Western Weekender October 31

weekender the western

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FRI 31 OCT 2014 • Issue 1177

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PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Business Advice, tips and profiles on the best local businesses p.30-31

The miracle men

Wanderers look to create history in football blockbuster this weekend TROY DODDS

Charity house nets $783,000 p.3

Local’s rugby honour p.36

Mosque gets approval Prayer hall to be built at Kemps Creek p.5

@troydodds

I

t is Australian sport’s greatest fairytale and a new chapter is just 90 minutes away from being written.

Alarm clocks will go off very early across western Sydney on Sunday morning as football fans rise to see if the Western Sydney Wanderers can achieve the unthinkable and become champions of Asia.

The Wanderers took a giant step towards that honour when they defeated Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal 1-0 in front of more than 20,000 fans at Parramatta Stadium last Saturday night.

AFC Champions League glory will come if the Wanderers can either win or draw the game at King Fahd Stadium on Sunday morning.

But if the Wanderers can manage to score an away goal, it would force Al-Hilal to score three goals to win the title.

State Penrith MP and NSW Sports Minister, Stuart Ayres, led the chorus of celebration following last Saturday night’s first leg win. “The Wanderers represent so much more than a football team, with its supporters crossing every demographic – be it age, culture or gender,� Mr Ayres said. “As someone who calls western Sydney home, it makes me immensely proud to see these blokes in red and black representing the region on the world stage.�

The Wanderers left for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening. Sunday’s clash between the Wanderers and Al-Hilal at King Fahd Stadium kicks off at 4.30am, and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

More Wanderers coverage: Pages 38, 39, 40.

Tomi Juric celebrates his goal last weekend. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers

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COUNCIL

A victory for common sense Council rejects plans for major apartment development in Glenmore Park @cassandra_o

I

n a victory for Glenmore Park residents, Penrith Councillors have unanimously voted down a proposal for units and townhouses along Glengarry Drive.

Three affected residents spoke on behalf of a packed public gallery on Monday evening, informing Councillors of the many issues with the proposal that included 42 apartments, seven townhouses and 71 car parking spaces at 119 Glengarry Drive.

Diane Pearson, who lives near the proposed development said residents were very concerned.

“We feel a little deceived by Stockland [the developers] who never mentioned anything about highrise apartments going in,” she said.

“These units would be built on the extremities of Glenmore Park where it is at least 15 minutes to Penrith railway station.

They would all have to drive cars but there is a lack of infrastructure to support so many people.”

Fellow resident Glenn Harris agreed.

“I would ask that Council consider the issues raised in the business paper with these units when considering any other proposals for units in Glenmore Park

Councillor Karen McKeown (far right) with concerned residents. Photo: Melinda Jane

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as these developments will negatively impact residents,” he said.

Glenmore Park local Carly Jardim said the units were not in character with Glenmore Park’s single and two storey homes.

“At almost 15 metres high and 112 metres long, and joining with an existing development, this would create a 200 metre long wall of units,” she said.

“Bradley Street is the gateway to the suburb and so these vacant blocks should be used for an urban design statement.”

After listening to residents’ concerns on Monday night, Councillors unanimously agreed that the units should not be given approval.

“These people are the type of people we want in Penrith because they are passionate about our city,” said Cr Bernard Bratusa of the residents in the gallery.

“I will whole heartedly support the recommendation of council staff to refuse approval. I think Council has got this right.”

Cr Karen McKeown also praised the residents for their conduct.

“This is a situation where common sense has prevailed,” she said.

“The residents have conducted themselves well throughout the consultation process and this is a great outcome for them.”

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PROPERTY

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Charity house nets $783,000 Special community project finishes on a high with amazing result at auction TROY DODDS

ollowing a competitive and nailbiting auction, the Build for a Cure house has sold for $783,000, with proceeds to be donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute, funding vital medical research to cure childhood cancer.

With seven registered bidders, five active bidders and 16 bids above the reserve, the Build for a Cure home, built and fully furnished in Glenmore Park, was purchased by a lucky family who can now call the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house a home.

New owner, Rosemary and son Stefan Dorakay said: “This is just so incredible and so exciting. We drove past during the build, seeing all the tradies working so hard – we never thought at the time we would be its first owners”.

“It was a whirlwind auction and it came down to the last $500. We’re thrilled to have bought a house that will have such a positive impact on childhood cancer,” said Ms Dorakay.

The auction was abuzz with activity as a huge crowd descended upon 59 Forestwood Drive, Glenmore Park just before of the 2pm kick-off time. Among the seri-

ous bidders vying for a piece of western Sydney’s hotly contested real estate were families of the partners and suppliers involved in the significant build.

“This house is phenomenal,” said PRD Nationwide real estate agent, Daniel Latty.

“Not only do we have a luxury family home, but the fact that it has sold fully furnished... is not something the Penrith market has seen before, so the lucky new owners have really hit the jackpot with this unique house.”

Children’s Cancer Institute Executive Director Professor Michelle Haber AM said the Build for a Cure house is an extraordinary gift to the Children’s Cancer Institute, marking 30 years of dedicated medical research to find a cure for childhood cancer.

“I am thrilled that Children’s Cancer Institute is the beneficiary of Build for a Cure, a wonderfully innovative project, and I am blown away by the generosity of our partners who have made this happen,” she said.

“This ground-breaking campaign will raise much-needed funds that will take us a step closer to curing childhood cancer.

It’s not if, it’s when.”

The proud new owners can now look forward to moving in and enjoying their lavish four-bedroom, two-bathroom

local news

F

@troydodds

Rosemary and Stefan Dorakay purchased the Build for a Cure house ‘Havana One’ home which was donated

by McDonald Jones Homes and built in partnership with Austral Bricks. The new home sits on 500m of land in Glenmore

Park donated by Wearn Brothers Group and is fully furnished by Freedom, with appliances by Electrolux and home entertainment by Panasonic.

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EDITOR'S DESK

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sport and politics mix in busy week of issues and debates Gallen deserves his say, but $50k fine is fair For years, fans and general observers of rugby league have cried out for better player behaviour, spurred on by a minority in the game who act like idiots. Finally, the NRL got it right this week when it fined Cronulla and NSW captain Paul Gallen $50,000 for an offensive tweet directed at the NRL and its management.

It’s a landmark punishment, but like the Todd Carney incident last year, it is a sign that the NRL is sick of player behaviour determining the headlines, particularly in the midst of a Four Nations campaign that deserves more attention.

Critics of the punishment have tried to build an argument this week around fines handed out to players for other off-field incidents, suggesting what Gallen copped was harsh.

I’d rather say that the previous punishments were too lenient and this one was 100 per cent right and an indication of where we need to head.

However, I do think one good point has been made in all of this – Gallen deserved the opportunity to present his case at a tribunal or judiciary hearing, prior to the NRL dishing out the fine.

We have a judiciary for on-field incidents and the game needs a similar set-up for off-field situations. It doesn’t seem right that the NRL plays judge, jury and executioner without hearing from the man himself.

Put your policy where your mouth is, Bill Opposition Leader Bill Shorten got the publicity that he would have been expecting last weekend when he attended an Australian Christian Lobby national conference and said he supports same sex marriage.

The problem I have with stories and statements like this is that it creates false hope for those who are desperate for true marriage equality in Australia.

After all, Mr Shorten may take away the credit

from his very public support of marriage equality, but will he take it to the next election as a policy? Forget conscience votes and fluffy words, let’s see real change and real policy surrounding the issue, not just point-scoring tactics.

TROY DODDS @troydodds

Forget conscience votes and fluffy words

Prayer hall will divide community The small-minded reaction by some on social media this week following Penrith Council’s decision to approve a prayer hall to be built at Kemps Creek is perhaps not surprising.

Comments like “over my dead body” and “leave our peaceful suburb alone” were prominent in response to our story on the Weekender website, which also appears in print today on page five.

I can understand the concerns to a point, but trying to mount an argument against a prayer hall by swearing, making ridiculous claims and ostracising a particular part of our community is surely not the way to get your point across.

Most who are on their short-sighted soap box won’t do this, but I encourage everyone to go onto Penrith Council’s website and view the Development Application and report, which addresses any realistic concerns.

Seriously, some people out there need to stick some fertilizer up their nose in the hope that they might grow a brain.

The fairytale rolls on I like many will be getting up bright and early on Sunday morning to watch the Western Sydney Wanderers attempt to become the champions of Asia when they play Al-Hilal in the second leg of the ACL Final.

This sporting fairytale is something to admire and the professionalism, style and enthusiasm that exudes from the Wanderers is the envy of any sporting franchise anywhere in the world.

Let’s hope the Wanderers bring home the trophy and the cash and glory that goes with it.

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Editor: Troy Dodds • Journalists: Cassandra O’Connor, Nathan Taylor, Katherine Tweed, Kate Reid Photographer: Melinda Jane Production Manager: Irene Adams • Production: Alana Christanga, Maddy Searle • Administration: Karlee Hansen Sales Manager: Simon Gould • Sales Executives: Paula Allsopp, Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Lewis, James Miller, Gina Perrin, Katie Grasso

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COUNCIL

Mosque gets go-ahead

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a

5

Council approves prayer hall but Cornish stands firm CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

@cassandra_o

Phone: (02) 9833 2913 Address: Shop 1/159 Queen St, St Marys 2760 Email: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au Mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790

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Penrith Councillor Marcus Cornish at the site of the yet-to-be-built prayer hall

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humanitarian entrants on the benefits of settling further west as suburbs closer to Sydney like Fairfield, Auburn and Blacktown do not have affordable housing available.”

Cr Kevin Crameri did not support the application on the grounds that it could impact a local creek and land zoned E2 Environment. The prayer hall was passed

by Councillors 11 votes to two.

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just like Penrith... now it is in the news for all the wrong reasons,” he said.

“I stand by my election promise to oppose any development application for a mosque to be built in Penrith.”

Cr Michelle Tormey said that the prayer hall would be a great addition: “Recently Council’s Multicultural Liaison Officer was asked to present information to a group of Syrian, Iraqi and Iranian

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local news

P

enrith Councillors have thrown their support behind a development application to build a prayer hall in Kemps Creek in a display of solidarity with Penrith’s minority groups.

Council received the application earlier this year for the prayer hall, to be located on a property along Mamre Road.

The majority of Councillors were greatly supportive of the proposal, saying that it would meet the needs of the community and that it is a complying development.

“Penrith is a very welcoming community and our role as council is not to tell people how they should practice their religion,” said Cr Karen McKeown.

Cr John Thain agreed: “This is a complying development and we should remember what Rev Neil Checkley said in his prayer this evening about being a welcoming city.”

But Cr Marcus Cornish was opposed to the prayer hall, which will be used to observe Islamic religious events such as Muharram and Ramadan, saying it would set a precedent that could eventually change the demographic of Penrith.

“I grew up in Auburn and it used to be

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St Clair High continues to rebuild after devastating fire

COUNCIL

Council joins battle Political row over fire station closures continues @cassandra_o

T Tanya Davies with Adrian Piccoli and St Clair High students

I

f you can look past the construction fences, the empty space where ‘E-block’ used to be and “demountable city”, you would never know that three months ago, St Clair High School was ravaged by fire.

It was early in the morning on Sunday, June 29, that emergency services were called to the fire that completely destroyed 43 classrooms, the library and staff rooms.

But it did not take long for the school community to get back up on its feet, which would have been impossible without the help of the wider community.

Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli and Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, visited the school on Wednesday to discuss refurbishment plans.

