Western Weekender April 26 2024

The NSW Premier has made a plea with locals to get the flu jab this year as cases skyrocket. The latest respiratory surveillance report shows more than 4,700 people in NSW were diagnosed with influenza in the last four weeks, a 16 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

hospitals received 480 influenza-like illness admissions between January 6 and

Photo: Melinda Jane. TROY DODDS

Verdict delivered after tragic death

The driver of a car that ploughed through the front of a St Marys house, killing a beloved grandmother, will not spend time behind bars.

Robyn Oxley was sleeping in her Monfarville Street home in October 2022 when the SUV being driven by Batoul Sleibi El Dirani left the road and crashed into the house.

The force of the crash was so dramatic that the grandmother was thrown from her bed, through a window and into a neighbour’s backyard.

There was an enormous outpouring of grief from the community following her death.

In court this week, El Dirani was found to be not criminally responsible for the crash and Oxley’s death because she was having an acute psychotic episode at the time.

She has been sent to the Mental Health Review Tribunal to be assessed for treatment.

SOCIAL HOUSING WAITLIST A WORRY

Concerning new figures show the social housing wait list in the local area now exceeds two and a half years.

The average wait for a social housing property in the Nepean Blue Mountains region is 31.2 months, down from 32.9 in December but up from 24.9 in June 2023.

“The figures are damning. Thousands of people who are unable to find affordable housing in the private rental market face waiting up to a decade for a place to call home,” said Homelessness NSW CEO, Dom Rowe.

Flu season nears

Health officials desperate to avoid repeat of last year’s numbers

Health Minister Ryan Park said the flu season was expected to spike further soon.

“Influenza has started to increase in some parts of Australia, and it’s expected to start to increase across NSW soon, so it is very important you

get vaccinated to protect yourself and others as you don’t want to end up in hospital or put vulnerable community members at risk,” he said.

“Everyone six months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine and these are available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.”

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said it was important not to have a repeat of last year’s horror flu season.

“Last year, we saw an increase in ED presentations among young children with some being admitted to intensive care with life-threatening complications from the flu. We don’t want to see a repeat this year, so we are reminding families to book their children aged under five years in for their free flu vaccine now,” she said.

“It is a very quick and easy process to book in with your local doctor or pharmacist who can also administer your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if recommended. This simple act can help you and your family stay healthy this winter.” Cases of COVID are reasonably low in the local area, according to the latest figures.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, is encouraging locals to get vaccinated against the flu.

Story continued from » p. 1

Beach future uncertain

No confirmation summer hit will return as swim season reaches its conclusion

The future of Penrith Beach remains uncertain after its closure yesterday, but Penrith City Council has given hope that it will return next summer.

Penrith Beach officially opened in December last year with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the new summer favourite.

Its original planned season was extended through to ANZAC Day.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the beach was a hit, and is hopeful it will return and become a permanent part of local summers.

“I’m delighted that the community has embraced this hidden gem in Penrith,” Carney said.

“Seeing Penrith City Council’s long-held vision and advocacy around this space come to fruition during the hot summer months has been wonderful. To be able to provide residents with a place to cool off has been an enormous win for the community.

“With the success of the Beach, its demand highlights the need to create permanent access to this space for future summers.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our work with the State Government in utilising the natural environment of Penrith Lakes to provide a cool and refreshing escape for the Penrith LGA and western Sydney for many years to come.”

But others involved in the project have been quiet over its future.

The beach’s return will be dependent on Western Sydney Lakes and the involvement in the State Government.

Western Sydney Lakes has a detailed plan regarding the future look of the site, including a permanent beach vastly different to the temporary activation this year.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure did acknowledge the Government is considering what happens next but gave no clear indication.

“The Government is considering future options,” it said.

The Weekender reached out to a series of major players involved in the beach including Minister for Western Sydney and Deputy Premier Prue Car, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, Western Sydney Lakes, and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, and received no confirmation of any plans to reopen the beach in the future.

Penrith Beach. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney. Photo: Melinda Jane.

the western weekender

Time to look in the social mirror

The community holds the media to a standard they so often do not uphold themselves, and it’s becoming a problem that needs attention.

It is right that the media and journalists are held to account in their reporting; that the public apply pressure to ensure accuracy, respect and facts are upheld.

And despite what the reputation of the media may be at times, having worked in numerous newsrooms over the years I can tell you that the checks and balances that go into stories are far more detailed and thorough than you probably imagine.

Journos will not always get it right. There will almost always be a reason for that which the public never sees.

And sometimes, editors and media organisations as a whole make bad calls. In a split decision, the words ‘run it’ can come back to haunt anyone with such power.

But the explosion of social media over the last decade has created a much bigger problem than the odd rogue journalist or bad call: unverified or unauthorised information, often extremely unhelpful to police investigations or ongoing operations, floods into the public sphere well before the media reports it.

And it’s becoming a serious issue.

Have you ever wondered why a particular element of a story is not reported by a journalist? Ever wondered why nothing came of that huge police and ambulance presence you spotted at that house down the road the other day? What about that court case, why did things suddenly go quiet?

No, it’s not because journalists are asleep at the wheel. It’s because the media adheres, on a daily basis, to a whole range of requests, embargoes and operational procedures that relate to stories.

The legal, social and moral ramifications of breaking those commitments are serious. Should the media get it wrong, the community piles on: we’ve all seen the commentary. Yet when random people, often hiding behind fake names or anonymous posting options, go off early on social media, it seems to just get passed by as ‘one of those things’.

Case in point: An incident at Nepean Village shopping centre early last week.

Police were called to a disturbance at the shopping centre, just 72 hours after the Bondi Junction attack and on the same night as the Fairfield terror incident.

It was, on the whole, a fizzer of an incident: A fight between two people, with a pair of pliers thrown in for good measure.

Yet hundreds of people flooded community groups on Facebook to declare there had been another stabbing at a shopping centre. Said with conviction and surety but, overall, zero facts to back it up.

Can you imagine the outrage if a journalist had done the same thing?

The Weekender checked the story, verified there was nothing in it, and moved on. We’re criticised for that too; because people claim we should also report when potential incidents turn out to be nothing, not just when they are legitimate issues.

Like last Sunday when someone fired in a message to us, declaring there had been a robbery at Starbucks. Huge police presence, apparently. Turns out a bunch of officers were literally getting a coffee. Funny, but checked regardless, and nothing to report.

These checks and balances do not exist in the social media world.

And while the likes of Meta, X and TikTok like to claim they have decent procedures in place to check facts and remove offensive content, those polices and procedures are weak at best.

Facebook, X and TikTok let people run rampant on their platforms with misinformation, wild theories and opinions and often disturbing footage that no traditional media outlet would ever dare to run.

It’s been interesting this week to see the debate unfold over whether Elon Musk and X should remove violent videos from the recent terrorist stabbing from its platform.

The traditional media would never show such content in such graphic detail, and would be torn down from pillar to post if they did. And yet many believe X has every right to keep the videos up, all under the freedom of speech argument.

Social media may be one of the newer forms of media but it’s not all that different from one of the oldest, radio.

Think about all the checks and balances that go into the world of live radio.

Apart from all the usual policies that exist before that ‘on air’ button is hit, any caller who phones goes through a call screener or producer, who makes a decision on whether the content the person has is legitimate and worthy of going to air.

If they are put to air, there’s a 10 second delay to ensure the caller can be dumped should they say anything legally or morally problematic or break any of the countless codes that govern the industry.

If something does go to air that’s wrong, there’s enormous ramifications and processes to go through.

And yet, in the equivalent circumstances on social media, those behind Facebook, X and TikTok allow the caller to go to air with no pre-check and no delay. Might delete it later, might (and probably) not.

No matter what your argument is about freedom of speech, there is no excuse for some of the content that makes its way onto social media, and stays there.

Which brings me back to the point at the top of the column: people like to hold the traditional media to account, but they don’t seem all that concerned about the misinformation they are reading on socials every day.

Where is the daily outrage about incorrect facts or morally wrong posts? Why was there so much outrage about Channel Seven naming the wrong person as the offender at Bondi Junction, and not equal outrage at social media, where his name first appeared?

Where is the 15 minutes of TV every week to pick apart the rights and wrongs?

Is it really because while people like to claim they take the high road, they mainly choose the low one; and social media offers them such a road toll-free?

Perhaps, which means the general public is part of the problem. That’s you and me. Social media is a cess pit. Yet most of us go back to it every day. If it were a newspaper, we would have unsubscribed long ago.

of defects fixed, but still slow going on Sydney Trains

Almost 7000 defects on the Western Line have been fixed under a massive repair plan from Sydney Trains.

The Sydney Trains Rail Repair Plan has reached a series of key milestones ahead of schedule since the State Government launched the work in 2023. On the Western Line, 632 high priority defects and 6,738 total defects have been repaired.

Additionally, 53 Temporary Speed Restrictions have also been removed which facilitates faster trips for those using train services.

State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, acknowledged the Penrith community for their ongoing patience while the rail line is undergoing a series of trackwork.

“I would like to thank Penrith commuters and residents for their patience and understanding,” she said.

“And our hardworking staff for striving to deliver a reliable and safe rail network that the people of western Sydney deserve.”

The Sydney Trains Rail Repair Plan was launched in June 2023 with the goal of increasing the reliability and resilience of the transport network.

Between September 2023 and March 2024 the average peak on-time running was at its most efficient since 2021.

However, trains have not met their on-time running target of 92 per cent on the Western Line since well before the Labor Government was elected to power in March 2023. In March 2024, only 80.7 per cent of trains met on-time running targets on the Western Line. In April, the figure is on track to be significantly less than 80 per cent.

The $97 million Sydney Trains Rail Repair Plan has fixed 1916 high priority defects across the network and a total of 29,000 defects in total have been repaired since its inception. The plan aimed to remove 75 per cent (1916) of the high priority defects to reduce the maintenance backlog within a period of 12 months.

As the repair work has reached its goal ahead of time Sydney Trains has agreed to a revised goal to remove 2116 high priority defects by the end of June 2024.

Once the Rail Repair Plan is complete trackwork will continue and utilise periods of less patronage including school holidays and across weekends.

Trains are still failing to meet on-time running targets on the Western Line.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Penrith: Woman charged after police discover knife

A woman has been charged with possession of a knife at Penrith train station.

At about 11.15am on Sunday, April 21 Police were patrolling Penrith railway station. Police have sighted a woman on a seat who appeared to be drug affected.

Police have stopped and had a conversation with the 47-year-old Glenmore Park woman.

It is alleged the woman was failing to keep eye contact with officers and was slurring her speech.

The woman was searched, and Police located in her handbag a small folding knife with a 5cm blade.

The woman was charged. She will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, May 14.

Kingswood: Man arrested after possessing prohibited drugs

A man has been charged after being found to be possessing prohibited drugs and house breaking implements.

At about 11.30am on Tuesday, April 16 Police were patrolling Santley Crescent, Kingswood when they noticed a vehicle in the driveway of a complex. Checks on the vehicle revealed it was a hire vehicle that had not been returned.

Police drove past the vehicle and noticed it was full of power tools, a torch, and had a glove on the seat. Police have spoken with the driver, a 54-year-old Kingswood man.

It is alleged Police have located methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a glass pipe, and other drug paraphernalia including digital scales and small resealable bags.

On the seat they located knives, gloves, torches, head lamps, an angle grinder, and bolt cutters. The car also contained a large quantity of copper wiring in the rear of the vehicle.

The man was arrested and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, May 14.

Kingswood: Man charged following early morning drug bust

A man has been charged after being found in possession of prohibited drugs.

At about 3.30am on Saturday, April 20 Police were patrolling in Kingswood. Police have sighted a man leaning against a motorbike on Bringelly Road.

The 25-year-old Mt Riverview man was spoken to and asked if he had something on him that he should not.

It is alleged the man has removed a clear resealable plastic bag containing cannabis from his bag. He also removed a number of smaller resealable bags containing methamphetamine.

The man was arrested and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 7.

St Marys: Man arrested after returning positive breath test

A man has been charged after returning a positive breath test result.

At about 3.30am on Sunday, April 21 Police were patrolling Queen Street, St Marys. Police have seen a vehicle make a U-turn in front of them. They turned around and stopped the vehicle on Charles Hackett Drive and had a conversation with the driver, a 25-year-old Suffolk Park man.

The man was asked to produce his driver’s licence. The man produced an Argentinian licence.

The man was breath tested which returned a positive result. Police then submitted the man to a secondary test. The driver failed several times to provide a valid sample and was advised that if he failed again, he would be arrested for failing to provide an adequate sample.

The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.115.

The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, May 30.

Cambridge Park: Police searching for missing teenager

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy.

Leroy Ambrose, aged 16, was last seen at a home on College Street, Cambridge Park about 12pm on Saturday, April 20.

He was last seen wearing a black ‘AC/DC’ t-shirt, black jacket, grey tracksuit pants, and navy-blue sneakers. He may also have a red jumper in his possession.

Anyone who may have seen Leroy or has information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

with Daniel McKinnon

DEVELOPMENT IN LENDING LAW

There has been an interesting judgment handed down by the Supreme Court of NSW this month confirming that in certain circumstances a mortgagee (lender) can withhold money on top of the sum required to discharge their security/mortgage on settlement of the sale of a secured asset as security for the costs of defending an anticipated dispute or litigation with the mortgagor/borrower.

The case in question is A1 Catering Services Pty Ltd -v- Manassen Holdings Pty Ltd. The case gets into some fairly technical territory however we have sought to provide a high level summary in this article.

The crux of the principles set out in the case are as follows:

• If a borrower is in dispute with a lender that may result in litigation and/or an ongoing dispute after the settlement of the sale of secured assets (for example a property), the lender can withhold some of the borrower’s equity as security for the costs the lender might incur in dealing with the dispute with the borrower post-settlement.

• By way of example, if a borrower has indicated that there is a dispute brewing with a lender and if the finance/loan documents say that a borrower will be responsible for the lender’s expenses incurred in connection with any enforcement of the mortgage then the lender can hold back some of the borrowers surplus funds to cover the lender’s costs.

The best way to demonstrate the above is by way of an example.

Let’s say a person is in dispute with their lender, there are in arrears on their mortgage, and the money that the lender has given to the borrower is secured by a mortgage over the borrower’s house. The borrower decides to sell their house and will be required on settlement of the transaction to pay the balance of their loan to the lender. In this example, the amount they owe the lender is $1,000,000 and the sale price for their property is $1,500,000. This means, in ordinary circumstances, on settlement of the sale the borrower would pay the lender $1,000,000 and get about $500,000 into their own pocket.

However, the contract between the lender

and the borrower in this case says that the borrower has to pay the lender all of its expenses incurred in connection with enforcement of the mortgage and indemnify the lender against all actions and expenses suffered by the lender as a result or in connection with the mortgage.

The borrower has already put the lender on notice that there is a dispute, so the lender says at settlement not only do you have to pay us $1,000,000 to pay your loan off, but we are going to withhold an extra $100,000 for our likely fees and expenses in the event that the borrower engages them in a formal dispute.

The principle set out in this case is essentially an extension of the security for costs concept.

There is arguably a glaring problem with this approach however in that it does not require formal legal proceedings to have been commenced. In other words, a lender can in theory unilaterally determine to withhold monies above and beyond what they are owed on the basis that a borrower may have ventilated a potential cause of action.

From a practical perspective, this principle may also hinder the settlement process of the sale transaction. For example, let’s say there is a dispute between borrower and lender leading up to settlement of the transaction in which a borrower ventilates certain potential causes of action to the lender and seeks to achieve a reduction in the amount of money they have to pay the lender at settlement.

This a perfectly normal and appropriate course of action for an aggrieved party to a commercial transaction to take.

The principles set out in this case however confirms that in practice a lender could demand that a borrower release them from any future cause of action unless they agree to withhold a sum of money as security for costs in relation to legal proceedings that have not yet been commenced.

Essentially, borrowers may be better off not putting a lender on notice of any dispute until after settlement to make sure that their conveyancing transaction is not interfered with and/or that they are not under undue time pressure with the derailment of their property settlement being used as leverage against them.

Council Briefs

● Safely pack your unwanted, out-of-date and unused household chemicals into the boot of your car or trailer and bring them down to The Kingsway Playing Fields car park in Werrington for the Chemical CleanOut weekend on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 May between 9am and 3.30pm.

Please make sure the types of chemicals are clearly labelled to assist our team in ensuring the right waste goes to the right place. Only household quantities of chemicals 20L or 20kg and up to 100L of paint (in 20L containers) will be accepted at the event. As a contactless event, residents are asked to remain in their vehicles when attending the CleanOut weekend. For more information, visit penrith.city/chemicalcleanout

● Looking for the perfect gift for Mum? Join us on Sunday, 12 May from 8.30am–12pm at Hollier Reserve in Emu Plains for our annual Trees for Mum! We’ve divided the day into 30-minute sessions with registrations essential to help our Bushcare team provide enough plants for all participants. Find out more and register at penrith.city/events

● Thornton residents, there’s still time to have your say on how we can make Ron Mulock Oval an even better space for the community. We’ve loved meeting with residents at the pop-up community consultations, and our short online survey is still open until Sunday, 5 May for your response.

Your feedback is an important way that Penrith City Council can help to meet the needs of the Thornton community. Whether you are a casual or daily user of Ron Mulock Oval, we’d love to hear from you.

Have your say by completing a short survey at yoursaypenrith.com.au/ron-mulock-oval

● Free Compost Giveaway Alert!

Grab your share of nutrient-rich compost derived from Penrith’s green-lidded FOGO bin content. Stock is limited, so be sure to reserve a ticket, then join us at The Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington to collect your two free bags.

