cation, it’s been fun to see different cities and race on different conti nents,” Dentler said.

Supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Desti nation NSW, Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney featured a 1.9km swim within the Regatta Centre, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km flat and fast run around the venue, marking the event’s first instalment since 2019 due to the pandemic.

The event also featured an Ironkids race on the Saturday, with children aged between 7 and 13 taking part in the run/bike/run event format of varying distances for age groups.

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney will return next September.

Thomas Kearns crossing the line in Penrith last Sunday.

Melissa Wu headlines Wexpo event

BLACKTOWN will have its own expo experiencewhen WEXPO comes to the Blacktown Workers Club in October.

WEXPO will showcase local businesses with more than 100 stalls and specialty workshops on subjects including: health, networking, property, networking, tourism, culture, charity, personal development, professional development and more.

Aquatics Championships, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Summer Olympics. She is an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder and recently competed on SAS Australia.

the Better Foundation. The Blacktown News and Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) are the official media partners.

Henry heads south after signing with Melbourne City in A-League

NATHAN TAYLOR

WEXPO Blacktown will also feature two unique round table sessions where up to 100 hand-picked guests will experience presentations about health and infrastructure.

Event Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said Wexpo Blacktown is a unique opportunity for businesses and visitors to interact as we emerge from the impact of COVID.

Werrington Downs local Bryleeh Henry is packing her bags and heading south after the 19-yearold signed a two-year deal with Melbourne City.

The full day of events includes a breakfast and lunch with two high prole guest speakers. Melissa Paige Wu has been conrmed as the breakfast speaker.

Henry, who made her Matildas debut in October last year, joins the club after making 21 appearances for the Wanderers across the last two seasons.

Melissa is an Australian diver and silver medal winner at the2007 World

The guests will then submit their feedback to the presentations which will be formulated into formal summary documents by Australian Catholic University Blacktown.

Charity partner for the event is

Event partner and gold sponsor Blacktown Workers Club has allocated the Diamond Room for stall holders plus three separate function rooms for workshops and seminars

WEXPO will be held on October 24 at Blacktown Workers Club. More at www.wexpo.com.au

season and really grow to become the best player that I can possibly be.

“Under Rado and with a great group of girls around me, I think that’s something that’s really achievable.”

Meanwhile, the Western Sydney Wanderers have continued to recruit ahead of their upcoming A-League Women campaign, re-signing Mamre Anglican College student Ella Abdul Massih for the next two seasons.

Melissa Wu participating in the recent SAS Challenge series.

Education precinct future in doubt

Henry also recently was part of the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. She started all three fixtures and got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win over Costa Rica.

City coach Rado Vidosic, who worked with Henry in Costa Rica, said the Penrith FC junior will further add to the team’s attacking depth and provide another exciting option on the pitch this season.

“We’re excited to be bringing one of the brightest young attackers in the country to our club for the next two years,” he said.

“She’s a player we’ve been following for a long time and she has always performed well when playing against us.

“Bryleeh has an enormous amount of poten tial and importantly, she’s also a good person whose values fit well within the culture of the group.”

The former Xavier College student said she

foresight to discuss with Olympic sports such as diving and water polowhether they could work with the University in delivering pathway opportunities.”

“The site would easily be worth a half a billion dollars in its raw form to property developers and it may be too much for the NSW Government and WSU to ignore.”

The local resident featured in her first season of the competition last season with the Red & Black where she made five appearances at the back-end of the year.

The 16-year-old has been regularly selected for Junior Matildas training camps and was recently part of the squad that took out the AFF U18 Women’s Championships in Indo nesia.

Mr Bali is calling for transparent and community consultation on the future of Nirimba.

Abdul Massih said she was proud to continue her journey at her hometown club.

Mr Bali said the State Government had overseen trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeship commencements plummet by more than half in the past 10 years with dozens ofTAFE campuses across NSW being either sold off or repurposed.

He claimed WSU failed to consult with anyone in 2007 prior to their degree closures, failed to consult with the pool closure, failed to consult with students when their diploma courses were relocated to other campuses.

was “super excited” by the opportunity to join City and work with Vidosic.

“What is the fate of the Nirimba campus? Is the writing on the wall?”

“Melbourne City’s one of the biggest clubs in Australia and having worked with Rado over

the past couple of months and talking to him before that as well, I knew this was the best environment for me,” Henry said.

“Personally, I’m just hoping to have a good

“This is a legacy educational asset for the people of Blacktown City. This is not a cash cow for the State or WSU to sell off to put money into ‘other’ projects outside Blacktown City.”

A spokesperson for WSU said Western Sydney University has a long and proud history at the Nirimba campus and the surrounding Nirimba Education Precinct.

“I’m a western Sydney girl and this club is my home. I was welcomed here with open arms and treated like any player would want to be,” she said.

“I had role models in the squad last season who are like family to me now. Any player would want to stay at a club when they are treated so well and respected by their staff and teammates.

“The Wanderers are the club for me and without a doubt, there is nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“Western Sydney University is committed to a strong educational presence in Blacktown – continuing to optimise its course offerings at Nirimba to ensure it best meets the current and future educational needs of the local western Sydney community,” the spokesperson said.

Bryleeh Henry is headed south.

MP Stephen Bali.

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Penrith have gone down to last year’s First Grade Premiers Mosman by 29 runs in the opening round of the Belvidere Cup last weekend. Playing in a One Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and sent Mosman into bat first. The visitors were in fine form with the willow, notching up 9/223 runs after 50 overs. Liam Doddrell was strong with the ball, taking 3/43. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they put up a solid performance but, in the end, fell short of Mosman’s target on 9/194. Doddrell again was the top performer, hitting a team-high 45 runs. Penrith will look to rack up their first win of the year when they face Parramatta in a Two Day match this Saturday at Howell Oval. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the day, with good weather expected.

CRICKET: Round 1 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition is in the books, with Panthers Cricket Club having mixed results. In first grade, Panthers drew with Emu Plains. In seventh grade, Panthers 10/145 were thrashed by Penrith RSL 10/306.

AFLW: The GWS Giants have suffered their worst loss of the season – possibly in history – creamed by the Adelaide Crows 97-1 in the latest round of the AFLW compe tition. It was Adelaide’s biggest ever win, lifting them to second position on the ladder. The Giants – who have slumped to 1-4 for the season – got on the scoreboard with a behind in the third quarter to ensure they didn’t remain scoreless. The inexperienced Giants were sadly no match for a clean and polished Crows outfit, that won the ball at the contest and worked hard in wet conditions. The Giants will regroup this week when they host Carlton at Henson Park on Saturday.