“Meetings have been held with the school to discuss the scope of the project and how it will proceed,” Mrs Davies said.

Mr Piccoli was impressed by how far the school has come since the fire.

“The work of the local community in conjunction with the Department of Education is nothing short of extraordinary and I commend everybody who was involved in getting the school up and running again,” he said.

he political row over fire station closures has spilled into Penrith Council’s chambers as Councillors voted on Monday evening to condemn any closures of local fire stations.

Sparked by a report to Council on the impacts of fire station closures on local response times, Cr Prue Car said that even though fire crews might arrive at an incident within their 10 minute target, arriving even earlier could make all the difference.

“This has been happening for some time in the local area. We must in order to protect our community send a strong message that Penrith City Council is against these stoppages,” she said.

“The difference between 10 minutes and three minutes in response can be enormous.”

Cr Car said that between July 2013 and June 2014, Penrith had been taken offline for 15 shifts, Cranebrook for 38 shifts, Regentville for 12 shifts and St Marys for four shifts.

Cr John Thain added: “Rate payers are paying for this service but they’re not getting that service level required.”

But Cr Bernard Bratusa blamed the former Labor Government for the policy of closures, known as TOLing.

“It was in fact Labor who introduced this policy and we don’t even know if they would change it or do anything about,” he said.

Cr Greg Davies retorted: “I don’t care whose policy it

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Penrith Fire Station. Photo: Melinda Jane was, it’s a stupid policy and we need it changed now”.

The campaign to change the TOLing policy is being led by Facebook page ‘Stop NSW Fire Station Closures’.

A spokesperson from the page said that the closures are often resulting because just one person is unavailable for their shift.

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

local news

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

Police snapshot St Marys: Breakthrough in car re-birthing syndicate story

Police are searching for a man who threatened to stab an intellectually disabled man when he refused to hand over his wallet. The victim, a 32-year-old man, was at the intersection between Union Road and Worth Street, Penrith at about 3.30am on Monday, October 28. There, he was approached by a man who demanded he hand over his wallet. The victim refused to hand it over and when he refused, the offender threatened to stab him. The offender left the scene with the man’s wallet.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour at the time or who saw a man, described as Caucasian, 165cm tall, of a thin build and wearing a red hooded jumper, in the area. Contact Penrith Police with any information.

Two men have been charged in relation to a car re-birthing syndicate, running in St Marys, which was uncovered by police in February. Police executed a number of search warrants in February and May this year; one at an industrial complex on Links Road, St Marys and a number at an address in Appin Place, St Marys, seizing over 40 cars, four trucks, two trailers, one jet ski, two motorcycles, four boats, four engines, two outboard motors, vehicle parts and a forklift.

The seized items were either suspected of being stolen or being used to re-birth stolen vehicles. Police established a strike force and have arrested two people in relation to the syndicate. One of the men, a 52-year-old from Lethbridge Park was charged on Tuesday, October 21, with a number of related offences and the other man, a 37-year-old from Wilmot, was charged earlier in the month with related offences.

Both are before the courts.

Glenmore Park: Police disrupt brawl at sports field A 16-year-old has been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act after he was involved in a brawl. At about 8pm on Monday, October 27, police were patrolling in Glenmore Park after receiving information related to a brawl in the area. When they arrived at the football fields in Ched Towns Reserve, Glenmore Park, they saw a group of people running toward another group yelling “fight�. Police began a foot pursuit and caught up with the group.

A 16-year-old from Glenmore Park was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. Anyone with further information in relation to this or other incidents should alert their local police station.

Penrith: 30-year-old busted with cannabis A man has received a cannabis caution after he was caught with the illegal drug by local police. Police observed a meeting between two people on King Street, Penrith and had reason to stop one of the people on Coreen Avenue at about 3.15pm on Wednesday, October 22. They stopped the 30-year-old Springwood man and after speaking with him, had reason to search him. He was found to be in the possession of cannabis and was handed a cannabis caution as a result.

The Penrith International Friendship Committee is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11 November 2014 commencing at 7.30pm. The meeting will be held at Penrith City Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith, in the Passadena Room, Level 1.

local news

Penrith: Police search for man after incident in Penrith CBD

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The Penrith International Friendship Committee aims to foster friendship, communication and understanding between people internationally. It also encourages and facilitates the participation of the people of Penrith in cultural, educational, sporting and social activities with international links established by the City.

All interested members of the public are welcome to attend and become a member of the Penrith International Friendship Committee, which would enable nomination for positions on the Executive. " ! ! "! ! !!

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Robber caught A man has been charged over the armed robbery of the Southlands Post Office on Maxwell Street, South Penrith, earlier this month.

Police allege that on Thursday, October 2, a man entered the post office armed with a gun.

He then allegedly demanded and stole cash from the property before fleeing the scene.

Police launched an investigation that continued over the weeks following the incident.

Police finally got a breakthrough and arrested the alleged offender on Friday, October 21.

He was interviewed and charged with ‘robbery whilst in the possession of a dangerous weapon’.

He was refused bail and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, November 27.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact local police.

– Katherine Tweed

Camera boom Most NSW drivers use or want to use a dashboard camera to record the actions of other drivers in traffic accidents or road rage incidents, according to research conducted by Slater and Gordon Lawyers.

Motor vehicle accident lawyer, Genevieve Henderson said 59 per cent of New South Wales drivers backed the use of ‘dashcams’ with 18 per cent already having a camera and 41 per cent saying they don’t have one but want one.

“More than 1,700 Australian drivers were surveyed, with the vast majority (57 per cent nationally) saying they used a dashboard camera or wanted to buy one for insurance matters or in situations involving violent assaults,” she said.

“There is no doubt that the use of dashboard camera footage is on the rise and we are seeing countless examples of how it can be an effective way to prove liability after a motor vehicle accident.”

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Hair concerns NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox has urged consumers to use reputable traders for their hair and beauty treatments, after complaints surged almost 30 per cent in the 2013/14 financial year.

“Every year, Australian consumers spend billions of dollars on health and beauty products and services to look and feel good,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.

“Unfortunately, that doesn’t always turn out to be the case for some consumers.

“In the past financial year, NSW Fair Trading has seen a substantial rise in consumer complaints against hair and beauty products and services – up from 420 to 538 in the 2013/2014 financial year.

“This big jump in complaints is of concern to NSW Fair Trading, which is why we are reminding consumers, along with businesses in the industry today that they need to be aware of their rights and obligations under Australian Consumer Law.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Residential subdivision (27 residential lots and 2 residue lots) and associated road construction, drainage

Road Name

works, earthworks and public reserve dedication

Pursuant to Clause 9 of the Roads Regulation 2008, notice is hereby given of the naming of the following road/s:

The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic

Name

Location

Matthew Bell Way

Jordan Springs

Munro Place

Jordan Springs

Juliana Street

Jordan Springs

Neptune Street

Jordan Springs

Atlantic Avenue

Jordan Springs

Matilda Road

Jordan Springs

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT

Admiral Avenue

Jordan Springs

Penrith City Council has received a Development

Guardian Way

Jordan Springs

Application in respect of the subject property. The

Barrington Way

Jordan Springs

consent authority for the development application is

Bowen Close

Jordan Springs

Penrith City Council.

Britannia Road

Jordan Springs

s Delta Force Paint Ball

Armstrong Street

Jordan Springs

For further information please contact The General Manager, Mr Alan Stoneham, Penrith City Council on 4732 7777.

Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

DA14/1313

Lot 1 DP 1084891 (No. 308–332) Londonderry Road, Londonderry Recreation facility outdoor – paint ball facility with associated playing fields and structures and upgrade

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

of an existing car parking area The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Roads and Traffic

The following Development Applications have been received by Council: s Sharon Jones Accomplished Designs

DA14/1331

Authority – Roads Act 1993 Section 138 and Department of Planning – Water Management Act 2000 Section 89, 90 & 91.

1 Brock Avenue, St Marys Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey multi-unit housing development (4 x dwellings) with associated landscaping, car parking and drainage works Contact: Hannah Van De Werff on 4732 7714 Closing Date: 17 November 2014 s Brookstone Pty Ltd

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time during ordinary office hours, in the period from 3 November 2014 to 3 December 2014.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a

DA14/1328

102 Albert Street, Werrington

submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 12 x attic-style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated vegetation removal, landscaping, car parking and drainage works

made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be specified in the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA14/1313.

Contact: Aaron Howard on 4732 7774

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact

Closing Date: 17 November 2014.

Hannah Van De Werff on 4732 7714.

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning

Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or

application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free-of-charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications s RKJM Pty Ltd

DA14/0422

Lot 18 DP 239091 (No. 276–280) Caddens Road, Claremont Meadows

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Viewing of Development Applications The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

penrithishere.com.au WW13499

9 PENRITH

NEWS CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys OfďŹ ce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: (02) 4732 7777 F: (02) 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

SERVICES Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735 Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES Council Meetings 10 November 2014 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee) 24 November 2014 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au

local news

# " $"# " % !

To nominate visit us online and download the nomination form: penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday or (02) 4732 7736

COUNCIL BRIEFS s Investment in Penrith is booming, with Council receiving applications for development worth a staggering $100 million per month, totalling $410 million in the past four months. The sheer weight of investment shows that Penrith is recognised as a signiďŹ cant area in the region and NSW. Almost 60 per cent of the investment is in big projects worth $5 million or more. s Enjoy a wide range of quality market stalls at Tench Reserve by the Nepean River this Sunday, 2 November as we hold our popular Sunday Siesta. Bring the whole family and make a start on your Christmas shopping. It’s fun and there’s entertainment for the whole family, so don’t miss it! s November is National Asbestos Awareness Month. Whether a home is constructed of weatherboard, brick, ďŹ bro or has exterior cladding, asbestos can be found in and around most homes built or renovated before 1987. Asbestos can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and under oor coverings, behind wall and oor tiles, in cement oors, internal and external walls, garages, ceilings, eaves, fences, extensions to homes, and backyard sheds‌ it could be anywhere.

Protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos ďŹ bres during renovations and maintenance. It’s not worth the risk!

Visit asbestosawareness.com.au

PUBLIC EXHIBITION Draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2014

s St Marys Library 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Thursday: 9am–8pm, Friday: 9am–5.30pm, Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm) The exhibition information is also available online at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Submissions You are invited to view the draft Penrith DCP 2014 during the exhibition period and submit comments to Council in writing by 4pm on Friday, 14 November 2014.

Please direct any submissions to: The General Manager (attention to ‘City Planning Team’), Penrith City Council, PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

Submissions can also be sent via email to cityplanningteam@ penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Please include a subject line indicating ‘Submission on Penrith DCP 2014’.

Further Enquiries If you have any questions about the draft Penrith DCP 2014, or require further information, please contact Council’s City Planning Team on 4732 8196 or email cityplanningteam@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Declaration of Political Donations or Gifts Legislation requires the disclosure of donations and gifts when making submissions on the Planning Proposal. If you or anyone with a ďŹ nancial interest in the Planning Proposal have made reportable political donations adding up to or exceeding $1,000, or given gifts of money, property, services or valuables to a political party, elected member, group or candidate in the two years prior to your submission, you will be required to submit a disclosure statement. This disclosure statement is a public document and will be made publically available.

If a further donation or gift is made after the lodgement of the submission a further statement is required to be provided within seven days after the donation or gift is made.