Where: Kingsway Playing Fields, Werrington

When: Tuesday, 7 May and Thursday, 9 May 2024 from 9am–12pm or 12pm–3pm Register here at events.humanitix.com/compost-giveaway

Boost your garden organically—don’t miss out!

● Join us for some outdoor movie magic on Saturday 4, May at City Park, Penrith from 6–9pm! Bring your family and friends to watch the family friendly ‘Wonka’ (2023) under the stars.

Get ready for a sweet night out!

For more information visit, penrith.city/events

Integrated Development

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for this Development Application is Penrith City Council.

• Kingston Building (Australia) Pty Ltd. DA24/0260

Lot 1 DP 776250, 27 Riverside Road, Emu Heights

Reinstatement of culvert and driveway

•

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday, 29 April 2024 to Tuesday, 28 May 2024.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0260.

For any queries relating to the proposal:

Please contact Lawrence Ligato on 4732 7427.

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Juanting Zeng DA24/0279

12 Raschke Street Cambridge Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 12-room co-living Housing Development

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 May 2024

• Hiu Ching Chan DA24/0272

110 Barry Street Cambridge Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 12-room co-living Housing Development

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 May 2024

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

• Jakanda Pty Ltd DA24/0163

Lot 39 DP 261156, 43 Eucalyptus Drive, Cranebrook

Alterations and additions to existing dwelling

• K Chang & P Chang DA23/0237

Lot 67 DP 31909, 32–50 Vallance Street, St Marys

Alterations and additions to an existing industrial building including tree removal, building upgrade works, new car parking and driveway areas, pump room and other works

• Louise Kathleen Cook DA23/1002

Lot 2 SP 10263, 3 Assisi Close Cranebrook

Home-based food business

Industry veteran: Guards need more protection after attack

The recent Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack has seen security experts call for guards to be allowed to carry additional safety equipment.

Safety equipment such as pepper spray, handcuffs, and batons are what security personnel would like to carry with them in order to protect both themselves and others.

Managing Director of Nepean Regional Security, Gina Field, has been at the forefront of these calls, saying the security industry inherently sits on the back foot.

“I mean we have no equipment to protect ourselves, and yet an 18-year-old can go into Bunnings or go into a kitchen store and buy an 18-inch knife with ID,” Field said.

“It’s terrifying.

“The baddies have more access to lethal weapons then we have to non-lethal [equipment].”

The security sector has been rattled after Bondi Junction security guard Faraz Tahir lost his life in the stabbing spree allegedly perpetrated by Joel Cauchi earlier this month. A second security guard was also stabbed but fortunately survived.

Following on from this attack, where six people were killed, the security industry has seen some react quickly through fear.

“At the moment, security personnel are flocking to buy these so-called stab proof vests and there are no standards on them,” Field said.

Development Consent/s Determined (cont.)

• Ryan Kelly Mod23/0197

Lot 13 DP 531890, 90–98 Nepean Gorge Drive, Mulgoa

• Lot 238 DP 253813, 29 Chateau Crescent, St Clair

• Lot 42 DP 788019, 38–44 Linden Crescent, Cranebrook

• Lot 308 DP 1231225, 2 Crimson Oak Way, Glenmore Park

• Lot 1 DP 1241128, 74–76 Irwin Street, Werrington

• Lot 3045 DP 263158, 82 Bringelly Road, Kingswood

• Lot 12 DP 1292106, 68 Lockwood Road, Erskine Park

penrith.city

“So, these guys are going online and paying $40 for a vest, giving themselves a false sense of security.”

With calls for better safety equipment, Field

is also asking for a review of the way security guards are trained.

“They’re calling on better training techniques on the job, you can do as much in the classroom stuff as you want,” Field said.

“There needs to be more on the job training and there needs to be evidence of that.

“Similar to a learner driver, you know, how you have to get your log book up and be signed off that you have done so many hours, that’s what I believe should be happening on these job sites.”

Field explained the series of attacks in Sydney has made security personnel highly sought after.

“People are really quite nervous, and they are calling on guards for situations where we’d never have security personnel there,” Field said.

“I just think there is going to be this fear factor, and now I’ve been asked to go and do some tips on how people can protect themselves.

“I mean that is unheard of, things like escape, hide, and tell; work out your exit routes, hide if you can’t escape and have as much information as possible.

“We would never have thought about that two weeks ago.”

Should security guards be able to carry more protection? Email your thoughts: news@westernweekender.com.au.

NOTICE OF COMMUNIT Y INFORMATION FORUMS EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE FACILITIES NORTHERN NSW REDEVELOPMENT

The Department of Defence will conduct two community information forums to outline the proposed construction works associated with the Explosive Ordnance Facilities Northern NSW Redevelopment Project. Subject to Parliamentary Approval, the works will be delivered from late 2024 through to 2029 at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills.

The proposed works include the demolition of old past-useable life buildings, refurbishment of support facilities and the construction of new classrooms, working accommodation, cadet facilities, base entry and security precinct, maintenance facilities and associated engineering services. If approved, the proposed works will be mainly situated on Defence managed land, with infrastructure services to be connected to pre-existing service points outside of Defence managed land.

The works are proposed to commence late 2024.

Information about the proposed works will be available at the forums with representatives from the Department of Defence available to answer any questions.

Community Information Forum Details

If you would like further information on the forums, please contact the Project Team via email at NNSWEO@jacobs.com or via phone on 0456 294 362. WW53697

Gina Field wants to see security guards be able to carry protective equipment.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

PAGE TEN

cupboard prize

The Chilli Factory, one of Australia’s leading boutique producers of chilli sauces, salsas, and other hot and spicy condiments and long-time exhibitor at The Sydney Royal Easter Show, has officially launched four new chilli products.

Red Belly Venom is a new hot chilli oil, ideal for infusing into chilli lovers’ next kitchen creation and makes a perfect addition to stir fries or noodles. A milder chilli oil, Daintree Drizzle works perfectly as a drizzled salad dressing.

Ballistic Bee Sting, is a hot chilli honey made from 100 per cent Australian honey infused with locally grown chillies.

For those seeking to make desserts a spicy affair, Cranky Croc Choc is a hot chilli chocolate sauce, perfect for pouring over ice cream.

“Our new gourmet range products

are all chilli infused, giving them an authentic taste,” said Daniel Morgan, General Manager of The Chilli Factory.

“We’re excited to be giving Australian chilli lovers more versatile chilli products which can be enjoyed individually or complement their favourite foods at home.”

The Chilli Factory is an Australian-owned company and all products in the new gourmet range are made in Australian using Australian chillies. For further information, visit https:// www.thechillifactory.com.

The Weekender has three Chilli Factory prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Chilli’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, May 9 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au.

paceway winners lucky

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

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community. Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

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: 1121, 0843, 0234.

There was so much food organised for the Continuous Call Team during their live broadcast at St Marys Leagues last Saturday, that they started handing it out to the crowd.

The outrage over the woman kicked out of Arj Barker’s comedy show is ridiculous, as is framing the debate to be about a breastfeeding mum. The comedian was in the right.

Former Penrith MP lands job Customers left chasing funds

Acustomer has been left fuming after a Penrith tradesman took their deposit and ran, and it appears they’re not the first with the issue.

A client of Nepean Air, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shared their experience of trying to have a ducted air-conditioning system installed into their home.

The customer said nothing appeared out of the ordinary initially.

“He said he’d had 30 years plus in the air-conditioning business, he spoke very well, he was confident and knowledgeable,” the customer said.

“He did an inspection of our place and gave us some options that we could consider.

“A couple of days later we paid him a deposit which was about 50 per cent of the whole price – 40 per cent of the actual cost of the unit and 10 per cent of labour costs. So that was roughly $5,500.”

After getting an MYOB receipt for payment on the deposit, the customer requested an installation date which they were given a few weeks later.

“Two days before that date I texted him saying ‘Do you know what time you are going to be turning up and starting the job?’ [Because] we needed to plan to be home or take the day off work,” the customer told the Weekender

“We didn't hear anything from him, I texted him and did all that the next day, and then the day before [the installation date] I heard from him saying, ‘Oh, I'm sorry one of my workers has gone into hospital, we won't be able to do the job now’.

“That's when I said ‘Nup, that's not good enough, we want a refund of our money’.”

Since requesting the refund the customer has described it as “chasing a ghost”.

“We went to Fair Trading and got their advice and lodged a complaint against his company,” the customer said.

“They got in contact with him and he agreed to pay us in weekly installments, every Monday $1000 until our money was back.

“We were a but sus on that, but the Monday rolled around and we did receive $1000 back, so we were down to $4500 roughly.

“Since then, not an absolute word, he has not sent any money... and in the meantime he has shut the company’s Facebook page, HiPages page, [and] he has taken the company’s website down.”

The customer took the issue to the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), and has been granted a garnishee order to retrieve their funds, and are looking at further legal options.

Nepean Air was contacted by the Weekender multiple times for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.

The Weekender can also confirm the Nepean Air website no longer works, while reviews posted online suggest other customers have experienced trouble with the company.

Meanwhile, a Service NSW search confirms the licence of Nepean Air is currently suspended, effective March 5 this year.

An earlier suspension in August 2023 was lifted a month later.

Service NSW also confirms multiple tribunal orders against the company, dating back to the middle of last year.

Former State Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has landed a new permanent job. Ayres has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW, the state’s leading development industry body.

“UDIA NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Ayres as our new CEO at a critical time for the housing and development industry in NSW,” the UDIA NSW Board said in a statement.

“As a prominent member and advocate of Australia’s fastest-growing region in western Sydney, Stuart has a great understanding of both the economic opportunities and inherent challenges involved in the delivery of major projects that will create jobs and additional housing supply for NSW.

“He also understands the power of collaboration between industry and government, and what can be achieved when there is alignment of policy, investment and resourcing between the public and private sector.

“Following his distinguished career as a senior Cabinet Minister and Member of NSW Parliament, we are confident Stuart can reinforce UDIA’s standing as the leading voice for the development industry in NSW.”

Ayres was the State Member for Penrith from 2010 until 2023, and held numerous ministerial portfolios during that time.

“I’m enthusiastic about leading an organisation that is deeply committed to shaping cities and creating great communities,” Ayres said.

“For a NSW Government that has building homes as its top priority, there are no more

important partners than those businesses and organisations that are UDIA members.

“I look forward to building on UDIA’s rich history of policy leadership and collaboration to ensure as a state we build more homes for people to live in and dynamic places to work.”

Ayres steps into the shoes of Gavin Melvin, who has been Acting CEO since the start of the year. Melvin will continue with UDIA NSW in another role.

Former State Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres.

TROY DODDS

Popular restaurant returns

Contemporary Mexican restaurant Chechos has officially been saved, and re-opened earlier this week under new management.

The new owners belong to a large group from outside of Penrith which operates 32 restaurants around Sydney, ranging from casual cafés to fine dining venues.

The group has 12 years of experience in Australia.

According to the marketing manager of the group, taking on Chechos was a no-brainer.

“The owners are quite familiar with the area; they love the area, and they love the community. I think Penrith is such a tight-knit community with a lot of ‘out there’ individuals and a really great population of people that are fun, and the business would work there,” they said.

“I think they’re very interested in the cultural aspect of a tapas menu and a Mexican-style restaurant. We had a taste of it being done properly by Chechos that we haven’t seen anywhere else, and we think that

the concept is worth giving a good go.”

Despite being under new ownership, the marketing manager noted that everything we love about Chechos will be staying the same.

“We want to bring back to life the venue that was closed down so early, and that so many people loved,” they said.

One of these things is the previous

lunch service also, which is exciting,” they said.

“We are also looking to expand on that even further. Hopefully there’s demand for Tuesdays, and there’s demand for Mondays, and we can service the community seven days a week.”

With Chechos’ closure last month coming in the midst of a slew of hospitality closures in Penrith, and Australia-wide, the marketing manager said he can’t wait to see people come out and support the venue as it re-opens.

“We are looking for people to come out, we want people to share their experience, and we want people to love it and have a good time,” they said.

team, of which the vast majority will be returning.

“We have a good relationship with the previous owners, and there’s conversations with the previous team, and what I was surprised to see was almost 80 to 90 per cent of the team is coming back,” they said.

However, there are a few changes being made to the High Street venue.

“The hours will be Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 10pm, but Saturday and Sunday we’re actually going to be opening from midday doing a

“The team members made it what it was – and us putting everyone back into employment who thought they were out of a job is quite rewarding as well for the group, and something that the owners are very passionate about.”

“We’re very familiar with the venue and the area, but what’s different to last time is that we want to even go bigger on the vibe and the ambience of the venue, like potentially making it more of a nightlife venue, so you can stay local, but feel like you’ve done something really cool. You don’t need to trek to the city to get that experience anymore!”

The restaurant re-opened to walkins only on Wednesday night. It’s located on Woodriff Street.

Mexican restaurant Chechos closed in March, but is now back in business.

Night-time revival looms

After a string of closures, hope looms that Penrith’s hospitality scene will rise again

Penrith has experienced a slew of hospitality closures recently, but the operator of two popular local venues says there’s still a desire for late-night spots in the city.

Jessica Jenkins has been operating Mr Watkin’s and Elton Chong on Penrith’s High Street for years and understands just how difficult hospitality can be.

“I think hospitality has always been a difficult industry, and they’re difficult businesses to run,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins has watched as a number of neighbouring venues have closed their doors in recent times, including Duck Duck Goose, AG Bar and The Bavarian.

But she is confident the community wants to stay local for a night out.

“I feel like people in Penrith don’t want to go to the city and they don’t want to go to Parramatta, they want to stay local and I think there are some really great nighttime places for people to go to [in Penrith],” Jenkins said.

“We’ve got a really diverse offering around here.”

In a potential game-changer, Elton Chong has recently been granted extended trading hours and will now operate until 2am on selected nights.

“We were just finding that it was cutting short our trading time because we had to do last calls at 11.40pm,” Jenkins said.

“If there were people hanging around we had to shove them out the door.

“So we just wanted a bit of leeway with that to be like, ‘OK, we are having a cracker night and people are having a great time, and there is no issues, we can roll past midnight without any repercussions or fines’.”

Customer satisfaction during this economic period is undeniably paramount according to Jenkins.

“I think we are probably at the lowest point of this economic downturn at the moment, and I think what is really important is making people feel like they’ve had value for money,” Jenkins said.

“They don’t want to walk away feeling ripped off, because yes it’s not as cheap or it costs a little bit more than it used to.

“But, I think that if they have had awesome service, awesome hospitality [and] great food, they’ve walked away with a really good experience they’ll be happy to do again and that’s really important at the moment.”

There are signs that things are improving in Penrith. A number of new venues have opened on High Street, while Chechos has recently been brought back from the dead with new owners.

What’s your view on the hospitality scene?

Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Jessica Jenkins from Mr Watkin’s. Photo: Melinda Jane. EMILY

Another week, another maintenance problem in Jordan Springs.

Local resident Michael Culbert is drawing attention to an approximately 180 metre long pathway that sits between Nagle Street and Delaney Circuit in Jordan Springs, which is a popular walkway for people like Culbert who walks his dog there twice a day.

Culbert has become so fed up with the lack of maintenance on the edge of the pathways that he has taken to mowing the grass himself.

“I’ll mow it and then come back down with a blower and clean it up,” Culbert said.

Culbert is a retiree and said the mowing took him over two hours to complete.

“It took me two and a half hours to mow it last time because it was that tall that I had to kind of pick it (the mower) up with my foot and [push it] so the mower could catch it,” Culbert said.

Mowing the pathway was an act of frustration for Culbert who says the

weeds grew about a metre tall and would hang over the pathway.

“It was like that (overgrown) for ages, and I was thinking ‘surely

someone is going to mow it’,” Culbert said.

The main issue Culbert deals with is that the weed growth restricts the

amount of walkway space available and forces both humans and dogs alike to brush through the growing weeds.

“You would get seeds all over you,” Culbert said.

“The dogs get it all over their fur and then take it back to your place and spread it over your backyard and you’ve got weeds.”

Culbert has tried to contact both the developer Lendlease and Penrith City Council about the maintenance issues but says he has not heard back from either.

“We sent an email to Lendlease, and to Penrith City Council but I haven’t heard back from either of them,” Culbert said.

Culbert’s concerns come after the Weekender reported on frustrations other residents have with maintenance in the estate.

Council has previously confirmed to the Weekender that they are not responsible for the maintenance of Jordan Springs.

The developer, Lendlease, holds responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of the Jordan Springs estate.

“Our maintenance contractors have recently re-commenced a program of weed management in this area,” a spokesperson for Lendlease said.

Jordan Springs resident Michael Culbert is fed up with the lack

of maintenance. Photo: Melinda Jane.

day the fun stopped

Today marks 20 years to the day that Wonderland Sydney closed its doors for good

Today (April 26) marks 20 years since Australia's Wonderland at Eastern Creek closed its doors.

Employing thousands of people and entertaining millions over its lifetime, Australia’s Wonderland holds so many wonderful memories for many in western Sydney.

Australia’s Wonderland opened its doors in 1985 as an alternative to the failing Luna Park in North Sydney. It was built by an American company, Kings Entertainment, which was owned by another Stateside corporation, Taft Broadcasting. It was also funded by a conglomerate of Australian companies such as James Hardie Industries.

At its opening, the park housed a dozen rides, the flagship of which was the Bush Beast, which was, like the park, the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. It also had rides such as the Bounty’s Revenge, an inverting pirate ship and the Tasmanian Devil, which spun a set of gondolas around which would result in them swinging under centrifugal force.

