Weekender April 13

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INSIDE Your guide to school holiday fun Pages 58-59

LOCK UP YOUR BOSS! Is your boss getting on your nerves? Would sending them to jail relieve the stress? Plenty of local community leaders will be locked up next week, all for a good cause and a bit of fun. Read more on page 18

Citizen of the Year resigns as local charity changes direction to survive

FOUNDATION C LOSES QUEEN

EMILY NEWTON

itizen of the Year Michele Ellery has resigned from her role as CEO of the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation for personal reasons.

It comes as the Foundation’s Board works to make major changes to how the charity runs, to ensure it survives into the future.

Ms Ellery, who founded Queen of Hearts, has been honoured with numerous awards for her passion in supporting victims of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Read the full story on page 3

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Foundation loses Queen Citizen of the Year resigns as Queen of Hearts changes structure to survive EMILY NEWTON

he Queen of Hearts Community Foundation has found itself a little heartbroken following the resignation of its founder and CEO, Michele Ellery.

Queen Of Hearts provides support and services to survivors of child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

A spokesperson for the Board told the Weekender the resignation of the current Penrith Citizen of the Year comes on the back of a difficult financial period for the organisation, which has led to a change in business structure.

“Unfortunately, after four years of dedication to the cause and to the Foundation, Michele has decided to step down for personal reasons,” the spokesperson said on Wednesday.

“The Board cannot thank Michele enough for the passion that she has brought to the cause and the awareness she has been able to create around the assistance that survivors need and we are sad to see her step down but we understand that she needs to focus on herself and her family now.”

Ms Ellery said that despite her departure, you will still see her smiling face around.

“I am very much looking forward to

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fulfilling all of my obligations as Citizen of the Year,” Ms Ellery said.

“I made a promise to give back to the community that has always supported myself and the vision of the Foundation and you will still see me actively in the community.”

The new Board that commenced work at the end of last year reviewed the Foundation’s position and found a service oriented not-for-profit charity run almost entirely on generous community donations was becoming impractical and increasingly difficult, leading the Foundation to financial woes.

“In order to maintain the Foundation’s effectiveness and continue to offer services, it became apparent that the Foundation needed to transition to a fully pre-paid funded program model whereby the Foundation will continue to seek funding toward specific programs and will deliver these programs within an agreed fully costed timeframe and with program outcomes being reviewed and monitored,” the spokesperson said.

During the transition to a new structure, the Foundation will offer a reduced amount of counselling and art therapy services.

“We believe that there is still a lot of work to be done within our community in both

Michele Ellery has left the Queen of Hearts Community Foundation. Photo: Melinda Jane the prevention, support and awareness of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse,” the spokesperson said.

In addition to Ms Ellery’s departure, Carol Bennett has stepped down from the Board after an unexpected family injury in March.

“Carol decided that it was best for her to step away from the Foundation as the

decision to restructure required a significant time commitment from the Board,” the spokesperson said.

“We are hopeful that once Carol’s commitments return to normal she will consider re-joining the Board.”

The new Board expressed their hope and determination in continuing to serve the community into the future.

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Why Turnbull should stay

sunday services

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

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Limited Edition Prints - Harry welcomes you to visit his website www.harrykaravias.com and browse through his collection of breathtaking Limited Edition Photos. Request quotes on line or contact Harry via email on harrykphotography@gmail.com

he only thing as certain as Winx winning her 25th straight race tomorrow was Malcolm Turnbull’s 30th consecutive Newspoll defeat on Monday.

But here’s another certainty: The Liberal Party won’t be replacing Turnbull as leader any time soon.

Anyone who has backed Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton or Julie Bishop to be in the Lodge by the end of the year should tear up their tickets now.

Surely our politicians have now learned that the knife in the back of a sitting Prime Minister drips with blood for years following the attack; never stopping.

It is a stain on any individual’s respect and leadership. Malcolm Turnbull has never recovered from his attack on Tony Abbott. He most likely never will.

Julia Gillard never won the public over because like a thief in the night she stole the top job from Kevin Rudd.

When Rudd stole it back, the sinned became the sinner. The love affair with Kevin07 was dead and buried.

So surely Morrison, Dutton and Bishop know that any move on Turnbull will result in short term personal gain but enormous long term pain.

The Liberals need to bunker down, back Turnbull and receive their medicine should the public turf them out at next year’s Federal Election.

If they do switch leaders, the public will likely get rid of them anyway. They’ve had enough of the musical chairs and game playing.

And that would potentially end the careers of Morrison, Dutton and Bishop, all three of whom would be better waiting for their turn in the wings.