SOCCER: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the return of Amy Harrison on a two-year deal in the A-League Women’s competition. Harrison returns to Australia after a two-year stint in the Eredivisie Women where she made 44 appearances with powerhouse PSV Eindhoven. During her time in the top-tier of women’s football in the Netherlands, Harrison was crowned the winner of the KNVB Beeker Women and was the runner-up to the Eredivisie Women competition. The midfielder’s last stint in the A-League was back in 2019/20 with the Red & Black where Harrison helped guide the Wanderers to a number of major milestones including the club’s first ever Finals Series appearance. A western Sydney local, Harrison said she was delighted to ink a two-year deal with the club. “After two seasons away, I’m so happy to be back home with the Wanderers to play in front of the club’s passionate members and fans, as well as my family and friends,” she said. “I am ready to pick up where I left off with the Wanderers and to hopefully add some more club milestones and records to the tally. As a western Sydney local, I understand the importance of playing with passion and pride and I’m so excited for the season ahead.”

GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks have been defeated by the Wollongong Mustangs 26-8 in Round 3 of the Gridiron NSW Men’s competition. Meanwhile, Nepean’s Colts team suffered their first loss of the season, going down to the UTS Gators 50-26.

BASEBALL: The 2022/23 State Baseball League season gets underway on Wednes day, October 5, with the Greater Western Warriors facing the Ryde Hawks in the opening round

At Pendragons Abreast we encourage fitness, wellness, fun and camaraderie. We empower individuals and educate on the benefits of an active lifestyle after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our inclusive team consists of breast cancer survivors and supporters of various ages, from a variety of backgrounds and athletic abilities.

Pendragons Abreast Penrith was formed in 2004 and we are also members of the Pendragons Dragon Boat Club, Penrith.

We race and train at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Penrith Lakes and Nepean River at The Nepean Rowing Club Penrith. With opportunities to participate in regattas, travel and race against other breast cancer survivor teams.

Want to know more?

Find us on Facebook: Dragons Abreast Penrith Or contact our Membership coordinator 0407 278 384

Take a look at Dragons Abreast Australia website: www.dragonsabreast.com.au Pendragons Dragon Boat Club: pendragons.online

At

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Pendragons Abreast: supports the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating.

SPORT

Wanderers name new captain

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed new Brazilian import Marcelo Guedes as the club’s newest captain.

The Wanderers made the surprise announcement at a 10-Year Anniversary event for the Red & Black Bloc at Hammond ville Oval in Bankstown on Sunday afternoon.

The 35-year-old defender signed with West ern Sydney back in July following a stellar career overseas that saw him play in leagues all over the world including Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Turkey, France and his native Brazil.

The move to the A-League this season will mark the first time Marcelo has played in Australia.

Rhys Williams wore the captain’s armband for the Wanderers last season before he suffered a lengthy injury last January.

Meanwhile, the Wanderers have also unveiled their 2022/23 A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s home jerseys on the club’s digital channels, with the campaign paying homage to the cultural diversity of the west ern Sydney region.

The 2022/23 Kappa home jersey continues with signature Red & Black hoops and a slight

change in detail with a brushstroke pattern on the kit used as a metaphor for the hard working people of western Sydney who make the club possible.

Major club partners Voltaren and Intermain also continue their placement on the front of the A-League Men’s and Women’s jersey respectively.

The home jersey launch sees the Wander

ers continue their ongoing multicultural and inclusivity campaign with a range of languages spoken and nationalities repre sented in the launch.

Wanderers member and western Sydney local ‘Big Skeez’ narrates and performs his Afro Swing track ‘UP’ in the launch, which speaks of the mentality, resilience and atti tude of the people in western Sydney.

Throughout the video, the fabric of the kit is also used as a metaphor for the Wanderers role in the western Sydney region that goes beyond simply being a football club, rather a sum of all parts of the region – “The fabric of this club, it’s all around us”.

The campaign features a Western Sydney Wanderers All Star line-up with players repre sented from both men’s and women’s teams including Marcelo, Milos Ninkovic, Romain Amalfitano, Brandon Borrello, Gabriel Cleur, Oliver Bozanic, Ksuini Yengi, Adama Traore, Jarrod Carluccio, Tomi Mrcela, Sulejman Krpic, Yeni NgBakoto, Amy Harrison, Clare Hunt, Sheridan Gallagher, Alexia Apostolakis and Ella Abdul Massih.

All facets of the Wanderers community are also represented from members, fans, partners and the club’s community programs which are underpinned by the Wanderers Foundation including Nexus Soccer Solutions Program, Future Wander Women Program, Wanderers School visits, Inclusivity Programs and more.

Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said it was great to be able to connect the club with its community to bring this launch to life.

“We are very proud to be launching our 2022/23 Kappa home jerseys showcasing the multiculturalism and diversity of the Western Sydney region,” he said.

We’ll

When living in your own home is no longer an option, you’re most welcome to make our home yours and live in safety and comfort. Residential care is a natural next step in life for thousands of Australians every year. With us, your life continues on your terms –you decide when to get up, eat, socialise and relax.

We’ll arrange the services important to you

Every resident is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personal care plan for your exact needs. Those needs will be met by our team of carers, lifestyle officers, spiritual and wellbeing coordinators, registered nurses, and any specialists needed.

Dedicated to quality care

The Aged Care Quality Standards provide reassurance that you will be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We continually evaluate our training, systems and processes and strive to exceed these standards.

We’re for people, not for profit

Southern Cross Care has supported older people in NSW and the ACT for over 50 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re solely focused on providing the best care we can.

Visit our home with a tour

Our Thornton Park home is conveniently located just North of Penrith CBD in a quiet residential area. We’ll be happy to arrange for a tour, please ask when you call.

Don’t miss your 44 page Grand Final souvenir wrap – out today!

The new Wanderers A-League Men’s home jersey.