In 1988, Wonderland added a water park, The Beach. This was followed by the Demon roller coaster in 1992 and Space Probe in 1995, the latter having some of the most elaborate theming ever seen at an Australian theme park.

However, this growth was stunted when the park was sold to a Malaysian based company, Sunway Group. Sunway seemed to have no interest in running the park, adding only a relocated cable car` from Moore Park. They even shut down the kids section of the park.

So, it was no surprise when Sunway announced in February 2004 that the park would shut for good in April that year, to be razed and turned into an industrial estate.

The owners cited the closure on everything

from 9/11 to global financial issues, however, many believed mismanagement and a lack of care were the real reasons.

The park shut its gates for the final time on April 26, 2004.

In the years since Wonderland’s closure, only one new theme park has been opened in Sydney, Wet’N’Wild Sydney (now known as Raging Waters) located at Prospect.

This leaves Sydney with a lacklustre amusement park scene, although it has improved with the opening of nine new rides, including the Big Dipper, at Luna Park.

In recent years, there have been proposals from a number of people to rebuild Wonderland. But with a lack of government will and cooperation, none of these plans have gone anywhere.

Would you like to see Wonderland return?

Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

The entrance to Australia’s Wonderland at Eastern Creek. Photo: Wonderland Memories.

An overview of the park, including what became the iconic Space Probe. Photo: Wonderland Memories. Crowds prepare for a ride at Wonderland.

FINN CAMBRIDGE

“Great sadness”: Catholic Care confirms it will axe long-running support

initiative Support program dumped

Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has revealed plans to axe its home care program.

After operating in western Sydney for 30 years as an Approved Commonwealth Support Provider, Catholic Care will cease its Commonwealth Home Support Program effective Friday, June 28 2024.

Clients of Catholic Care receiving in home assistance received a letter last week to inform them the program was ceasing.

“The decision to close our services has not been an easy one and comes after careful consideration of various factors, including aged care reforms, increasing compliance requirements and access to aged care clinical expertise,” the Catholic Care letter sent to clients said.

Long time Colyton resident and cancer survivor, Terry Gallaway, has been utilising some of the home support services and said it is disconcerting to see the program being ceased.

“It was an absolute shock and very

disconcerting because while we are very minor players in it, with housekeeping, we want to stay in our own home,” Gallaway said.

“We’ve had this house for 50 years and we want to stay here.” Gallaway predicts that his family will not be the only ones affected by this.

“30 years ago it [Catholic Care home service] started in western Sydney,” Gallaway said.

“There would be hundreds if not thousands of people from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains affected by this.”

Catholic Care confirmed with the Weekender that they will cease the program in the middle of the year.

“It is with great sadness, that at this time, Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains has had to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Home Support Program, funded by the Department of Social Services. As the majority of Catholic Care’s funding comes from the government, we have had to work within those constraints which are becoming more challenging including aged care reforms, increasing

compliance requirements and access to aged care clinical expertise,” a spokesperson for Catholic Care said.

“After exhausting all other options, we have made the tough decision to withdraw from this service. We are working with each client to support a smooth transition to a new service provider and ensure their needs are met during this period and beyond as we understand the importance of continuity of support and services each of our clients requires. For example, where possible, we will move support workers with our clients to the new service provider.

“Catholic Care will continue to provide its ongoing support to the elderly within the many other services we provide including services to families, at-risk young people, people fleeing domestic violence and abuse, the homeless and marginalised, those in hospitals and prisons and more. It is our privilege to support and care for our many clients in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.”

For those affected by this and seeking a new provider visit myagedcare.gov/find-a-provider to find services.

DEAR WEEKENDER

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Game changer or white elephant?

It’s interesting that the Penrith Mayor sees the opening of the WSIA Nancy Bird airport as a game changer (Preparing for tourism boom, Weekender April 12). The western Metro link is not connected to high frequency or reasonable quality transport at St Marys, so any positive that Peter Regan (Mr Metro) shares will be short lived. So it’s reasonable to expect travellers on a second visit will avoid local attractions because it’s inconvenient and use the M7 and M5 to eastern Sydney. The current Metro plan has no connection to Westmead or Parramatta. No high quality transport from St Marys to anywhere. This will result in people boycotting the west. The only winners will be Transurban until the airport hotels and City of Bradfield are built. So, what can we do? The City of Penrith and other Local Governments in the area need to invest in other public transport that they can use to give travellers a better option than an aging Tangara or a graffitied Waratah train set. Accommodation that is reasonably priced and has tourism options at St Marys may be one answer. As for Parramatta LGA, the mega development planned for Westmead South means no Metro extension to Nancy Bird Airport! Ever! Engineering through the proposed multiple basements is an impossible situation.

KIM RILEY, WESTMEAD.

Thanks from Mama Lana’s On behalf of Mama Lana’s Community Foundation we would like to thank the Emu Heights Public School community for their generosity last week donating hundreds of

dollars worth of groceries when they had a mufti day and Food drive. This generosity will assist Mama Lana’s in supporting those in our community who are struggling to survive. We are open six nights per week providing hot meals, Monday to Saturday.

SUE BEAMER, MAMA LANA’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ANZAC, as it should be

Top marks for writing ANZAC in capitals. Being of Kiwi origin it offends me that the SMH has decided that it is just a name and writes Anzac. I have commented to the SMH but they disagree with me.

COLENE, VIA WEBSITE

First class ANZAC Day coverage

Thank you to The Western Weekender for yet again providing a comprehensive coverage of ANZAC Day (Weekender April 19). It was fascinating to read the old ANZAC stories, and also hear from more contemporary veterans. I always fear that ANZAC Day is being forgotten, but the Weekender proved last week it is still very much in the public sphere of thinking. Thank you for providing such first class and dedicated coverage of ANZAC DAY.

MARLENE SMITH, VIA WEBSITE

TV question answered

Just wanted to say thanks to Nathan Taylor’s column (Chatter on the Box, Weekender April 19) for letting me know that ‘American Idol’ is on 7Plus, my most favourite show that I have been missing for the last four years, so thank you very much Nathan.

GAYLE HAWKS, VIA WEBSITE

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

Terry Gallaway. Photo: Melinda Jane.

2024 AWARDS CEREMONY

30 May 2024

The ZEST Awards are Western Sydney’s premier platform for recognising and celebrating the achievements of the region’s Community Sector

More carers needed in Penrith to address growing shortage

In the Nepean and Blue Mountains areas, there are currently 1717 children and young people living in out-of-home care, making up 11.7 per cent of all children and young people in out-of-home care in the state who can’t live safely with their family.

It’s for this reason that My Forever Family NSW is targeting a campaign towards local families, with an abundance of ways for you to help.

According to My Forever Family NSW spokesperson Michelle Stacpoole, these local statistics are incredibly alarming, and are representative of the need in the area.

“Across the state, we have almost 15,000 children and young people living in care. We do find that the need for carers in regional areas such as the Blue Mountains and beyond is higher as opposed to the inner areas and major cities, where the percentage of children and young people in care is a little bit lower,” she said.

“That’s why we’re targeting this campaign in the Mountains area and through the Nepean area as well, because we really do need people in the community to step up now more than ever to consider opening their homes and providing a safe place for these kids and, in particular, teenagers in the area.”

However, it’s not just in these areas that carers are needed, with a decline being seen across the state.

“We do know that the carer population is ageing, and ageing out of being able to provide care for children and young people,

and unfortunately we are seeing, particularly since COVID, less people in a position to open their homes to young people in need. Conversely, we still have hundreds and thousands of children in the state who do need a safe place to call home,” Stacpoole said. There are many different types of care, with caring for children and young people not a one size fits all scenario.

“If you are able to provide that long-term and permanent care, that’s fantastic, but also there are things such as short-term and part-time care, and emergency care, which is caring for children and young people for a shorter amount of time whilst more suitable care arrangements can be found,” Stacpoole said.

“We know for busy working professionals, they may not be able to open their home on

a permanent basis, but they may have time on weekends to be able to provide some care to extend the support network for a child or young person.”

In the Nepean and Blue Mountains areas, My Forever Family NSW is in need of carers who can specifically support teenagers, allowing them to stay connected with their school and friends in the local area.

“[We’re looking for someone] who has the time and the skills to provide that safe space for a teenager, and also understands what it’s like to navigate those teenage years, so the homework commitments, the sporting commitments, all those teen-related issues that can arise,” Stacpoole said.

The role of a carer is an extremely rewarding one, with Stacpoole encouraging anyone who has ever considered getting involved to do so.

“When it comes down to it, you could be the person or the carer to make a difference in a young person’s life. To provide that stability and that support that comes from having a safe place to sleep, and a place to play, and to support and to learn, and so that these kids know where their next meal is coming from, they know that they’ve got a roof over their head, and that they’ve got someone in their corner supporting them,” she said.

You can find more information about My Forever Family NSW at www.myforeverfamily.org.au.

Men’s Shed milestone

Friendship is just the beginning: 10 years since community group launched

Penrith Community Men’s Shed has officially celebrated its 10-year anniversary, with new and original members coming together to celebrate.

Penrith Community Men’s Shed was started in January of 2014 by Merv Adlington, who, after having an accident that ended his career as an electronics engineer, became determined to create a place for men to come together and socialise.

In order to do this, Adlington pitched his case to build a Men’s Shed in Penrith Baptist Church to its board, who voted unanimously to accept it. The Men’s Shed’s first meeting was held at his Glenmore Park home in June 2014, and the first at the present location in the church was held in October.

of it, with around 40 members attending each week – up to 10 being original members.

“I come along here just to be a part of the group,” he said.

“I like talking to blokes, so I do that. But, the main reason is to be a part of the church, and to reach out into the community.”

Greenhalgh said he can’t believe the Men’s Shed has made it to its 10-year anniversary.

“It makes me feel old!” he laughed.

“It’s good that it’s gone this far. You don’t know, when you start things, how long they’re going to go for, but it’s been good to be able to be a part of it here.”

With the help of the local community, he’s hoping to see it make another 10.

“We’ll welcome any men who want to come along,” he said.

In this time, he said the group has been involved in many significant projects. “We’ve built benches for a school in South Penrith for the teachers

Though Adlington has since unfortunately passed, the Men’s Shed continues to run with new members coming through each week, in addition to some original members who continue to attend, including current Vice President Peter Greenhalgh.

to be able to sit in a quiet area and relax, we restored a 100-year-old table that someone had donated, and we’ve just made two big picnic tables and chairs for the Penrith Rovers Soccer Club,” he said.

Whilst he’s not much of a builder

himself, Greenhalgh has found enjoyment in other areas.

“I don’t do a lot of work, but I organise the morning tea and I do all the washing up after,” he said.

But, his favourite part is the friendships that have been made because

“I’m hoping it continues to grow and grow!”

Penrith Community Men’s Shed meets at 11 Morello Terrace, Caddens, from 9am to 2pm every Wednesday. For more information, call David on 0439 646 942.

More carers are needed to help give children a more stable life.

A snippet of the new campaign.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Members of the Penrith Community Men’s Shed. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

on the big screen

Our city’s role in new comedy feature film as cast and crew set up camp in Penrith

Western Sydney has been the backdrop to many great films recently, including ‘Streets of Colour’ starring Rahel Romahn, and Heath Davis’ ‘Christmess’. Now, a brand new one is in the works, and it might just be the breath of fresh air we all need.

Luke Agius has been making films since the age of 12, and has been actively working in the industry for almost a decade. Because he said his first feature film was a bit more ambitious in terms of location and content, he’s decided to bring his second, ‘The Undesirables’, a little bit closer to home – in more ways than one.

“I worked at a radio station, and I still sort of do, at SWR 99.9 in Blacktown. There was a time where I was going through quite a personal break-up situation, and my co-host and being on the radio really helped bridge that gap and helped me get past that,” he said.

“I wrote everything around this radio station that I just loved, and all the characters and such are inspired by people I knew, experiences I’d been through, and the world I grew up in, because I’m a western Sydney native.”

It’s because of this that for Agius, filming right here in the west was a no-brainer, with the first four weeks of filming taking place at SWR 99.9 with stars Elle Dawe from SBS’s ‘Housos’, Alexander Grant from Netflix’s

‘Dive Club’, and Molly McCrann, TikTok’s @ moldogaa.

Now, Agius and the rest of the team wrapping up filming, and it’s happening right here in Penrith.

First up, they’ve locked in iconic venue Elton Chong for a big concert scene.

“We chose Elton Chong because we were looking for a dive bar, and there aren’t many dive bars in Sydney at all, let alone good ones,” he said.

“It’s got such a cool aesthetic, the team there is really great, and they’re also just really supportive of the arts – they put on rock shows and comedy shows and events all the time, which is really cool, and you don’t really get that anywhere else in western Sydney.” They are also looking into other nearby locations for a comedic scene, as well as their opening montage.

According to Agius, a big part of why they chose to film in Penrith is to showcase the

region in a different light, and he’s hoping to see other filmmakers take a page out of his book.

“We’re keeping it local, and keeping it fresh, and showing a different side of western Sydney. I think Penrith and Blacktown have got a lot, and that isn’t shown on screens enough,” he said.

“There have been a lot of great films filmed out our way, but this one’s different in the way that we’re doing everything independently so far... and I think we’re trying to show that western Sydney has a heart.

“The movie is a comedy, and I don’t know that there are too many comedies that are made out our way. Even though other movies like ‘Streets of Colour’ and ‘Here Out West’ are amazing, this is something different, and more light-hearted.”

Having worked on the film for about five years, with writing starting back in 2019, Agius said he’s ecstatic to finally be seeing his vision for ‘The Undesirables’ come to life.

“It’s been really cool to watch it come together, and see the dream finally take shape,” he said.

“We’re going to try to get into festivals next year, and hopefully aim for a release in the next two years or so. It’s going to be a long process, but I’m still excited, and it’s going to be really cool when it finally gets out there.”

For updates, follow @theundesirablesfilm on Instagram.

‘The Undesirables’ has been filming in Penrith this week.

Nursery set for major upgrade

Penrith City Council is upgrading its Nursery to support the greening of Penrith thanks to a $5.06 million grant through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

The upgrade will get underway this year including improvements to the infrastructure and water management system which will increase the facility’s growing capacity by a whopping 280 per cent.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the upgrade will significantly improve the Nursery’s capacity to produce the volume and quality of plants needed to support Council’s environmental programs as Penrith continues to grow.

“Our amazing Nursery grows thousands of trees and plants each year, which are then planted right here in our community to help create a greener, cooler and more liveable City,” Carney said.

“The upgrade will also allow us to expand our Bushland Management Program with additional restoration sites, more events, workshops, and resources.

“This funding will go a long way to helping us continue working towards a sustainable future for Penrith.”

Some of the funding will also be used to install a new surveillance network in the Local Government Area to reduce illegal dumping and damage to key open spaces critical to Penrith’s natural environment.

Penrith hosts Muscle Car Show

NATHAN TAYLOR

After its successful showing in St Marys last year, the HSV Owners Club NSW Muscle Car Show is making its way down the Great Western Highway to Penrith next weekend.

Featuring more than 60 original and modified cars, the free event will be held for the first time at Club Paceway Penrith on Sunday, May 5 from 9am to 3.30pm.

The HSV Owners Club NSW is a not-for-profit organisation for motoring enthusiasts who have purchased Holden HDT and HSV models. These vehicles are amongst the world’s fastest sedans, offering optimum performance, handling and comfort at half the cost of their Euro-

pean equivalents whilst maintaining their identity as Australian cars built for Australian conditions.

It’s for this reason that these vehicles remain so popular and worth a pretty penny if they ever go on the open market.

Next Sunday, locals will have the chance to see these rare vehicles in the flesh when they pull up at the Club Paceway Penrith car park.

“Club Paceway share our members’ love for these high-performance vehicles and provide a great fit for the very first time at our Muscle Car Show,” HSV Owners Club NSW President, Joe Garzaniti said.

“There will be over 60 very impressive original and modified cars on display. These cars are their owner’s pride and joy, and the condi-

tion and show presentation of these vehicles is second to none.

“We will have car models from a beautifully prepared 1982 VH Brock right up to the latest Monster GTSR W1 with 474 kilowatts of power.”

Garzaniti, a 28-year member of the club, said his fellow members love interacting with the local community and other car enthusiasts, who share their passion for these high-performance vehicles.

“We would love the general public to come along and enjoy a great day out for the entire family, with raffles, prizes, food, beverages and much more on offer,” he said.

For more information on the club and next weekend’s show at Club Paceway Penrith, visit www. hsvclubnsw.com.

Penrith City Council’s Nursery Coordinator Mark Viler shows Penrith Mayor Todd Carney around the Nursery, which is going to be upgraded.

Some of the cars that will be on display at next weekend’s show. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Desperate to find answers

8-year-old Angelina Moschoudis is suffering from a rare genetic disorder known as CASK. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone, as it’s only been diagnosed in 300 children worldwide, and just 12 in Australia.

“It effects all aspects of her life, affecting her ability to walk, talk, eat, sleep, regulate her emotions,” said mum Giovi Moschoudis.

“Since birth, she’s undergone intensive therapy to achieve the basic functions of walking and talking, and she also has epilepsy as well due to the CASK disorder, which means she endures seizures.”

Giovi said that Angelina is making progress every day, however the diagnosis has had a significant impact on her and the family.

“It’s huge. It’s hard to describe the impact,” she said.

“From the moment she was born, our lives had changed.”

It was this that pushed her and her husband Charles to start the Angelina Cask Neurological Research Foundation (ACNRF) – a charity aiming to raise funds for research

into a treatments and cure for CASK.

