Issuu

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

ISSUE 166 20.12.13

GIVEAWAY THE CROODS DVD

TV AWARDS CHATTER ON THE BOX

LOCAL GIGS WHAT’S ON IN PENRITH

STILL SWINGING

RENEE GEYER’S LATEST ALBUM, BASEMENT SHOW Any function booked for Jan-March 2014 will receive

WW6249

FREE ROOM HIRE *CONDITIONS APPLY

CNR STATION ST & UNION LANE, PENRITH | (02) 4732 6373 | www.tattersallshotelpenrith.com.au

WW6249

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

We are the only Indian restaurant with an open kitchen and give 100% guarantee of fresh food. Our special dishes • Lamb Rogan Josh • Chicken mushroom • Punjabi chicken • Beef vindaloo • Nariel beef • Achari goat

ant

staur e R n a i c Ind i t n e h t u A

Best dishes for vegetarian • Matar mushroom • Paneer tikka masala

HEAT7PENRITH

3 COURSE LUNCH & DINNER

$10

MIX PACK

$25

pp unlimited curries, rice, naan bread, dessert, salad (min. 4 people)

includes butter chicken, rice and 1 plain naan

BUTTER CHICKEN (Available Mon-Tues Lunch & Dinner)

rice with every takeaway delivery

Takeaway & Delivery Check our website www.heat7indianrestaurant.com.au for delivery areas & dishes available OPEN 7 DAYS - MON-WED 10.30am-9.30pm THURS-SUN 10.30am-10.30pm

12 The Cresent (cnr Blaxland Ave), Penrith

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



4721 8609

WW6107 WW6372

60 BRAND NAME TOYS PER WEEK TO BE WON

Christmas TOY MARKET OUR FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TOY MARKET IS BACK!

60 fantastic brand name toys per week to be won, PLUS a $300 Bonus Draw prize each week! Starting Friday Night November 15th and continuing through until Friday Night December 20th 2013 at 7.00pm in the Auditorium Bonus draw will be held on December 20th 2013, you must be present to win!

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

Cover Story

CREATIVITY HASN’T DRIED UP FOR GEYER

Australian music icon, Renee Geyer tells SHANNON COCHRANE how Aretha Franklin has inspired her and why she decided to come back to her homeland after years in America...

he may have recently celebrated four decades in the music industry but soul queen Renee Geyer still approaches her work with the same enthusiasm and passion as when she started out. The legendary performer will finish 2013, her 40th year as a musician, with her ritual end-of-year concert at The Basement in Sydney on Sunday, December 29 and Monday, December 30. While many musicians with long-standing careers eventually end up resting on their laurels, Geyer has spent the last year in a burst of creativity, recording and releasing her latest album ‘Swing’. As the title suggests, ‘Swing’ is Geyer’s take on classic big band music from the 40’s and 50’s and although the track list features many well-covered jazz standards, the album is anything but unoriginal. Rather than jumping out and recording the album for the sake of it, Geyer chose to hold back and work with her band to create unique musical arrangements for well-known songs so that her versions would be different from previous covers. “I didn’t know how it would be received and I think a lot of people who don’t know me might have looked at the set list and not been interested because it is a generic set list, the songs have been done by many, many people, which is why I picked them… I wanted to show how a great song can be reinterpreted again and again,” Geyer said. Fortunately, the hard work paid off and ‘Swing’ debuted at number 22 in the national ARIA charts. But despite the album’s positive reception, Geyer won’t spend long reveling in her success – she is already working on her

FYi Issue 166

Printed at Spot Press Pty Ltd

Editor Troy Dodds Troy.Dodds@westernweekender.com.au

next release. “I’m working on it already but I never talk about it until it’s done because it changes… the minute I talk about it, it goes to another thing,” she said. Throughout her career, Geyer has released 25 albums and countless hits including ‘Restless Years’, ‘Do You Know What I Mean’, ‘Say I Love You’ and ‘I Can Feel The Fire’, becoming one of Australia’s most prominent female singers. Her love of music began when she was young, when she played on her school friends’ musical equipment and moved between bands, working out her own style before pursuing it professionally. “I always knew I was good at it [music] but I never intended it to be a career until I started doing it and people were really into it, I realised this is something I could actually make a career of. That happened gradually,” Geyer said. While Geyer has mastered many different genres, her music has always been inspired by her love of rhythm and blues, with Aretha Franklin being one of the artists she admires most. “I don’t take her records out and listen to them unless it’s a special occasion because if you listen to someone too much, it rubs off on you and you end up trying to sound like them, and I never want that to happen… but I’ve always been interested in black music, it’s always been my favourite,” Geyer said. Geyer has spent extensive time in Los Angeles in the past, working with musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Sting and Joe Cocker, although she has chosen to return to her home country to live.