HISTORY MAKERS

fearless predictions

BIG NEV

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

troy dodds

TIP: Panthers by 13

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

nathan taylor

TIP: Panthers by 8 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

MELISSA MCINTOSH

ian garton

TIP: Panthers by 18 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Api Koroisau

luke priddis matt russell

john thain

Channel Nine Host

Western Weekender Editor

Western Weekender Rugby League Writer

2003 Clive Churchill Medal Winner

Fox League Commentator

Penrith City Councillor

Panthers super fan

Federal Member for Lindsay

Garton Group McDonald’s

TIP: Panthers by 2 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 10 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 20

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TRICIA HITCHEN

greg alexander

jamie soward

daniel mckinnon

stuart ayres

zac bailey HANS BOR

MATT ELLIOTT ANDREW VOSS

The Strong program, run by the PCYC, is a FREE program for 14-20 year old’s in the Penrith community and will help teach them about Health, Fitness & wellbeing.

This program is a youth driven community project with a youth committee.

This program involves giving the youth a FREE club and gym memberships + free merchandise (pictured). They will also receive access to our Monday and Friday program with our trainer Beni, who will write them up a program and show them the ins and outs of the gym while being the person to rely on and mentor the youth.

PCYC Club Manager Tristan Summerhayes said the program was also a way of building relationships between youth & increasing socialisation after a long period of lockdowns.

“It gives them an interest, something that all the other kids can talk about to and do with each other, and it allows them to be a part of something really life changing and that’s what I love about it,” he said. This Strong program also involves frequent presentations with Mentors, Nutritionists, speakers, or coaches to help empower the youth.

Kirk from Knockout nutrition, who hosted the first presentation said ‘ I had the privilege of being able to present my knowledge on nutrition to the youth involved in the strong program. It’s great to see the kids learn healthy habits in training and healthy lifestyle choices also’.

If you, or you know of anyone would be interested in joining STRONG. Please contact 4732 1755 or Penrith@pcycnsw.org.au

Mayor of Penrith

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Former Panthers and NSW Player

Former Penrith Panthers Head Coach

Fox League Commentator

Penrith Panthers Ground Announcer

Western Weekender Celebrity Tipping Champion

Complete Legal & Conveyancing

State Member for Penrith

TIP: Panthers by 12 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 2 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

TIP: Panthers by 13 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 8 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 7 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 10 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 13 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 1 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 11 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Gym + Fitness seems very difficult to start for a young personbut a new PCYC program is set to have a significant impact on Penrith youths, thanks to the help of a Youth Opportunitiesgrant.

guide

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUNDAY

GETTING TO THE BIG GAME

The best way to get to the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium is via public transport.

Free train travel is included in all Grand Final tickets. Express and limit ed-stop trains to Olympic Park will run regularly from Central and Western Line stations to get you to the game, with frequent return services running after the match to get you home. From Olympic Park station, the stadium is a short 10-minute walk away.

Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses will run on all nine routes to Olympic Park frequently from around 11.35am, depending on the route. Return services will run after full-time to get you home.

If you have to drive, you’ll need to pre-book parking ahead of time to secure a space as car parks in the precinct will fill quickly. Pre-book online at Sydney Olympic Park’s website, available until 11.59pm the night before the event. Alternatively, consider parking at a nearby station commuter car park and continuing your trip by train to Olympic Park.

BIG GAMES ALL DAY

The NRLW Grand Final will see the Newcastle Knights battle the Parramatta Eels.

The Knights qualified for the season decider with a 30-6 win over St George-Illawarra last Sunday, while the Eels upset the Roosters 24-10.

The NRL’s State Championship game will see the Penrith Panthers take on the Norths Devils.

The match sees the winner of the NSW Cup Grand Final play the winner of the QLD Cup Grand Final.

The TAB as well as all the major corporate bookmakers have plenty of markets available for the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.

The TAB has Penrith as $1.38 favourites, with Parramatta outsiders at $3.10 (odds correct as of Wednesday 10am).

Nathan Cleary is the favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal at $2.75, with

THE BETTING

Dylan Edwards at $8.00, Isaah Yeo at $9.00 and Mitchell Moses at $10.00 (odds correct as of Wednesday 10am).

Penrith winger Brian To'o is favourite to score the first try.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

The NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show will beheadlined by the heart and soul of Australian rockand roll, Jimmy Barnes, with friends includingARIA-winning singer-songwriters, the mightyDiesel and special guest Josh Teskey, alongsideaward-winning Indigenous singer-songwriterEmma Donovan.

Break-out Eurovision 2022 star Sheldon Riley willbring his spectacular style to Accor Stadium with acinematic and unique performance.

Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso (featuringJOY.) will perform their hit, ‘Moments’, paying tribute to the game’s retiringplayers.

Jimmy Barnes said: “Grand Final Day is a chance for us to all come togetherand celebrate with the best of the best. I can’t wait to perform with an excitingall-Australian Pre-Game Show line up in front of a full house again.”

MATCH DAY SCHEDULE

1pm Gates Open

1.20pm NRL State Championship Grand Final Kick Off

3.20pm NRLW Grand Final Pre-Game Show

3.55pm NRLW Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Final Kick Off

6.30pm NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show

7.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick Off

THE ANTHEM

Musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey will perform the National Anthem atSunday's Grand Final.

She’s currently appearing in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ at Sydney’sCapitol“WhatTheatre. an honour it is to sing the National Anthem before one of the mostexciting games in Australian sport,” she said.

“Just before the Grand Final game kicks off is so electrifying as it’s whenall the nerves and excitement are at a peak. The whole stadium comestogether, united in anticipation, before it all begins.”

THE COVERAGE

The Nine Network’s coverage of Grand Final Day will begin at 10am with a special edition of ‘Sports Sunday’ followed by ‘The Sunday Footy Show’. They’ll then broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and the NRL Grand Final.

Nine has exclusive rights to broadcast the NRL Grand Final, but Fox League will still present Grand Final Day coverage.

Live coverage anchored by Lara Pitt (pictured) will begin at 1pm. Fox will broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and offer pre and post match analysis of the NRL Grand Final.

On radio, 2GB will present a five-hour Grand Final preview on Saturday from 1pm. They’ll be on air from Sunday at 1pm and will call all three Grand Finals.

The game will also be broadcast on ABC 702, Triple M and SEN.

Entry to Panthers Leagues Club on Sunday, October 2 will be for Leagues Club members only due to the huge crowds expected throughout the day and into the night.

Panthers will host a ticketed event in The Backyard with all the action on massive outdoor screens, along with plenty of activities for the kids.

Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink. Doors open at 1pm. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.