Further information regarding Disclosure Statements including a disclosure form can be found on the Department of Planning and Environment website planning.nsw.gov.au

WW13498

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

In accordance with the provisions and requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulation 2000, notice is given of the public exhibition of the draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2014 (draft Penrith DCP 2014) from Monday, 13 October 2014 to Friday, 14 November 2014.

A Development Control Plan is a document that supports the Local Environmental Plan with more detailed planning and design guidelines.

Draft Penrith DCP 2014 applies to all land within the Penrith Local Government Area. The draft Penrith DCP 2014 consolidates and repeals the following DCPs: s 0ENRITH $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 0ENRITH $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 7ERRINGTON -IXED 5SE !REA $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN s 0ENRITH #ITY #ENTRE $EVELOPMENT #ONTROL 0LAN A complete copy of the public exhibition material is available for viewing at the following locations: s Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith (Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4pm) s Council’s St Marys OfďŹ ce 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys (Monday–Friday: 8.30am–4pm) s Penrith Library 601 High Street, Penrith (Monday–Friday: 9am–8pm; Saturday: 9am–5pm and Sunday: 10am–5pm)

10

EDUCATION

Council’s TAFE fee concern Councillors say rising course fees will have a huge impact on our community

local news

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

$500 and $1,500 extra for courses when the price rises come into effect on January 1, 2015.

Liberal Cr Marcus Cornish also declared his support for lower education fees.

“I went through TAFE also and whilst I think people should pay something, these prices are too high. I could not have made something of myself if it was costing that much when I was studying,” he said.

Independent Cr Maurice Girotto said that he cannot see why courses should cost so much.

“I too am a product of TAFE. I find this [policy] absolutely disgusting – these children are just trying to learn. This will impact our supply of skilled employees definitely,” he said.

Cr Michelle Tormey is currently studying at TAFE and said it is not fair that the concession fee has been doubled from $52 to $106.

“I know that doesn’t seem like much but it does make a difference,” she said.

Cr Bernard Bratusa defended the NSW Government’s TAFE policy.

“It’s designed to cut courses that won’t return an investment for tax payers, like dog grooming,” he said.

Last week it was announced TAFE had been awarded tenders to deliver government subsidised training under Smart and

@cassandra_o

P

enrith Councillors from all sides of the political spectrum are proud of their TAFE educations and weren’t afraid to stand up against rising course fees in a fierce debate on Monday evening.

Cr Prue Car had called for a report on the impact of rising TAFE fees on Council’s ability to attract trainees, but found the report to be lacking in detail.

“People talk about TAFE as a second chance education but it’s much more than that,” she said.

“And what’s happening at TAFE is an enormous increase in fees... people are being priced out of an education,” she said.

Fellow Labor Cr John Thain said he valued his TAFE education greatly and thought that the fee increases would impact Council employees across many disciplines, from landscaping through to childcare.

“This issue is personal to me because I am a product of TAFE and I despair for people who will go to TAFE who will have to pay these fees,” he said.

The NSW Opposition estimate that 40 per cent of students are set to pay between

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for eligible students. Additionally, TAFE NSW students won’t be required to pay the entire qualification fee up front.

“There will be flexible payment options, including payments by semester, as well as access to VET FEE-HELP loans for eligible qualifications.”

Mayor’s News

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“TAFE NSW Institutes welcome the outcomes of the successful Smart and Skilled tender applications,” a TAFE spokesperson said.

“TAFE NSW will continue to offer generous concessions and exemptions

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Councillors Prue Car and John Thain at TAFE’S Nepean College. Photo: Melinda Jane

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John Maclean Last week I witnessed a tremendous sight which has been 26 years in the making. Lining up in the 33rd annual Nepean Triathlon was an extraordinary local athlete, John Maclean. It was John’s first triathlon as an able-bodied athlete since his accident whilst training for the same event rendering him a partial paraplegic.

John’s phenomenal achievements across sports like triathlon and rowing continue to inspire and motivate others to achieve the impossible. His life and the efforts of the John Maclean Foundation to improve the lives of kids in wheelchairs is a wonderful story and we are extremely proud of the connection to Penrith.

Walking across the line on his own two feet after completing a one kilometre swim, 30km cycle and a

gruelling 10km walk was a tremendous achievement. This accomplishment is a new beginning for what has already been an extraordinary journey in life and we all look forward to seeing what John embarks on for his next challenge.

The support of John by the Penrith community and the wider sporting community typifies the attitude and drive he has to succeed. What many thought was impossible has become another success on a long list of achievements.

Penrith has a long and proud history of producing stand-out individuals in a range of fields. We are happy to count John Maclean as an incredible ambassador for Penrith.

ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

Woman’s holiday package scam

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A Cranebrook woman is to appear before the courts after allegedly scamming a number of people in relation to phony holiday packages.

The 41-year-old has been charged with

seven counts of ‘dishonestly obtain benefit by deception’ in relation to crimes she was allegedly involved in between November 2013 and May 2014 in Penrith, South Penrith and Guildford.

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Unit 4, 2-6 Rob Place VINEYARD

12

ENVIRONMENT

Logs choppered in to help native animals

local news

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

O

@cassandra_o

n Wednesday morning 30 logs were helicoptered into Mulgoa Nature Reserve to provide habitats crucial to the survival of small native animals.

Lisa Harrold, a volunteer with the Mulgoa Landcare Group said that the community organisation usually dealt with vegetation restoration, however, were keen to take on this new project.

“There is not much Cumberland Plain Woodland left in pristine condition and a lot of logs, which are habitats for small mammals have been cleared or destroyed,” she said.

“Land is currently being cleared for development in Marsden Park and the developers and a land owner there offered to preserve their logs so that they could be relocated to Mulgoa.”

But relocating 30 fallen trees is quite a challenge logistically.

“Sydney Helicopters has generously donated helicopter time and pilots to lift the logs into the nature reserve. It was going to be difficult trucking them in as that would also destroy the bushland,” Ms Harrold said.

“We are hoping we might see some small mammals that are near extinction move

into the logs, or maybe encourage bilbies back to the area.”

Hidden cameras will be installed near the new logs to capture activity by mammals such as the bogul or antechinus.

Ms Harrold said the support of local businesses was vital in the project being able to go ahead.

To help the local animal population, NSW Parks and Wildlife Services will also be undertaking an intensive fox population control program in the reserve.

Lisa Harrold with Adrian Wearn from Mulgoa Quarries. Photos: Melinda Jane

SUNDAY SIESTAS 2 NOVEMBER • 1-6PM

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Sunday Siestas are the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy a wide range of quality market stalls at Tench Reserve, by the Nepean River on 2 November. Bring the whole family and make a start on your Christmas shopping! Siestas start at 1pm and run until 6pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US ON 4732 7652.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/events WW12930

Staying at home

ACCIDENT

Truck rolls on busy road No serious injuries, but residents concerned over intersection KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

Radio changes

Emergency crews inspect the crash last Friday serious injuries, some local residents are concerned and have vowed to change their behaviour to avoid the intersection.

“It concerned me. There are a lot of kids in the area who ride their bikes and run across the road – there is a school not far away. It is also a very busy road,” said Katrina Tuffy, 29, who also lives just 100 metres from the intersection.

“I do take my time coming down the

Northern Road now, I slow down on the brake but a lot of people still speed through. I lost a friend in a car accident so, whenever I hear about somewhere that is a hot-spot for accidents I slow down.

“It is worrying. I won’t be walking up near that intersection any time soon – I used to take my dogs for a walk up there but not anymore.”

Struggling Sydney radio station 2DayFM will turn to old favourites Hamish and Andy to arrest their ratings slide.

The popular duo will return to the national Drive slot they once called their own from July 2015, the Today Network confirmed on Wednesday.

The breakfast show will also get an overhaul, with Dan and Maz taking over from next year.

2DayFM has struggled to make an impact in the breakfast slot since the departure of Kyle and Jackie O to KIIS FM at the start of this year.

“Dan and Maz will do exceptional radio waking up Sydney at 2Day FM,” said Executive Director of Metropolitan Operations, Guy Dobson.

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Ripples Hydrotherapy Centre can offer Medicare and Workcover NSW approved supervised treatment sessions PLUS provide clinically necessary exercise physiology treatment for entitled DVA clients upon referral from their GP. The individualised treatment sessions can be completed in our Hydrotherapy pool, gym or heated swimming pools. If you would like any additional information please call Ripples Hydrotherapy Centre on (02) 9833 3075 WW13137

13

local news

A

truck driver, a woman in her home and a number of motorists all had lucky escapes last week when a truck rolled down an embankment and into the front yard of a home.

Just after 9.30am on Friday, October 24, the tipper truck was turning from Dunheved Road into the northbound lanes of the Northern Road at Penrith, when it rolled down the embankment, taking out traffic lights, a sign and a brick wall in the act.

The truck came to rest in the front yard of a home, just metres from where a female resident was inside.

“I heard a loud noise but I didn’t know what it was. When I found out I just couldn’t figure out what had happened. I felt disbelief, I kept thinking ‘how could this happen’,” said Clare Gollner, 40, a resident of 15 years who lives just 100 metres from the intersection.

Unscathed except for a shoulder injury, the driver quickly exited the vehicle and police on the scene said that it was incredibly lucky that no-one was seriously injured or killed.

Despite the fact that there were no

Federal Lindsay MP Fiona Scott says the streamlining of assessments for home support services will make it much easier for older Australians living in Lindsay to remain in their home longer.

“Most people want to remain living in their home for as long as possible and the new assessment services will greatly assist in determining what is required to make this a reality,” Ms Scott said.

“The Government is calling for tenders to deliver around 240,000 assessments to people seeking aged care support in their home which will help deliver a consistent approach for people seeking support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) from July 1, 2015.”

14

EDUCATION

Observatory gets makeover University’s observatory celebrates 20 years of operation in Penrith

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

local news

CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

@cassandra_o

T

ens of thousands of peering eyes have gazed upon galaxies at the University of Western Sydney’s Penrith Observatory, and now its main telescope has received a welldeserved makeover.

Back in 1994 the UWS Penrith Observatory, in the School of Computing Engineering and Mathematics, opened its doors to the community to shed light on the world beyond our atmosphere.

To mark the UWS Penrith Observatory’s 20th year of service, the community asset has been upgraded to make the public’s experience even better.

“We are very proud of the Observatory and its telescope being the largest telescope on any Australian university campus through which members of the public can actually view,” explained Associate Professor Miroslav Filipovic.

“Upgrades to the Observatory and telescope will benefit all who use the facilities.

“UWS, high school and primary school students will benefit from the updated and improved learning and teaching spaces, which include new Apple computers and a project workshop area.

“At the same time visitors from the public

The UWS Penrith Observatory has received some welcomed upgrades will experience a dramatically improved 3D audio-visual experience.”

2009 winner of the Prime Minister’s Award for Science and CSIRO Astronomer Dr John O’Sullivan gave a public lecture at the official reopening ceremony held last

Friday evening that was attended by UWS staff and members of the public.

Dr O’Sullivan’s study into black holes led to WiFi technology and he is credited with the invention of WiFi. The UWS Penrith Observatory is oper-

ated by a dedicated and passionate team of staff and student volunteers, belonging to the Computational Astrophysics Imaging and Simulation (CompAIS) group.

Frequent open nights are held throughout the year for the public.

WW13175

15

PENRITH’S BIGGEST RANGE FOR CHRISTMAS ON SELECTED O OR O ORNAMENTS & D DECORATIONS

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New system coming to address water worries

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There’s concerns over stormwater catchment in the Waterside estate CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

A

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GymbaROO offers a professional program specifically researched and designed to enhance your childs ability to reach their full learning! Classes cater from Babies (6 wks) to school age children (6 yrs).

