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ISSUE 168 17 17.01.14 01 14

PULL OUT AND KEEP! PENRITH’S NUMBER ONE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

OUTDOOR CINEMAS FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS

WEEKLY WINE A SUMMERY ROSÈ

MORNING MELODIES STOMPING THE IVORIES

RULING ENGLAND

THE SEEKERS’ KEITH POTGER REIGNITES 60’S PASSION Any function booked for Jan-March 2014 will receive

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Thank you... to all those who gave presents to our giving tree at Christmas time. All gifts received were given to the families of fire victims in the Blue Mountains. Big thank you to Western Weekender for their support and to Mr Koperberg at the Blue Mountains Fire Recovery for assistance in distributing the gifts to those in need.

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Cover Story

WHEN AUSSIES RULED BRITTANIA

The Seekers are Australian music royalty and Keith Potger tells SHANNON COCHRANE how the band managed to endure, and why he has so much in common with new touring partner Frank Ifield...

s a member of legendary band The Seekers, Keith Potger became one of the most prominent names in the 60’s British music scene, joining a wave of other Aussie artists who found success in London. Now, half a century later, he’s recreating the excitement and creativity of that era in his tour ‘When Aussies Ruled Brittania’, in which he will share the stage with fellow musician Frank Ifield for the first time. The concert promises a nostalgic set list of Potger’s songs with The Seekers including ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’, ‘A World of Our Own’ and ‘Morningtown Ride’, along with Ifield’s hits like ‘I Remember You’, ‘Wayward Wind’ and ‘Love Sick Blues’. The duo will be appearing at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith on Friday, January 17, playing all their greatest hits and also sharing stories from their amazing careers. Despite Potger and Ifield both rising to fame in the hive of creativity that was 1960’s England, the pair led strikingly similar yet separate lives, never crossing paths until decades later. “Both artists, Frank and me, through the mid-60’s were lucky enough to be in England at a time when everything was happening and England was the centre of the musical universe,” Potger explained. “We were both born outside Australia, came to Australia… and since that time, our lives have been going parallel to each other but without touching each other or without ever being on the same stage together.” With each performer boasting a catalogue of chart-topping hits, ‘When Aussies Ruled

FYi Issue 168

Printed at Spot Press Pty Ltd

Editor Cassandra O’Connor Cassandra.OConnor@westernweekender.com.au

Brittania’ will naturally focus on music although there will also be plenty of reminiscing to satisfy the demands of audiences. “There will be quite a few tales and narrations and stories to tell that haven’t been heard before, we have a lot of happy memories about that era and it’ll definitely resonate with people who grew up in that time… and perhaps for the younger people in the audience, give them an insight into a most exciting period in musical history,” Potger said. Although The Seekers are considered musical royalty in Australia, Potger has remained grounded and can recall the beginning of his career, before their success in the UK, when they were just another local Australian band. “We were an amateur group, a coffee lounge group… all we were doing was just enjoying ourselves and relating to this wonderful little audience that we used to get every Monday night at the coffee lounge, then we got the opportunity to go overseas on a boat… and that was when it all sort of started. We ended up in London at precisely the right time we should have,” he said. With 50 years of music behind him, Potger undoubtedly has many high points, but considers the mid-60’s when The Seekers released ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’ to be the peak of his career. “We generally tend to think of a succession of things, which probably started with having our first number one single in the UK with our first release, something that I don’t think any other act has been able to achieve… that was the start of a whole string of highlights,” he said. While many musicians from that era fizzled

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That would have been unheard of in the time I grew up... out by the 70’s, The Seekers celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, which Potger attributes to their tight friendship and refusal to get caught up in their own hype. “I think we were very grounded… because we were so close to each other, we acted as a family. I think it helped us to have some common sense about the music industry; and while we enjoyed tremendously the fact we were rubbing shoulders with some of the top acts in the world at that time, we didn’t tend to get sucked into the make believe world of music. I think we were much more realistic about our success,” he said. Potger’s current tour may be geared towards the past, but the musician himself continues to create fresh music and said he

embraces the effect that technology has had on the music industry. “I can carry my laptop around with me and I can be recording… so when I was in Penrith just yesterday and the day before, I was able to record some music tracks. That would have been unheard of in the time I grew up.”