WATCH THE GAME AT PANTHERS

Panthers is also hosting a Grand Final Brunch with Mark Geyer and Craig Gower among the guests. The event will be held in the EVAN Theatre from 11am. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.

the commentator

FITTING GRAND FINAL FOR NINE’S MAIN MAN

NATHAN TAYLOR

As a proud western Sydney boy, Channel Nine commentator Mat Thompson is salivating at the chance of not only call ing his first NRL Grand Final on Sunday, but one that involves two passionate western Sydney teams.

“For a westie like me to have two western suburbs teams clashing in a Grand Final, it’s a fitting way to call my first one,” Thompson told the Weekender

Born and bred in Penrith, Thompson grew up in St Clair and Glenmore Park and went to school at Emmaus Catholic College and St Marys Senior High.

He’s had a long affiliation with the Penrith Cricket Club, having played there for many years, and he frequents the area as much as he can.

“I’m proud to be from the area. I think the Penrith area makes a significant contribution to the state of NSW. It was a bit smaller when I was younger, but it’s a thriving area now,” Thompson said.

“While I’m impartial, I think it’s good to see

the Panthers doing so well because I think the local area deserves a team to be proud of. I can say the same about Parramatta too.”

Thompson joined Nine’s rugby league commentary team several years ago, and his star has continued to rise since taking over fulltime from the great Ray ‘Rabs’ Warren earlier this year.

Thompson called his first State of Origin series this season, and will make his NRL Grand Final debut this Sunday when the Panthers and Eels do battle at Accor Stadium.

Thompson said he’s picked up a lot from his legendary predecessor over the years, but in the end, every broadcaster has their own style.

“I think everyone has their own way. Every broadcaster will have their own style or own way of preparing, which works for them. Then I think you refine that over the years of experi ence,” he said.

“So, Rabs would have his own way of doing things – he’s big on the historical stuff and I’ve taken a leaf out of this book. He always turned up to the game with notes and was across everything and that’s certainly important to me also.”

With his first NRL Grand Final approaching fast, Thompson said he’ll sit down on Friday

and begin collating inter esting information and angles for the biggest game of the season.

“I’ve seen a lot of both teams throughout the year, so I’m pretty well acquainted with them both. But probably on Friday I’ll start putting pen to paper and look at some historical stuff in particular,” he said.

“Grand Finals are important events, so I’ll start searching for some interesting angles as well maybe. But ultimately, the game itself is going to be such a good game that it probably carries itself.”

RESPECT

The current success being experienced by the Penrith Panthers already marks a golden period for the club, but a win in Sunday’s Grand Final against the Eels will confirm their status as one of the great teams of the modern era.

It will be time for the mainstream rugby league media to talk about Penrith on the same level they do as the Roosters and Storm, not have them one rung lower on the ladder as they tend to now.

Penrith is now the NRL’s powerhouse club. They’re on the verge of becoming just the second club in the NRL era to win back-toback titles. Sellout games, top players, huge membership numbers. Three lower grade Premierships this year. And part of an NRL Grand Final that sold out quicker than most at the Olympic Stadium.

Rugby league’s sleeping giant is well and truly awake.

And history will show this period of success was even more remarkable given what the game and the world was going through at the time.

In 2020, the Panthers finished Minor Premiers and reached the Grand Final despite the enor mous disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, COVID again reared its head, and Penrith again rose above the disruption of the entire competition moving to Queensland to go on and win the Premiership.

History will show it was one of the toughest Premiership runs in history, with a first-up loss to Souths in the Finals forcing Ivan Cleary’s side to do it the hard way.

Despite being battered and bruised by injury, the Panthers forced their way in to the Grand

And now, in 2022, Penrith have produced one of the more remarkable Premiership defences we’ve ever seen, easily claiming the NRL Minor Premiership.

They now face arch rivals Parramatta in a Grand Final for the ages; an opportunity to cement themselves as one of the greatest sides rugby league has ever seen.

And at the top of the tree is a father-son duo whose impact on Penrith is already at legendary status and will forever remain in club folklore.

Victory or defeat on Sunday night at Accor Stadium will certainly not define this era, but it does offer the potential to officially cement a golden period never before experienced at the foot of the Mountains.

Nathan and Ivan Cleary with the trophy last year. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS TRAINER IN THE CLEAR

! No case to answer: It’s become very clear now that the whole Pete Green story that emerged this week was blown way out of proportion. The Panthers trainer has absolute ly no case to answer and the player involved in the alleged sledge, Souths’ Jed Cartwright, has confirmed there was no issue. It’s clear John Cartwright, while trying to protect his son, went way over the top without the facts. And Fox League’s flagship show, ‘NRL 360’, has plenty to answer for in the way it handled the story too. Truth is the only one who should be under the NRL’s microscope is Cody Walker, whose approach to Green at full-time was out of line.

! NRL snubs the west: It’s been intriguing to note this week that all of the official Grand Final formalities are in the city, with western Sydney largely ignored except for team-spe cific events around Penrith and Parramatta. The official Grand Final launch, match officials announcement, Fan Fest, Dally M Awards, Grand Final media conference and Grand Fi nal Lunch have all been Sydney-based. While much of this has been set in stone for some time, you’d think the NRL would introduce more western Sydney events regardless of the teams competing, given the region is the lifeblood of the game.

! Nine’s Grand Final response: Channel Nine argues it didn’t snub last week’s NSW Cup Grand Final despite not airing it on Sun day afternoon. The network says it asked the NSWRL to move the Grand Final to Saturday so it avoided clashing with the NRLW Prelimi nary Finals and other commitments, but there was a lack of appetite for that to occur. There’s no question the situation can't be repeated next year – it was an embarrassment that the NSW Cup decider couldn't be watched on TV.

! New arrival: Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai is a Dad for the third time, with his

partner giving birth to beautiful little Halo (pictured) on Monday.

! Let us sing: Panthers fans loudly belting out ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ have been cut off at both Finals games so far with the stadium audio switching to post-match interviews, which can barely be heard anyway. Let’s hope when it comes to the Grand Final, the winning team’s song can be played in full.

! Spotted: 2003 Premiership-winning skip per Craig Gower living it up in Lou Zivanovic’s private suite at Accor Stadium last Saturday night.

! Spotted: Panthers enforcer Viliame Kikau sorting out a fresh passport in the Sydney CBD before running in to his future boss, Phil Gould.