Offer avail for new clients only. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

WW11816

@cassandra_o

new bioretention system will be built in Cranebrook to address the poor quality of stormwater in the Andrews Road area.

On Monday evening, Councillors voted to award Collective Civil the tender to build the new water management system at a cost of just over $1.1 million.

According to a report to Council, numerous complaints have been made by the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation and Waterside estate about the quality of

storm water passing through their water systems.

“Prior to entering the Waterside Estate, the current drainage network doesn’t allow for removal of pollutants except for existing gross pollution traps which mainly remove litter,” the report said.

“Monthly monitoring of the stormwater quality in the catchment has consistently indicated the presence of faecal coliforms and high nutrients loads entering the Waterside Lakes from the catchment.”

The new system will remove suspended soils, nutrients, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants.

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

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local news

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

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18

COMMUNITY

Important jobs must be saved

local news

New thinking needed to help people with disabilities find meaningful employment

Local people supported by the Thorndale Foundation hard at work sorting through recycling. Photo: Melinda Jane KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

G

etting a job is an incredibly empowering achievement for local people with disability, who in this day and age are having increasing difficulties landing suitable positions.

The process jobs that were once perfectly suited to people with disability are being moved offshore, which is forcing local organisations that offer supported employment, like Werrington’s Thorndale Foundation, to come up with new,

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Massive storm lashes Penrith The Penrith SES received over 40 calls for assistance after freak winds lashed the area on Monday afternoon.

A major clean-up operation took place in Penrith and surrounding suburbs after severe winds, including at least one gust of 83km/h, brought the city to a halt just after 2pm.

Hundreds of homes lost power, including at Penrith, Cranebrook, South Penrith, Llandilo and Jamisontown.

With trees and wires falling down in multiple locations through the storm, traffic and public transport faced a trying afternoon, with the storm hitting around the same time most schools in the area were finishing up for the day.

Among the incidents, a tree fell across Woodriff Street in Penrith near Stafford Street and the Nepean Village Shopping Centre A caller to Radio 2GB reported that the wall of a warehouse had collapsed in Colyton, while fire crews at Wallacia responded to a tree down at Luddenham.

Hundreds of locals took to social media to report flying gazebos, outdoor umbrellas and fences.

commercially viable jobs. The answer for Thorndale is a new textile recycling program, which is in introductory stages, that has the potential to provide over 10 people who are living with disability with jobs but without the support of local businesses the program will not be successful.

Local businesses are being called upon to simply host a Thorndale clothing bin on their site and by doing so, they will have a hand in providing valuable jobs for local people with disability.

“The program offers people with disability a place to come to, social engagement and a sense of self worth. They are so

proud to have a job, to be part of something and you can see that in the smiles on their faces when they are at work,” said Thorndale CEO Belinda Colombrita.

“They do their jobs well and are proud to do them well.”

As part of the program, Thorndale’s Production Assistants, who have a range of varying disabilities, visit the clothing bins, maintain them and collect the textiles that are dropped inside.

They then sort the clothing for recycling.

“Such a program can benefit the whole community. Not only does it create meaningful, supported employment for people

with disabilities in western Sydney, it offers a community service by providing a place where people can dispose of their old clothing and also helps towards a reduction in land fill,” Ms Colombrita said.

Thorndale already provides supported employment for over 80 people with disabilities in western Sydney and has just moved to a new location in Werrington in the hope they can provide many more jobs, including some through the textile recycling program.

To get your business involved by offering a location for a bin, call Thorndale today on 9912 7800.

CHILDCARE

Funding boost is welcome CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

@cassandra_o

T

he Federal Government will invest over $600,000 into Penrith Council’s childcare services to bring staff qualifications and education up to standard.

Penrith Council earlier this year applied for funding through the Long Day Care Professional Development Program to help staff meet the qualification requirements of the National Quality Framework.

18 centres were included in this application, covering some 180 full time equivalent educators and 32 full time equivalent childhood teachers.

Council was informed it was successful last month and will receive the funding in three instalments.

“The grant funding from the Department of Education under the Long Day

Childcare services in Penrith are set to be improved Care Professional Development program will be of great assistance in recruiting, retaining and developing a skilled children’s services workforce, competent to continue to deliver high quality services to the Penrith community,” said a spokesperson for Council.

“Board Directors of the Penrith City Children’s Services Cooperative which manages Council’s long day care services

have been advised of the funding offer and will have the opportunity for further input into the planning for expenditure in accordance with the funding criteria.”

The funding can be used for funding qualifications and relevant training courses, on-site training, purchasing minor equipment such as computers to make learning and training easier and attending industry conferences.

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local news

Credit where it’s due Once the upgrade of Northern Road from Andrews Road to Borrowdale Way, incorporating two new access points into Jordan Springs, is complete (just in time for the next state election) we can expect Stuart Ayres, Mike Baird et al to officially declare the work finished, with appropriate photo shots and wide coverage in the local press. Being the good honest people they are, I’ve no doubt they will acknowledge that the funding for all this was secured by the former Labor member of Lindsay, David Bradbury. They will, will they not?

BRIAN O’NEILL, CRANEBROOK

Kelly’s country Thank God for Jackie Kelly (Exit stage right, Western Weekender October 17). Penrith needs a professional politician to shirt front Tony Abbott and tell him nobody wants an airport around here.

PAM AHEARN, PENRITH

McHappy Day success On behalf of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), I would like to sincerely thank the Penrith

Valley local community for their support of McHappy Day. The event, which took place at McDonald’s restaurants across the country on Saturday, October 18, has broken the McHappy Day record and raised in excess of $3.2 million nationally. To put this into perspective – this equates to over 24,600 nights’ accommodation in a Ronald McDonald House for families with seriously ill children.

The money raised will allow us to continue to offer our programs and services to seriously ill children and families across the country. These programs include Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and the Family Retreat Program, to name a few. The funds collected on McHappy Day will also help us with some of our future plans. In order to meet the growing need from families, RMHC is aiming to build or extend five Houses, open eight more Family Rooms and further develop other programs such as the Ronald McDonald Learning Program over the next few years. Since RMHC began in 1981, our programs have helped over 100,000 families through some of their toughest times.

None of this would be possible without the support of the local community who generously continue to donate both their time and money to this valuable cause.

Thanks once again to everyone for their support, and we look forward to next year’s McHappy Day. MALCOLM COUTTS OAM CEO, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

Fire station closures Nice to see this as a front page story drawing very perceptive comment from the community (Playing with fire, Western Weekender October 24). It seems obvious Mr Ayres needs to assert some authority in this matter with his Parliamentary colleagues to placate growing public disquiet in his performance on this and other issues. Thanks WW for giving this front page status, it is indeed a matter of public importance.

BOB PULLEN, VIA FACEBOOK

Playing with fire Great to see Stuart Ayres being pressed on why fire stations are being closed in the Penrith area.

Both Penrith and Cranebrook

email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

fire stations have been closed on multiple occasions. The glib response from the Minister responsible is indicative of his lack of commitment to Penrith residents.

GEOFFREY BROWN, VIA FACEBOOK

Community anger grows For someone that says he is from Penrith and cares about the people of Penrith, he has a funny way of showing it. How many times has the rescue at Regentville Fire Station been offline, Mr Ayres, how many times has the rescue at Dunheved been offline?

I hope the people of Penrith really understand what that means when someone’s loved one is trapped in a car accident or industrial accident and they are working on the golden hour for best chance of survival. Mr Ayres you should be ashamed of what your Government is doing and you should have the courage to say something if you really care, when did money become more important than the people’s welfare. Shame Mr Ayres Shame.

JOHN CARLOS HENRY, VIA FACEBOOK

Politics don’t matter, but people do While the front page story last week was a very important one, the meaning got lost a little because the Labor candidate was featured in the main photo. This issue is not really about politics, it’s about who is going to stop these fire station closures and from what I can see, neither party has really come out and said once and for all what they will do to stop such closures.

MARK HENRY, PENRITH

Thanks to paper I would like to thank the Western Weekender for their continued efforts in keeping the Penrith community informed. Your competitors are becoming more Sydney-centric by the day, both in their print editions and online.

It is a shame that in the modern world, we don’t have more local news, not less. Congratulations to the Weekender, which I now truly regard as my one and only local newspaper. The service you provide is invaluable.

CHRIS SMITH, VIA EMAIL

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.

For more information, see our public notices section.

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COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Penrith Council has appointed six community members to serve on its access committee for the next two years. The representatives are Denise Heath, Michael Morris, Farah Madon, David Currie, Emma Husar and Carole Grayson. The committee provides advice to Council on issues such as accessibility of new development applications and projects that would improve Penrith.

According to data released by Council, childcare facilities run by Council spend some $60,000 on nappies, $5,700 on first aid products and $80,000 on cleaning products each year.

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

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Council has released its draft 201314 financial statements. According to the statements, after allowing for $36 million of capital grants and contributions, Council finished the year with a surplus from ordinary activities of $22.2 million (2012-13 surplus of $46.1 million). As at June 30, 2014, Council’s investment properties were valued at $20.2 million. For Council’s road network, Council would need to spend $31.2 million in 2013-14 to bring all roads up to an appropriate standard. It would cost $10.5 million to bring all Council buildings up to a satisfactory standard.

Penrith City Council is funding a program to deter youth from travelling down the graffiti path. The Graffiti Education Awareness Program has been delivered in the Penrith local government area since 2008 and challenges the thinking of children and adolescents during a time in their life when they are experimenting, forming attitudes and beliefs as well as being influenced. The program is delivered by Warner Youth Education and is a 45 minute education session offered to all primary and secondary schools in the Penrith local government area every year. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said the awareness program is part of Council’s broader graffiti minimisation strategy.

“Education is one of three parts in our Citywide Graffiti Minimisation Strategy,” Cr Fowler said. “Prevention and removal also make up that strategy; however education is a key component in reducing the need for removal.” This week there have been visits to Nepean High School, St Joseph’s Primary School, St Clair High School and Mulgoa Public School.

Cr Maurice Girotto has called for a report on the number of closures of Stony Creek Road at the causeway between Shanes Park and Llandilo.

He says the road is a major concern.

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local news

Frank is well on the way to losing a little of that extra baggage!

Excitement is running high about the trip of a lifetime that Tony Ferguson is giving away in his Penrith store. Frank said, what perfect timing, as in week four on the plan we talked about eating out and socialising. I wish I would have known these great tips on my previous two holidays overseas, even though I had lost nearly 50kg and trimmed 40cm off my waist, on the Tony Ferguson weight loss program five years ago, and managed to keep it off for over four years.

Due to too much socialising and over eating on holidays, unfortunately, I have put a little weight back on.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME This week we talked about how you can include eating out in your lifestyle and healthy eating principals for different meal occasions. From what I have learned, I now know the right choices to make when eating out. Remember, the Tony Ferguson Program is a realistic plan – while losing weight, you can still eat out and have fun on your next holiday!

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local news

22

New Hotline A new Speak-Out Hotline has been launched to protect people from race and religion-based harassment, intimidation and abuse, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres and Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello announced on Wednesday.

Mr Ayres said the new hotline, which will be operated by the NSW Police Call Centre (PoliceLink) in conjunction with Multicultural NSW, would make it easier for people in NSW to report incidents of race or religion-based abuse.

“The new direct phone line will enable everyone in the community to speak out about physical or verbal incidents of race or religion-based abuse and to seek assistance from the appropriate authorities.”