Phone: 4722 2998 Fax: 4731 6255

FYi Advertising Manager Paulette Adams Paulette.Adams@westernweekender.com.au

Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Steet Jamisontown, NSW 2750

Content Shannon Cochrane Nathan Taylor

Production Irene Adams Maddy Searle

I’ve always been interested in black music, it’s always been my favourite “My life is just a lot more comfortable in Australia, let’s be honest, I just have a very nice lifestyle here… that’s why I’ve come back,” she said. Despite achieving countless record sales, being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and The Age Music Victoria Hall of Fame, Geyer doesn’t think of awards or fame as highlights in her career. Instead, the singer believes her peak moments have been when she has had the joy of working with other talented musicians to create a good performance for audiences. “A particular highlight would be whenever I get to sing with an orchestra, singing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was fantastic. I guess a low point would be doing the exact

opposite… my musicians are always great, but having to do a terrible venue,” she said. And it seems that Geyer has no plans to leave her music days behind her. “I’m never over music. I’m over everything else and the getting ready and the logistics of it – until I get on stage and the music starts, that brings me to life. When that stops, then I’m over it,” she said.

Renee Geyer will perform at The Basement in Sydney on Sunday, December 29 and Monday, December 30. For bookings or more information, call 9251 2797 or visit www.thebasement.com.au.

Live

VARLOW FUNDRAISES FOR CONGO

ocal musician Alex Varlow has overcome tragedy in the past and is now using his talents to give back to those less fortunate. The Blue Mountains resident has released his debut CD ‘Hugging Hedgehogs’, which is the first installment of a two-part project designed to raise funds for surgical operations in a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a strong blues feel, ‘Hugging Hedgehogs’ was named in honour of the inspiring adage that “we all have to embrace some spiky things in life”. The EP has four tracks, with three of them – ‘Wollondilly Blues’, ‘The Prodigal Part 1’ and ‘My God, my God!’ – nominated for the finals in the 2013 Australian Independent Music Awards. ‘Wollondilly Blues’ also made it all the way to the semi-finals of the 2008 UK Songwriting Contest in the jazz and blues category and received an honourable mention in the 2008

Billboard World Song Contest. Varlow was deeply involved in almost every step of creating the tracks on ‘Hugging Hedgehogs’, from writing and arranging the songs to producing, recording and mixing them – the sole exception is ‘My God, my God!’, which was recorded at ImagineNations Church. The record also features vocals from Raylyn Varlow and Dan Briffa, and music from the ImagineNations choir and band. The music was mastered at local mastering house Positive Spiral, which is owned by Michael Macken, while the artwork was created by local graphic artist Paul Principe. Drawing on his life experience, Varlow’s music reflects on his childhood in the Wollondilly shire, and his devastating accident in 2001 when he was run over by a freight train at Leura Station and spent years in hospital. His EP is Varlow’s personal way of thanking those who supported him during the

aftermath of the accident, including his family, friends, church, medical staff and other loved ones. ‘Hugging Hedgehogs’ is available on

iTunes and physical copies of the EP are also stocked in selected local retailers and at the resource centre at Penrith ImagineNations church.

increase in crowd numbers, according to Sandstorm Events Director Sharon Redmond. The Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Championships will be held at

McQuade Park, Windsor from Thursday, December 26 to Sunday, December 29. An exhibition of the entries will be open from Monday, December 30.