! McRae’s Panthers comeback: Scott McRae (pictured right) is back from the wilderness, with the former Panthers ground announcer to MC a fan brunch on Grand Final Day at the Leagues Club. McRae was axed as the announcer for home games at the end

of the 2019 season after more than 20 years behind the microphone.

! COVID caution: All journalists attending Penrith’s media session on Tuesday had to un dertake a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival, with the Panthers and NRL taking no risks ahead

of the big game on Sunday night. COVID tests for journos attending interview opportunities have been the norm for most of the season but are rarely policed. Tuesday was different with the Panthers facilitating testing on arrival.

! Popular MP: Recent dramas surround ing Stuart Ayres certainly haven’t harmed his popularity with Penrith fans. Ayres was even signing autographs and taking selfies with supporters at the team’s open training session on Tuesday. They haven't forgotten who the driving force behind the likely new stadium in Penrith is.

! Crashing the party: It certainly wasn’t deliberate but the Panthers ironically stayed in Parramatta the night before the Preliminary Final last Friday night and couldn’t ignore the party-like atmosphere on the streets. Safe to say, they won’t be staying in Parramatta on Saturday night – choosing more friendly terri tory ahead of the Grand Final.

! Get in touch: If you spot something I should know at the Grand Final, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Trainer Pete Green (centre). Photo: Melinda Jane.