Gift card warning NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox has urged consumers not to wait until the expiry date to redeem gift cards, following a 15 per cent rise in complaints.

“Every year, it is estimated that Australians spend up to $2.5 billion buying gift cards for their families and friends,” Mr Mason-Cox said.

“There is no denying the popularity of gift cards or their benefits but consumers do need to pay extra attention to the terms and conditions, whether you are purchasing or redeeming a card.

“So far this year, NSW Fair Trading has received around 74 complaints about gift cards.

“That is 10 more than the same period last year.’’

RALLY

Locals ‘reclaim the night’ Residents to rally in a bid to end violence against women KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

P

enrith residents will rally tonight in a bid to put an end to violence against women.

Local residents are invited to join the Nepean Domestic Violence Network as they march along local streets, meeting together at its end for a night of entertainment and inspirational speakers, to ‘Reclaim the Night’.

The Reclaim the Night march will begin at 5pm tonight (Friday, October 31) from Penrith Railway Station; will continue along Station and High Streets and end at ‘The Mondo’ – the grassy area between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Westfield Penrith, where the event will continue until 8pm.

“Reclaim the Night is a strong protest against violence towards women and statement of the right of women and children to feel safe to move freely in public locations within our communities day or night without the fear of harassment, violence and sexual assault,” said Penrith Community Health Centre social worker, Lynnette Taylor, representing Nepean Domestic Violence Network’s working party, who are organising the event.

“This continues to be a serious issue in

Members of the Nepean Domestic Violence Network will take part in the rally our society today and it is important that we continue to raise public awareness and increase a stance of and commitment to non-violence within our communities towards women.”

This is the 36th year of Reclaim the Night, which is held annually in locations across the country.

It is one of many anti-violence campaigns organised by the Nepean

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Domestic Violence Network, which is made up of representatives from a number of local organisations, support networks and services.

The event is open to all community members who would like to attend.

There will be live entertainment, including performances from students at Glenmore Park High School, Chris Burke and the Yarramundi Kids.

HOSTED BY MC GAZZA RACE ON THE BIG SCREEN PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS TO BE WON

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

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COMMUNITY

Furry friends in need Possums Max and Jasmine find a new temporary home KATHERINE TWEED

@ktweed_

Max and Jasmine are living in St Clair until they can be released into the wild With an increase in rescues this season, and more expected, WIRES is calling on local people to donate to the 2014 WIRES Food Appeal, to help save the lives of creatures like Max and Jasmine, through its volunteers.

“When you are looking after more than one, for several months at a time and you have other animals coming in, it can get very hard. Sometimes because of the expenses, you have to turn around and say ‘no, I can’t take on another animal’.

You feel really bad,” Mr Peel said.

“It is really important that we have the support of the community. For $10 you

could feed a possum on supplement milk for about a month – that’s all it takes.”

Without the work of WIRES, many of these creatures would be left to die.

“Our work is very important. If we leave them out on the side of the road or out on their own, they are just going to disappear very quickly – especially with the rate of cat attacks,” Mr Peel added.

“You can get some [orphaned possums] that will be able to survive on their own but the mortality rate is quite severely high.”

To donate to the 2014 Food Appeal, visit www.wires.org.au.

NEW RIVER CROSSING

Bridge still facing a number of questions CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

P

@cassandra_o

have taken on board our suggestions. I don’t think they understood what the access side is all about as they weren’t going to put any seats along the bridge but it’s a long way for people to walk.

“We need to have them back again so we can have a look at the finer design details.”

Council identified in its submission that encouraging road cyclists to use the bridge should be a priority.

“It must be recognised by the community that experienced cyclists, especially those travelling from the west, are likely to continue to use Victoria Bridge due to the ease of access and maintenance of their travel speed with no pedestrian conflicts,” the submission said.

“Council and RMS will investigate options to encourage road cyclists to make safer right hand turns from Great Western Highway into River Road and/or Punt Road to access and encourage further use of the Green Bridge by road cyclists.”

Commenting on public arts, Council said that, “this is a great opportunity to include place making through the utilisation of

Cr Jackie Greenow quality public art that will support the location and design of the bridge which would be pivotal in establishing a new sense of place for the Penrith community”.

Council also wants a hotline established to accommodate interest from the public during the construction phase.

Sixth Avenue, Llandilo Mr Truss said the commitment was living up to promises about increased funding for the program.

“We are also making good on our commitment to double Roads to Recovery funding next year, to $700 million, which we announced in the 2014 Federal Budget,” he said.

“This will greatly assist local councils in being able to meet local construction and repair needs.”

According to a Penrith Council spokesperson, the annual allocation for funding to Penrith City Council from 2009/10 to 2013/14 was $1,038,529 each year.

This will be increased to $1,052,766 for the next five years, with an additional double payment in 2015-16 to boost projects further.

The projects locally that will benefit include rehabilitation of Eighth Avenue (from Terrybrook Road to Third Avenue) in Llandilo; Sixth Avenue (Terrybrook Road to Third Avenue) in Llandilo; as well as Wrench Street (Victoria Street to Cambridge Street) in Cambridge Park.

Mr Truss said councils will be able to lodge their Roads to Recovery annual report for 2013-14 and their new projects for 2014-15 this month.

“Lodgement in October will allow associated payments under the new Roads to Recovery program to be made this November,” he said.

“The Australian Government regards Roads to Recovery as a vital partnership with local councils, supporting them with the ongoing maintenance of Australia’s local road infrastructure, facilitating greater access, improved safety, and economic and social outcomes.”

What other roads in Penrith do you think need to be upgraded and the focus of future funding? Tell us by emailing news@westernweekender.com.au, calling us on 4722 2998 or write to us at Dear Weekender, Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown.

- Cassandra O’Connor

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

enrith Councillor Jackie Greenow says that the Nepean River Green Bridge needs to be designed with accessibility features in mind if the piece of infrastructure is to meet all the needs of the Penrith community.

On Monday evening, Councillors adopted a draft submission to the Review of Environmental Factors on the Green Bridge, which has already closed to the public.

Cr Greenow said that the Access Committee met with representatives of the project earlier this year and that key accessibility features need to be included.

“I am happy to move this report but I would just like people to understand that we had the access committee briefing and we were lucky to have people come out to talk to us about it,” she said.

“They didn’t have much information and when we asked questions they didn’t know too much but we are hopeful they

Roads in Llandilo and Cambridge Park will receive much needed upgrades thanks to a $6 million grant to Penrith Council from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced that Penrith Council is receiving $6,316,595 from the program over the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period.

“This year, the Australian Government is allocating $350 million to councils under Roads to Recovery,” Mr Truss said.

23

local news

M

ax and Jasmine, two juvenile brushtail possums, are some of St Clair’s newest residents, living in the back yard of 21-year-old Matthew Peel’s home.

The pair have found themselves in the local area after they were rescued by WIRES volunteers in early October, when they were found orphaned and with little chance of survival.

They were nursed by a WIRES carer and just last week moved to a new temporary home, an aviary in the back yard of a St Clair block, where they will remain in the care of Mr Peel, also a WIRES volunteer, until they are old enough to be released back into the wild.

“Normally with brushtails, we usually keep them separately but with these two we are trying to bud them together so that one day when they are released into the wild they will make a family together,” Mr Peel said.

“Max, the little boy, he was found at a hospital, just out on the grounds, at about four and a half months old. He was separated from his mother. The little girl, her story is along the same lines but she was found in someone’s backyard. We found an older possum nearby and it had passed away as a result of a dog attack. At the moment they are in the pre-release stage, at 500g, and they have about 700g to go before they can be released.”

Looking after creatures this cute might seem like a novelty for many local residents but it is also very expensive because, as a volunteer, all the food and equipment to nurture these creatures comes out of Mr Peel’s own pocket.

Local roads to be upgraded

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local news

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STATE POLITICS

25

Upgrade ahead for drainage system

local news

Penrith’s drainage systems are set to be overhauled CASSANDRA O’CONNOR

@cassandra_o

P

enrith MP Stuart Ayres and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole have announced that Penrith City Council will get a major upgrade of its drainage system, thanks to a subsidy from the NSW Government.

Under the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS), councils are encouraged to make greater use of borrowings to accelerate investment in long overdue community projects.

Penrith Council has been provided with

a three per cent interest subsidy for up to 10 years on loans for drainage upgrades.

“The application from Penrith City Council will see $7 million spent on upgrading the existing drainage system to address the CBD stormwater issues,” Mr Ayres said.

“This project will eliminate frequent flooding of the Penrith CBD and minimise the associated flood damage cost to the community.”

Gai Hawthorn, CEO of the Penrith CBD Corporation said this is a great opportunity to improve small businesses within the Penrith CBD area, which have struggled over the years with flooding.

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COMMUNITY

26 More than just burgers and fries at McDonald’s

local news

JARROD GLASCOTT

Small business help coming to Erskine Park KATHERINE TWEED

A

Luke Muscio and Maryanne O’Reilly Ms O’Reilly has had continuing access to support through her working career at McDonald’s Werrington.

“Jobsupport does a really good job of managing the relationship between Maryanne and the restaurant,” Mr Muscio said.

Ms O’Reilly is a valued member of the team at McDonald’s Werrington and is well-known and appreciated by locals.

“Our regular customers have the added benefit of being waited on by Maryanne, and that’s great to see,” Mr Muscio said.

Mitch Fifield, Assistant Minister for Social Services was present at the award ceremony and presented McDonald’s and Ms O’Reilly with their awards.

“People with disability, like all Australians, should have the opportunity to experience the dignity of work,” he said.

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ttend this two-hour hypnosis seminar and start losing weight--for good. Charles Borden, along A with his colleague/sister Gail Borden (who leads selected seminars), have helped 650,000 people inars and have a combined 54 years in professional practice in their U.S. clinics and seminars worldwide. This program was inspired by research at University of California.

During your seminar Borden’s powerful hypnosis will be like “flipping a switch in your mind” to turn off food cravings. It will cause you to eat healthy foods, so you will begin losing weight immediately. The focus: increasing your desire for g, natural exercise, eliminating desire for large portions, sugar, night snacking, salty snacks, emotional eating … and more! octor recommended, safe and proven effective. Register at the door for this D life-changing seminar. ©2014 Charles Borden, Carlsbad, California. Presented by Middle Way Ltd. dba The Borden Method.

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Register at door 20 min early. Fee only $75 – cash, credit card or cheque – $10 per person discount for groups of 3 or more.

PENRITH • WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER •

Penrith Paceway Function Centre

NSW Minister for Small Business John Barilaro agreed that the Small Biz Bus offers a great opportunity for local businesses, particularly those who need some support.

“The Small Biz Bus supports small businesses in NSW by providing no cost advice at a location convenient to them. I encourage all small business operators to visit the Bus when it’s in town for quality face-to-face personalised advice,” he said.

Supporting and hosting the bus is Raine and Horne Commercial.

To book an appointment on the Bus or to speak to your local Small Biz Connect advisor, call Penrith Valley BEC on 1300 134 359 or visit www.smallbusiness.nsw. gov.au/hop-on-the-small-biz-bus.

• Cnr Mulgoa & Ransley St

Bring ad for Charles’ Free e-book, 4 Ingredients to Make You Thin

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The Small Biz Bus

Mums to take a stand at Baby’s Day Out

Cake & coffee special

FRE WIF E I

rskine Park business owners looking for a leg-up will have the perfect chance when the Small Biz Bus rolls into town this November.