Keith Potger and Frank Ifield will bring ‘When Aussies Ruled Brittania’ to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, January 17 at 7pm. Tickets are $75 for adults or $59.90 for concession. For bookings or more information, call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

Live

COOKING UP MAGIC AND MADNESS

enrith Panthers might be best known as an entertainment hotspot for adults, but this summer it’s also hosting a range of great activities specifically for the kids. The club, which is one of Penrith’s most popular venues, will be holding family-oriented shows and events throughout January to keep kids entertained in the school holidays. Dr Seuss’ classic book The Lorax will be reimagined as a musical at the Evan Theatre on Monday, January 20. Staged by local performing group PAWS Studios, ‘The Lorax’ is set in the city of Thneedville, which is plastic, fake and completely free of nature. Young Thneedville resident Audrey longs for real trees in her city, triggering her friend Ted (who has a crush on her) to set off on a quest to discover the story behind the synthetic town and return it to its natural state. Filled with fun silliness and colourful imagination, ‘The Lorax’ is an engaging

story with a strong message about environmentalism and community values with heaps of great characters the kids will love. Penrith Panthers will also be holding a magic show, with Joey the Magician performing for free on Tuesday, January 21, armed with plenty of tricks up his sleeve and illusions that will wow young audiences. Kids can get involved in the action on Wednesday, January 22 when Penrith Panthers hosts a game of Kids Bingo in the Evan Theatre, with an option to purchase a meal in the ticket price. There will also be a ‘Back 2 Skool’ raffle held on the same day, with up to $1,100 worth of back to school gift cards for retailers such as Big W, Lowes, Officeworks, Smiggle, Paul’s Warehouse and Insport on offer for the lucky winners. Parents who want to get their kids inspired about cooking will love the ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ event held on Thursday, January 23. Featuring expert chefs from Panthers

sharing their skills and knowledge, the class will teach children fun ways of cooking and guide them in preparing their own lunch meals. Mum’s peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

man be a thing of the past! For more information and ticket prices on Penrith Panthers’ school holiday activities, visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au.

personal information about the interviewee’s past. Director Gabby Florek recently completed her second year at Sydney University, where she is involved with the drama society, and has also worked with the Chalkdust Theatre Company. She directs Blacktown actors Rhiannan Villano, a volunteer at the Blacktown Arts Centre, and Mandy Sugar, a HSC student

who has previously acted in Captivate Drama works. The Short and Sweet Theatre Festival is held at the King Street Theatre in Newtown. ‘Outside the Box’ and ‘Ask Not For Whom the Post is Liked’ are both featured in week two of the program, showing from Wednesday, January 15 until Sunday, January 19. For more information or tickets, visit www. shortandsweet.org.

FESTIVAL A LEG UP FOR LOCAL STARS

ocal students are ready to show off their dramatic skills in the Short and Sweet theatre festival in Sydney. The Short and Sweet Theatre Festival is held annually at the King Street Theatre in Newtown and displays a variety of 10-minute plays, with the program changing weekly. Two plays that were directed and performed by students from western Sydney theatre group Captivate Drama Ensemble have been chosen to feature in week two of the festival, from Wednesday, January 15 to Sunday, January 19. The play ‘Outside the Box’ was written by Dan Borengasser and directed by Henrietta Stathopoulos, a senior drama and VET entertainment teacher at St Andrews College in Marayong. Students from western Sydney will perform in the play, which stars university student Brittany Ayden and St Andrews College Year 10 students Elizabeth May and Emma Webb,

who are all Blacktown residents. Penrith actor Brandon Lees will also perform in the Short and Sweet festival for the fourth year in a row, following on from his recent role as an extra in Angelina Jolie’s film ‘Unbroken’. The theatre festival is a good opportunity for western Sydney students to hone their theatrical skills and get performance experience, according to Ms Stathopoulos. “This is an excellent event for students who have been working and refining their acting and directing skills in a professional environment. Over the last three years, we have gone from four students to now eight, all wanting to be involved either as an actor, director or in stage management,” she said. Fellow Captivate Drama director, Gabby Florek, will stage the play ‘Ask Not For Whom the Post is Liked’. The play explores an interview that starts off well but quickly goes awry and turns into an interrogation when the interviewer uncovers

AUSTRALIA DAY Sunday 26 January 2014

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Live

STOMPING IVORIES AT THE JOAN

he renowned Morning Melodies series is back at the Joan Sutherland Centre for 2014 and starting the year on a musical high. Audiences will be taken on a journey across musical history with ‘Stomping Ivories: The Duelin’ Pianos Show’, which will feature two world class pianists and a spirited drummer playing songs from eight decades of popular music. The concert will be held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, January 22 at 11am, and the ticket price includes a delicious morning tea at 10am prior to the show. Leading the trio of performers is the charismatic Hughie Murray, who is joined by fellow pianist Michael McGlynn and drummer Pete Clark. These talented musicians have the perfect mix of technical precision and stage presence, making for an entertaining show that includes catchy tunes and a good dose of wit and

humour. With an eclectic repertoire that spans across genres and decades, ‘The Duelin’ Pianos Show’ features a diverse range of songs, from Cab Calloway to Peter Allen and Gershwin to Lady Gaga. While the music is fantastic, the show’s atmosphere and use of audience participation is also an important part of the act. Both Murray and McGlynn are comfortable playing everything – from the honky tonk of Elton John to uptempo AC/DC piano covers or swinging, classy Frank Sinatra pieces, these two masters of music can handle anything and even indulge in an on-stage duel attempting to outplay each other. Accompanied by Clark’s expert drumming, these talented international musicians have toured Australia and have performed with artists such as Keith Urban, INXS, Slim Dusty, Guy Sebastian, Lou Rawls and more. They have played to great reception in venues across Australia, including the