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

Brought to you by

premiership honour roll

1910

1911

Easts

1913 Easts

1914 Souths

1915 Balmain Souths

Souths

1916  Balmain

1917 Balmain  Souths

1918  Souths Wests

1919 Balmain Easts

1920  Balmain Souths

1921 Norths Glebe

1922 Norths 35 Glebe

1923 Easts 15 Souths

1924 Balmain 3 Souths

1925 Souths Wests

1926 Souths 11 University

1927 Souths 20 St George

1928 Souths 26 Easts

1929 Souths 30 Newtown

Easts Wests

Easts Wests

Souths Annandale

Balmain Norths

Balmain Wests

Balmain Norths

Souths Annandale

Balmain Norths

Final Balmain Annandale

Final Norths University

15,000 Norths St George

12,180 Easts University

15,000 Balmain Newtown

Final Souths Newtown

21,000 Souths St George

12,000 Souths University

24,966 St George Newtown

16,360 Souths  University

1930 Wests 27 St George 2 12,178 Wests University

1931 Souths  12 Easts 7 27,104 Easts University

1932 Souths 19 Wests 12 16,925 Souths  Norths

1933 Newtown 18 St George 5 18,080 Newtown Wests

1934 Wests 15 Easts 12 25,174 Easts University

1935 Easts 19 Souths 3 22,106 Easts University

1936  Easts 32 Balmain  12 14,395 Easts University

1937 Easts  Souths / St George No Final Easts University

1938 Canterbury  19 Easts  6 20,287 Canterbury St George

1939 Balmain 33 Souths 4 26,972 Balmain Newtown

1940 Easts 24 Canterbury 14 24,167 Easts Wests

1941 St George 31 Easts 14 39,957 Easts Norths

1942 Canterbury 11 St George 9 26,171 Canterbury Wests

1943 Newtown 34 Norths 7 60,992 Newtown Canterbury

1944 Balmain 12 Newtown 8 24,186 Newtown Canterbury

1945  Easts 22 Balmain 18 44,585 Easts Souths

1946 Balmain 13 St George 12 32,296 St George Souths

1947 Balmain  13 Canterbury 9 29,292 Canterbury  Parramatta

1948 Wests 8 Balmain 5 29,122 Wests Norths

1949 St George 19 Souths 12 56,534 Souths Easts

Wests

1950 Souths

Souths

Wests

Souths

Souths

Souths

Souths Norths

Souths Norths

Wests Parramatta

Wests

Parramatta

Wests

65,959

Parramatta

1977  St George

1977+ St George 22 Parramatta 0 48,828

1978 Manly  11 Cronulla 11 51,510

1978+ Manly  16 Cronulla 0 33,552

1979 St George  17 Canterbury 13 50,991 St George Norths

1980  Canterbury 18 Easts 4 52,881 Easts Penrith

1981 Parramatta 20 Newtown 11 57,333 Easts Balmain

1982  Parramatta 21 Manly  8 52,186 Parramatta Canberra

1983  Parramatta 18 Manly  6 40,285 Manly Wests

1984 Canterbury 6 Parramatta 4 47,076 Canterbury Wests

1985  Canterbury 7 St George 6 44,569 St George Illawarra

1986  Parramatta 4 Canterbury 2 45,843 Parramatta Illawarra

1987  Manly  18 Canberra 8 50,201 Manly  Wests

1988  Canterbury 24 Balmain 12 40,000 Cronulla Wests

1989  Canberra 19 Balmain 14 40,500 Souths Illawarra

1990  Canberra 18 Penrith 14 41,535 Canberra Souths

1991  Penrith 19 Canberra 12 41,815 Penrith Gold Coast

1992  Brisbane 28 St George 8 41,560 Brisbane Gold Coast

1993  Brisbane 14 St George 6 42,329 Canterbury Gold Coast

1994  Canberra 36 Canterbury 12 42,234 Canterbury Balmain

1995  Bulldogs 17 Manly  4 41,127 Manly  North Queensland

1996 Manly  20 St George 8 40,985 Manly  South Queensland

1997 Newcastle 22 Manly  16 42,482 Manly  South Queensland

1997* Brisbane 26 Cronulla 8 58,912 Brisbane North Queensland

1998  Brisbane 38 Canterbury 12 40,857 Brisbane Wests

1999  Melbourne 20 St George Illawarra 18 107,999 Cronulla Wests

2000  Brisbane 14 Sydney Roosters 6 94,277 Brisbane North Queensland

2001  Newcastle 30 Parramatta 24 90,414 Parramatta Penrith

2002  Sydney Roosters 30 Warriors 8 80,130 Warriors Canterbury

2003  Penrith 18 Sydney Roosters 6 81,166 Penrith Souths

2004  Canterbury 16 Sydney Roosters 13 82,127 Sydney Roosters Souths

2005  Wests Tigers 30 North Queensland 16 82,453 Parramatta Newcastle

2006  Brisbane 15 Melbourne 8 79,609 Melbourne# Souths

2007  Melbourne# 34 Manly 8 81,392 Melbourne# Penrith

Manly 40 Melbourne 0 80,388 Melbourne# Canterbury

Melbourne# 23 Parramatta 16 82,538 St George Illawarra Roosters

2010  St GeorgeIllawarra 32 Sydney Roosters 8 82,334 St George Illawarra Melbourne

2011  Manly  24 Warriors 10 81,988 Melbourne Gold Coast

Melbourne 14 Canterbury 4 82,976 Canterbury Parramatta

Sydney Roosters 26 Manly  18 81,491 Sydney Roosters Parramatta

Souths 30 Canterbury 6 83,833 Sydney Roosters Sharks

North Queensland 17 Brisbane 16 82,758 Sydney Roosters Newcastle

Cronulla 14 Melbourne 12 83,625 Melbourne Newcastle

Melbourne 34 North Queensland 6 79,722 Melbourne Newcastle

Sydney Roosters 21 Melbourne  6 82,688 Sydney Roosters Parramatta

Sydney Roosters 14 Canberra 8 82,922 Melbourne Gold Coast

Melbourne 26 Penrith 20 37,303 Penrith Brisbane

Penrith 14 Souths 12 39,322 Melbourne Canterbury

RINGS WORTH $10K EACH

WINNING PLAYERS WILL WEAR THE BLING

The Premiership rings that will be presented to the 17 successful players on Sunday night have been designed by Affinity Diamonds in Sydney. They’re worth approxi mately $10,000 each.

And this year, rugby league royalty assisted with the design. Ray Warren, who recently retired from broad casting, was involved in the process.

“I told them I’m a sports commentator – I have no experience in designing

rings,” Warren told The Sydney Morning Herald “But, anyway, now I have.”

Affinity Diamonds founder and Chief Executive Sam Rahme said it was terrific to have such a well-known personality of the game involved.

“Each year, I pick someone who’s done something worthy in the game,” he told the Herald “Ray’s done so much, so in his retirement year we thought he’d be perfect. We

asked him to come up with something big and blingy that can be worn on special occasions. He did well. It’s a nice-looking ring.”

The stunning ring features Norm Provan and Arthur Summons’ famous embrace on the side.

It is made of solid white gold and encrusted with two carats of diamonds plus red rubies.

The rubies symbolise St George’s incredible 11 Prem ierships in a row.

!KLEIN’S DECIDER

NEW LIVE SITE

Penrith City Council is inviting locals to cheer the Panthers at a free, family friendly live site at St Marys.

From 3.30pm on Sunday, October 2 at Kokoda Place car park and Coachmans Park in St Marys, fans will be able to grab a seat as they ready themselves for kick-off at 7.30pm.

The live site is ticketed to ensure everyone gets the best seat in the house.

There will be food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids at the alcohol-free event. A limited number of chairs will be avail able but you can bring your camp chairs, picnic blankets and of course your loudest cheers as the Penrith Panthers take on the Eels in the ‘Battle of the West’.

For more details and free tickets, for the live site in St Marys on Sunday, go to: https://bit. ly/3DWAIxu.

FAN’S JOY CLEARY HANDS OVER JERSEY

Nathan Cleary handed over his training jersey to a happy supporter in the crowd at Penrith’s fan day at BlueBet Stadium on Tuesday morning.

Cleary was without question the most popular player on Tuesday, with fans desperate to grab an autograph or selfie with the halfback.

The Origin star eventually took off his training jersey and gave it to an adoring youngster who’d come out to watch the training session.

NO TICKETS LEFT FOR GF

The NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta is officially a sell-out.

More than 83,000 fans will pack into Accor Stadium after the last tickets were sold shortly after the final General Public alloca tion was released on Tuesday.

“The Grand Final teams represent the beating heart of rugby league. Clubs that represent modern day Australia. Confident, vibrant and growing communities. Heart land areas that have more kids picking up a football for the first time than ever before,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“The demand for tickets has been over whelming.”

PHIL GOULD TALKING ABOUT THIS SUNDAY’S GRAND FINAL

Corporate partners of the Penrith Panthers are being well looked after this week with many attending events put on by the club.

The highlight is the Grand Final Luncheon which will be held at the EVAN Theatre today (Friday, September 30).

Club legends Tony Puletua, Scott Sattler, Greg Alexander and Royce Simmons will all be part of the special event.

An auction is also due to be held to raise money for Panthers on the Prowl.

Other events include func tions prior to the game at Sydney Olympic Park.

Klein and Grant Atkins refereed the Preliminary Finals last weekend with Klein ultimately getting the nod for the decider.

Phil Henderson and Drew Oultram will be the sideline officials, meaning all three on-field officials who were in charge of the Panthers versus Rabbitohs game last weekend will back-up in the big one.

Grant Atkins will be in The Bunker for the Grand Final.

Klein said his previous big game experience would help calm the nerves ahead of the season decider.

“I’m really looking forward to Sunday. I actually live in western Sydney... you can feel it in the street already, everyone’s really excited,” he said.

He added that it’ll be business as usual once the formalities of the week are over.

“After Friday when we do our last training session my focus will be on Sunday’s game,” he said.

Head of Football Graham Annesley said it was impor tant to respect the work of referees.

“It’s a thankless task. It’s a job that people train for many years for,” he said.

RULED OUT

The Panthers confirmed on Tuesday that Taylan May would not play in Sunday’s Grand Final.

The try scoring machine suffered a hamstring injury in the Qualifying Final against Parramatta.

Before naming the side on Tuesday, Penrith confirmed May had not recovered from the injury in time.

PUBS ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN LATER

The NSW Government has extended trading hours for venues across New South Wales for the Grand Final on Sunday.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the later trading will enable fans to watch all the action of the season decider on the big screens in venues and continue celebrating later into the night.

“There’s always a buzz around this time of year with the Grand Final weekend being one of the biggest events on our sporting calendar,” Mr Anderson said.

“The Grand Final is a huge day for our venues and a boost to the State’s economy, so standard opening hours for hotels and clubs will be extended this Sunday from 10pm to midnight.

“Venues can also trade later for other upcom ing major sports events including FIFA World Cup football finals and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket finals.”

Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions.

Ashley Klein will referee Sunday’s NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta.