THIS IS NO ORDINARY SAND BOX

ith such beautiful creations, sand sculpting is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most popular art forms, with a championship event set to draw thousands to Windsor. Sand Sculpting Australia will hold the highly anticipated Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Championships at McQuade Park in Windsor over three days from Thursday, December 26. It will be followed by an exhibition showing off the best creations from the world’s most talented sand sculptors, open to the public from Monday, December 30 through until Australia Day 2014. The event will bring 12 sand sculptors from all around the world to Windsor, with each professional given a 20 tonne competition pile to carve their sand creations in. They will be working around the exhibition’s theme ‘The Lost World’, and competing for the title of Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Champion and

the $5,000 grand prize. With sand sculpting fast become a popular event in Australia and abroad, the Hawkesbury International Championship has been very successful in the past and the organisers expect even more attendees this year. Last year’s exhibition drew 30,000 people to Windsor over a period of 18 days, and won an award in the category of Festivals and Events in the 2012 Greater Sydney Tourism Awards. Sand sculpting requires both creativity and precise craftsmanship, with the artists using special, heavy sand that gets compressed and left to set in the sun before being carved into beautiful sculptures. While sand isn’t traditionally thought of as a strong material, sculptures can withstand wind and rain for up to three months, allowing them to be displayed in pristine form. This year’s event will mark a return to Windsor, although the location of McQuade Park is newly chosen due to an expected

Christmas Day Lunch

@ Buffet Palace Restaurant Traditional Christmas Menu with all the trimmings & seafood including crab, prawns and oysters Bookings essential.

Adults (Visitors, Members & Seniors) $41.50, Children 3-7 yrs $18.50, 8-12 yrs $28.50…First Seating 11.00am-1.00pm, Second seating 1.30pm-3.30pm

Celebrate New Years Eve in style with dinner at The Buffet Palace

+ FREE entertainment from 8.30pm with Tony Martin and The Thunderbirds

FREE ENTERTAINMENT JUKEBOX JIVE with DJ Laurie “D” Legend Saturday 21 December

CHRISTMAS RAFFLES until Sunday 22 December

Christmas Turkeys, Ham and Pork to be won in addition to our fabulous regular raffle prizes Thursday from 6pm | Friday from 6.45pm | Saturday from 2.30pm | Sunday from 3.30pm

in The Keller Lounge

411 Great Western Highway, ST MARYS, 9623 1211 www.stmarysbandclub.com.au WW3876

WW5890

What’s On The...

SMALL SCREEN

BIG SCREEN

e may have once proudly held the title of San Diego’s favourite news anchor, but television reporter Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) has left his hometown behind in ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’. After the golden era of the seventies, portrayed in the first ‘Anchorman’, Ron and his team hit rock bottom and disband. But the finely dressed news man doesn’t stay out of the action for too long, joining his former colleagues to take on the challenge of bringing America’s first 24 hour news channel to the people. Working in the fast-paced, stylish streets of New York, Ron must put all his skills to use to reclaim the number one position in broadcast news ratings. All of Ron’s quirky, hilarious sidekicks return to the screen in ‘Anchorman 2’, including his co-anchor and wife Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), wannabe ladies man Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), macho sports reporter Champ Kind (David Koechner) and lovable but dopey weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell).

ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES

[ Rated M ] Starring: Will Ferrell & Paul Rudd

CONSOLE

ward-winning animated series ‘Adventure Time’ has a strong following among young adults, who can now play their favourite characters in this fun Nintendo 3DS game. ‘Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don’t Know!’ is the follow up to last year’s game ‘Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage?!!’, which was chosen as the IGN Editors’ Choice. The game is staged in the Land of Ooo, with players enlisted to assist Princess Bubblegum in her quest to save Candy Kingdom. In an adventure that will take gamers to the depths of a Secret Royal Dungeon, ‘Adventure Time’ features fans’ favourite characters from the show including Finn, Marceline, Jake and Ice King. Each character has their own special unique moves to help defeat the bad guys, and the voice actors from the TV show lend their skills with fun voiceovers. With 100 floors to the massive dungeon, ‘Adventure Time’ is a challenging game with hazards and enemies to overcome on the journey.

his beautifully imagined fantasy film is based on the first installment of six books in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, which took the young adult fiction industry by storm when they were released. ‘Mortal Instrument: City of Bones’ begins with Lily Collins in the role of Clary, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl living in New York who learns that her family has been hiding a big secret from her all her life. Clary discovers that she’s actually a shadowhunter, which is a half-angel warrior, with her people part of an age old battle between angels and demons. Drama ensues when Clary’s mother goes missing, and the teenager decides to join up with fellow shadowhunters in a dangerous mission that takes her to the darker parts of town. She gets introduced to the mysterious underworld of New York, filled with mythical creatures such as werewolves, demons, warlocks and vampires. Clary learns that part of her memory has been blocked off, and struggles to save her mum.

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES [ Rated M ] Starring: Jamie Campbell Bower, Lily Collins & Robert Sheehan

STEREO Single player and multi-player options are available, and tokens can be collected to boost attack powers. The game version of ‘Adventure Time’ has all the charms that made the television show such a hit!