“When I began to get in contact with other CASK families, and realised that children were passing away, that’s when I thought, ‘I don’t know where Angelina fits, and I’m not going to wait to see. We need to do something’,” she said.

The foundation was established in Australia in 2020, and within 18 months, Giovi founded ACNRF as

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Workshop success

Our successful Creative Business Workshop series hosted with Creative Plus Business is off to a great start with the first workshop completed in early March.

The program of practical workshops aims to arm Penrith’s creatives, cultural entrepreneurs, and arts practitioners with skills, tips, and knowledge to help them sustain self-employment in the creative industries.

Last year, we covered topics such as time management, pricing, and marketing. We’re expanding on those topics this year, introducing creatives to how to manage their websites, giving them networking tips to help break the ice when forming connections, and providing practical and easy tips on budgeting, how to make financial decisions, and auditing.

Previous attendees rated the workshops as “immensely useful” and “highly engaging”, praising the invaluable information and presenters. They also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives while enjoying a light supper before the

an approved public charity in California. They have since created the CASK Coalition with foundations from the UK and France to build the best possible chance to make change.

Currently, they have two research projects on foot in the US. The CASK Coalition also put together the Race for Research, which saw people walking all over the world to raise

workshop — a component we’re thrilled to bring back.

This year, we’ve invited guest speakers to share local work and professional development opportunities, including how local artists can register their interest to be a part of Council’s REAL Festival for 2024.

The workshops include Networking for Creatives on Wednesday 1 May, Financial Literacy for Creatives on Thursday 8 August, and Diversify Your Creative Income on Thursday 7 November at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre running from 5-8pm.

Participants will walk away with practical strategies, free resources, and opportunities to ask questions and network with each other.

Register your attendance at penrith.city/ events

This Service NSW Business Connect event is funded by the NSW Government and supported by Penrith City Council.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER?

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

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

funds and awareness for the case –including right here in Penrith.

According to Giovi, the walk around the river last Sunday, April 21, went exceptionally well.

“We managed to get over 40 participants and Melissa McIntosh came out, which really helped as well,” she said.

“Just one more person knowing about CASK will make a difference,

because you don’t know who they will know. Someone may be able to assist with funding, or someone may be able to assist with research.”

Given they’re local to Penrith, Giovi said she’s made plenty of other connections in the area, with GJ Gardner Homes Penrith and AMS Global Logistics their major supporters, and Angelina being put on the big screen at a Panthers v Eels game last year.

Giovi said that their main goal into the future is to continue raising awareness through these avenues, whilst they’ve got the ball rolling on research in the background.

“A lot of funding is going into huge things like cancer, which I understand, but there are over 7000 rare diseases that children are dying from and there’s no research, because it’s limited, because there’s not enough children that have it,” she said.

“It’s just about creating that awareness that these rare diseases exist as well, and every child deserves to have a quality of life.”

For more information about donating, sponsorships or fundraiser opportunities, visit www. acnrf.com.

Melissa McIntosh joined the family. Attendees at last Sunday’s walk in Penrith.

An honour for keen gardener

“It’s definitely the people, with their knowledge and friendship,” she said.

After being a member for 24 years, Jan Hennell has been recognised for her service and dedication to the Penrith City Garden Club, having been awarded with the Ann Williams Clark Medallion from Garden Clubs of Australia.

According to Hennell, she joined with the intention of combining her love of gardening with the potential for new friendships.

“We moved from Greystanes to Orchard Hills, and we didn’t know anyone,” she said.

“We saw in the local newspaper that there was a garden club, and I thought ‘Oh, that sounds exciting!’, so I went along and have never looked backwards.”

Hennell said she’s done plenty of exciting things over the years as part of the club.

“We have social days where we can visit each other’s gardens, we have outings, and bus trips,” she said.

“Four of us, about three years ago, went to Norfolk Island with the whole of the New South Wales Gardening Club. That was really exciting for a week!”

But, it’s the friendships that have kept her in it all these years.

“Our motto is ‘friendship through gardening’.”

Hennell was awarded at a surprise ceremony on Monday, April 15, after being nominated by the Penrith City Garden Club committee.

She received the medallion and a certificate as well as a letter of congratulations from the Mayor.

“They asked me to do a presentation, and of course I started getting suspicious when I saw old members coming in,” she said.

“It was very nicely handled, and I enjoyed the evening.”

For Hennell, receiving the award and being acknowledged was completely unexpected, particularly given that she said it didn’t feel necessary, as she doesn’t consider her work and service as such.

“It was such a surprise,” she said.

“I love doing what I do. It’s no chore, it’s pleasure.”

As for what’s next for Hennell, she said she has no intention of leaving the gardening club any time soon.

“The old back’s going a bit haywire, but it’s funny how I can overcome the pain in gardening, but if I have to do the vacuuming, it’s ‘Oh gee, my poor back!’,” she said.

Karen’s Comment

The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

Keep our Penrith homeless and underprivileged warm this winter

As this winter approaches, I encourage Penrith businesses and the wider community to donate new items to help put the warmth back into the lives of our homeless or underprivileged this winter.

at Lions Park, residents paid tribute to the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Purchase any new item for comfort packs

We need jackets, blankets, instant heat packs (not electric), beanies, socks, gloves and scarves. You can drop your donations off at my office at Shop 23 Ground Floor, Penrith Centre 510-534 High Street Penrith NSW 2750.

Contribute to The Creative Fringe’s “TOTS Blanket Challenge”

More details can be found at www.thecreativefringe.com.au.

Help the Penrith Community Kitchen provide a warm meal this winter

Donate directly to the Kitchen, www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au.

ANZAC Day commemorations unite communities across Penrith

This week, Penrith came together to honour the legacy of Australian and New Zealand veterans in a series of heartfelt events marking ANZAC Day. From the break of dawn at Memory Park to the tranquil setting of the Melrose Cenotaph

ANZAC Day stands as one of Australia’s most important national occasions, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. April 25 stands to commemorate soldiers, past and present, and the pride they take standing as an enduring legacy of the ANZAC name.

As the sun set on ANZAC Day, I was proud to watch Penrith stand united in remembrance, ensuring the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten, lest we forget. Thank you to everyone who hosted events this ANZAC Day, especially those I was privileged to attend.

• 2024 ANZAC Schools Service

• Women’s Veteran Network Australia

ANZAC Day Service

ANZAC Day Thornton Community BBQ

• ANZAC Dawn Service – Penrith

• ANZAC Day Rememberance Ceremony at Penrith Bowling & Recreation Club

• Emu Plains Community ANZAC Day Service.

Jan Hennell with the Ann Williams Clark Medallion from Garden Clubs of Australia.

CASSIDY PEARCE

READ ALL ABOUT US

The Hidden Impacts of Hearing loss

Hearing loss is one of the fastest growing untreated health problems in our community. It is an ‘invisible’ disability. You cannot see it. Plus, it happens so gradually that you do not realise you have a hearing loss until it starts to a ect how you interact with the world.

Adults can have hearing for lots of reasons. It could be genetic or acquired from recurrent ear infections that are untreated, ototoxic drugs like chemotherapy, or it could be purely because of the aging process.

Hearing loss can have a signi cant impact on your quality of life.

Untreated hearing loss causes auditory deprivation and is linked to social isolation, loneliness and depression and a loss of independence. ese factors also have been linked to the acceleration of cognitive decline.

Current research tells us age related hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia by up to 5 times. We o en say, the greater the hearing

declines our chance of falling also increases. Older adults with mild hearing loss are 2-3x more at risk of falling.

So what is the solution? If you’re concerned about your hearing, you are struggling to hear in small group conversations, or having to turn the T V volume up to understand the words, you may start to notice that you participate less and less in

to get your hearing checked. Early intervention is better. If you ignore hearing loss for too long, then the nerves in our brain start to degrade.

But its’ never too late at any age to reach out for help for your hearing needs.

Hearing assessment and hearing aids are fully subsidised under the Government Hearing Ser vices Program for aged pensioners and veterans

We have that stigma that wearing hearings aids people will think you are old. We need to overcome t hat fear of hearing aids.

Nothing ages a person more than continually asking people to repeat themselves, answering question inappropriately and being disconnected from the world around you.

Wearing hearing aids can help improve your quality of life and is a great tool which helps people embrace life with con dence and participate in daily communication with their friends and loved ones.

So, if you are struggling to hear in small group conversations, or having to turn up the television to understand the words or maybe you are complaining that “ever yone” is mumbling, it may be time to get your hearing checked. Meet our friendly sta and we’d love to help you with your hearing needs.

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Changing face of hardship: So many sleeping rough in Penrith

New figures from Homelessness NSW reveal there were 2,254 recorded instances of people being homeless in the Penrith Local Government Area in 2021-2022, a rise of 180 receiving help from the previous year.

According to the latest Homelessness NSW report, Penrith is the third highest Council area that has seen increases in homelessness numbers over the past two years.

The data also highlights the large number of working families being forced to live in their car or tents due to the rise of cost-of-living leaving people to feel the emotional and financial burden, making it difficult for them to receive the support they require.

This means there are vulnerable families and individuals in the Penrith

community who require assistance; whether it’s a lunchtime meal, someone to speak to for advice or a blanket to keep them warm during the winter months.

Support services in the

Penrith Local Government Area are widely available to ensure that more people in need know where to reach out for help and receive

assistance.

At a community level, this issue is ever growing and the demand for support is evident.

This highlights the need for many services such as

food donation and charities at ground level being the first point of contact for residents in the community.

One of these services is the Penrith Community Kitchen, which provides those doing

it tough in our community a place of comfort, social connection and to make sure those reaching out for support services can get the help they need.

According to the Penrith Community Kitchen’s Secretary, Gai Hawthorn, it takes strength and courage to seek assistance whether that is through food, clothing or having a chat with the volunteers. The Kitchen provides those in need with the ability to be looked after in a judgement free space.

Penrith City Council appreciates the ongoing work of local services which is why the Mayoral Charity Fundraiser 2024 will be held in June in support of the Penrith Community Kitchen. All funds raised will be donated to the charity following the event.

Find out more by visiting penrith.city/mayoralcharity.

Δ An all-new treat: Arnott’s has announced the launch of an exciting indulgent, bite-sized treat, combining the best of biscuits and the best of chocolate. Introducing Arnott’s Treatles. Small, crispy, chocolatey bites available exclusively at Coles and Independent retailers in four tantalising flavours – Double Chocolate, Caramel, Neapolitan, and Mint. Arriving in the biscuit aisle in early May, Treatles are the perfect answer for when those sweet cravings hit.

Δ Iconic snack lands in Australia: Cheese enthusiasts, brace yourselves! The American snack sensation, Cheez-It, is making its grand debut on Aussie soil. Prepare your taste buds, as the new Cheez-It Snap’d, packing a cheesy punch with real cheese, is now available exclusively at Woolworths, delivering tantalising satisfaction bite after

bite. Promising a light, crispy texture, and an irresistible cheesy flavour, snackers across Australia are the first to savour the bite-size snack outside of the Americas. They’re available now in two flavours.

Δ New Coca-Cola flavour: Coca-Cola has introduced the newest addition to the Coca-Cola Creations line-up to Australia, Coca-Cola K-Wave. Offering a refreshing limited-edition Coca-Cola drink infused with a burst of fruity-flavoured K-Pop magic, CocaCola K-Wave celebrates fans and their infinite devotion for K-Pop artists. The launch of the new Creation will give fans access to a suite of music-focused digital and IRL experiences featuring some of the genre’s biggest stars. In addition, Frozen Coca-Cola K-Wave will also be available exclusively at McDonalds restaurants across Australia.

Δ Gluten free menu: We hear that Crotty’s Bakery in Kingswood, which continues to grow in popularity, is launching a new gluten free menu inside the next week.

Δ Hard-to-find beer: A limited edition fresh hop beer, packed with Tasmanian ingredients, has been brewed for Cascade’s 200th birthday celebrations. Cascade Brewery’s First Harvest can only be made once a year, with the beer brewed less than a day after the

hops are picked fresh off the bine in March. But you may find it hard to track one down in Penrith – the beer is only being made available in Tasmania and Victoria.

Δ Got some source? We want to hear about new products, menu changes, store openings and more! Email us at news@westernweekender.com.au.

TURNING BACK TIME

many times over the years, housing various businesses and restaurants once the Post Office moved many decades ago.

Ron Parkes (postman) can be seen at

back

the photo. Others

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We recognise that ever y pet entering our practice is an integral par t of a family unit and aim to deliver the same attention, love and care as they receive at home, acting as an extension of their own family

What sets Orchard Hills Veterinar y Hospital apar t is our commitment to creating a welcoming “old-fashioned, countr y practice” atmosphere where pets and clients are treated like family. This sense of belonging has fostered a unique bond among staff, clients and furr y friends alike.

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In the 1950s, the local Post Office was among the most important businesses in town – fostering communication, money transfers

general business dealings.

This 1950s photograph shows staff at the Penrith Post Office on High Street. The building on the northern side of High Street between Woodriff and Lawson Street has been renovated

the

of

photographed include Don Feltis, Colin Arnold, Mick Hudson, Coral Nesbit, Henry DeMar and Shirley Redman.

and

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

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WESTERN SYDNEY TOURISM AWARDS

The Western Sydney Tourism Awards 2024, scheduled for October 24th, celebrate achievements in Southwest and Western Sydney’s tourism industry. The event aims to set industry benchmarks for growth and participation, coinciding with the upcoming WSI opening.

It o ers networking opportunities with industry leaders and parliament members, featuring food, wine, entertainment, and recognition of excellence in Western Sydney.

Photo: NRL Photos.

the finalword

This Saturday’s clash between the Panthers and Cowboys in Townsville will provide some legitimate insight into where both teams sit at this stage of the season.

Penrith are tracking in a similar fashion to last year, but there’s a feeling they’ve come back to the pack a little. Just how they go on their first interstate trip since Round 1 against a side that failed to fire against the Sharks last Sunday and has some real question marks over its defence will be telling.

And North Queensland, how they respond to coach Todd Payton’s razzing in the press conference last Sunday following the capitulation to Cronulla will inform how they travel for the rest of the season. After some promising signs early, things aren’t looking so good for the Cowboys at the moment.

I thought the Panthers were solid without being brilliant against the Tigers last Saturday

in Bathurst. Importantly, they muscled up when they needed to and did enough to get the two competition points relatively comfortably in the end. Some solid work in the middle by Isaah Yeo really laid the platform for a dominant second half.

But there’s definitely plenty to work on. The return of Nathan Cleary to manage the game will be critical this weekend. As much as Jarome Luai and Brad Schneider have held the fort reasonably well during his three week absence, it can’t be denied that the Panthers have lacked direction at times without Cleary running the show.

Taylan May has also been named to return this weekend and his power game will be critical against the Cowboys. Paul Alamoti did a fine job filling in, but May certainly offers an X-factor.

There is no doubt that North Queensland’s

defence needs to improve if they are any chance of beating the Panthers on Saturday. They’re conceding an average of 27 points per game (compared to Penrith’s 15) which is just extraordinary. Such a statistic does not a top eight team make.

But we know in the NRL that bounce-back is a significant factor, especially when you get to play a home game after copping a thrashing. There would be no better cure for the Cowboys’ woes than to forget about that game against Cronulla and beat the Premiers back in Townsville on Saturday night – North Queensland’s preferred timeslot.

But after losses to both the Sharks and Eels (who are going terribly) on the trot, and their last home game being a high scoring 35-22 win over Gold Coast, perhaps this North Queensland team just doesn’t have what it takes this year.

Penrith have a chance to confirm that, and to make a statement of their own.

It was around this time last year that things really started to click for Ivan Cleary’s side after a mixed start to the year.

After losses to the Rabbitohs and Tigers, Penrith went on a five game winning streak and set up what would ultimately be a Minor Premiership and Premiership winning season. Despite some worrying signs, I’d say Cleary has his Panthers sitting just where he wants them at the moment. And to grab two wins from three without your best player on the park, is something that shouldn’t be under-valued.

I’m concerned the Cowboys may just spring an upset here, but on paper, there’s no reason Penrith shouldn’t get the job done – and if they’re switched on, they may well run away with it in the end.

Tip: Panthers by 16.

panther rumblings

! Tago’s takes a concern: Taylan May’s Instagram posts raised eyebrows recently, and there’s another Panther also skating on thin ice in terms of his social media presence. Izack Tago recently re-posted a news video that encouraged people to get the flu shot ahead of winter. He accompanied it with a clown and circus emoji and the line: “better go get my sixth booster”. Tago is 22-years-old and does not have a medical degree. His elite fitness likely ensures he wouldn’t be hit too hard by the flu. But not everyone is so lucky. It’s not the first time Tago’s Instagram posts have left people shaking their head. It’s not a good look, and it might be time Penrith took greater control over the message its players/ employees are presenting on socials given this issue seems to raise its head often. It feels like it’s only one post away from escalating into a full-blown scandal.

! May mystery: Meantime, the Panthers are adamant Taylan May didn’t miss last weekend’s clash against the Tigers as punishment for that Instagram video inside a speeding car. Despite the curious timing, club officials say he missed the game for legitimate personal reasons. May didn’t make the trip to Bathurst even as a spectator, and was spotted watching Penrith’s NSW Cup match at BlueBet Stadium instead.

! Cleary popular as ever: He may not have played in Bathurst last Saturday, but Nathan Cleary still made the trip with the squad and proved very popular among the locals. He spent plenty of time posing for photos and signing autographs.

! Spotted: photos and memorabilia

! Junior numbers soar: are registered in the Penrith Junior Rugby League District this year, smashing the previ ous record. There’s 626 teams registered this year, up from 571 last year. It shows the future is in good shape in the district.