“I think we will remember this one for a long, long time”

fans back the panthers

Good luck to the PenrithPanthers in your GrandFinal match against theParramatta Eels. Myhusband has been a fan for30 years growing up in thePenrith area and myselffor 15 years since I met himand was living in Penrith.A moment in history tohopefully have four divisions win the #pantherpridePremiership!

Lauren Standen & family

ThankyouPanthersfor puttingupyourbestefforts eachandeveryweekfor yourfans!Highs,lows,I have loved it all! Panthers always!Panthersforever! Panthers 2022!!!

I’m incredibly proud to be aPanthers supporter. The skill,dedication and mental fortitude they display every weekis awe inspiring. I can’t waitto cheer you on at the GrandFinal this Sunday. You’re 80mins away from back-to-backPremierships and a recordfour wins across all grades ofleague. SG Ball, Jersey Fleggand NSW Cup and NRL firstgrade. YTB!!!

Best of luck Panthers! Weare so proud our little clubare ready to make historyby being in the driver’s seatfor a second Premiership.consecutive Be strong, gohard and show the NRLwhy we are the Pride of theWest. We stand by you allthe way as we have done foras long as we can remember.Let’s do this. We are so gladwe are here for the ride withyou.

theGoget‘em!!Youboyshave whatopportunitytoaccomplish onlytwoteamsinthepast30 years have, back-to-backPremierships. With three grandfinalappearancesinarow,two Minor Premierships and onePremiership in the past threeyears the Penrith dynasty is theuponus.Let’sgooutandshow NRLworldandtherestofthe whatbeingapantherisall about. PENRITH AREWE READY READY!!!

Good luck Panthers. If you play like you did last week, you’ll definitely win. Yes, we are ready ready!!

Bryony Rudd

Fenton Moonboot

Kellie Winser

Jason Venderley

GothemightyPanthersin the Grand Final. We have lovedwatchingyouin 2022andcheeringloudand proudatthegames.Let’s beatthoseslipperyEelson Sunday.Wehaveenjoyed playingthetrumpetand drumsduringthegamesto showourstrongsupport.

All your hard work bothindividually and as a teamis a testament to the resultsyou’ve all produced allyear long! Bring home thetrophy for yourselves, yourfamilies and your community, as a fan for decadeswe couldn’t be more proudof all of you, Go Panthers!

Congratulations to PenrithPanthers. We wish youall the best for the GrandFinal against Parramatta.You have already done usproud. Me and my husbandare really big fans of thePanthers. Wish we couldgo to the game on Sundaybut will be watching youplay. Been supporters eversince we were little!

Leslie Duarte

I have been a Panther fansince the their first year inthe first grade competitionin 1967. Back in those dayswe attended every home andaway game. I have been thereand watched them thoughgood and bad and never wavered my support. It has beenan exciting three years andI hope that my Panthers canbring it home again this year.I wish you boys all the best.Go the mighty Panthers. Dous proud once again.

Crameri Family

Well done this season Panthers. Good luck in the Grand Final on Sunday. Bring home this Trophy for us again.

Lynette Bills

Samantha Sloan

Jenny Bangel

Congratulations on your success so far. You have done Penrith proud. Have a great game!

fans back the panthers

EMILY FESZCZUK

Black, red, yellow and green can be spot ted around the streets as Grand Final fever has spread around the city.

Penrith Panthers fans have decorated their homes and businesses to show their support ahead of Sunday’s game against the Parramatta Eels.

Neil Kumar has adorned his Penrith home with his favourite players to display his Panther Pride.

“I have supported the team for 25 years and when my son Lachlan was born, I wanted to teach him to love the footy culture,” Mr Kumar said.

“We have decorated the last few years and this year we put them up at the end of Round 25 which has proven to work in our favour.”

Streamers, balloons, and flags have been hung up in shops around town, so you know you are deep in panther territory.

Stanton and Taylor Real Estate, Tattersalls Hotel and Commonwealth Bank are just a few of the businesses in the centre of Penrith getting in the spirit.

With COVID restrictions impacting the last two Grand Finals, loyal fans will be taking full advantage of this year’s festivities.

Michele and John Andrew have been longtime supporters of the team for 30 years.

The South Penrith couple also wasted no time in decking out their house two weeks ago.

“People asked us why we were decorating if

Panthers didn’t get in the Grand Final, but I said it didn’t matter because they were still going to be Minor Premiers,” Ms Andrew said.

“Even if they didn’t make it or don’t win you have to be grateful for their effort and show your full support for the team.”

Beaming with pride, Ms Andrew told the

Weekender that there is something special about the current group of players which she believes can bring it home for a second consec utive year.

“Over the years we have seen a lot of players and this team is very community minded, they gel well together and are very down to earth.

Whenever you see them, they are always happy to talk to the supporters and they are just a talented bunch of athletes,” she said.

Both the Kumar and Andrew families will be among the thousands of fans roaring for the Panthers in the sold-out Battle of the West NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium.

Neil and Lachlan Kumar at their home in Penrith.

Photo: Melinda Jane

Michele and John Andrew at their South Penrith home. Photo: Melinda Jane.

five of the best

Penrith and Parramatta have played some extraordinary matches over the years. In fact, with 106 games played, Penrith has played Parramatta more than any other side in the competition. We look back at five of the best clashes between these two western Sydney rivals...

5. 2022: Panthers 27 Eels 8

In a match billed as the biggest game Panthers Stadium had ever hosted, Penrith and Parramatta met in a Qualifying Final in the opening weekend of the 2022 Finals. A Nathan Cleary field goal proved the difference in a tight first half, with the Panthers going into the sheds leading 7-6. Penrith got the better of their rivals in the second half, with Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris all scoring to give the home team a 27-8 win in front of 21,863 fans. Mitchell Moses left the field under HIA rules mid-way through the second half in what was an at times fiery encounter, with Penrith winger Taylan May sin-binned in the first half for a high shot.

4. 1984: Panthers 22 Eels 10

May 27, 1984 saw a long Penrith losing streak to Parramatta finally come to an end. Penrith's only win against the Eels in the preceding seven seasons had come in a mid-week KB Cup match in 1982. But in a Round 13 match at Belmore Sports Ground, Penrith finally broke the drought with an impressive 22-10

for Penrith, who kept the Eels to just one try through Glenn Mansfield. After years of owning the west, the Eels' crown had finally fallen.