Parliament House grand ballroom, and appeared on ‘Landline’ on ABC TV and ‘Mornings’ on Channel Nine. ‘Stomping Ivories: The Duelin’ Pianos Show’ will be held at the Joan Sutherland

Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, January 22 at 11am. Tickets are $20. For bookings or more information on the series, call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

to Maroon 5. A performance by The Limited Edition is a treat you cannot afford to miss. The Limited Edition will perform at TC’s After Dark, Penrith Panthers on Saturday,

January 18. Entry is free. For more information, visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au. To make enquiries or bookings, visit www. chantellemorrell.com.au.

NO LIMIT TO BAND’S REPERTOIRE

ormer ‘X Factor’ contestant Chantelle Morrell has continued to pursue her love of music, performing with her band The Limited Edition across Sydney. The Limited Edition, who perform a wide variety of hit pop and soul songs, will be playing at TC’s After Dark, Penrith Panthers on Saturday, January 18. After making it into the Top 24 on the 2011 series of television show ‘The X Facto’r, where she was mentored in Los Angeles by former Spice Girl Mel B, singer Chantelle Morrell teamed up with talented musicians to form The Limited Edition. Morrell’s beautiful vocals are accompanied on stage by piano, bass, drums, guitar, saxophone and percussion, as well as delightful back-up singers. While The Limited Edition specialise in performing, all of the musicians are also music tutors, with Morrell working as a vocal teacher for five years. Their set list includes the band’s unique,

catchy arrangements of popular Top 40 hits by artists such as Beyonce, Katy Perry, Daft Punk, Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Bruno Mars, Usher and Chris Brown. Classic tracks from the 80’s and 90’s are also part of The Limited Edition’s range, with the band giving new life to much-loved soul and disco songs by Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan and Earth, Wind & Fire. The band has performed at weddings, corporate events, clubs and private functions across the city, with previous shows at Le Montage and Doltone House. Morrell is no stranger to Penrith Panthers, and regularly performs at the Squires Terrace on Thursday nights, accompanied by an acoustic guitarist and multi-percussionist, for a more relaxed gig. These performances provide a low key, intimate experience with Morrell stripping back jazz and pop hits to their organic, acoustic core, covering everything from Etta James

Live

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

JESSICA MAUBOY

Friday, January 17 Penrith Panthers $79

URBAN STONE

Saturday, January 18 Rooty Hill RSL Free entry

Jessica Mauboy Venue: Penrith Panthers $79, 8pm 4720 5555 When Aussies Ruled Britannia Venue: Joan Sutherland Centre $75, 7pm 4723 7600 Rowan Atkinson Tribute Show Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $18 members/$25 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 The Kamis Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 Endless Summer Beach Party Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Live Entertainment Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 Skyz the Limit

BOULEVARD OUTDOOR CINEMAS

ydney’s biggest free summer movies festival has returned for the 13th year in a row, providing fun outdoor entertainment for families. The Movies by the Boulevard summer outdoor movies program will be held throughout January at Cathy Freeman Park on Olympic Boulevard at Sydney Olympic Park, with free movies showing every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The festival gives families a chance to enjoy outstanding entertainment, according to Minister for Sport and Recreation Gabrielle Upton. “Movies by the Boulevard serves up a feast of 11 feature films, with something for everyone, culminating in the ‘Short Soup’ international short film festival,” Ms Upton said. “There’s the high octane superhero thrills of ‘The Wolverine’, ‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘Thor - The Dark World’, to great kids fun with ‘Turbo’, ‘Despicable Me 2’ and ‘Monsters University’, plus movies as varied as ‘Life of Pi’ and ‘The

Great Gatsby’.” Other films on offer include Disney classic ‘Epic’ and ‘The Croods’, both animated films that will delight young kids. On each Friday and Saturday night, a range of free kids activities are available from 5pm to keep families entertained before the movies are screened. The festival is entirely free, and although food and drinks are available to purchase from food stalls and cafes, families are also permitted to bring their own packed picnics and seating equipment. “Outdoor cinema with friends and family is a quintessential Sydney summer experience and Movies by the Boulevard provides that experience for free, with hundreds of thousands of mums, dads and kids making the most of the summer’s best free movies over the past 13 years,” Ms Upton said. Movies by the Boulevard will be held at Cathy Freeman Park. Entry is free. For more, visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au.

Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Time Machine Duo Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 7.30pm 4737 4600

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 Jukebox Saturday Night Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free for members/$8 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Urban Stone Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Mesa Groove Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 A Pommie Night Out Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50 members/$10.50 visitors, 8pm 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway

Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Chris Drummond Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 M Seven Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Live Entertainment Venue: Penrith Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Sweet Vibrations Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 The Great Escape Duo Venue: Kingswood Sports Club Free entry, 8.30pm 4737 4600

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555 The Listening Room Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 12pm, 4720 5555

Live FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

LISA COUCH & DIG THIS

Friday, January 24 St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry

M SEVEN

Saturday, January 25 Rooty Hill RSL Free entry

Cold Chisel and INXS Show Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5 members/$12 visitors, 8pm 9625 5500 Celebration Mix Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Party Mode Duo Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 4720 5555 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 Live Entertainment Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 Lisa Crouch & Dig This Venue: St Marys Rugby Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Time Machine Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

KP Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 9pm 4720 5555 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 M Seven Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Live Entertainment Venue: Penrith Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Live Entertainment Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 Akinga Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 A Salute to the Boyz From Oz Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50 members/$10.50 visitors, 8pm

9830 0600 Dennis Demello Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Aussie Rock Revival Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Joe Grima Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 Ange Pash Venue: Penrith Panthers Free entry, 4pm 4720 5555 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555 Oz Rock Special Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Colours 2014 Venue: St Marys Band Club $15, 9pm 9623 1211

CIRCUS OZ CRANKED UP WITH TRICKS

ircus Oz is back and ready to impress Sydney-siders with plenty of colourful entertainment, death-defying stunts and graceful acrobatics. The circus troupe’s latest show ‘Cranked Up’ will be showing until Monday, January 27 under the Circus Oz Big Top at Sydney’s Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. With a set that was inspired by a construction site, ‘Cranked Up’ is a wild, thrilling ride featuring some of the most talented and daring circus performers in the world. Circus Oz returns to Sydney triumphantly in 2014, fresh from a string of successful performances, including a recent season of standing ovations in New York City during an American tour. The circus also travelled across Australia, performing everywhere from remote Arnhem Land communities to capital cities and garnered rave reviews. ‘Cranked Up’ has been long in the making,

with the Circus Oz team developing the show’s characters, routines, stunts and dances over a period of almost two years – perfecting it for its Sydney season. Exciting new faces will join the Circus Oz ensemble for the show, including Indigenous performers Mark Sheppard and Dale Woodbridge, who were recruited from the Circus Oz BLAKflip program and bring energy and stunt-mastery to the show. They will join Circus Oz’s multi-skilled crew of acrobats, musicians, clowns and jugglers for ‘Cranked Up’, which embodies the group’s classic larrikin spirit and awe-inspiring routines. Since its creation in 1978, Circus Oz has become renowned for its unique brand of performance, with the New York Post declaring its shows have: “A blend of high energy acrobatics, juggling, magic, exuberant clowning and all around derring-do, accompanied by a pounding rock score”. Unlike its traditional counterparts, Circus Oz steers clear from using animals and instead

has created its own innovative, uniquely Australian take on circus arts. ‘Cranked Up’ will be performed at the Circus Oz Sydney Big Top at Tumbalong Park,

Darling Harbour until Monday, January 27. Tickets range from $25-$95. For bookings or more information, call 136 100 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.au.

What’s On The...

SMALL SCREEN

BIG SCREEN

he classic movie adaptation of the book Mary Poppins has delighted audiences for decades, but before it hit the screens, Walt Disney had to negotiate with the book’s author. In the charmingly nostalgic ‘Saving Mr Banks’, Emma Thompson stars as author P.L. Travers, who is low on money and has finally begrudgingly agreed to meet with Walt Disney (played by Tom Hanks) to discuss the rights to her book. A series of flashbacks shows Travers’ difficult childhood in Australia, but the true nature of the cautious, highly guarded writer remains a mystery to Disney and his colleagues in California. Teaming up with the Disney creative team, Travers works on transforming her story into a film but struggles as she finds the Americans, including the friendly, eccentric Walt Disney himself, to be overly casual and poorly mannered. As modern audiences will no doubt already know, despite the rocky development of ‘Mary Poppins’, the film manages to make it to cinemas and Travers finds herself a changed woman.

SAVING MR BANKS [ Rated PG] Starring: Emma Thompson & Tom Hanks

CONSOLE

SMURFS 2 [ Rated G] Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Kary Perry & Hank Azaria

STEREO

lassic 90’s animation ‘Dragon Ball Z’ hits Xbox 360, with main character Goku returning to provide a battle-filled game sure to entertain. In this special edition of the game, available from JB Hi Fi, the disc itself is accompanied by an exclusive Goku figurine, an art book of ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z’ that features content from the development team, and a unique ingame costume for Goku. The game itself gives players the chance to engage in amazing, gripping fights between Goku, his friends and their enemies, with plenty of new moves and challenges to keep the game interesting. In ‘Battle of Z’, cooperation is vital as Goku must team up with allies to defeat the evil enemies. The new Super Saiyan GOD mode lets players harness more power than ever before to face up against enemies including Giant Ape Vegeta and Frieza. Online gaming options lets players enjoy ‘Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z’ with up to eight other gamers.