Designed to help small business owners get the advice they need without hassle, the Small Biz Bus brings expert business advisors to towns and cities across the state.

The bus will be visiting Erskine Park Shopping Centre car park on Thursday, November 13, to give local businesses the opportunity to access personalised advice and ask tough questions of advisors at no cost.

John Todd, Executive Officer of the Penrith Valley Business Enterprise Centre (BEC), said he was looking forward to seeing the bus in Erskine Park.

“We are excited to have the Small Biz Bus in Erskine Park in November. The Bus provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to jump on board and connect with their local business advisor,” he said.

“Businesses can seek specific advice on running or establishing their business or come and bounce some new ideas around with an advisor.”

PARENTING

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s a pioneering company involved in the employment, training and ongoing support of individuals with intellectual disabilities, Jobsupport recently acknowledged the ongoing achievements of its clientele at an awards ceremony.

Among the award recipients were local business McDonald’s Werrington, who received an award for their ongoing involvement with Jobsupport over the last 13 years, and McDonald’s Werrington employee 29-year-old Maryanne O’Reilly, who recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with the company.

Operations Manager for McDonald’s Werrington, Luke Muscio said: “The restaurant has always been known to help out the community in a number of ways, and this is one way we just like to help people get a leg up, so to speak”.

While Jobsupport offers intellectually disabled people the valuable opportunity to join the workforce, businesses also benefit from recruiting dedicated, longterm staff members who love coming to work.

“To remain 10 years in a workplace for anyone is a great achievement, which makes us appreciate Maryanne even more,” Mr Muscio said.

It is all about great coffee

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

BUSINESS

oing out in public for extended periods of time can be an ordeal for local mums with newborn bubs, as even in this day and age breastfeeding in public can be frowned upon.

In a stand against the stigma that comes with breastfeeding, local parents, their breastfeeding babies, families and supporters will band together near the playground at Tench Reserve, Nepean River, this weekend for ‘Baby’s Day Out’.

The event, taking place in Penrith on Saturday, November 1, is part of a nationwide move to encourage and empower women to feel more comfortable to get out and about in their local communities when they have their babies in tow.

It is hoped that the event will also help other community members, if they haven’t already, to become more comfortable with families and breastfeeding babies spending time together in the local community.

“Gone are the days when a baby is to be hidden away whilst feeding. Babies are an important part of our community and should be celebrated every day,” said Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) president, Rachel Fuller.

“ABA is dedicated to seeing a greater acceptance and encouragement of breastfeeding, whenever and wherever

Mum Peta with kids Jude and Lior it takes place. Community perceptions can be influenced by positive images and real life examples.

“Spring is the perfect time for families to go out together, taking babies and children along to share the fun.”

Baby’s Day Out in Penrith will be celebrated with gift bags for parents, activities and games for the kids and prizes as well.

There were over 40 Baby’s Day Out events across the country last year.

A great attendance is expected at tomorrow’s event in Penrith.

Visit www.babysdayout.org for more information.

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local news WW13555

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

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Plenty of fun to be had at darts event, but there’s a serious side too

We’re Closing…

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But only for a day!

Then from Sunday November 2nd onwards we’ll fling open the doors and invite everyone to come along and see our most spectacular ‘Merry and Bright’ 2014 Christmas Collections!

Did you know more men die of cancer each year than women?

A shocking statistic has revealed that men are 84 per cent more likely than women to die of preventable cancers that are common to both sexes.

Australian women are said to be better off because they talk to their friends about their health and lifestyle choices, and they pop off to the doctor if they’re worried.

Men often don’t and are usually less inclined to talk freely about their health which can be very dangerous.

To help encourage local men to talk about their health, the Cancer Council is once again running their popular Penrith Darts Challenge which will see local business and individuals up against local cancer survivors to help raise funds and awareness to fight men’s cancer.

Taking place at the Tattersalls Hotel on Thursday, November 20 at 5pm, the Cancer Council Penrith Darts Challenge

will see competitors raise money for the cause through sponsorships plus individual and team fundraising.

“The Penrith Darts Challenge is now in its second year, and the people we had involved last year really enjoyed it. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to spread the word about men’s health,” Cancer Council Community Programs Coordinator, Rodney Titovs said.

“The men’s health message can be a hard one to get out and that’s what we are trying to do especially in the greater western Sydney area.”

The Penrith Darts Challenge evening will be split up into two parts: a Celebrity vs Survivors Darts Challenge as well as a General Public Competition.

The Cancer Council are currently looking for competitors to take part in both competitions. For more information call 9354 2060 or visit nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/penrithdartschallenge.

– Nathan Taylor

Dose of Dorin

Come and experience the magic as this amazing Lawson destination embraces the coming of the festive season once more.

OPEN O PEN EVERY DAY! ‘Badger House’, 3 Badgery Crescent, Lawson ‘B R

Rodney Titovs from the Cancer Council wants people to take part in a darts event

45 amazingly-themed trees, each one reflecting the style of the room in which they are showcased … Victorian, Folk, Retro, English, Kids and more! Collectable wares imported from all over the world and unique to RRC. The hugest cache of homewares and gift ideas ever.

local news

To launch our biggest Christmas showing ever, and to host 250 guests in the process, Rick Rutherford’s Country – Lawson – will be closed to the public just this Saturday, November 1st.

RUTHERFORD’ S ICK

Country

(From Sydney, turn RIGHT off the Highway a the San Jose Bridge lights - opposite the skate park at BEFORE the Lawson township)

LAWSON

Open 10am to 5.30pm daily • Ph: 4759 3434 www.rickrutherford.com WW12858

Can you provide a safe, stable and supportive home to an adolescent?

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Call us today

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Mamre Anglican College

business

45 Bakers Lane, Kemps Creek 9834 1881 www.mamre.nsw.edu.au

M BUSINE S S OF TH E W E E K

Local school’s growth spurt Mamre Anglican School continues to grow, with the launch of a new $3 million Senior Study Centre at the forefront of its approach to the future

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amre Anglican School is a co-educational Prep to 12 day school with Year 11 beginning in 2015 and proceeding to Year 12 in 2016, based on current growth.

The school, which is located in beautiful Kemps Creek, is committed to achieving high academic outcomes for its students in addition to growth in understanding of the Christian faith.

Recently, Mamre Anglican School celebrated the completion of its new $3 million Seniors Study Centre, designed specifically to suit modern learning styles of today’s students.

“The students are very excited to learn inside this well thought-out structure which does not look like a traditional school,” Headmaster, Vic Branson said.

“It has an exciting colour scheme and very creative spaces including learning niches for quiet study or small group discussion.”

The new building also houses brand new science laboratories, seminar rooms and a large hall for assemblies and parent meetings.

Mamre Anglican School offers a wide range of subjects for Year 11 students including English Standard, Advanced English and Extension; General Maths, Advanced Maths and Extension; Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Ancient and Modern History; PDHPE; Design and Technology; Engineering Science; Business Studies; Visual Arts; Early Childhood Studies; Software Design; Food Technology; Music 1 plus other subjects that run through the distance education framework including Spanish and Legal Studies.

MAMRE ANGLICAN SCHOOL Ph: 9834 1881 Web: www.mamre.nsw.edu.au

Sat Nov 15th 10am to 4pm Bakers Lane Kemps Creek  Hosting a variety of

 Food Stalls

 Carnival Rides $30 all day unlimited pass or $5 per ride

 ATM’s for extra CASH

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Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

 Market Stalls

 Dodgem Cars

and Car Show for information contact: megan.malek@mamre.nsw.edu.au

WW13410

BUSINESS TIPS

31 MICHAEL TODD Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC

Who are your champions in business?

The art of ‘selling’ is constantly changing

Being a business owner can be a lonely job. This applies both to sole traders and those who run their business from home, as well as owners of larger businesses.

Having ultimate responsibility for the failure or success of your business can often place you in a position of isolation when it comes to sharing the emotional load.

It is important therefore to have people involved in your life and business who champion you. For some of us, our family members are great champions: I am fortunate to have a partner who not only supports the fact that I run a business, he is a great advocate who has even secured clients for me on more than one occasion!

Even those of us that do have family support, our family members most often do not really understand what it is like to be a business owner.

Without wanting to sound ‘elitist’, running a business is one of those things that cannot be truly understood unless you have experienced it.

So it is important to find a peer (or two) who can become champions of you and your journey as a business owner. This

might be someone in the same phase of business as you; someone who can relate to the current issues you are facing. Or it might be someone who acts more like a mentor, who can listen to you when you need a sounding board and can offer advice where needed.

Although business ownership can be a solo effort as far as responsibilities and daily tasks, you should never seek to ‘go it alone’. Find people with whom you can share the emotional highs and lows: this not only gives you motivation to keep forging ahead, it also makes the journey much more enjoyable.

Do you spot old school salespeople instantly? It baffles me as to why people still use over-used lines and approaches to try to entice potential customers to buy their products or use their services. The world of selling is constantly changing.

With increased competition, greater transparency, and the reluctance of people to be pushed into something that they don’t value, we’ve seen a shift in how customers buy.

The days of ‘selling ice to eskimos’ are gone. Successful selling today is about understanding what your customers truly need and why, and then aligning your sales efforts with how they want to buy.

More often today good products are bought not sold.

Your business should offer a solution to a customer need, but the key is not to do this until you know why and how your customers buy.

Make sure you know why your customers buy. Have you ever been in the ‘just looking’ mode and a sales rep starts telling you all about how great the product is that you are paying attention

to, including listing all of the features you don’t need? Nothing but annoying.

Sales people should first find out what a customer needs.

You also need to know how your customers buy. Your goal should be to establish a sales strategy that fits your customers’ buying preferences, without them having to use excess effort that could turn them off.

Some customers purely know what they need and don’t need assistance. Some need a bit of hand holding and have questions. Others involve more effort, making more customised and costly purchases.

Then the most intense and time consuming customers look for help to address a problem without a simple solution, looking to improve a more complex issue or problem.

Have you taken the time to really understand how your customers buy and to map an urgent problem they have which you can provide a solution for? If not, put yourself in your customers’ shoes and think about how they ideally want to purchase, rather than how you want to sell.

business

MICHELLE GRICE Founder of Shel Design

Journalist Do you know who the Mayor of Penrith is?

What about the State MP? Do you know what LAC and LGA stand for?

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Is your business keeping you awake at night?

This service is proudly funded by the State Government Small Biz Connect Program

www.penrithsmallbiz.com.au

WW7469

02 4721 5011

WW13573

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

Come in for an appointment at no cost to you with a business advisor to help solve your business problems.

A rare opportunity exists to join the editorial team of one of the country’s leading independent newspapers.

The Western Weekender provides Penrith’s #1 news coverage through its weekly newspaper, delivered to more than 60,000 homes and businesses each week.

The position currently available in our team is for a general news reporter, including the portfolios of Council and political news. As such, the successful candidate will have in the very least a general knowledge of politics at a local, state and federal level (an advanced knowledge of all three is a definite advantage!)

The role includes attending Council meetings on most Monday evenings.

We’re looking for a passionate writer who can produce quick, relevant and engaging copy. This is a full-time role and you’ll be writing anywhere from 10 to 20 stories each week across a range of topics. You could be interviewing the Prime Minister one minute and a local charity the next, so a broad knowledge of the general news cycle is required.