3. 2003: Panthers 40 Eels 22

The final match of the 2003 regular season would see a Battle of the West played in front of 22,304 fans at Panthers Stadium. The Eels needed to win to make the Finals, while a Penrith victory would give them the Minor Premiership. The Eels were still in the game at half-time, down 24-16, but the eventual Premiers would pull away in the second half to record an impressive 40-22 victory. Rhys Wesser would score three tries that afternoon, while Ryan Girdler bagged six goals in a match that also saw him sin-binned.

2. 2011: Panthers 23 Eels 22

Nobody could forget the incredible night at Panthers Stadium in July 2011, when Penrith produced an incredible Golden Point victory to spoil Nathan Hindmarsh's 300th game. Michael Jennings and Lachlan Coote combined for a stunning try right on full-time to send the match to overtime. There was just one second on the clock when Penrith played the ball for the final time, and as the siren sounded Jennings put in a little kick for Coote to touch down for his second try of the evening. Six minutes in to Golden Point, Luke Walsh landed a brilliant field goal to secure a win and send the crowd crazy.

1. 2021: Panthers 8 Eels 6

In one of the most memorable Finals games of all-time, not a single point was scored in the second half of a nail-biting clash at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. Only 6,011 fans were in attendance to watch the match, played in Queensland due to COVID lockdowns in Sydney, but every one of them witnessed a fero

cious match that every fan on the edge of their seats. Kurt Capewell scored Penrith's only try of the game, while Waqa Blake grabbed a fourpointer for Parramatta. In the end, a Nathan Cleary penalty goal proved the difference. The Eels were close to scoring right on full-time, but it wasn't to be – Penrith holding on to win.

Kurt Capewell takes the ball up in the 2001 Finals. Photo: NRL Images.

NSW CUP SIDE HUNTS ANOTHER TROPHY THIS SUNDAY

Fresh off the back of their thrilling 29-22 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final, the Penrith Panthers will look to add another trophy to the collection in Sunday after noon’s State Championship final.

As NSW Cup Premiers, the Panthers will take on the Queensland Cup Premiers, Norths Devils, in the opening match on NRL Grand Final Day.

It will be a record third State Championship appearance for the Panthers following their victory over the Papua New Guinea Hunters in 2017, as well as a loss to the Northern Pride in the inaugural match in 2014. Christian Crichton is the only remaining player from that day who will take the field against the Devils.

lower grades report

with Lachlan Jeffery

@LachlanJeffery

The Panthers will go into the match full of confidence after their win over the Bulldogs, despite not playing at their best. Peter Wallace has made a couple of changes to that side, with Tom Jenkins returning at centre with Jack Cole replacing Sean O’Sullivan in the halves, while Luke Sommerton will replace Alec Susino on the bench.

It will be a tough game for Penrith, with the Devils having claimed back-to-back Prem ierships in the Queensland Cup and fielding several players with NRL experience, including former Panthers hooker Kierran Moseley, who will be lining up opposite NSW Cup man of the match Soni Luke.

There will also be plenty of first grade expe rience in the halves, with Penrith’s Kurt Falls lining up against the Devils’ Tyson Gamble and Tyrone Roberts.

The match will give the Panthers a chance to add more silverware to their rapidly-filling trophy cabinet in 2022, having won the SG Ball

title early in the season, as well as winning the Jersey Flegg decider in golden point against Newcastle and being awarded the Flowers Memorial Pennant for the first time since 2018

as NSWRL Club Champions before their NSW Cup win over Canterbury.

The State Championship will kick off Grand Final Day at Accor Stadium at 1.30pm.

The Panthers celebrate winning the NSW Cup title last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

been there, done that!

2022 PANTHERS FOLLOW FAMOUS PATH

The Penrith Panthers of 2022 will run onto Accor Stadium on Sunday night trying to create their own slice of club history, but there are a select few who have been there and done it before.

The teams of 1991 and 2003 became history makers at Penrith, while the 2021 side broke an 18-year Premiership drought, setting up many of the players in that side to be on the verge of winning back-to-back Premiership rings on Sunday night.

Going from pretenders to Premiers

The front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’.

Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’.

It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim.

After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier.

So many things went against

One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize that day.

“Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” Simmons said.

Finally, another title heads west Penrith’s 18-6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in club history.

Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs.

It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took.

But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime.

talked about to this day. Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his two-try performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort in sluggish conditions.

Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters.

“We’ve been here through the bad times, and that’s what makes it so special,” he said.

Interviewed by Channel Nine’s Andrew Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”.

Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets, before the off-season officially began.

Incredible win inspires locked down city A Stephen Crichton intercept 14 minutes from full-time will forever be remembered as the moment that decided the 2021 Grand Final and secured Penrith’s third Premiership.

It was a Grand Final for the ages – one decided on defence in a year where blowout scorelines and attack dominated the NRL season.

Penrith’s kicking game was superb – both Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai producing gamebreaking moments with their boots that helped determine the outcome.

Cleary was named the Clive Churchill Medal list for best player on ground. In an emotional moment, it was presented by his father and coach Ivan.

With his busted shoulder in tow, Cleary bounced back from missing a crucial tackle that resulted in Souths’ first try to win an ongo ing battle with Cody Walker and produce some brilliant defensive moments when it mattered most.

It was a Grand Final that will be remembered more for being the finale of an incredible three weeks for the winning team. Penrith scored just five tries in their last three matches of the season but still managed to claim the title.

There were incredible scenes of emotion at full-time as the Panthers celebrated a hard fought victory over a newfound arch rival.

in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game.

At half-time, with his side down 12-6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players. Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?”

The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game.

Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in.

Greg Alexander potted a 38 metre field goal that would give Penrith a 13-12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game.

The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line drop-out, the short restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try –magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead.

“They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later.

“It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.”

Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic.

A huge blow-up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final Day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club. A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One.

The Panthers won 14-12 but not before a late scare with South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds missing a sideline conversion four minutes from full-time that would have levelled the scores.

While the Panthers celebrated in front of 39,322 fans at Suncorp Stadium, back home in Penrith the streets erupted despite the COVID lockdown – hundreds of cars lining Mulgoa Road with horns blaring to mark the Premier

The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still

The Panthers celebrate at Suncorp Stadium after winning the 2021 Grand Final.

Photo: NRL Images.

The post-match celebration in the dressing rooms after the 1991 decider. Photo: NRL Images.

The 2003 Penrith Panthers celebrate their Grand Final win. Photo: NRL Images.