he Smurfs may have started as a Belgian comic in the 1950’s, but the passage of decades hasn’t stopped their star power or their ability to charm audiences. The cute, blue creatures returned to the big screen and smashed box office expectations last year in ‘Smurfs 2’, and now the fun family movie is available to own on DVD. This follow up to ‘The Smurfs’ sees all the favourite characters return as the Smurfs have to reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace to save the day. Beautiful Smurfette (Katy Perry) is struggling as she has nightmares in which she betrays her Smurf friends and hands them over to the evil Gargamel. Meanwhile, every Smurf in the village is busy planning a surprise party for Smurfette’s birthday and knowingly push her away and make her feel unwelcome as they try to keep the festivities a secret. Gargamel is also plotting away, making mischevious Smurf-like creatures that he calls the Naughties, hoping to use them to harness the powerful Smurf essence.

DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF Z GOKU EDITION XBOX 360

arah Blasko has long been a darling of the Australian indie scene, and in 2013 she took her career one step further by performing one of her biggest shows ever. Blasko lit up the stage at the Sydney Opera House when she performed her album ‘I Awake’ live alongside the Sydney International Orchestra in a sold out event that left fans in awe. The concert was also seen across the globe as it was live streamed via YouTube. Now the beautiful live experience can be relived over and over with ‘I Awake: Live at Sydney Opera House’, which captures the atmosphere and fabulous music of Blasko’s performance. ‘I Awake’ was Blasko’s fourth studio album, and its songs reveal a more mature, personal side to the singer. Written while Blasko was living alone in England, and recorded in Stockholm and Bulgaria with the lush accompaniment of the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, the music on ‘I Awake’ is well-suited to orchestral performance.

All of the tracks from ‘I Awake’ feature on the album, including the title song, along with songs such as ‘No Turning Back’, ‘Birds On A Wire’, ‘All I Want’ and ‘All of Me’. Blasko’s haunting, gorgeous voice combined with the power of the Sydney International Orchestra make this live recording an amazing musical experience.

SARAH BLASKO I AWAKE - LIVE AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Opening for Breakfast

Tattersalls Hotel Penrith Cnr Station St & Union Lane, Penrith Ph: (02) 4732 6373

from Monday 20th January 2014 7-10am (7 days a week)

www.tattersallshotelpenrith.com.au

Bacon & Egg Roll + Coffee 

Celebrate Australia Day Sunday 26th January 2014



Valid until 28th Feb 2014

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BJ’S BRASSERIE Open for Lunch and Dinner • 7days a week

at Kemps Creek Sporting and Bowling Club FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE TERRACE

Kemps Creek Sporting & Bowling Club Elizabeth Drive, Kemps Creek Ph: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au WW3808

LOCAL RADIO

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CELEBRATE

AUSTRALIA DAY AT KING HENRY’S COURT! Come in and join King Henry’s Court celebrations and enjoy a special hearty Australia Day menu (includes house beer, wine or soft drink)

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY STAFF ON 4721 1155

74 Henry Street, Penrith Ph: 4721 1155 www.kinghenryscourt.com.au

WW6539

WW6535 Cnr Argyle & Mileham Street South Windsor NSW 2756 Ph. 02 4587 6900 www.windsorrsl.com.au

WW6592

Wine and Dine

EAT OUT THIS WEEKEND

on’t be turned off by the stereotype – Hooters is a great place to eat and you’re guaranteed to have a fun time. Whether it be their famous chicken wings or one of their great burgers, the Hooters menu has something for everyone – and there’s a great range of drinks, too. They have a great, upbeat atmosphere and if you’re a sports fan, you’ll love the atmosphere with multiple big screen TVs to watch plenty of live sport every single weekend. With excellent service and reasonable prices, give Hooters a try today.

HOOTERS

261 Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 4733 5428.

t can be easy to forget the great food that Nando’s has on offer, but quietly tucked away in the Centro Nepean complex, chicken and chips doesn’t get much better than this! Plus the range on the menu will simply amaze you but don’t forget to try the Portuguese flame grilled butterfly cut peri peri chicken! With sit-in or take-away options, Nando’s is a great choice for the entire family or for your next party. You’ll love the spices, the flavour and the great prices… there’s very little not to love about Nando’s. They even do catering!

NANDO’S

O THE UNION

ne of Penrith’s best kept secrets, The Union is a hidden gem of dining! This tapas restaurant does very little advertising and its website is modest to say the least, but word of mouth has clearly ensured it’s a winner in the local area. Without a booking you’ll struggle to get a table on a Friday or Saturday night. The menu is huge – you simply won’t know what to pick! We certainly recommend the empanadas but you won’t go wrong no matter what you order… just be prepared for an argument at your table over what to select! Top off your meal with the specialty of the house – the sangria! Union Lane, Penrith. Phone 4721 4501.