! Tommy Talks Footy:

coach Ivan Cleary and a host of players who gave up plenty of time to speak to ‘Tommy Talks Footy’, a TikTok account run by a pas sionate Tigers fan. It was touching to see the time offered to this true fan of the game.

! Mudgee locked in: week confirmed what I’ve been saying for more than a year now – the time away from Penrith for the stadium re-build will include an extra regional game. The club will play in Mudgee for the 2025 and 2026 seasons; as well as Bathurst. The two-year Mudgee deal is unlikely to be extended, with Penrith to return to 11 home games at the new Penrith Stadium from 2027. In addition to the Mudgee and Bathurst games, it’s likely Penrith will give up a home game to Magic Round next year as well as Las Vegas, leaving just eight home match es in Sydney at CommBank Stadium.

! Forgotten show goes live: ‘100% Footy’ is a pretty good rugby league program on Nine but has been treated shabbily by the network over the years, shafted into late-night timeslots and often forgotten about. Finally, Nine has started airing the program live on 9NOW from 7.30pm on Monday nights.

! Annesley’s admission: NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley confirmed Penrith halfback Brad Schneider should have been sent to the sin bin for his foul on Justin Olam last Saturday. The incident was missed by the on-field officials and only picked up when the Tigers lodged a Captain’s Challenge. But for the Tigers to be blowing up over the lack of sin-bin is ridiculous, especially given Aiden Sezer escaped an on-field penalty for his late hit on Schneider, which was later charged by the Match Review Committee. The Tigers scored soon after – they should count them-

! Fish timing just right: It wasn’t necessarily deliberate but the timing worked out per fectly in terms of James Fish-

er-Harris’ departure being a potential distraction last week. Fisher-Harris himself fronted the media for a standard interview session on Monday, while Ivan Cleary held his press conference on Tuesday. By the time the shock Fisher-Harris announcement was made on Wednesday, Penrith’s media commitments for the week were done – allowing them to focus solely on the game. Fisher-Harris (pictured left) spoke for the first time in post-match interviews on Saturday.

! Panthers won’t overspend on Turuva: There’s no doubt the departure of James Fisher-Harris has freed up more salary cap space for Penrith in 2025 and 2026. And yes, it may even allow them to up their offer to off-contract winger Sunia Turuva. But Penrith won’t match rival clubs for fun; which means Turuva will still have a tough call to make at some stage. Stay within a winning system, or take a gamble elsewhere but for more cash.

! Spotted: Panthers legend Royce Simmons grabbing a sandwich at Percy Plunkett in Penrith last week.

at Crotty’s Bakery in Kingswood.

Izack Tago.

PENRITH’S NEW HOME AWAY FROM HOME

In a massive win for country footy, the Penrith Panthers will not take one but two games to the Central West next year.

With Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium unavailable due to a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, the Panthers and Mid-Western Regional Council announced this week that they will play an NRL Premiership match at Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee each season over the next two years.

The new Mudgee fixture and Penrith’s annual Bathurst trip is further proof that the Panthers have a strong relationship with the Central West region, and this partnership will only

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TO’O REACHES BIG MILESTONE

He was famously told growing up that he was too small to ever play in the NRL.

Now after four Grand Final appearances, three premiership rings and 99 games and counting, Brian To’o is having the last laugh.

Sporting a fresh new haircut that everyone says makes him look younger, the 25-year-old will notch up an incredible milestone on Saturday night – 100 first-grade games.

After being handed his debut in 2019 by Ivan Cleary, the St Marys junior made an instant impact on the Panthers and hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s been a journey; it’s been a long journey –I can’t believe I’ve played 100 games especially with the one club,” To’o told Extra Time on Tuesday.

“It’s so weird… I was so young back in 2019 and fast forward five years later, I’m standing where I am now about to play 100 games.

“It makes me feel old, I feel old as now!”

While the milestone might make ‘Bizza’ feel old, he still has plenty left in the tank and he’ll be hoping to make this weekend’s clash

against the North Queensland Cowboys one to remember.

While his young family is unlikely to make the trip to Townsville for the occasion, To’o said he’s grateful he even has the chance to play a century of games.

“It’s pretty crazy just to step back and have a think about the amount of games I’ve played and to play 100 games is a massive milestone for me and the family – I can’t wait to run out with the guys,” he said.

“Most players don’t reach 50 or 20 games… it’s pretty cool to look back on those many moments and to think everything happens for a reason.

“I’m just grateful to play those 99 games with the one club.”

To’o’s milestone in the tropics will be played on the same weekend the NRL commemorates ANZAC Day. Every year the NRL does a wonderful job honouring Australia’s and New Zealand’s diggers, and this upcoming round will be no different.

“ANZAC Day is a very important day for not only us players but everyone,” To’o said.

“It’s the perfect day to represent all those amazing people that put their lives on the line to be where we are today, and it’s special we get

to honour them on and off the field. I can’t wait to play in this wonderful round and hopefully we can get the win.”

Proving he’s one of the good guys in rugby league, To’o got people talking on social media last weekend after it was revealed he performed a random act of kindness for someone doing it tough in the local area. While out getting a coffee before training last Wednesday, To’o walked past a man begging for something to eat.

“I went for a little coffee in Jordan Springs and saw and heard a man asking people for something to eat,” To’o recalled.

“I was on my way to training and I thought I’d get him whatever he wanted to eat and also have a little chat with him. He didn’t know who I was… it was just one of those strange things where I’m sure anyone would have done the same thing. It’s good to help other people and make a differ ence.”

player of the year

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...

They say every cloud has a silver lining, which is just as well or the loss of James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors next year on compassionate grounds would be near impossible to see in a positive light.

Not that the man nicknamed ‘Fish’ can be replaced but it leaves the club with numerous options on how to at least try and find a positive solution.

Now let’s look at some of the positives.

One, it frees up an estimated $950,000 on the salary cap which can be utilised in many ways.

So how do you best spend the money?

Well, you can use it all and go to market and buy another topline prop to fill the position. The problem is there aren’t any props currently available on the market who are the equivalent of ‘Fish’.

that players like David Fifita and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are viable alternatives or the right fit to play for Penrith in any case.

I also can’t see the club signing a prop from the UK Super League either.

The best Penrith can hope for, as far as securing a truly topline prop, is to pick one who is still on contract with their current club but can negotiate an early release or be part of some sort of player-swap deal.

but with Zac Lomax, Addin FonuaBlake and now James Fisher-Harris all departing their respective clubs despite being signed years in advance, anything is possible.

Another option available to Penrith is to spend some of the cash made available to re-sign Sunia Turuva, Daine Laurie and even Luke Garner to long-term deals. Their combined salaries wouldn’t cover the whole $950,000, so there would still be enough money left over to buy an

going with either Brad Schnieder or Jack Cole for next season but what if Jack Cogger or even Sean O’Sullivan could be lured back from their respective clubs?

Again, this is no slight on either Schneider or Cole but the club wouldn’t be doing its due diligence if it didn’t explore all of its options.

One idea which is definitely out of the equation, is enticing back either Jarome Luai or Spencer Leniu. For one, I can’t see either the Tigers or Roosters letting them out of their

FISH SPARKS FRENZY OF RUMOURS lang on league analysis

No disrespect to Stefan Utoi kamanu from the Tigers but as talented as the young man is, he’s not in the same league as ‘Fish’ just yet.

I also doubt that he is a realistic option with the Tigers determined to keep him and there are some very complicated caveats in his contract to overcome before he becomes available in the first place.

I also find it hard to believe

James Fisher-Harris is leaving Penrith at season’s end. Photo: NRL Photos.

with Peter Lang

panther memories

As court battles continued and loyalty began to strain, May 12, 1995 would prove a significant day in rugby league history, and in the story of the Penrith Panthers footy club.

It was on that day that the Panthers declared their loyalty to Super League, in a major blow to the traditional competition.

The fallout was immediate.

Brad Fittler and Matt Sing were in Queensland on State of Origin duties, and the ARL rushed to sign them to new contracts, ending their relationships with Penrith. Both moved to the Roosters.

“We started out being loyal to the ARL, but then I developed a suspicion that they didn’t consider us part of their future,” then CEO Roger Cowan would later say.

Worried that Penrith would become collateral damage in the ongoing war, Cowan pursued Super League in an effort to secure the club’s rugby league presence.

While a court ruling prevented Super League running in 1996, rugby league was split down the middle in 1997 – with the ARL competition and the Super League competition, featuring the Panthers, running side by side. It lasted one year before the formation of the NRL in 1998.

The Panthers made the Finals in the only Super League season. Brisbane won the title.

Photographed is Jody Gall playing for Penrith in Super League in 1997.

WARRIORS ROOSTERS STORM SEA EAGLES

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TITANS ROOSTERS

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KNIGHTS SHARKS

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Mother Earth Nurser y

Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen (Penrith Homemaker)

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (Formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo

IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t

IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y

McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

MFC Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

C altex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Mobil Ser vice Station

The Chemist Shop

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair

Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys

Andrew ’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y

Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys Librar y

St Mar ys Pizza Hut

St Mar ys RSL

St Mar ys Village

Walter s Newsagency

McDonald's St Mar ys South

St Mar ys Pharmacy Queen St

T hornton Petramar t Thornton Community Centre

Wallacia

Wallacia Golf Club

Wallacia Hotel

Wallacia Pos t Office

Wallacia Takeaway

Warragamba

Wa rragamba

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Nowadays, The Royal Family Dance Crew has become world renowned for their impeccable transitions, formations and signature hip hop style. But, their tour manager Loren Espulso has known them since founder and choreographer Parris Goebel was just 17.

“That was when the original ReQuest girls landed in Sydney and wanted to do a show. They were looking for somewhere to rehearse, so the Royal Family manager contacted me and I offered off my rehearsal space, found a venue, and we had 200 people turn up to the show – it was sold out,” she said.

She’s watched the Royal Family Dance Crew grow to become a global product firsthand, with them now having performed with icons

like Justin Bieber in multiple music videos including ‘Sorry’ and ‘Yummy’, and in Rihanna’s iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show.

“I’m so humbled to be a part of it,” she said.

“They are family, and it is a very tight-knit, small team. It’s absolutely incredible to watch a product go from a young girl’s dream to a worldwide product as we’re seeing at the moment. And, it’s not just appealing to dancers and the entertainment industry, we’ve got all types of people coming to see the show worldwide because they’re so entertainment, and the name has grown so big.”

But, she said it’s incredibly important to remember their humble beginnings in competitive dance, which made them so renowned in the industry in the first place.

“I don’t want to just narrow it to those big jobs, because it’s not that at all,” she said.

“She [Goebel] made her mark when she chose to go, ‘I’m going to the Hip Hop Interna-

tionals. I’ve got a group of girls. Obviously, all the male crews are winning, but we’re going to win’, so they’ve won gold medal after gold medal after gold medal.”

Now, they’re bringing a brand-new show to Australia, with a touch of nostalgia.

“The ‘Skulls and Crowns’ show is going to be the original works. We’ve actually allowed for the most popular sets throughout the last 20 years, and those will make a comeback,” she said.

“I think the crowd will naturally go off, because they’ll sit there going, ‘Oh, I remember that set!’.”

Iconic sets include those from Rihanna’s Super Bowl and Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ music video, putting a twist on a classic Royal Family show.

“The show is always entertaining, always upbeat, and completely incredible,” she said.

“They also know how to take people on a

journey. You don’t just go, ‘I like dance, so I’m going to watch a dance show’, it’s a lot more than that, especially with this show’s history.” May’s show will mark their third year at Sydney Coliseum Theatre.

“We love it, the space is incredible and the team are all fantastic,” she said.

They’ll also be doing accompanying workshops with the show, with Espulso encouraging everyone to head down – whether you’re a dancer or not.

“Anybody is more than welcome to come. They can sit and observe the workshops, or they can participate,” she said.

“It’s pretty incredible to watch the number of people that just come to watch them teach, it’s grown drastically over the years!”

The Royal Family Dance Crew will be on at Sydney Coliseum Theatre on Saturday, May 25 at 7pm. For more information or to book, visit sydneycoliseum.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

If you have a gig or event you would like to promote please contact Megan on 0433 241 737

silverwater outdoor movie nightwonka

4:00pm onwards

atparramatta.com/whats-on/ silverwater-movie-night-silverwater-park

FRI 26

twilight at lewersart, sips & sounds

THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP MUSICAL 7:00pm-9:00pm

John Lees Centre

rubyproductions.com.au/ whatsonmay

silverwater park FRI 26 FRI 26

penrithregionalgallery.com.au/ events/twilight-at-lewers-2024/

cyclone rose

9:00pm

Jamison Hotel

jamisonhotel.com.au/#homewhats-on-section

goodlife presentsLost city rancho paradiso 4pm onwards

sydney showground

blue mountains ghost bus tour 7:00pm

Service NSW Centre Katoomba eventbrite.com.au/e/bluemountains-ghost-bus-tourtickets-816057097747?a

penrith regional gallery SAT 27

sydneyshowground.com.au/ whats-on/good-life-presentslost-city---rancho-paradiso/

multicultural eid festival & fair

Free entry & parking fairfield showground www.me com.au/

Lil pump

Doors open 9:30pm

eventbrite.com.au/e/lil-pumptickets-877046990157?a

world’s greatest shaveSupport kieran

el patron bar & restaurant sAT

Live music 3pm-6pm

rusty penny brewing co rustypennybrewing.com.au/

drag bingo in chopstix or fork 7:30pm- $5

penrith.panthers.com.au/whats-on/ club-activities/drag-bingo/

THINGS TO DO

Twilight

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

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

CLASSES AND FUN

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Probus Club of Nepean

First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

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

Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information.

Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Penrith NASHOS

Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

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

Nepean Food Services

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

Free food shop 9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

MUSEUMS

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

Nepean Naval Museum

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

Arms of Australia Inn

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

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

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

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

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group

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

Welcome the weekend with art, music and tapas at Penrith Regional Gallery with Twilight at Lewers back on this Friday, April 26. Explore the gallery, then enjoy live and local music and a pop-up artisan market in the picturesque garden while you catch up with friends over delicious drinks and tapas from Cafe at Lewers. Visit www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au.

at Lewers

The fabulous team behind ‘The Wharf Revue’ will be returning to The Joan with their hilarious brand of political satire in 'Pride in Prejudice' from Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 4. With over 23 years’ experience in the political satire space, they’re promising to continue the tradition – with no jokes written by ChatGPT. Visit thejoan.com.au.

Visit Penrith City Library these school holidays to decorate a feather for Phoebe to help her ‘stand out in the crowd’! Feathers for Phoebe is a much-loved Australian picture book by author Rod Clement. The event is free and open to all, any time during the school holidays. Visit penrithcity.spydus.com for more information.

Fundraising with Entertainment 20% of every Membership we sell, does directly to our fundraising

If you missed the opening of the Henry Lawson Theatre’s new show ‘Mary Stuart’, don’t fret! The show will be returning to the stage again this weekend, and it’s truly a must-see.

Directed by Heather McGreal, the play will transport the audience to the tumultuous world of 16th century England, where the two queens, Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I, navigate a perilous world of deceit and power struggles.

For ‘Mary Stuart’, McGreal has combined her loves of costuming, directing and historical tales to create a show she hopes will immerse audiences in the period.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE PLAY

“I hope [audiences] will feel the emotions, fear, anger, regret, that orbit the entire show,” she said.

She said there’s no doubt it’ll be an emotional ride for audiences.

“I hope they will understand that this play exists in an area of grey where every day is a fight for your life, and right and wrong are not as clear as we would want,” she said.

“I hope they will empathise with Elizabeth and Mary, who should have been amazing leaders, side by side as cousins and friends, but history couldn’t provide that opportunity.”

‘Mary Stuart’ will be on at Henry Lawson Theatre until Saturday, April 27. Tickets start at $25. For more information or to book, visit trybooking.com/CNMRS.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THE POWER OF MUSIC

Next Sunday, May 5, pianist Sonya Lifschitz and composer Robert Davidson are bringing their latest work, ‘So Much Myself: Piano Portraits’ to Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.

‘So Much Myself: Piano Portraits’ is a beautiful original collection by the same team who created ‘Stalin’s Piano’. It aims to probe the big questions of our time, celebrating the voices and stories of people bringing their fullest selves to the challenges of convention, danger, inertia and prejudice.

In the work, Lifschitz blends her own voice with the recorded words of figures as diverse as Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo, Dame Nellie Melba, Patti Smith, Malouma, Julia Gillard and Nina Simone to truly bring them to life.

Remnants of these extraordinary lives are placed then into musical frames provided by Lifshitz’s piano and derived by Davidson from each person’s spoken intonation, creating a five-part musical portrait gallery that must be seen.

‘So Much Myself: Piano Portraits’ will be on at Riverside Theatres on Sunday, May 5 at 4pm. Tickets start at $32.50. For more information or to book, visit riversideparramatta.com.au.

Experience the thrill of coming face to face with the

King of beasts!

Sunday 5pm April 28 to July 7*

Tuesday 7:15pm April 30 to July 2

Wednesday 5:30pm May 1 to July 3

Saturda y 10:30am May 4 to July 6

10 Week Beginners Yoga Courses †

Regular Price $220

Student/Senior/Family $190

Pensioner $120

BOOK NOW www.penrithyogastudio.com.au

* There is no Sunday night class on June 9 due to the long weekend. The Sunday course runs across 11 weeks.