ADVENTURE TIME: EXPLORE THE DUNGEON BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW! [Rated PG] NINTENDO 3DS

uitarist Eric Clapton has long been celebrated as one of the greatest songwriters of modern music, and now the hits from his most creative period have been rereleased. ‘Give Me Strength: The ‘74/’75 Recordings’ features remastered versions of Clapton’s studio albums released in the mid-70’s. Music lovers who grew up in that era might remember ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’, which was released by Clapton in 1974 after a three year break from recording. Inspired by the Miami beachfront house he and his band were living in at the time, Clapton regenerated himself and wrote some of his best music during this period. His cover of Bob Marley’s ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ raced up the Hot 100, and ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’ quickly followed it, topping the Billboard chart four weeks in a row. While the original album was a masterpiece, and has been recognised as some of Clapton’s best work, the new re-released edition features extra recordings that die-hard fans will love.

Session out-takes are included, as well as unreleased versions of ‘Getting Acquainted’, ‘Please Be With Me’ and ‘Give Me Strength’. Whether you’re a long-term fan or you’re new to his music, ‘Give Me Strength: The ‘74/’75 Recordings’ is an excellent rock album.

ERIC CLAPTON GIVE ME STRENGTH: THE 74/75 RECORDINGS

Live

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

ENDLESS SUMMER BEACH PARTY

Friday, December 20 St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry

BLACKWATER

Saturday, December 21 Penrith Gaels Club Free entry

Endless Summer Beach Party Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 3 Rams Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 The Fossils Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Sarah McLeod with Cat Vas Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 Groovology Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 The Starliners Christmas Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50 members/$10.50 visitors,

8pm 9830 0600 The Shy Guys Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Chris Drummond Duo Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Mad Cow the Band Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Blackwater Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Rocker Cover Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Partisan Code and Narla

Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4732 6373 Ukelele Christmas Special Venue: Nepean Rowing Club Free entry, 2pm 4731 2255 Freddie Mack Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Love Jonez Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Rough Stock Duo Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Sunday Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Live Music Venue: St Marys RSL Free entry, 4pm 9623 6555 Christmas Carols Venue: Nepean Rowing Club Free entry, 5pm 4731 2255 Fun for the whole family!

LEARN NEW MOVES OVER HOLIDAYS

spiring dancers in the western suburbs will have the chance to refine their skills over the holidays with the 2014 Joan Dance Summer School. The dance classes will be held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from Tuesday, January 14 to Saturday, January 18 and are ideal for experienced dance students looking to improve their technique. A range of dancing styles and genres are being taught, with workshops and classes in lyrical contemporary dance, Bollywood, tap dance, hip hop and RnB, Aboriginal dance, and USA-style cheerleading and stunts. There will also be an additional Cabaret workshop held in the evenings. Classes are intensive, all day sessions that will be run by dance specialists, designed to improve the technique and style of students. They will be taught by some of the most talented and inspiring dance teachers and coaches available, with specialists being sourced from the Canberra City Cheerleaders,

leading urban dance studio Dance Central, Jannawi Dance Theatre, Sydney Dance Company Studios and the well-known group Tap Dogs. Hip hop and RnB will be taught by Melanie Louise, a performer and choreographer who has had experience in a variety of street dance styles and has choreographed for the Urban Music Awards, Big Day Out, Sleazeball and Sweatfest. The tap workshop will be led by Nathan Sheens, who has performed around the world in Dein Perry’s ‘Tap Dogs’ as well as other shows such as ‘Shout’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Billy Elliot’. Sheens was also an assistant choreographer for the opening of the Sydney Olympics, and performed alongside Kylie Minogue at the closing ceremony. Singapore-born Paul Cordeiro will be teaching the lyrical contemporary and Bollywood dance classes, calling on his wealth of experience performing with renowned contemporary dance company One Extra.

The WAAPA trained dancer has toured with major musicals including ‘West Side Story’ and ‘The King and I’, and currently teaches for Sydney Dance Company Studios. The culturally rich Aboriginal dance techniques will be taught by Sydney-based company Jannawi, who are led by Artistic Director Peta Strachan, a member of Bangarra Dance Theatre. Canberra City Cheerleading, one

of Australia’s longest running and most prestigious competitive cheerleading squads, will be teaching American-style cheer and stunt moves. The 2014 Joan Dance School will be held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre from Tuesday, January 14 to Saturday, January 18. The Aboriginal Dance class will run at the Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre. Call 4723 7600 or visit www.jspac.com.au.