WE ARE: * A local newspaper that is passionate about Penrith * A local newspaper that tackles ‘classic’ local issues as well as a range of investigative and broader issues, including extensive coverage of State and Federal election campaigns * A news organisation that embraces the power of social media and the Internet, creating a strong news presence across a variety of platforms * A news organisation that offers stability, opportunities for growth and a wide range of experiences in the media landscape YOU ARE: * Someone with experience in a newsroom environment * Someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills * Confident and inquisitive by nature * Someone with an ability to pitch original story ideas, and seek out local angles of national or even international stories and issues * Someone who has a broad, general knowledge of the issues of Penrith and western Sydney, as well as the news cycle in general at a state and national level * A team player who can also work independently with limited supervision Sub-editing and proof reading experience would be an advantage.

Send your resume, cover letter and examples of any published work to: Troy.Dodds@westernweekender.com.au.

IMMEDIATE START FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE

automotive

32

AUTO

The Best

@nate_taylor87

NATHAN TAYLOR

Australia’s motoring clubs have announced the finalists for the 2014 Australia’s Best Car Awards.

The announcement of the 45 finalists follows extensive assessment of 220 cars in 15 categories ranging from micro cars to four-wheel drive vehicles.

“The program is Australia’s most independent evaluation of value for money, design and function and on road performance of new vehicles,” Australian Automobile Association Chief Executive, Andrew McKellar said.

There have been some changes to the categories this year with the introduction of micro cars, a change from People Movers to Family Wagons and a revamp of the SUV and 4WD categories.

“These changes have been made to ensure the program reflects changing preferences in the new-car marketplace,” Mr McKellar said.

The category finalists range in price from under $20,000 for the Mitsubishi Mirage ES, to more than $120,000 for the Range Rover Sport and use various powertrains including petrol, diesel and hybrid energy.

“Purchasing a new car is a major decision and we hope our assessment will make it a little easier,” Mr McKellar said.

The Australia’s Best Car judges have experience in automotive engineering, vehicle testing and motoring advocacy.

The winners will be announced on November 25. The results will be available at www.australiasbestcars.com.au.

45 finalists across 15 categories have been announced for Australia’s Best Car Awards

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34

SPORT TENNIS

OZTAG

All eyes on Penrith

Success for Tigers

sport

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

T Courtney Cook in training NATHAN TAYLOR

P

@natetaylor87

enrith was home to the state’s most prestigious junior tennis tournament last weekend with Woodriff Gardens Tennis Centre playing host to the Medibank Junior Development Series (MJDS) State Finals for the third consecutive year.

Players from all over NSW have spent the year trying to accumulate valuable ranking points with the goal of being selected to represent their own region at the MJDS

State Finals. In total, 246 players across four age groups were selected to participate in this year’s event with a number of local Nepean juniors also taking part.

Representing the Central West Region, players included Courtney Cook, Sarah Lewis, Kelsey Lewis, David Pletkan, Nick Wilson and Chris Wilson. Penrith girl Courtney Cook was runner-up after narrowly losing the final.

“Courtney works extremely hard on her game every week and the results are starting to show. She thoroughly deserves her success,” said Senior Coach Carey Sinden.

hese boys in this photo usually face off against one another during the junior rugby league season but recently they put their differences aside and teamed up to play a different sport – OzTag. After eight weeks of giving up their Sundays to train, the U12 boys from the West Sydney Tigers took part in the first ever Australian Junior OzTag Championships in Coffs Harbour earlier this month.

Featuring teams from all over NSW as well as Queensland and the ACT, the U12 West Sydney Tigers dominated their competition, winning their way through to the final and leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

“We played six pool games during the tournament plus the semi final and final,” coach Jeff Willis said.

“We won our semi-final 9-0 and defeated a team from the Sunshine Coast in the final 6-0. We dominated the entire competition.”

Coach Willis said he was most impressed with how his young troops grew as a team throughout the tournament despite their varying backgrounds.

“Watching them grow in regards to their ability across the park and the

The U12 West Sydney Tigers camaraderie they built with each other was a big highlight for me,” he said.

“All these kids play league with different clubs from the area. To bring them all together, when usually they hate each other each week, and watch them gel sent shivers down my spine.”

It was certainly a weekend to remember for the Tigers, who entered male and female teams in most junior age groups for the inaugural competition.

The Tigers were one of the strongest districts throughout the three-day tournament with their U11, U12 and U13 boys teams each winning Australian titles while their U9 and U12 girls also took our their respective competitions.

BOWLS // Mick Gilfoyle THE NDBA held a very successful presentation night last Saturday with some 150 guests. Members from most clubs enjoyed a good meal, good company and a great presentation from Steve Glasson.

During the presentation news was shared that Trent Whittingham (Penrith) had been selected in the NSW Country Side and that both Luke Millican (Wisemans Ferry) and Emmet McLeod (Penrith) had been selected in the NSW Junior Country Side. Congratulations to all players. These matches will be played at Cabramatta BC, November 809, 2014.

Penrith held their Registered Club AGM last Sunday. At one stage it was thought there wouldn’t be enough members for a

Have a fresh NU LOOK this

Friday 31 October 2014 the western weekender

g n i r p S

quorum just prior to the meeting. But interested members came from everywhere for the meeting with Albert Mathews being confirmed as a Life Member.

After two big weekends of Aloha Barefoot Bowls around NSW the first stage of qualifiers has been decided. These winners will now move onto the knockout stages to win their way to Hawaii for the unofficial World Barefoot Bowls Championships in February 2015. Over 800 entrants competed at the 36 venues across venues in the North, South, East and Far Western regions of NSW. With 36 winning pairs moving through to the next stage there is only a couple of games standing between them and the sandy shores of Hawaii.

HARNESS RACING // Lorraine Pozza

 Call us now to find out how 02 8999 5597 or 0419 283 113

www.nulookroofing.com.au WW12902

THE PREVAILING stormy and wet weather last Thursday night did not stop a good night of harness racing taking place at the Paceway.

Race one went to the short priced favourite Davey Gunn ($1.50) driven by Tod McCarthy. Having his second run from a spell he went straight to the lead and was never headed.

Even though drifting out in the betting Sandy Dryden ($10.80) was good enough to overcome the favourite Franco Seville in the second. He was three wide early before slotting into the one out one back spot. When driver Jack Trainor asked the question he responded nicely holding out Franco Seville.

The third went to consistent place getter Type Thing ($4.50) driven by Rob Morris.

He was nicely placed mid field at the bell

then took a three wide trail on Dunvegan Road and headed that horse up the straight. Indy Girl ran on for third.

Ruinate (Josh Willick) hummed out of gate six to lead in the fourth and held that spot until the shadows of the post when Im Alex ($2.10) driven by David Morris came on the scene from midfield and pipped him on the line.

Josh Willick took in the first of a double when winning with Deeinnocentwon ($6.80) in the fifth.

I Will Be Famous ($2.90) tried to live up to his name and with Josh Willick he just managed to scramble home in the seventh.

Our Samson ($2.00) driven by Jinaya Niass took out the last race after having a nice run in the one by one spot. Consistent Village Rebel was really the only one to put up some resistance running on for second.

TRIATHLON

35

Inspirational day at Nepean Triathlon

T

wo-time Nepean Triathlon winner Aaron Royle said seeing John Maclean return from a devastating spinal injury and complete last Sunday’s race was the most inspirational thing he’s ever seen.

Royle, who won his second Nepean Triathlon in as many years last weekend, stayed at the Sydney International Regatta Centre course for a further six hours after he completed his own race to watch the inspirational Maclean cross the finish line.

“I’d heard about him (Maclean) but I didn’t know too much about his story and the journey he undertook to get to where he is now,” Royle said.

“After learning more about him, and to see what he did on the weekend, it was pretty inspirational.”

26 years ago, whilst cycling along the M4 training for the Nepean Triathlon, Maclean was hit by a truck and was left with a broken back, pelvis and right arm and was rendered a paraplegic.

Years later Maclean went on to defy the odds by continuing his sporting endeavours competing at the Ironman World

RE

ER

U AT

Championships as well as an Olympics and two Paralympic Games.

However, last Sunday’s comeback at the Nepean was made even more remarkable due to the fact Maclean was completing the race as an able-bodied athlete after nearly three decades confined to a wheelchair.

“John had to run two laps around the lake and, after the first lap, he looked pretty knackered but was determined to finish,” Royle said.

“To see the emotion from the crowd as he walked over the finish line was a very special moment.”

Royle completed the Nepean Triathlon in a record-breaking time of 1:25:32 which was one minute and three seconds faster than the record time he set himself last year. The 24-year-old picked up a cool $14,000 for his troubles and said he was determined more than ever to return next year to make it three wins in a row.

Meanwhile, the female winner of this year’s Nepean Triathlon was Australian Commonwealth Games triathlete Ashleigh Gentle who bettered last year’s result of second to take out overall honours. The 23-year-old completed the course in 1:35:06.

sport

@natetaylor87

NATHAN TAYLOR

Ashleigh Gentle crosses the finish line. Inset: Aaron Royle. Photos: JGRimages

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SPORT HOCKEY

RUGBY UNION

Hollywood to hockey

Volunteer of the Year

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NATHAN TAYLOR

C Leonay’s Annie Rose Buckley has gone from movie star to hockey star @natetaylor87

NATHAN TAYLOR

S

he starred in one of the most popular movies of the year, now local ‘Saving Mr Banks’ star Annie Rose Buckley is switching the red carpet lifestyle for the hockey pitch.

After playing a major role alongside Tom Hanks and Colin Farrell in the Disney film about how ‘Mary Poppins’ came to life, Annie Rose has put aside her acting endeavours for the time being to live out her other passion – hockey.

Recently, the Leonay resident was one of the key members of the NSW Blues team at the Australian U13 Hockey Championships in Brisbane.

Playing in her first national tournament, Annie Rose started the competition as a striker before her tireless, non-stop efforts saw her rewarded with the larger role of attacking midfielder.

The NSW state team took out the Australian title while Annie Rose’s NSW Blues side finished a credible sixth from 14 teams.

The Penrith Junior Hockey Club member also has a keen interest in ballet.

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hris Hicks, a long time member of the Penrith District Junior Rugby Union (PDJRU), was presented the inaugural HSBC Volunteer of the Year Award last week for his contribution to the sport in Penrith.

Hicks, who was selected from hundreds of nominees from across Australia, won the prestigious award for his involvement in promoting rugby in the local community as well as his involvement with the PDJRU Academy and coaching the U12’s to a state championship this season.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by the Australian Rugby Union and HSBC, and to be given an opportunity to attend the John Eales Medal awards night,” Hicks said.

“The growth of rugby in Sydney’s west is extremely important to me and winning this award is a testament to rugby’s development in the west.”

PDJRU’s Aron Power, who nominated Hicks for the award, believes it was a well-deserved accolade.

“Rugby in Penrith has gone from strength to strength and much of that can be attributed to Chris’ hard work.

Aron Power, Nathan Sharpe and Chris Hicks with kids from the Penrith District Junior Rugby Union “Chris has invested significant time to help rugby grow at a grassroots level and his contribution to different clubs in the region is invaluable.

“It’s great to see him rewarded for his efforts, and I hope he can continue to be involved in the Penrith club for years to come.”

Currently in its first year, the HSBC Volunteer of the Year is a joint initiative launched between HSBC and the Australian Rugby Union to recognise the effort and skills of people who have contributed to the development, promotion and advancement of rugby union within Australia.

AROUND THE GROUNDS CRICKET: Penrith are in a commanding position heading into the second day of their match against Randwick-Petersham at Howell Oval. Penrith batted first scoring a whopping 9/369 before declaring and sending the visitors into bat. Shannon Finemore topscored for Penrith with 89.