† If the course times don’t suit you, start a membership with a 2 week free trial. Start in any Foundations or Beginners class: Sunday 5pm, Monday 7:15pm, Tuesday 10am, Tuesday 7:15pm, Wednesday 5:30pm, Thursday 5:30pm, Friday 10:30am, Saturday 8:30am, Saturday 10:30am.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat is an exclusive and unique Not for Profit Animal Sanctuary, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings

The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.

There is also the opportunity to add on animal encounters such as hand feeding the big cats and meeting the meerkats and little marmoset monkeys. This can be booked at the same time as your tour or added during your visit.

Entry is 9 years of age and older and a further age restriction of 12 years and older will apply to hand feeding the zambi.org

CASSIDY PEARCE

At the movies...

For 109 pulsating minutes, ‘Civil War’ pulls at the heartstrings, makes you angry, leaves you totally shocked and rattled and most of all, leaves you with one burning question: Could this actually happen in modern day America?

This chilling thriller tells the story of a modern day civil war through the eyes of a group of photo journalists covering the destruction of the United States, as the uprising attempts to take over Washington DC and bring down the President.

There's veteran photographer Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), who has seen it all on battlegrounds – but is still haunted by what she witnesses every day. And writer colleague Joel (Wagner Moura), who is desperate for an interview with the President. And along for what is at times a dangerous and edge of

your seat road trip across a crumbling America is old-school reporter Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and aspiring photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny).

‘Civil War’ could have made the mistake of building up to the conflict, explaining how we got here. It could have also opted to do that mid-film in a quieter moment, but it doesn't. Instead it throws you straight into the action, and the ‘why’ doesn't seem all that important.

The character development is so superb that when the inevitable happens and lives are lost, it hits hard. Brutally hard.

‘Civil War’ is not for everyone. It’s confronting, it’s heart-racing and at times it is terribly sad. But it is one hell of a movie – and definitely worthy of film of the year discussions.

– Troy Dodds

COUNTRY CORNER

Lamb does her ‘Damn Best’ Aussie country starlet Christie Lamb has dropped a brand new track, ‘Damn Best’. ‘Damn Best’ follows on from the success of Lamb’s Golden Guitar winning album ‘Truth’.

Working with producer Stuart Stuart (Sheppard, Dean Lewis, Amber Lawrence) for a second time, ‘Damn Best’ showcases Lamb at her best. The catchy feel-good track showcases Lamb’s storytelling, hooky melodies, powerhouse vocals and her country swagger.

“‘Damn Best’ is all about what it means to be country. It’s about values and how often it’s the simplest things in life that brings us the most joy and make life so much better,” Lamb said.

“This one goes out to the honest, hardworking, open road loving, everyone’s your mate, kind of country fans.”

The song is out now on all the usual streaming services.

Hubbard’s new album out now

Former Florida Georgia Line member Tyler Hubbard continues to build on his touring and streaming success since the release of his self-titled solo debut last January.

Hubbard continues forging his path as a solo artist with his sophomore album ‘Strong’, further cementing his position as a staple in country music.

Hubbard co-produced the album alongside Jordan Schmidt, and he wrote or co-wrote each of the 13 tracks. The result is a dynamic and vibrant collection of songs that showcase Hubbard’s free-spirited energy and his ability to craft songs that highlight life’s most memorable moments.

On ‘Strong’, the 21-time No. 1 hitmaker finds magic in young love on spirited tracks including ‘Park’ and ‘BNA’, embraces the good times on ‘American Mellencamp’ and ‘Night Like That’, and displays his passion for family and fatherhood.

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê The highly-anticipated ‘Top Gear Australia’ will premiere on Paramount+ on Friday, May 17. Taking the wheel of the world’s biggest car entertainment show, are hosts Blair Joscelyne, Beau Ryan and Jonathan LaPaglia, as they deliver everything fans have come to love about the beloved franchise – a turbocharged blend of entertainment, information, and pure automotive passion – but with an unmistakable Aussie twist. From our very own backyard, through the winding roads of the French Alps, the historic streets of Rome, the glamorous coastline of St Tropez, and the rugged terrain of Colombia’s jungle, the intrepid hosts and the Aussie Stig, will stop at nothing to bring viewers the most thrilling automotive escapades from around the globe.

Ê The new season of ‘Gruen’ will premiere on the ABC on Wednesday, May 15 at 8.30pm. Wil Anderson will return as host alongside Todd Sampson, Russel Howcroft and Dee Madigan.

Ê Exciting news with ‘The Real Housewives of Sydney’ renewed for a third season.

Production will get underway in the coming weeks, with some changes expected to the cast.

Ê New Disney+ documentary about the man that created ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘The Muppet Show’ will premiere on Friday, May 31. Directed by Ron Howard, ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of ‘Sesame Street’, ‘The Muppet Show’, and beyond. Featuring unprecedented access to Jim’s personal archives, Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose

and features some of her other Mystery Machine friends like Daphne and Fred.

Ê Producers are looking for contestants to be part of the next season of ‘The Great Australian Bake Off’. If you’re passionate about the baking and keen to show off your skills to the rest of Australia, you can apply by visiting go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/GABOS8.

Ê Classic Beatles film ‘Let It Be’ is getting its first television release in over 50 years. Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s film, first released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles’ breakup, is now brought to light through its restoration and in the context of

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Friday 26 April

TV Guide: April 26 – May 2

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Planet America (PG) 10:30 That Pacific Sports Show 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (M v) 2:00 Queen Of Oz (M l) 2:30 White Fever (M l,s) 3:00 Muster Dogs (PG) 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Silent Witness (M l) 9:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 10:00 The Weekly (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Golf: LIV Golf League: Adelaide: Day

3:00 Imagine Holidays

Iconic Rail Journeys (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Escape To The Country 6:00 Bargain Hunt

7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Escape To The Country

5:00 Born To Spy (PG)

5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 6:00 School Of Rock (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 8:00 Hotel Transylvania: The Series

Saturday 27 April

1 *Live* From Grange Golf Club 4:30 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Robin Hood” (M s,v) (’10) Stars: Cate Blanchett 11:25 TBA 12:25 Celebrity Obsessed: Christina Grimmie (MA15+) 1:25 Medical Emergency (PG) 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Million Dollar Minute 5:00 NBC Today 5:30 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE

4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30

American Pickers (PG) 6:30

Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:20

AFL: Round 7: Port Adelaide v St Kilda *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game

3:00

3:30 Modern Family (PG) 4:00 The Real Dirty Dancing (PG)

5:20 Starstruck (PG) 6:35

Judy (PG) 11:00 Dr Phil (M) 12:00 10 News

First: Midday 1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30 Judge Judy (PG) 2:00 Ready

Steady Cook (PG) 3:00 Good Chef Bad

Chef 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00

News Morning 12:00 Movie: “A Royal In Paradise” (G) (’23) Stars: Rhiannon Fish 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Sea Eagles v Eels *Live* From 4 Pines Park 9:55 NRL: Golden Point (M) 10:40 Movie: “The Jackal” (MA15+) (’97) Stars: Bruce Willis 1:00 Tipping Point (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 10:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:30 Judge

4:35 Motown Magic

5:00 Our Stories 5:30

NITV News: Nula 6:00

Movie: “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” (PG) (’18)

Stars: Wendi McLendon-Covey

8:30 Movie: “Signs” (M) (’02)

Stars: Mel Gibson

Bamay 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Movie: “Mac And Me” (PG) (’88) Stars: Christine Ebersole 9:15 Movie: “Flawless” (M) (’07) Stars: Demi Moore

Everyday Gourmet 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal

Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30

Ready Steady Cook (PG) 8:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 10:30 Fire Country (M v) 10:10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out (PG) 11:00 The Art Of France (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Welsh Coast 2:05 Tony Robinson - WWII By Drone (M v) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Dambusters With Dan Snow (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Ancient Egypt By Train (PG) 8:30 JFK Home Movie That Changed The World (M v)

8:30 Ready Steady

Cook (PG) 9:30

Diagnosis Murder (PG)

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 Star Trek: Voyager (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30

Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30

JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00

Friends (PG) 2:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30

Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Renovate Or Rebuild 1:00 Unsellable Houses 2:00 My Lottery Dream Home 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Scott’s Vacation House Rules

(PG) (’14) Stars: Chris Pratt 7:30 Movie: “Hercules” (M l,v) (’14) Stars: Dwayne Johnson

Roads (PG) 6:50 Bluey 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Father Brown (M v) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 11:30 Golf: LIV Golf League: Adelaide: Day

Brian Cox’s

Types

5:20

5:50 Australian Story (PG) 6:20

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* From Rosehill/ Caulfield/ Eagle Farm/ Morphettville 5:00 Bargain Hunt 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

5:20 Total Drama Island (PG) 5:45 School Of Rock (PG) 6:05 The Next Step 6:30 Operation Ouch! (PG) 7:00 Mythbusters (PG) 7:35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 8:10 Hotel Transylvania: The Series 8:35 Almost Naked Animals

My Unique

3:40 Movie: “So Little Time” (PG) (’52) Stars: Maria Schell 5:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Take Me Home 8:30 Movie: “Dunkirk” (PG) (’17) Stars: Fionn Whitehead 6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 1:30 Murder In Provence (M v) 3:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces

2 *Live* 4:30 Border Security International (PG) 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor” (PG) (’08) Stars: Brendan Fraser 9:40 Movie: “Blade Runner 2049” (MA15+) (’17) 12:00 Destination WA 12:30 Explore 1:00 Ageless 1:30 Explore 1:45 Innovation Nation 2:45 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 4:00 Saltimbanco To Luzia25 Years Of Cirque Du Soleil In Australia 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Jeopardy! Australia 8:30 Movie: “Midway” (PG) (’19) Stars: Ed Skrein 11:10 Movie: “Valkyrie” (MA15+) (’08) Stars: Tom Cruise 9:30 TBA 11:00 TBA 12:15 Farm To Fork 12:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:00 Ready Steady Cook (PG) 2:00 Buy To Build 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 All 4 Adventure 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Taste Of AustraliaBBQ Special 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Ready Steady Cook (PG) 7:00 The Dog House UK (PG) 8:00 Ambulance UK (M l) 10:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 11:30 FBI: International (M v)

4:00 Hustle & Tow (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (M) 5:30 Storage Wars (M)

6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00

AFL: Round 7: Fremantle v Western Bulldogs *Live* 10:30

AFL: Post Game 11:00 Movie: “Unhinged” (MA15+) (’20) Stars: Russell Crowe

3:00 ABC News 3:30 India Votes 2024 4:00 ABC News 4:15 Planet America 5:00 ABC News 5:30 The World This Week 6:00

ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 The Pacific 8:00 ABC News Tonight

3:45 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:35 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special (PG) 5:05 Movie: “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” (PG) (’18) Stars: Wendi McLendon-Covey 7:00

Movie: “Phenomenon” (PG) (’96) Stars: John Travolta

4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Pop Paper City

5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30

Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00

QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M l)

4:00 Brazil Untamed 4:50 Persons Of Interest (PG) 5:50 Going Native 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Strait To The Plate 7:00 The Other Side (PG)

7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30

Movie: “Blade Runner” (M v) (’82) Stars: Harrison Ford

5:30 Big Appetite 6:00 The Next Thing You Eat 6:30 Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico 7:30

Hairy Bikers Go Local 8:35

Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 9:35

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 The Wine Show

Shopping

2:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Escape Fishing With ET 4:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 26: Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners *Live* 7:20 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 26: Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers *Live*

4:00 PBS Newshour 5:00 Woman With Gloria Steinem: Colombia (PG) 5:25 Shortland Street (PG) 5:55 The Food That Built 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Jazz

Fest: A New Orleans Story (PG)

Motorsport: Motorcycles Superbike World Championship Highlights

Cycling: Liege-BastogneLiege Women’s/ Men’s Highlights 4:30 Roman Megastructures (PG) (In English/ French) 5:30 Untold Arctic Wars (PG) (In Various) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 ArthurA Life With The Royal Family (PG) 8:30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley (PG) 9:25 The Boleyns - A Scandalous Family (M s)

9:00 Neighbours (PG) 11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 TBA 2:15

TBA 3:45 Becker (PG) 4:10 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

4:00 The Bradshaw Bunch (PG) 5:00 Kenan (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Love

And Penguins” (AKA ‘You, Me And The Penguins’) (G) (’22)

Stars: Tammin Sursok 7:30

Movie: “Hunger Games

Mockingjay Part 1” (M v) (’14)

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

1:00 My Lottery Dream Home 1:30 Rock Solid Builds 2:30 Holmes Family Rescue 3:30 Restored 4:30 Scott’s Vacation House Rules 5:30 Dream Homes Revealed 6:30 Holiday Homes In The Sun 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

2:15 Movie: “633 Squadron” (PG) (’64) Stars: Cliff Robertson 4:20 Movie: “Dunkirk” (PG) (’58) Stars: John Mills 7:00 Rugby Union: Rugby Pacific: Reds v Blues *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 9:30 Rugby Union: Post Match

4:35 Little J And Big Cuz

Adventures Of Paddington

Pop Paper City 6:05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Louis Theroux Interviews Katherine Ryan (M)

5:30 Taste Of France 6:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient 6:30 Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 A Cotswold Farm Shop 8:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 10:35 The Wine Show 4:35 ABC World News Tonight 5:05 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:35 Shortland Street (PG) 6:05 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover (M s)

5:10 Saltimbanco To Luzia - 25 Years Of Cirque Du Soleil In Australia 5:40 Movie: “The Pink Panther 2” (PG) (’09) Stars: Steve Martin 7:30 Movie: “Patriot’s Day” (M d,l,v) (’16) Stars: Mark Wahlberg 10:10 Aussie Lobster Men (M l)

12:30 The Avengers (PG) 1:45 Movie: “They Who Dare” (G) (’54) Stars: Dirk Bogarde 4:00 Movie: “The Bridge At Remagen” (PG) (’69) Stars: George Segal 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 9:00 Movie: “The Battle Of Britain” (PG) (’69)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 They Shall Not Grow

Old (MA15+) 2:50 Muster Dogs (PG) 3:55

Monday 29 April

Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00

Australian Story (PG) 8:30 Four Corners (PG) 9:15 Media Watch (PG) 9:35 Q+A (M) 10:35 ABC Late News 10:50 The Business

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG)

6:00 School Of Rock (PG) 6:30 Operation

Ouch! (PG) 7:00

Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35

Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG)

12:00 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:30

Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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) 9:00 9-1-1 (M) 10:00 S.W.A.T. (M v) 11:00 The Latest Seven News

5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30

Outback Opal Hunters (PG) 8:30 Adventure Gold Diggers

4:00 Afternoon Briefing

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight

12:00 ABC News 1:00 After The Party (M l,n,s) 2:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame 2:30 Back Roads 3:00 Muster Dogs (PG) 3:55

Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 This Is Going To Be Big (PG) 9:00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli (PG)

6:00 School Of Rock (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:35 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG)

5:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Toddlers Make You

12:00 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 1:45 Explore 2:00

Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00

NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point

Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 8:45 Paramedics (M) 9:45 100% Footy (M)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30

APTN National News

12:00 10 News First: Midday Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:30

Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 10 News

Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG)

Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News

First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:40

11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30

Bondi Rescue (PG)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG)

Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v)

5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30

The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05

Karma’s World 7:30 Would I

Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Mythbusters (PG)

12:00 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (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) 9:00 The Marlow Murder Club (M v) 10:00 Code Blue (M)

Aussie Truck Rehab (PG)

4:00 Afternoon Briefing

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 ABC News Tonight

Wednesday 1 May

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch 1:55 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 2:30 Back Roads

3:00 Muster Dogs (PG) 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 The Weekly (PG)

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Heartbeat (PG)

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Brazil

Untamed 7:30 First Australians (PG) 8:30 Living Black

6:00 Taste Of Australia

6:30 Food Safari 7:00

The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Spain 8:40 Marcus Wareing’s Kitchen Garden Tales

2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis

Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

5:20 Shortland Street (PG) 5:50 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

12:00 Lego Masters Australia Vs The Rest Of The World (PG) 1:15 Getaway (PG) 1:45 Talking Honey (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG)

5:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Disobedient Dogs Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:35 Movie: “Stripes” (M l,n) (’81)

5:55 Fireman Sam 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 White Fever (M) 9:00 Upstart Crow

12:00 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 1:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:00 Beat The Chasers UK (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG)

5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 The Force - Behind The Line (PG)

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Indian Country 6:00 Bamay 6:35 NITV News Update 6:45 Brazil Untamed 7:35 The First Inventors (PG)

6:00 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn 6:30 Food Safari 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Rachel Khoo’s Simple Pleasures 8:00 Selena + Chef

10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30

FBI (M v) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (M v) 9:25 FBI (M)

5:20 Shortland Street (PG) 5:50 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 The Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot (M) 10:30 NINE News Late

5:00 The Amazing Race (PG) 6:30 Holidays Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 7:30 First Dates UK (M s) 8:35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

5:00 Our Stories 5:30 Te Ao With Moana 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Kickin’ Back With Gilbert McAdam

5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30

Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big

Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Mr & Mrs Smith” (M s,v) (’05) Stars: Angelina Jolie

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Help! I Wrecked My House

5:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M) 8:40 Harry Wild (M v)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

6:00 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 7:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Wonder Woman 1984” (M v) (’20) Stars: Gal Gadot

1:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 1:20 Judge

Judy (PG) 1:50 TBA 3:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:45 FBI: International (M v) 10:30 10’s Late News

10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 FBI (M v) 1:30 NCIS (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

4:00 Good

6:00 School Of Rock (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch!