A SWEET AND DRY ROSÈ FOR SUMMERY ENJOYMENT by David Ellis

e don’t get into the Rosé here with quite the enthusiasm they do in Europe – there, most Rosés are quite inexpensive, with even the best quality ones cheap enough to enjoy nicely chilled as everyday quaffers in particularly warm regions. Apple Tree Flat owner and winemaker, Peter Logan is a Rosé buff, and would like to see Australians getting into the European tradition of enjoyment of this wine… and hopes his just-released 2013 Apple Tree Flat Rosé will encourage at least some of us to do so – particularly as this is a quality drop, yet just $13 a bottle. Made from Shiraz and Merlot fruit grown on Peter’s Mudgee and Orange vineyards in the NSW Central Ranges, it has lovely cherry, red berry and spice aromas, and on the palate you’ll find suggestions of mixed berries, rhubarb, nuts and a long, spicy finish. “Rosé is a fun wine,” Peter says. “And a good one like this has to be dry,

or it becomes like alcoholic cordial. But at the same time it has to have some sweetness from the fruit flavours to give it that wonderful summery feeling.” He’s certainly achieved his goals with this drop; enjoy it chilled with an enormous range of food options – Spanish tapas, seafoods, summer-time cold meats and salads, paella, BBQ’d pork, chicken or veal, spicy Indian or Thai dishes, or simply with a good pizza. One to note: Western Australia’s Ferngrove Wines have released a wonderfully easydrinking 2011 Frankland River Cabernet Merlot under their Symbols label, one that’s good value at $16.50. The result of what winemaker Kim Horton calls “a strong vintage” with a long, warm Indian summer, this is a wine with lots of juicy blackberry and red plums to the forefront on the palate, and with supporting vanilla oak and grainy tannins. Just the drop to enjoy with a grilled porterhouse steak and garlic potato mash.

Centro Nepean, Station Street, Penrith. Phone 4732 6464.

ne of Penrith’s newest restaurants, Rashay’s is perfect for the entire family with a spacious layout and casual atmosphere. Located on Mulgoa Road, the huge restaurant has a range of dishes including pizza, steak, seafood and chicken – which is their specialty. There’s a range of starters, main courses and some beautiful desserts, so make sure you turn up to Rashay’s hungry! If you haven’t tried Rashay’s yet, make some time with the family and head there this weekend for affordable, good quality food.

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Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 1300 013 000.

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Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

Solution to last week’s mind benders

1. 4. 8. 11. 13. 15. 17. 18. 20. 21. 24. 27. 28. 30. 31. 33. 34. 35. 36. 39. 42. 44. 45. 46. 48. 49. 50. 52. 54. 55. 56. 57. 60. 62. 65. 67. 69. 70. 72. 73. 75. 77. 79. 81.

Worm-spun fibre Dispatch (4,3) Flower jar Hit the road Popular (myth) Platters Product promos Ill, ... the weather USA, Uncle ... More rational Converses Jogged Nominated Peeved Fresher Pressure line on map From Denmark Healing gel, aloe ... Banded gemstone Complied Anaesthetic gas Ones & ... Smears Fluid-filled pouches Live coal Minced-meat cake Dedicatory poems Chopped Slender but tough Indian dresses 10-year period Have (to) Surrender signal, white ... Steel-belted tyre Desk Fashion flair Coffee bars Commanded Mi, ..., soh Hiking holidays Smorgasbord Chaps Eagle’s nest Self-image

82. Musical, The Phantom Of The ... 84. Join up 85. Skinflint 86. Colours (fabric) 87. Methods 88. Misprint

29. 32. 35. 37. 38. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 47. 51. 52. 53. 54. 58. 59.

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Mr Joyce. “Qantas is the biggest private investor in promoting Australia as a destination, and the United States is one of the biggest source markets for people visiting our country. An estimated 25 million people will watch this episode when it first airs, which is fantastic exposure and great news for tourism.”

CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor

ne of the most popular comedies on TV at the moment, ‘Modern Family’ is heading down under. The vacation episode of the show’s next series will be filmed in Australia thanks to a partnership between the producers and Qantas. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said it is a huge coup for Australia to feature in an episode of the multi Emmy award-winning show. “We are excited to partner with Twentieth Century Fox to promote what Australia has to offer to the world through this special holiday episode. The humour of the show is a great fit with Australia’s own and as the national carrier we are proud to support this innovative way of encouraging more people to fly to here,” said