Live FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

SEATTLE SOUND

Friday, December 27 Penrith RSL Free entry

URBAN STONE

Saturday, December 28 St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry

Hogans Heroes Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Friday Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4773 9090 The Cover Agents Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Skyz the Limit Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Gypsies and Gentlemen Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Seattle Sound Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Live Entertainment Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

Saturday Night Divas Venue: Rooty Hill RSL Free entry, 8.30pm 9625 5500 Urban Stone Venue: St Marys Rugby League Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Rock n Roll Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Jellybean Jam Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8pm 9830 0600 Just Jammin’ Venue: Blacktown Workers Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9830 0600 Trivia Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 3pm 9623 1211 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Steppin’ Out Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Live Entertainment Venue: Penrith Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm

4721 2375 Stir Crazy Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Big Swing Band Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Funkstar Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Live Entertainment Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 Paul Albert Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 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

HOLLYWOOD CALLS LOCAL PERFORMERS

wo Penrith students have enjoyed a dazzling start to their promising entertainment careers after performing live in the 83rd Hollywood Christmas Parade. Orchard Hills resident Alessandra Bizzanelli, 16, and Cranebrook resident Blake Fitzpatrick, 14, both performed live at the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Monday, December 2, Sydney time. The event is well-loved among Los Angeles residents and tourists, and draws millions of people to Hollywood Boulevard each and every year. This year’s parade marked the first ever time that an Australian group performed as part of the show, which is broadcasted on television from Wednesday, December 11 through until January 2014 to 250 million viewers in 30 countries. Both budding entertainers performed as part of the GLEEClub Talent Development Project, which is run by the Australian Institute

for Performing Arts. Alessandra, who is in Year 11 and attends Penrith Anglican College, performed as a featured vocalist in the GLEE version of Christmas carol ‘Jingle Bells’, with a stand out vocal solo. She is a member of the Senior GLEEClub Talent Development Project 2013, and takes a full day of intensive classes each Saturday with the KICK Performance Group. Blake took to the stage twice during the parade, joining in on ‘Jingle Bells’ as a dancer and vocal ensemble member and also singing as a backing vocalist for US musician Kenny Loggins in a rendition of the classic ‘Frosty the Snowman’. The GLEEClub Talent Development Project was created in 2010 and aims to develop the performance skills of students through industry-based training – working in prestigious studios and performing at internationally recognised venues. Students like Alessandra and Blake got

to participate in three week intensive classes, consisting of performing, recording, shooting and receiving training in singing, dancing and acting.

They also performed at the ‘December Nights’ festival in Balboa Park, San Diego. Who knows just how far these talented two performers might go!

Coffee

Burgers

Sandwiches

Omelettes

Pancakes

Steaks

Cakes

Chicken

Soups

Seafood

Pasta

It is all about abo great coffee

Gelato

Friendly service Friend

Breakfas Breakfast Special

995

WW3879

Lunch Special Pasta, Garlic Bread & Soft Drink

★ ★ ★ FAREWELL AUSTRALIA TOUR ★ ★

1295

Cake & coffee coffe special

Touring Australia with the ALLSTAR ORCHESTRA and

From Ali and the Staff we wish you a Merry Christmas and safe and prosperous New Year. OPEN 7 DAYS WIFI Available 7am - 5.30pm • Thurs till 9pm Shop 8, Westfield Penrith Plaza Penrith 4721 8142 WW5625

EVAN THEATRE PENRITH PANTHERS FRIDAY 7th FEBRUARY BOOKINGS: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au WW5466

A MUST SEE MUSIC AL E XPERIENCE !

Wine and Dine

EAT OUT THIS WEEKEND

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!

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 from pizza to 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.

RASHAY’S

Union Lane, Penrith. Phone 4721 4501.

F KING HENRY’S COURT

or dinner after work, a quick lunch, social club events, a meeting place, a night out, or any celebration, King Henry’s Court is your ultimate destination. All your entertainment needs are catered for under the one roof, with two levels of unique dining, superbly talented chefs and friendly staff. A menu which is not over priced is the reason for the restaurant’s success. There are great lunchtime meal deals to enjoy too, as well as plenty of themed lunches throughout the year. King Henry’s Court are able to accommodate for any type of function or party. 74 Henry Street, Penrith. Phone 4721 1155.