When Randwick-Petersham hit the crease they only managed 1/11 before stumps.

The match will resume this Saturday at 10.30am.

BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers are continuing to go from strength to strength in the NSW State Baseball League after they defeated Cronulla 8-7 last Sunday. For the first time this season, Penrith are at the top of the NSW State Baseball League ladder and will play Manly this Sunday.

GRIDIRON: After nine long weeks the Nepean Ducks have finally won their first game of the season defeating the Northern Sydney Rebels 36-6. The Ducks will enjoy a bye this Saturday before returning to action next weekend against the North Western Predators.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have won their second game of the W-League season defeating cross-town rivals Sydney FC 2-1. Western Sydney’s goals came from a Keelin Winters penalty in the 14th minute and via an own goal from Teigen Allen in the 61st minute. The Wander-

ers have moved up to seventh place on the W-League ladder and will play Canberra this Saturday. Meanwhile, after defeating Sydney FC in the opening round of the Y-League, the Wanderers were hammered in their second match, going down to Melbourne City 4-1.

They’ll play Adelaide United this Sunday.

MARTIAL ARTS: Pollet’s Martial Arts Centre have returned with amazing results after competing at the ISKA World Karate and Jiu Jitsu Championships recently. Held in Sydney every three years, more than 1,000 competitors took part in the three day tournament which was broadcast online to 26,000 viewers around the world. Pollet’s National Team (eight full-time centres combined) won 40 world titles with Penrith competitors bringing home 10 of those titles. Local competitor Jovi Paul won four titles for Traditional Kata, Point Sparring, Continuous Sparring and Koshiki. Tylisha Turner won three titles for Traditional Kata, Point Sparring and Koshiki. Daniel Brown and Jesse Pinder won a title each for Koshiki while Paul, Turner and Brown teamed up to win the Synchronised Kata division. One of the inspirational stories of the tournament was competitor Nikki Plaisted who was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. Plaisted performed brilliantly at the event winning a world title for Continuous Sparring.

Got a story? Email nathan.taylor@westernweekender or call 4722 2998.

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he Penrith Women’s Cricket Club has received a $1,000 grant plus much needed equipment for its players ahead of the upcoming women’s cricket season.

The Howell Oval-based club was selected from over 1,000 clubs across the country to receive one of 90 Grants for Grassroots from the CommBank Cricket Club, a major sponsor of women’s cricket in Australia.

As part of the grant, Penrith Women’s Cricket Club received $1,000 cash plus an equipment pack containing training and playing gear including Kookaburra stumps, training balls and more.

Former Australian Test cricketer and CommBank Cricket Club Ambassador, Mike Hussey, said the Grants for Grassroots provide deserving clubs with vital support.

“The Penrith Women’s Cricket Club plays an important role in the community, so it’s great to see them recognised by the CommBank Cricket Club,” he said.

“There are a number of cricket clubs out there who could do with extra support.

These grants provide clubs with a helping hand to make grassroots cricket even

better for local players.”

Penrith Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager, Narelle Meredith, said the branch is delighted to see Penrith Women’s Cricket Club rewarded with a CommBank Cricket Club grant.

“CommBank has been supporting Australian grassroots cricket for more than 27 years,” she said.

“We’re proud to play a role in keeping cricket thriving in the community and hope this grant will contribute to a successful season for the club.”

Meanwhile this Sunday, November 2, Penrith Cricket Club will be holding a special ‘Celebration of Women’s Cricket in Penrith Day’ which will feature a T20 double header with Penrith’s second grade squad playing at 10am as well as the first grade team playing their debut home game from 2pm.

It’ll be the first year the Penrith Cricket Club have entered a team into the Sydney Cricket Association women’s first grade competition with the side set to receive their ‘Baggy Blacks’ prior to their match.

“This is a major milestone not only for the Penrith Cricket Club but for the Penrith region and the female cricket pathway in western Sydney,” Penrith Women’s Team Coordinator, Kim Hinkley said.

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FOOTBALL

sport

Live site at Parra Eager fans will be able to watch the Wanderers take on Al-Hilal on the big screen at Centenary Square in Parramatta on Sunday morning.

Parramatta City Council rushed through approval of the live site at its meeting on Monday evening.

“We invite families from all over Sydney to come along and share their support for a hugely successful team that we should all be proud of,” said Deputy Lord Mayor, Steven Issa.

The live site will open at 3.30am and there’s free entry.

There will be no alcohol allowed at the event, with the live site aiming to have a family-friendly feel.

14 fans going Difficult travel conditions mean that just 14 Western Sydney Wanderers fans will travel to Saudi Arabia to watch Sunday morning’s match.

Just one of them is female, with Kate Durnell likely to be the only woman inside the 70,000-seat venue.

“Being the only female supporter going is obviously intimidating, but the excitement outweighs the nerves tenfold,” she told Fox Sports.

Ms Durnell said she hopes to represent Western Sydney and all female football fans the best she can.

No turning back for Wanderers PEACOCK’S POINT ADAM PEACOCK

The Wanderers will look to make history this weekend and claim the ACL crown.

Catch all the exclusively LIVE action on FOX SPORTS 1HD & 1 from 4am on Sunday.

Funny what a big final does.

It makes supporters of people you didn’t even know were paying attention.

Makes those of you who invest emotionally in every contest turn into trembling bundles of nervous energy.

It turns people you might think would be envious of the side’s run to the edge of glory into the aforementioned trembling fan.

All across Australia, and in pockets around the world, the Western Sydney Wanderers have got the full attention of anyone who loves a contest.

This week for Fox Sports, I’ve tracked down a few of the players who were a part of the club for the Group Stages of the competition, but have since moved on to other clubs or retired.

Not one hint of bitterness was found.

Sure, a few of them were envious of their former teammates but they are all big enough and man enough to realise moving on is part of football.

They were as nervous as anyone watching the game and went mental as anything when Tomi Juric poked home Anthony Golec’s pinpoint cross.

In Melbourne, it was halftime in the derby at Etihad Stadium, a tense break with Victory and City locked at 2-all with the prospect of more mayhem to follow in the second half.

But what did a lot of fans do? They stood in front of the screens in the walkways, watching the Wanderers for 15 minutes.

Juric scored during this period. The crowd was happy and more than a few missed Besart Berisha’s goal to start the second half in the Derby.

A colleague of mine, Daniel Garb, usually covers the big EPL games for us. This weekend is the Manchester Derby. But there’s one place he’d rather be, and he’ll be there as well – King Fahd Stadium in Rihayd, drowned out by 65,000 Al Hilal supporters.

There’s no place most of us would rather be, but normal life, and difficult travel arrangements needed to get to Saudi Arabia put a stop to our attendance plans.

We’ll watch back here at 4.30am, bleary eyed in the lounge room, or out with mates, or out with family at one of the live sites… hiding behind hands, the tension almost unbearable.

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FIVE SHOTS WITH ANTE COVIC ANTE COVIC

Ante Covic is the goal keeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers and answers five big questions every Friday in the Western Weekender

Congratulations on your outstanding performance last Saturday night and yet another clean sheet, how did your side manage to put those poor A-League results behind them and perform so well?

Before last Saturday night we had four extremely tough AFC Champions League games in which we were rock solid, and we have been rock solid for pretty much the past two years. You’ve got to pick yourself up for an AFC Champions League Final and if you can’t pick yourself up for a game like that, you never will. We knew the opposition was going to be very good and that we had to be at our absolute best on the night.

You oozed passion during that game especially when you made some crucial saves, what does it mean to you when you have such an impact on a game?

For me personally, I’m always happy if I can play an important part; especially in the last 10 minutes I definitely did that. I was caught a few times there to either make a save or stop a chance being created by Al-Hilal. I’m more than happy with my performance and if I can produce

those kinds of performances, it’s always a confidence booster. First and foremost I’d rather not make any saves with the team playing beautifully but occasionally someone has to stand up and I guess myself and super sub Tomi Juric did that the other night. If it was me last week, hopefully it’s someone else this week to take the bull by the horns.

Now that you’ve had a good hard look at Al-Hilal, how confident is the side about finishing this thing off come Sunday morning?

We’re going over there with the lead and for me, we’re in the box seat. During the first half last week we weren’t at our best and we know we can improve. The best part of Saturday night is we got a result despite playing below what we’re capable of. We go over there in what’s going to be a very fiery environment and they’re going to come at us full speed ahead. We are confident, we know what we can do and we have a lot of belief.

The team visited the Middle East during the off-season to play some trial games,

with Saudi Arabia being a strict Muslim country, is there a certain protocol that you must abide by whilst over there?

We’ll be heading into to a strict environment where they’ve got their sets of rules and laws but I’m sure the club has done their homework to make it as easy as possible for us whilst we are over there.

sport

We’re in the box seat to win ACL Final Fan question this week asks: what’s something you can’t leave home without when you travel overseas and who do you often room with whilst away?

There’s nothing I can’t leave home without but I always take my iPad with me to kill some time and I always stop off at the airport newsagent for a couple of magazines before we board the flight. I’m a bit of a ‘motor-head’ so any magazines with cars and bikes are usually the way I go. In terms of roommates, we’ve been mixing it around a bit this year. Being a senior player I often have a room to myself but in the past I’ve roomed with players like Matthew Spiranovic and former teammate Michael Beauchamp.

You can ask Ante a question by emailing it to news@westernweekender.com.au.

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estern Sydney Wanderers captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley hopes it’s third time’s the charm this Sunday morning when his side meets Al-Hilal in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Final in Saudi Arabia.

After losing the A-League Grand Final twice in the last two years, the Wanderers are as determined as ever to win Asian football’s biggest prize and become the first Australian club to do so in the process.

Speaking at a media conference on Monday morning, Topor-Stanley said it was a “great feeling” to win the first leg of the AFC Champions League Final in front of 20,053 fans at Parramatta Stadium.

“It was a great feeling but one that we have to quickly put on the backburner because we haven’t won anything yet,” he said.

“This is our third bite at the cherry at a Grand Final so we really want to seize that moment and walk off with that trophy.”

After a terrible start to the A-League season, the Wanderers were simply superb in front of their home fans last Saturday night with a

Tomi Juric was the hero for the Wanderers against Al-Hilal at Parramatta Stadium last Saturday night. Photo: Steve Christo / Western Sydney Wanderers Tomi Juric goal in 64th minute proving the difference on the scoreboard.

Wanderers goalkeeper Ante Covic’s performance was also something to marvel, recording yet another clean sheet on home soil.

“We were disappointed by the two A-League results (losses to Melbourne and Sydney) but

it doesn’t define us defensively or as a team,” Topor-Stanley said.

“We’re just keeping our feet on the ground.

We know we have a huge challenge ahead of us over their in Riyadh, so we just have to learn from our mistakes and be prepared for a massive game.”

One thing the Wanderers will be wary about heading to the Saudi Arabian capital will be the ‘interesting’ conditions they’ll face.

For them, it won’t just be adjusting to the hot 34 degree weather that’s expected but also the hostile crowd and unique style of refereeing that will also greet them at King Fahd Stadium.

“It’ll be difficult… clearly the conditions are warm and it’ll be a different style of football and different style of refereeing to adjust to,” Topor-Stanley admitted.

“However, we had a pre-season tour there which is going to hold us in good stead and we can draw on those experiences when we get there.”

The Wanderers will look to wrap up the AFC Champions League Final when they meet Al-Hilal this Sunday morning.

Kick off is at 4.30am with live coverage on Fox Sports.

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