I’m a little perplexed by Channel Nine’s decision to permanently move to a one-hour news bulletin at 6pm this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s what Seven needs to take control of the 6pm slot after struggling to win viewers in Sydney following the retirement of Ian Ross some years ago. While the commercial networks have expanded their news broadcasts significantly in recent times, the 6pm news bulletin is one of those “don’t touch it” models and to extend to an hour just isn’t warranted. I’m just surprised that Channel Nine would dare tinker with not only a ratings winning format of the sharp 6pm bulletin, but change the format of the number one program of the night most days of the week. Meanwhile, the big test for ‘A Current Affair’ in its new 7pm timeslot will come when ‘Home and Away’ returns. The long-running soap is a ratings juggernaut and I doubt it’ll lose any of its viewers just because ‘A Current Affair’ has moved. In fact, if anything, Seven may grab extra viewers for ‘Today Tonight’ for those looking for that trashy current affairs fix that has become the norm at 6.30pm. The farewell episode of Packed to the Rafters has topped the list of “Timeshifted”

shows for 2013. 257,000 more viewers watched the Julie and Dave Rafter say goodbye in the seven days after the broadcast, according to annual figures released by OzTAM. That lifted the finale from 1.33 million viewers to 1.59 million. Foxtel has quietly been showing all new episodes of Pawn Stars on the A&E Channel weeknights at 7pm. The show has lost some of its polish and charm from the early seasons, but it’s still a whole heap of fun. It is pretty rare that Perth gets to see anything before the East Coast given the time difference, but our friends over in the

west have finally had a win. The third season of ‘Sherlock’ will air in Perth first on Sunday, January 19. The one-day cricket is on that day, and won’t finish until 10pm in Sydney and Melbourne. But it’ll be over by 7pm Perth time, which will give Nine the opportunity to show ‘Sherlock’ in prime time. The network hasn’t confirmed a time for the other states. For those wondering what happened to Channel Nine’s Andrew Voss after he suddenly disappeared from screens at the end of 2012, he’s been working on radio of late and has just finished a stint as the summer breakfast host on 2UE. Additional reporting by Troy Dodds

Relax

ASHES DEFEAT TAKES US BACK TO THE DAYS OF ‘NUGGET’ MILLER by David Ellis

atching fast bowler Mitchell Johnson systematically destroy the English side in the recent Ashes series with his pace took us back a lot of years to another extraordinary player with not just the ball, but the bat as well, and that was the flamboyant and larger-than-life Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller. Arguably Australia’s greatest-ever allrounder, Miller was a hero to those of us in the decade between the end of World War II and when he retired in 1956 – amassing 2,958 runs and taking 170 wickets at an average of 23 in 55 Tests. Standing 1.88m (6ft 2ins) he was an explosive batsman, thrilling fast bowler and an outstandingly athletic slips fielder, and with swashbuckling good looks and a totally irreverent manner, found himself the idol of many a young lady’s eye. And Miller was not averse to the attention paid to him from those as diverse as State beauty title-holders to royalty (Britain’s Princess Margaret was an unabashed admirer despite being married with four sons). Broad-shouldered, with wavy dark

hair, a flashing smile and at-times maverick behaviour both on and off the field, Miller was said by a British sports writer to have “lit up the dull post-war days” of England when the Australians, led by Don Bradman, visited in 1948 – the team being dubbed The Invincibles after winning four of the Ashes Tests and drawing the fifth. And it was not just during that season’s Tests that Miller made headlines. In a game against an Essex side when he went in to bat with the Australians 2/364, and with Bradman after as big a sum as possible, instead of a swashbuckling performance to further demoralise the home side, Miller pulled his bat away from the first ball and was bowled for a duck. Bradman was furious, the more so when Miller turned to the wicket-keeper and said: “Thanks God that’s over,” and strolled off the field. The Australians went on to amass 721 runs. This somewhat devil-may-care attitude extended to almost every aspect of his life. He enjoyed a punt, mixed with the rich and famous as easily as he did with mates at his

local pub, and enjoyed a good party. On one tour he surprised captain Bradman by banging on his hotel door fully dressed at midnight and announcing: “You said we had to be in bed by curfew. I was – and now I’m going out”. He came back in time for breakfast, and with an almighty hang-over Bradman despatched him for that day’s play to the farthest point in the field. It meant Miller had to walk or jog across the field constantly after every over until a friendly local offered him his pushbike. When Miller took up the offer, Bradman again was not amused, and ordered him off it. On another occasion back in Australia, Miller as captain of a NSW side turned up to play still dressed in a tuxedo from the night before, changed hurriedly and when he went to bowl his first over had it pointed out by the umpire that he was still wearing his night before’s dancing pumps. Conversely, Keith Miller loved classical music, especially Beethoven, and having been seconded in WWII to Britain’s RAF for his prowess as a pilot, on one raid over Germany

broke off from his squadron and flew up the Rhine River to Bonn. After circling the city a couple of times he caught up with his compatriots flying home to Britain, explaining when he landed: “Bonn was where Beethoven was born. I was curious to have a look at it”. And in a radio interview with England’s Michael Parkinson, Miller was asked about pressure on the field. He answered: “Pressure? Pressure is flying a Mosquito at 20,000 feet with a Messerschmitt up your arse!” Keith Miller’s name is inscribed on two Honour Boards in the Visitors’ Dressing Room at Lord’s, the “home of cricket” in London. One is for a Test century he scored there in 1953, and the other for taking 10 Test wickets three years later. And he’s one of only four Australians whose portraits hang in the revered Long Room at Lord’s, the others being Don Bradman, Victor Trumper and Shane Warne. Nice tributes to a cricketer whose first impression of Lord’s was “it’s a crummy, little ground”.