RUBY PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY:

BEN ROORDA $15 PER PERSON $12 EACH FOR GROUPS 4 OR MORE EMU SPORTS CLUB (LEONAY PDE, LEONAY)

Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 1300 013 000.

o longer do you have to drive up to an hour away to experience quality seafood. Right here in Penrith, you can get the best of the best at Hanks Seafood Co inside Panthers. You will love the variety on the menu and the atmosphere of the new restaurant, which has been earning rave reviews from locals. Make sure you make a night of it and try something from the entrée menu as well as the delicious mains and the desserts. The fresh salmon and lobster are our picks! If you’re a seafood lover, you will not be disappointed by Hanks.

HANKS

Panthers complex, Mulgoa Road, Penrith. Phone 4720 5652.

TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2013

NEW YEARS EVE 2014

8TH TILL 11TH, AND

15TH TILL 18TH JANUARY, 2014 10:30AM AND 2.30PM BOOKINGS:

4735 5422

WWW.TRYBOOKINGS.COM/63750

With LIVE TELECAST OF ALL FIREWORKS ON THE BIG SCREEN •Live Music • Raffles • Restaurant open till Late Entry $10 with children under 15 free

It’s time for a New Year 2014 is almost here, so break out the noise makers and strike up the band, let’s ring in the New Year the best way we can!!! WW6061

CZECHSLOVAKIAN COUNTRY CLUB 320 Devonshire rd, Kemps Creek m: 0434 143 148 | Email: cscclubsydney@gmail.com WW6341

Social Scene

PIONEER DIGS DEEP FOR FIRE VICTIMS

he local community banded together to raise money for those affected by the Blue Mountains bushfires at Pioneer Tavernâ€™s Bushfire Appeal on Sunday, December 15. All of the proceeds raised from the event are to be donated to victims of the bushfires, with crowds making generous donations throughout the day. Activities such as face painting and a jumping castle were available for kids to enjoy in exchange for a gold coin donation; there were plenty of smiling, happy children enjoying the good weather. There was also plenty of live music and entertainment to keep the crowdâ€™s attention all day long. Items were also auctioned and raffles and prizes were drawn at the event. By all accounts the Bushfire Appeal at the Pioneer Tavern was a great event, with local fire fighters evening coming along to show their support for the victims.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY CONDITIONS APPLY. MUST PURCHASE A MAIN MEAL

WW6076

Social Scene

ADULTS $69 SENIORS $49 KIDS OVER 12 YEARS $29

12 NOON UNTIL 3PM BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

WW6075

Relax ACROSS

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. Principal 4. Unhealthy 8. Volcanic rock 11. Relinquishes (land) 13. Gowns 15. Aircraft engine noise 17. Lie 18. Phrase 20. Depressed 21. Earliest 24. Aquatic mammal 27. Night & ... 28. Small island 30. Large violin 31. Is listless 33. Bent over 34. Meekest 35. Feathered friend 36. Expel 39. Rated 42. Male deer 44. Coastal waters 45. Genders 46. Apiece 48. Cardiac organ 49. Mix together 50. Taken advantage of 52. Merge 54. Mumble drunkenly 55. Surprise attacks 56. Flavoured toppings 57. Stated 60. Compared to 62. Moved slowly 65. Sheep’s wool 67. Scoundrel 69. Satire show 70. Hospital rooms 72. Pro 73. Clothing 75. Resides 77. Affirmative answer 79. Foolish 81. Details, ... & outs 82. Follow winding course

84. 85. 86. 87. 88.

Field trials Primp Food regimen Ringlets Meringue ingredients

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 14. 16. 19. 22. 23. 25. 26. 29. 32. 35. 37. 38. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 47. 51. 52. 53. 54. 58. 59. 61. 63.

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2014 Big Brother! Best Talent Show This was a hard one to judge this year considering I went off talent shows in 2013, but I must say the only one I did watch week to week was ‘The Voice’. The addition of Ricky Martin this year was genius and I look forward to seeing him return along with new coaches Kylie Minogue and Will.I.Am. It’s good to freshen things up each year and these two certainly bring the star power the show commands.