4:00 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Country House Hunters NZ

5:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M) 8:40 Agatha Christie’s Marple (M l,v)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Dateline (M) 2:30 Insight (M) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 The Great Fire Of London (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:35 Swift Street (M l,v) 9:40 Putin And The West - The Next Chapter (MA15+)

In The Sun 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Good Bones

The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

5:00 Restored 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Country Home Rescue With Shaynna Blaze

Organising an Event? Sydney Showground is an award-winning venue, supported by an awardwinning team experienced in delivering a wide range of events to an exceptional standard. Visit sydneyshowground.com.au/plan-your-event/make-an-enquiry/ for more information.

Build Buddy has launched its ground-breaking collaborative construction platform, designed to empower everyday Australians with the knowledge, guidance and support they need to take control of their home building journey and to save money by avoiding having to engage a traditional builder.

CONNECTS them directly to the people WHO are going to do it (a curated marketplace of verified consultants, contractors and suppliers).

In recognising that the home building industry hasn’t had a

engineer, plumber, electrician, site supervisor and, most importantly, the home owner) all work together towards one project goal, where everyone can access the plans, people, schedules, and progress at any time via one

By taking an innovative technology-led approach to the traditional building process, Build Buddy’s intelligent algorithms and easy-to-use platform tells users WHAT they need to do, WHEN they need to do it, HOW they’re going to do it and then

major change in the last 50 years, Build Buddy represents a true paradigm shift with its re-engineered collaborative construction methodology – a methodology where everybody involved in building a home (architect,

convenient app. There are no gatekeepers, no multiple layers of management or distant corporate offices. When everyone has access to the same information in real-time, the construction timeline can be streamlined,

the building process improved, and efficiencies gained through effective communication.

Build Buddy is the brainchild of Danny Assabgy (pictured above), the winner of the Australian Building and Construction CEO of the Year Award, the Founder and CEO of Hudson Homes, and 2023 Australian Builder of the Year.

“Our goal has been to create a technology-based solution that will enable consultants, contractors, suppliers and homeowners to all work closely together,” he said.

“Build Buddy is so much more than just a platform to share knowledge and information, it is redefining the entire new home building journey by making it completely transparent, by connecting people and ensuring that the homeowner has the confidence, the support and the guidance they need to build the homes they’ve always dreamed of, without the risk of handing over full control.”

What is so great about this property?

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of South-West Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park town centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafes and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market

opment Company began Oran Park in 2010 and it’s projected to complete the Town in the early

This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s

• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es

USE A BROKER FOR YOUR BUSINESS VEHICLE NEEDS

So your business is going well and it’s time to expand.

For many businesses, this will mean adding more vehicles to your fleet – whether that’s for additional tradespeople, a new sales executive or some other purpose within the business.

It can be extremely beneficial to avoid a large capital outlay on a new vehicle and instead rely on finance, but it’s critical to get the best deal possible to make it worth making such a call.

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There are a variety of vehicle finance products

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A broker will be able to

guide you through the process and get the best deal possible on your vehicle finance, and also

discuss the best options in terms of ownership of the vehicle in question, or leasing.

And it’s not just your classic SUV or sedan that can be financed.

We’ve seen everything come in over the years – from helicopters to excavators!

Cash flow is extremely important in business, so a huge outlay on a new vehicle can leave a business in a vulnerable financial position, which is why finance is critical.

But there’s often a lot of hoops to jump through when it comes to financing a vehicle, and a broker can help you ease those headaches.

If your business is ready to take the next step in terms of vehicle finance, give us a call at Bell Partners today – it might be the best call you make this week!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility and can affect one’s reproductive system making it difficult to fall pregnant. Unfortunately currently there is no cure for PCOS however symptoms can be improved and managed through lifestyle changes.

Exercise can play a crucial role in the following...

Improved insulin sensitivity

Women with PCOS often have impaired insulin sensitivity. However exercise has shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism leading to an improved glycemic control and reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weight management

Many women with PCOS struggle with weight management

due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Exercise physiology interventions focus on individualised programs which promote healthy weight loss or maintenance. Regular exercise can improve regulating blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss which in turn can alleviate symptoms of PCOS and improve overall health outcomes.

Hormone regulation

Exercise can assist in regulating hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS which include elevated levels of androgens and irregular periods. Regular structured exercise can assist in reducing androgen levels, increase ovulation frequency, and restore menstrual regularity in women with PCOS, improving fertility and reproductive health.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to the associated insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Regular exercise can assist in the reduction of blood pressure, cholesterol and body fat. And of course there’s many other benefits too.

Management of mood and psychological symptoms

Those diagnosed with PCOS are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.

Exercise has been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise physiology interventions can include strategies to promote mental wellbeing, such as mindfulness-based practices, relaxation techniques that foster social support and camaraderie.

In summary, exercise interventions should be individualised to meet the unique needs and preferences of each woman with PCOS, with a focus on promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyle behaviours, and sustainable behaviour change. Working with a qualified exercise physiologist, can provide women with PCOS the support and guidance they need to achieve their health and fitness goals.

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Your guide to ensure mum is pampered this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but, thankfully, you haven’t yet left it too late to find the perfect gift.

In my completely unbiased opinion, beauty products make for some of the best gifts for Mother’s Day –there’s something for every budget, and it is an easy way to add a bit of luxury to her life.

If the important woman in your life is the type to spend a little too much time getting ready in the morning, here are some gift ideas to show her you get her.

shades, they know what their favourite products are, and chances are they’ve been using them since before you were born.

Spice up her makeup routine

One thing all mums have down pat is their makeup routine. They know their

If your mum has ever shown an interest in trying something new, or you notice her products starting to get a little low, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to help her out. I wouldn’t get anything too shade-specific, like foundations or concealers, but if you have a general idea of the types of colours your mum likes to use in her makeup, go for a new eyeshadow palette like the Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette, or a new blush, like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (pictured above).

Make her feel pampered

You can’t go wrong with a nice bath or body product to pamper mum this Mother’s Day.

Fresh makes some really beautiful skincare and body products that smell lovely and are a step up from your normal day-to-day products, without feeling too fancy that she’d be hesitant to use them. I love their Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream (pictured)!

Indulge fragrance lovers

Though a very simple gift to some, there’s a reason why perfumes and candles are so

popular for Mother’s Day. The secret to getting this one right is to truly listen to the person you’re buying it for – do they like fruity scents, floral scents, or perhaps sweeter scents?

If you’re not sure, you can always go the discovery set route, so mum can try a host of different scents before choosing to purchase her favourite (unless you’re generous enough to buy it for her). Plenty of brands do these for candles and perfumes, including Le Labo, Yves Saint Laurant, MALIN+GOETZ and Juliette has a gun.

Make an investment in her hair for her

Though you can get hair tools at all price points, the good ones that last will set you back a pretty penny.

If mum has been complaining about an old hairdryer or straightener, it may be time for you to step in.

One of my favourite hair tools is the Shark FlexStyle (pictured above), and given it comes with every attachment you could possibly need to blow-dry and curl your hair, it’s the perfect all-in-one for mum.

The Experts

UNDERSTANDING RABBIT VACCINATIONS

Rabbits make adorable and affectionate pets, but their health needs are often underestimated. Just like any other pet, they require suitable care and attention, including vaccinations to protect against deadly diseases like calicivirus, particularly prevalent in Australia. Understanding the importance of vaccination, such as the recent introduction of the Filavac vaccine, is crucial for ensuring the well-being of these furry companions.

Calicivirus, specifically Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), exists in various forms, with RHDV-1 and RHDV-2 being the most common in Australia. Both strains pose significant threats to unvaccinated rabbits, often leading to fatal outcomes.

RHDV-1 causes rapid deterioration and death, while RHDV-2 can manifest as sudden death or present with non-specific clinical signs like lethargy and gastrointestinal issues.

One of the challenges in

managing calicivirus is its high contagiousness. The virus spreads through infected rabbit excretions, including faeces,

aspect of rabbit care. Previously, vaccination options in Australia primarily targeted RHDV-1, with limited efficacy

urine, and nasal secretions, as well as contaminated objects and insects. This makes prevention through vaccination a crucial

against RHDV-2. However, the introduction of Filavac has revolutionised rabbit healthcare by offering protection against both

strains. This advanced vaccine provides a significant improvement in safeguarding rabbits, offering the best defence against calicivirus to date.

Administering the Filavac vaccine is a straightforward process, available for rabbits over 10-weeks-old. Annual boosters are necessary to maintain immunity, ensuring ongoing protection against calicivirus. Vaccination appointments include comprehensive health and dental checkups, allowing veterinarians to assess overall wellbeing and address any concerns.

Ensuring your rabbit’s vaccination status is up-to-date is vital for their long-term health and happiness. Whether you’re a new rabbit owner or a seasoned caregiver, staying informed about preventive measures like vaccination is key. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rabbit’s vaccination schedule or overall health, reach out to the trusted team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind HOROSCOPES ARIES

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

The Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus activate your family zone, so home is where the heart is this week. Even though you may be faced with a frustrating domestic problem, be thankful for the relatives who nurture and support you. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn said, “I may not always be offered work, but I’ll always have my family.” Mars stirs your restlessness on Friday, so try to escape on a grand weekend adventure in the great outdoors.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Jolly Jupiter (planet of prosperity) is jumping through your sign until May 25-26. This lucky placement only happens every 12 years, so make the most of it while it’s still around! This week the Sun, Uranus and Venus (your ruling planet) are also transiting through Taurus so confidence, authenticity and robust self-esteem will take you far. Be inspired by birthday great, iconic movie star Audrey Hepburn, “Always be a firstrate version of yourself.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Prosperity planet Jupiter is jumping through your career zone until May 25-26, which only happens every 12 years! So don’t procrastinate Cats – a lucky opportunity could come out of the blue. You need to make hay while the sun shines and strike while the iron is hot! Be inspired by birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn, “Opportunities don’t often come along. When they do, you have to grab them.” But don’t over-promise and then under-deliver.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Love planet Venus (visiting your relationship zone) squares your ruler Pluto (in your family zone) so close relationships could be compulsive and conflicted, especially mid-week. And jealousy could rear its ugly head. Smart Scorpios will go out of your way to avoid power struggles and controlling behaviour, as you argue less and compromise more. Friday is wonderful for work functions and family get-togethers … as long as you are willing to compromise.

PISCES

This week’s stars increase your Piscean tendency to blurt things out and spread secrets. So think before you speak! When it comes to a recalcitrant relative or an annoying neighbour, be more diplomatic as you build bridges and let bygones be bygones. And don’t let negative self-talk hold you back. Be inspired by actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929), “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

GEMINI

Restless, gung-ho Geminis can be too quick to ditch family members, dismiss friends, and disregard colleagues who stuff up or disappoint. But is that always the best thing to do? Perhaps most people deserve a second chance? As Holly wood star, humanitarian and birthday great Audrey Hepburn wisely said, “People have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.” Friday favours networking, travel and adventure.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus boost confidence and enthusiasm, as you pursue ambitious and adventurous aspirations for the future. Avoid being too safe and sensible Virgo! It’s time to let go of a perceived failure that has been holding you back. If you learn from your mistakes, then you can finally move forward. Loved ones will help you along the way. Your motto is from birthday great, Audrey Hepburn, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

It’s time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life! This week you’ll be at your creative and playful best as Mercury and Mars activate your leisure and pleasure zone. In the words of birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn, “Enjoy the day to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come.” But there is also a tendency to eat and drink too much, and spend too much time sitting on the sofa. So try to balance indoor fun activities with outdoor physical action.

Dynamic Mars (your patron planet) charges through your sign, from Tuesday night until June 9. So your fiery, passionate, proactive, boisterous, bossy Aries side will be on full display. Do your best to get must-do, routine tasks out of the way early in the week. Then you can enjoy the activities that really make your heart sing. Be inspired by birthday great, actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn “I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”

CANCER

Have you been hibernating in your cosy Crab cave? With mighty Mars charging through your career zone (from Tuesday night until June 9) do your best to initiate positive changes at work. It’s time to be bold rather than brooding, and proactive rather than reactive. And spend some quality time in nature. If you’re lucky enough to have one, then get out and potter in the garden. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn observed, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Libra is the zodiac sign that rules appearance, aesthetics, fashion, cosmetics and personal pampering. And this week’s stars urge you to look for the inner beauty in yourself – and other people. So here are some beauty tips from birthday great, movie star Audrey Hepburn (born on May 4, 1929), “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Do you have to be so conscientious Capricorn, and such a stickler for doing things the right way? This week (with Pluto squaring Venus in your fun zone) resist the urge to be overly sombre and super serious. Try to find the sweet spot between being organised and being spontaneous, as you have fun AND get a lot done. Heed the wise words of movie star Audrey Hepburn (born on May 4, 1929), “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy.”

JOANNE

DESTINATION

Hunter Valley

Tiny Away Homes

WORDS

Nathan Taylor

IMAGES

Supplied / Nathan Taylor MORE INFO

A TINY GETAWAY IN THE

Eco-friendly tiny homes are all the rage these days, so when I got offered the opportunity to stay at one recently, I jumped at the chance to get back to nature.

I was given a list of around 10 Tiny Away homes to choose from, but after much thought and research I couldn’t help but pick a place that was located right in the heart of Wine Country – the Hunter Valley.

Despite nearly every individual I know visiting the Hunter Valley in recent years, I had personally never stepped foot in the place – probably because I’m not a massive wine drinker (expect for that work Christmas party about 10 years ago… sorry, boss).

But like many people informed me prior, the Hunter Valley is more than just vineyards and wine tastings – there’s breweries, distilleries, and cheese and chocolate shops.

Well, sign me up!

With my bags packed and loaded into my fabulous new Toyota Kluger Grande, we hit the road bound for Pokolbin.

This luxurious SUV was a dream to drive. It was spacious, packed plenty of punch and, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle, not even an extra tank of petrol was required for the entire journey – talk about eco-friendly!

After about two-and-a-half hours on the road, we finally arrived at Tiny House 888 – our perfect tiny home located in Central Pokolbin in the heart of Wine Country.

Another great aspect of this tiny home experience is that you’re completely away from all the hustle and bustle, so once you’re done visiting all the incredible sites of the Hunter that day, you can retreat back to your property and not have to see or hear from a single soul.

Once we pulled up, I immediately took out my phone to start snapping pictures of this incredible property located in the middle of the wilderness. I mean, I had to make the people back home jealous, right?

After I was satisfied that I had taken enough photos of this cute, little rural escape, my wife and I stepped inside and were quite surprised at how spacious this tiny home actually was.

Not only did it feature a decent sized and comfortable bed, but it also had a smart television, split air conditioning, fridge and the necessary kitchen amenities and cooking equipment you’d need for a two-night stay.

The bathroom was also a pleasant surprise. I revealed to my wife the night before we left that we’d be using a compost toilet for our upcoming stay and to be truthful, I almost had to look for another guest to bring along with me. Fortunately, her fears were alleviated when she saw the bathroom in person.

For people that don’t know, Tiny Away homes follow ecologically sustainable principles, which means their bathrooms include a waterless eco-friendly compost toilet, hand basin and gas heated shower. It’s designed in this way to satisfy people’s needs with natural resources and processes to save water and of course, the environment.

Tiny House 888 isn’t just charming on the inside, outside is just as appealing. Surrounded by trees, fire trails and fairy lights, we spotted several kangaroos enjoying the serenity just like us whilst relaxing outside. And when it started to cool down and dusk was setting in, the nearby fire pit was just about begging us to be lit.

If you’ve never been to the Hunter Valley before, it’s seriously a great weekend away for couples, friendship groups and families.

And when you’re staying at centrally located accommodation like Tiny Away’s Tiny House 888, the best the Hunter has to offer is basically on your doorstep.

Of course this wouldn’t be a travel review without some recommendations, so be sure to give these places a visit if you’re making the trip up north.

A fun stop for lunch is 4 Pines at the Farm in Pokolbin. Born a decade ago from a casual conversation between a beer-loving father and son, 4 Pines at the Farm is large venue home to exceptional beer and seriously awesome food.

A visit to the Hunter wouldn’t be the same without some cheese and crackers, and the Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin Village

is the perfect stop to pick up everything you need for a little picnic by a vineyard or a cheeky snack back at your accommodation.

Like I mentioned earlier, wine isn’t really my thing but the good news for me was, the Hunter Valley is home to some great distilleries as well.

I was able to enjoy a free tasting at the glitzy Small Mouth Vodka, located in the Hunter Valley Gardens precinct, and sipped on some delicious gin and moonshine at the famous

“THE HUNTER VALLEY IS MORE THAN JUST VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING”

Hope Estate, which has been home to some exceptional concerts over the years.

If you’re after a sweet treat you can’t go past these two fine establishments – Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate at Keith Tulloch Wine and the uberpopular Sabor Dessert Bar on Broke Road. Photos I posted from these two places had everyone hounding me when I returned home. What I really liked about Sabor is that they can pair a wine with your dessert – so how could I say ‘no’ to a glass of port with my Black Forrest cake?

Lastly, dinner. The

Tiny House 888 is the perfect place to stay for a weekend in the Hunter Valley.

Tiny House 888 is even prettier at night.

The Smelly Cheese Shop has all the goods.

Hunter Valley is home to dozens of incredible restaurants and award-winning places to eat. You probably wouldn’t be able to go wrong with anywhere you selected, but for us, we tucked into a scrumptious nine-course meal at Goldfish Bar & Restaurant at Roche Estate on our first night before we concluded our trip away with pizza, pasta, and yummy salad at

Next time you’re in the Hunter, consider going off the beaten track. It may just be what you need to return to nature, whilst having a bit of fun on the side.