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GIVEAWAY: EA SPORTS NBA LIVE14

very basketball fan dreams of showing off their skills on the court alongside their favourite teams and players, and now they can with NBA LIVE 14. Powered by EA Sports Ignite, NBA LIVE 14 is a revolutionary game that combines the art of basketball with the science of next generation technology to create an engaging and challenging experience. The game, which is available to play on PS4 and Xbox One, utilises new, innovative features to ensure that players achieve an experience that is as close to real NBA basketball as possible. Gamers can play as their real-life NBA heroes, with the game using over 70 statistics and tendencies that are updated after every single NBA game to keep track of your progress. The bounceTek feature is a physics-based dribbling system that allows for total, organic control and realistic responsiveness to help players craft a suite of dribble moves in the game. Beautiful, high-fidelity animations and nextgeneration dynamic lighting make NBA LIVE 14 visually stunning, showcasing every detail of the NBA

players, from uniforms and arenas to even capturing emotions and mannerisms with the exciting new Faceposer technology. Create the Ultimate Team made up of the brightest modern basketball stars and all-time legends, then compete online or participate in Fantasy Showdown challenges to earn coins and buy more players, uniforms and contracts. NBA LIVE 14 continually updates new content so players can experience the NBA season as it happens, using the CourtQ and Synergy features to keep the game fresh and up-to-date. New challenges are created regularly, based on the most recent memorable real game performances, so NBA LIVE 14 players can see if they are able to replicate the feats of their favourite NBA stars. While the on-court gameplay is important, NBA LIVE 14 also crafts the perfect atmosphere, with a mixtape-style soundtrack of the latest hits, ESPN broadcast integration and even changing the NBA player styles to match real-life trends. With so many innovative features and amazing attention to detail, NBA LIVE 14 is a must-have. The game is out now and rated G.

FYI has four copies of NBA LIVE 14 to give away (two for XBox One and two for PS4). For your chance to win, email the code word ‘NBA’ to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details, specifying which platform (PS4 or Xbox One) you use. Entries close Wednesday, January 22. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

THE ROAD TO GUNDAGAI By Jackie French

ustralia’s past is explored in Jackie French’s latest novel The Road to Gundagai, which follows the life of a family circus. The Magnifico Family Circus inhabits its own strange, ethereal world, with a cast of bizarre performers on display. From the crippled heiress who masquerades as a beautiful mermaid, to the bearded lady who is played by a young man and the stereotypical blind fortune teller, the Magnifico Family Circus has all of the classic fixtures of a 20th century carnival. But behind the scenes, when the curtain drops, each of the circus members have their own unique personalities and histories as they travel across the Australian countryside. The Road to Gundagai is set in the midst of the Great Depression, a devastating period in history, and the book’s tone captures the reality of that era. This gripping tale is full of intrigue and detail, and will take adults back to the classic adventure stories of their youth while younger readers will enjoy the book’s fantastical magic and illusion. “This is the history of our nation retold in fiction,” Jackie French said. “The ‘adoption’ of indigenous children by travelling circuses, the ‘cold reading’ to tell fortunes, the susso camps

and farming cooperatives of the depression to help each other survive, even the skeleton in the house of horrors, are based on little known events in our fascinating past.” Fans of Jackie French will also enjoy the references and connections to characters from her two previous books in her acclaimed series The Matilda Saga. The Matilda Saga includes the novels A Waltz for Matilda and The Girl from Snowy River, which were both well-received by literary critics. A reviewer in The Saturday Age praised The Girl from Snowy River: “… when I was 11 or 12, I would have read and reread it until it fell to bits. It has everything: horses, poems, ghosts, heroism, war, the bush and a love story”. It comes as little surprise that French’s latest book is receiving the same positive feedback. French is the newly chosen Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-15, which is a well deserved honour recognising her long, prestigious history in writing. She has written more than 140 fiction and non-fiction books, has had a full-time writing career for 25 years and has won over 60 awards in Australia and internationally. Her passions include history, the environment and the conservation of wildlife and the planet. Suffering from dyslexia herself, French is a strong advocate of supporting children who have learning difficulties.

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PARTYING AT THE PEACHTREE HOTEL

ew Yearâ€™s celebrations may be over but there are plenty of people still celebrating the holidays at Peachtree Hotel. With live entertainment and music on Friday and Saturday nights, Peachtree is the place to go and have a few casual drinks with your friends and dance the night away. There is also great food on offer as the bistro is under new management â€“ you have to try the fresh prawns, seafood bucket, fish and chips or cider bucket deal!

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