CHATTER ON THE BOX with Nathan Taylor

ell we’ve finally reached the last edition of the year and for the year’s final Chatter on the Box I’ve decided to run through some of the hits and misses of 2013… Best Australian Reality Show For the second straight year ‘Big Brother’ had me glued to my screen for 101 days of the year. This year’s series was better than last year with some fantastic personalities and some even cheekier tricks from the big man himself. I still think for the show to improve we need a proper Uncut version – the one we saw this year was a step in the right direction – plus an Up Late edition is a must. I can’t wait for

Best New Talent This one may surprise people but ‘Big Brother’ winner Tim Dormer was the best new face on TV this year. Tim was cruel, kind, funny, but most of all entertaining. He played the Big Brother game to perfection and caught the hearts of many. I predict a huge future for this local larrikin and I wish him all the best. Best Sporting Spectacle Another left field choice but I’m going with the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs shown on ESPN. It was basketball’s best players from the Eastern Conference versus the best of the Western Conference, and boy did it deliver. The series should have been over in Game 6 with the Spurs not only leading the best of seven series 3-2 but also leading the game by 5 points with 20 seconds remaining. However, a remarkable comeback only the Heat could produce saw them miraculously win Game 6 then go on to win Game 7 to clinch back-to-back titles. Fans were wearing Heat singlets for weeks.

Best News Service Being an election year, it was hard to go past Sky News for providing the best news coverage of 2013. Sky News was there when all the big news was breaking and they were even the first to have an interview with Julia Gillard ahead of her leadership showdown with Kevin Rudd. The Worst of the Worst It was too hard to pick just one, so without explanation here are my worst shows of the year: ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, ‘Million Dollar

Minute’, ‘The Mole’, ‘The Project’, ‘The Footy Show’, ‘Celebrity Splash’, ‘The Daily Edition’, ‘Slide Show’, ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. Most Anticipation Show of 2014 There are a few shows that will have people excited next year. Chris Lilley’s new show ‘Jonah’ will be incredible. Many people have wanted this spin-off, so this should do very well. ‘The Voice: Kids’ has a lot of hype surrounding it as does Nine’s new drama ‘Love Child’.

ith cute animation and a hilarious plot, ‘The Croods’ is a great family film that every generation will enjoy. And fortunately, the DVD has been released just in time to entertain bored kids in the summer holidays. ‘The Croods’ is a sweet comedy movie that follows the tale of the pre-historic Crood family, who embark on the world’s first family road trip after their cave is destroyed and they need to seek out a new place to live. Caveman Grug (voiced by Nicolas Cage) is the Crood patriarch, who has to lead his family to safety after an earthquake destroys the world he grew up in, including the family’s cave. Leaving their beloved home, the Croods go on a crazy adventure that leads them through bizarre yet beautiful territory, meeting plenty of new friends along the way and changing their outlook on life. While they are wandering, the Croods meet a charming nomad named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) who strikes up a friendship with the family’s eldest daughter Eep (Emma Stone). Eep quickly begins to fall in love with Guy, but

she has to deal with her father Grug’s opposition to the friendship, which quickly becomes a young, blossoming romance. Grug, an old-school conservative who relies on the traditions he grew up with, finds himself frequently clashing with the unorthodox, imaginative ways of Guy but ultimately the two rivals must settle their differences. ‘The Croods’ fared well with movie-goers and professional critics, with mostly positive reviews praising the film’s voice performances, fast-paced plot and funny dialogue. The animation was also a hit with movie-goers. “Kids will respond to the slapstick humour and the physicality of the action, and adults will find moments of insight and emotion,” wrote Andrew L. Urban in the ‘Urban Cinefile’. Starring an A-list cast of actors, ‘The Croods’ is a fun movie with an uplifting message at its heart that will have kids wanting to watch it again and again; perfect for the holidays! The fun continues online with a range of fun, free games available at the website: www. thecroodsmovie.com.

FYI has two copies of ‘The Croods’ to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘CAVEMAN’ to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Sunday, January 5, 2014. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au.

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Everything for your Home and more.... Penrith Harmony Will be performing your favourite Christmas Carols & Songs at these time Every Thursday Night in December 6.30pm - 7.30pm Every Saturday in December 10.30am - 11.30am

Christmas Trading Hours

The Giving Tree Bring a wrapped gift for a child less fortunate this Christmas and place it at the Giving Tree, The Spirit of Christmas. Please place wrapped gift in the basket provided and mark on the card for a girl or boy and suitable age

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Over 30 stores to choose with all the leading brands in ONE location Just off the M4 on Mulgoa Rd • OPEN 7 DAYS www.penrithhomemakercentre.com.au

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