The author stayed courtesy of Tiny Away, and a vehicle was provided by Toyota.

the amazing Baumé Restaurant, located on the grounds of Ben Ean at Pokolbin.

Delicious desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar.

The comfy bed inside Tiny House 888. Hope Estate is a great place for a drink.

The impressive Toyota Kluger Grande.

Chocolates at Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate.

Like Sudoku, no single number can rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [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.

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

This wordsearch is brought to you by CPAP Direct, would you finish it faster with a better night sleep? - cpap.com.au

Word Search

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

THEME: PROTEIN AMINO ACIDS BEANS BREAD BUCKWHEAT CARBON CHEESE COLLAGEN CONSUMPTION DIGEST ENERGY FOOD GRAINS HYDROGEN IMPORTANT KERATIN LEGUMES LENTILS LIVING CELLS NITROGEN

OAT BRAN

ORGANIC OXYGEN POLYPEPTIDES

STUFF OF LIFE SULPHUR VITAL

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about Barry Humphries in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In what year was Barry Humphries born?

2. How many times was Barry Humphries married?

3. What was the occupation of Humphries’ famous character, Dame Edna?

4. In what decade did Humphries first launch the Dame Edna character?

5. What was the name of Edna’s disabled husband?

6. Which major comedy event did Humphries help launch, only to be banned from years later?

7. Which American legal TV series did Dame Edna guest star in during its final season in 2002?

Housewife

4. 1950s 5. Norm 6. Melbourne Comedy Festival

7. ‘Ally McBeal’

Since 1924, MG has been steadfast in its forward-thinking, innovative mindset; inspired by the unwavering can-do attitude of its founder, Cecil Kimber.

Following this path, the brand has grown beyond its roots as an iconic sports car manufacturer to become an innovative EV brand. MG’s evolving brand identity is testament to this shift, with the Red Dot Design Award recognising this in its ‘Product Design’ category.

MG Motor Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ciao said the Cyberster is a design that better represents where MG stands today, and in the direction it will head in the future.

“The Cyberster pays respects to 100 years of MG creating vehicles that people love to drive. We don't think of ourselves as just car owners, it's more than that,” he said.

“These cars and MG are a part of history and we’re lucky

enough to be their custodians. A lot like a Swiss watch. You never really own it, you just keep this watch for the next generation.”

Ciao expressed his enthusiasm following the arrival of Cyberster test cars in Australia ahead of its launch later this year.

“In 2017 when I came into Australia with MG, I trusted the commercial logic – build a team, a brand, a company and focus on professionalism and provide the best value, or better value than other options. So that's why I can still remember my first interview in Australia.

‘Yeah, MG relaunching in Australia to offer one more choice for Australian customer and I will try my best to do a professional job and keep this option as a better choice for Australian customers.’ After seven years, there is no change, I’m still focused on this. And we focus on our professional job to offer best product, best service, best offer for customer. That's what we are doing,” he said.

The Red Dot Award is one of the world’s longest-standing design

competitions. First presented in 1955 as Design Innovations, the Red Dot Award has been titled as such since 2000. Each year, a jury of circa 50 internationally renowned experts select the best designs across three categories: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept.

Renowned globally, the Red Dot Award represent the most prestigious accolade in the realm of design and innovation. Organised by founder and CEO Professor Dr Peter Zec, the Red Dot Award doesn't just acknowledge aesthetic appeal, but a standard of excellence in design. Designated via a rigorous selection process, MG’s win is synonymous with industry recognition – underlining the marque’s innovation, creativity and desire to push the boundaries of design for everyday Australians and New Zealanders.

The Cyberster will join the international and local award-winning MG4 when it debuts in Australian showrooms next year.

TALENT FACTORY AT ST DOMS

Story continued from » p.88

With former students like Nathan Cleary, Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler, it’s little wonder why St Dominic’s College has been so successful over the decades nurturing up and coming talent.

Ross, a former student at the college himself, said the school is considered one of the best in the rugby league space because they put education first.

“To be honest, we don’t just focus on footy,” he said.

“If you’re a student at St Doms, you’re a student first and rugby league is a privilege, an extra-curricular activity. I think that really helps because when you’re a student here, you’re getting the right education, the right values, the discipline – all those things I’m sure parents like their boys to have.

“I think from there that sets these kids up to have good rugby league careers because you need all those things to transfer.”

Big victory for NSW

Penrith players make their mark in Championship success

Three players and an apprentice coach from the Penrith District Netball Association are still celebrating this week after their 19 and Under NSW State Team dominated at the 2024 National Netball Championships in Frankston, Victoria.

Hope White was prolific in wing attack with Neveah Metenga dominating in centre. The midcourters had the ball on a string throughout the Grand Final, driving hard to the circle edge and delivering pin-point feeds into the NSW attack circle.

The strength and accuracy of Monika Otai and Grace

from each athlete was a standout characteristic over the course of the whole competition.

Meanwhile, there was heartbreak for the NSW 17 and Under side who missed out on a bronze medal after an extra time thriller against Victoria.

The sides played out a draw earlier in the week and

Performance and Pathways Mardi Aplin was extremely proud of the athletes across the week.

“Both NSW teams played with immense pride and passion the whole week,” she said.

Winning nine out of nine games, the NSW 19s were a class above throughout the tournament as they finished off the weekend in fine style with a 10-goal Grand Final victory over a strong Queensland side to take home the gold.

Doing Penrith proud on the big stage were Isabella Degei, Katarina Sincek and Olivia Harris, while Sam May served as an apprentice coach.

Sincek along with fellow defenders Frederika Schneideman and Eugenie Little were outstanding in the decider, forcing the opposition to make multiple mistakes due to the pressure they applied which enabled NSW to turn over plenty of ball.

Whyte was a joy to watch for onlookers as they rewarded the great work of the team’s efforts in all areas of the court.

The depth in coach Amber Cross’ side, the majority of whom were Nationally Identified in 2023, was exceptional and the effort, team culture and energy

in the third-place playoff the Victorians couldn’t shake off a resilient NSW side who got back in level terms just before fulltime. Unfortunately, they were unable to get over the line in added time, and they went down fighting 47-44.

Netball NSW General Manager

“For our 19s to go through undefeated is testament to their character, resilience and hard work in the lead up to Nationals and their team work and determination throughout the tournament.

“While the 17s side will be understandably disappointed, the fight they showed in that final game is something they should be very proud of, and they will learn so much from this year’s Nationals and will continue to grow as both athletes and people.

“A huge thank you goes not only to the athletes who represented NSW so well but also the team behind the team who led from the front this entire campaign.”

NSW defender Frederika Schneideman was named the tournament’s MVP while Hope White was Player of the Grand Final.

NSW celebrate their National Netball title recently.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Kids take part in Wednesday’s clinic.

Panthers find their feet SPORT

Men get the job done against Illawarra Hawks, while women remain winless

It took a few weeks to find their feet, but Penrith have finally enjoyed their first win in the 2024 NBL1 East men’s competition.

After losing their opening three matches by an average margin of 14 points, the Panthers bounced back last Saturday evening to defeat the Illawarra Hawks 95-92.

The tight victory at The Snakepit down in Wollongong was made even more remarkable due to the fact that Penrith went down to Bankstown 88-77 the previous night.

But with skipper and local junior Ben Kearins filling up the box score with 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals, the Panthers were on a mission to deliver their fans a much-needed win.

Speaking before the double header last weekend, Penrith coach Jarrod Moore said his troops were inching closer and closer to victory.

“The league has definitely improved from last year and I feel like we’ve improved ourselves,” he told the Weekender

“The progress is definitely positive, we are in a place we want to be and the guys are putting in a supreme effort to get this team humming. We are certainly not far away from where we want to be.”

This year marks the second season Penrith

have been involved in the prestigious NBL1 East competition, which is a semi-professional league one rung below the NBL.

After losing more than they won in their debut season, Moore said the club has learned some very important lessons along the way.

“We learned to really put everyone in a position to succeed – I don’t think we did that very well last year,” he admitted.

“We’ve now given every individual the opportunity to not only cement themselves but the opportunity to flourish in that particular role and beyond.

“The guys have really grasped and bought into what we are trying to achieve this year, and everyone has learned from the Board to the administration to the coaching staff and to the players.”

Meanwhile, Penrith’s NBL1 East women’s team remain winless after four games.

The Panthers were trounced 104-72 by the Bankstown Bruins last Friday night and they didn’t fair much better on Saturday, losing 79-56 to the Hawks.

Despite international star and Penrith junior Tahlia Tupaea in their line-up and performing well, the Panthers are still finding their feet under new head coach Enrique Campos.

Both teams will play in another double header this weekend, this time against the Hills Hornets and Newcastle Falcons, both at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

Pendragons Abreast: supports the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating.

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

Come and try and have a chat over a coffee & morning tea.

Contact the membership coordinator for dates & times: 0 0407 278 384

NATHAN TAYLOR

Photo: James O’Donohue Photography.

Photo: James O’Donohue Photography.

How new Penrith Emus President Adam Fletcher is plotting a rugby revival Still life in the Emus yet

It's been long regarded as the toughest gig in local sport – President of the Penrith Emus.

But one passionate man with strong ties to local rugby and a deep love for the game is determined to not only return the Emus to the paddock next year, but make sure they stay for good.

At a recent AGM earlier this month, the Penrith Emus announced their 2024 Board of Directors with former Penrith RSL Junior Rugby Union boss Adam Fletcher taking over Gary McColl as the new President. Along with Fletcher, six other men – Ian Joliffe, Tim Cahalane, Warren Walsh, Kevin Carlin, Ray McDonald and Mark Cannon –will be tasked with getting the battling rugby club back on its feet.

After two years playing in the ACT Brumbies feeder competition the John I Dent Cup, the Emus were without a place to play this season after they were essentially booted out by the ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union due to on-field performance and logistical issues. It marked the third time since 2018 that the Emus had been dumped from a premier rugby competition. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Penrith Emus are determined to get things right once and for all under Fletcher and his new Board.

“We wanted some trusted names on the Board,” Fletcher told the Weekender “We hope people will see those names at NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia and they’ll have some faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Penrith.”

While the club is only at the beginning stages of returning to prominence, they have started to map out a plan of getting back on the field and playing again.

Their most likely return to the game will come via Suburban Rugby or Subbies as it’s

affectionately known.

“As part of the rebuild, we have to identify if we want to come back to premier rugby – if we have the support for it – or whether we just be like Blue Mountains and we’re a gateway to introduce rugby to people and we celebrate the fact they go elsewhere,” Fletcher said.

“It’s all going to depend on what the community and governing bodies do in the next couple of years, but for 2025 we’ll go to Subbies.”

And it’s good news for those diehard and

long suffering supporters of the Emus, under Fletcher and the current Board, the club have no plans to rebrand or relocate away from Nepean Rugby Park.

“A lot of people think we should rebrand or take the opportunity to move, but I have a little bit of knowledge in regard to what happened at the Two Blues when they dropped ‘Parramatta’ and for now, that’s a bigger battle that we don’t need,” Fletcher said.

“We need to get everyone back that has an affinity with the place.

“To change names or do something drastic is not what we want.”

To help build the community’s confidence and trust in the club again, the Emus are starting small by cleaning up their social media presence, updating their website, and unveiling a new Club Shop.

It's a long road and one that many good people have hopped off over the years due to the array of challenges it presents, but Fletcher is determined to see it through.

“We want to be a community hub and a club that people want to come to, but we need to win the community over and I think we’re in a good position to do that,” Fletcher said.

“We’d love to hear from locals who may be able to help us. I really want to see Nepean Rugby Park full of spectators again when we do eventually return.

“If the community wants a rugby club, then we need to have that support.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Penrith Emus President, Adam Fletcher, at Nepean Rugby Park earlier this week.

SPORTS SHORTS

Wanderers get their calculators out

FOOTBALL: The equation to play in the A-League Finals is simple for Western Sydney: defeat Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and hope 11th placed Western United cause a massive upset on Sunday by beating Melbourne City. The Wanderers will have to qualify for their second post-season in a row the hard way after they lost their final home match of the season 2-1 last Saturday evening. A win over Melbourne City would’ve locked in Western Sydney’s place in the 2024 playoffs, but instead they’ll have to win this weekend and make sure other results go their way. City led 2-0 at halftime after Leo Natel and Marin Jakolis scored goals in the opening stanza at CommBank Stadium. Clearly unhappy with his side’s first half performance, Wanderers coach Marko Rudan made two changes at the break and it was one of those substitutes, Marcus Younis, who dragged his side back into the contest with a perfectly placed header to make it 2-1 in the 69th minute. Western Sydney dominated the last 20 minutes but couldn’t find an equaliser. “No one is happy about the position that we are in, but I’ve been in the game long enough to know there is no guarantees in football. We are going to fight to the end, we have another week to go, so as far as I’m concerned it ain’t over,” Rudan said of his side’s Finals chances.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the re-signing of defender Danika Matos for the next two A-League Women’s seasons. Matos joined the Wanderers back in 2019 as a youngster and became a formidable part of the starting 11 a season later. A one-club player, the fast-paced defender has been a standout in the club’s defence and her new deal will see her at the club for seven seasons. Head coach Robbie Hooker praised Matos’ ongoing commitment to the club. “We are very proud to have Danika at the club for another two seasons as she embodies our club values both on and off the field,” he said. “Danika has all the attributes we look for in players and she is a fantastic leader to have in our changerooms.”

AFL: The GWS Giants have lost their first game of the season, beaten by Carlton 117-98 in Round 6 of the AFL. After an extraordinary run of six goals in 14 minutes in the third term, the Blues twice hauled in 20-point margins to overrun the ladder-leading and previously undefeated Giants, winning by 19 in a 117-98 result at a packed Marvel Stadium. It was Greater Western Sydney’s first loss of the season following an historic start to the year. The Giants have extraordinarily slipped to third

on the ladder with Sydney and Geelong now ahead on the standings. GWS were due to play the Brisbane Lions on Thursday night as part of ANZAC Round.

VFL: The GWS Giants celebrated big this week after defeating the top of the table Werribee Football Club 106-98 in the latest round of the VFL. Played at Avalon Airport Oval, the Giants came from behind to defeat the ladder leaders in spectacular fashion. The Giants, who have risen to seventh spot, will face the North Melbourne Kangaroos on Friday afternoon at Blacktown International Sports Park. First bounce is at 1pm.

AFL: The Penrith Rams will return from their last round bye to face the Randwick City Saints this Saturday afternoon at Greygums Oval. The Round 4 AFL Men’s Division 2 clash will get underway at 2pm. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have suffered a narrow 13-10 defeat at the hands of Southern Power in Round 3 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes will battle the St George Dragons this Saturday morning at Greygums.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have failed to win back-to-back games, losing to the South Coast Blaze 65-36 in Round 4 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers U23s team have suffered their first defeat, going down to the girls from the South Coast 50-43. Both sides

will aim to bounce back when they take on the Sutherland Stingrays in Round 5.

SUPER NETBALL: The Giants are yet to find a win in the Super Netball, going down to the Queensland Firebirds 65-62 in Brisbane last weekend. The Giants were down by 10 after the first quarter and were never able to recover. The Giants will return home this Sunday afternoon when they tackle the Melbourne Vixens at Ken Rosewall Arena.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 5 of the NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend, with mixed results for St Marys and Brothers Penrith. In the Ron Massey Cup, Brothers Penrith went down to Glebe 40-14, while St Marys took care of business against the Wenty Magpies 34-18. In the Sydney Shield, Brothers Penrith enjoyed a 28-22 win over Cabramatta, while St Marys thrashed the Wentworthville Magpies 41-12. Brothers Penrith have the bye this weekend, while St Marys will face the Ryde-Eastwood

RUGBY LEAGUE: The NSWRL will look to hold a ‘Magic Round’ every year for Licensed Clubs Round following

success

year’s

saw nine games of footy held across two days at St Marys Leagues Stadium. The NSWRL elected to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Licensed Clubs in NSW with an inaugural ‘Magic Round’ format at St Marys Leagues Stadium with all five games of Sydney Shield played on Saturday, followed by all four Ron Massey Cup games on Sunday. GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au.

Hawks in both games at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

the

of this

event, which

Wanderers youngster Marcus Younis scores a goal for his side last Saturday at CommBank Stadium. Photo: Getty Images.

The Giants lost to the Firebirds last week.

Photo: Bryden Sharp Photography.

NRL players past, present and emerging returned to their old stomping ground this week to play a role in St Dominic’s College’s first-ever rugby league clinic for primary school students.

Mavrik Geyer, Jordan Grant, Jett Cleary, Zac Cini, Brendan Hands and Geoff Daniella were among the current and

former players eager to lend a hand at the Kingswood-based school on Wednesday morning.

Open to boys aged between 10-12, St Dominic’s were inundated with interest when they announced the specialised school holiday training clinic earlier this year.

“We were very surprised with the turnout,” PDHPE teacher and Panthers Pathway Development Coach, Michael Ross said.

“Fellow coach Kyle [Churchill] and I were hoping for around 50-60 but that blew out to 120 and today we have 160 kids here.

“Unfortunately we had about 40-50 kids on a wait list because we couldn’t accommodate everyone, but next year we’d like to have as many as we can.”

The idea to run the school holiday rugby league clinic was born following strong interest from parents in the local area. With the school flush with talented coaches – many of whom are involved in

the Panthers Pathway system – it was a no-brainer to showcase to the community what St Dominic’s has to offer.

“We’ve had a lot of enquiries from families about sport and rugby league at the school,” Ross said.

“So, we had the idea that in the holidays we’d open this all up and showcase what we are doing from both a school and rugby league aspect.”

Story continues on » p. 84

NATHAN TAYLOR