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“There is no doubt that Australia is on the verge of its Donald Trump moment”

A leadership change would suddenly, and strangely, make Labor look like the stable option come the election.

There is very little doubt that Malcolm Turnbull would regret that throwaway line about 30 straight Newspoll losses when he challenged Tony Abbott.

It always had the potential to hurt him, and this week it did.

But the Canberra press gallery’s obsession with the Newspoll result should not be what brings down a sitting Prime Minister.

The public should make that decision on election day.

And you can sprout the “public doesn’t vote for the leader, just the party’s local representative” argument all you like, but if that were really true, the leaders wouldn’t be out on the election trail in marginal seats every single day during the campaign and their faces wouldn’t be plastered all over school fences.

Cut the crap: We vote for who we want to be Prime Minister.

There is no doubt that Australia is on the verge of its Donald Trump moment.

If our two major parties continue to write chapters of the political killing season, it will eventually wear the public down. They will look somewhere else.

They’ll look for somebody that speaks their language and who appears to care about the issues that matter, not what a Newspoll result in The Australian says.

If the Liberals move on Turnbull, it will simply bring us a step closer to the most dramatic of political chess moves from the wider electorate. I’m not sure we can afford that.

For his part, I thought Turnbull handled Monday’s news cycle pretty well.

He appeared on 2GB – a radio station he’s been frightened of ever since becoming Prime Minister – and fronted up for a range of other media interviews. He refused to hide away, and that at least says something.

I don’t think Turnbull is anywhere near a great Prime Minister, but I’m not sure the Liberals think those next in line will necessarily have any dramatic impact on the result of the next election.

Nobody could suggest that Morrison and Dutton have strong enough public support to be the white knights. Bishop is liked, but that like could instantly disappear if she pulls out a knife.

The Liberals may well lose the next election. But we’ve come so far now that I think their best chance of actually winning it is to stick with Malcolm Turnbull. If he loses, his replacement in the party comes with a clean record and no blood on the knife.

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Index

News.............................................1-26 LBA Feature........................27-32 Extra Time..........................33-48

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the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1347

Business Directory........72-73 Auto...................................................74 Sport ........................................75-80

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Lauren Suttie | @laurensuttie2 Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Photographers: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Daniel Vella, Sergio Carrasco, Chantelle Lang, Tracey Machut To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production Manager: Irene Adams | irene.adams@westernweekender.com.au Production: Maddy Searle, Ian Beard

Sales Coordinator: Sarah Coates

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Meet the $3 million man Local real estate agent Andrew Reeves scores huge result in Mulgoa sale LAUREN SUTTIE

he sale of a $3.5 million property in Mulgoa has local real estate agent Andrew Reeves smiling from ear to ear and proves that multi-million dollar sales don’t just happen in the city.

Mr Reeves, from One Agency, sold the unique property on Mulgoa Road last month.

It had been on the market for two months and was sold to a local family.

Mr Reeves said it was quite an honour to list the incredible property, which presented a rare opportunity to potential buyers.

“To be honest we were very fortunate to have had an opportunity to sell a property like this and I was very appreciative to do it and it’s a great result,” he said.

“It was a hard property to price this one, so we just didn’t know what to expect until we put it out there to the open market. But this price met expectations.”

The 41-acre block, which backs onto a National Park, is located close to the Penrith CBD, which is what Mr Reeves said was one of its biggest attractions.

“It’s literally a five-minute drive from Penrith, so I think that was probably the biggest factor and it was just a beautiful

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Wisdom

Andrew Reeves recently sold a Mulgoa property for $3.5 million. Photo: Melinda Jane location in the sense that it was very private and quite secluded,” he said.

And while it did have potential to be used for commercial use, the new owners

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“A local family are moving in with four young kids, so it was based on providing

a really nice lifestyle for that family,” Mr Reeves said.

Don’t forget to check out the Western Property magazine in today’s paper.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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Why do you still visit the library?

Kylie Bockman, 38, Cranebrook “I enjoy just having a physical book. It’s nice to turn a page. I come to the library once every couple of months. Whenever we come here we tend to borrow. Not too often but we’ll get a couple if we’re here. We borrow mainly kids books.

I’ll get one or two for me but the rest are for the kids.�

Ruth Smitherman, 73, Penrith “I have lived in Penrith for 45 years and have always been a part of a library either here or overseas. I come here nearly once every two weeks. I’ll gather up a lot of books and borrow a lot in one go most times I come. I enjoy reading autobiographies or biographies. I also like to read about what’s happening around the world, and the Library is the perfect place to do that.�

David Hazelwood, 71, works in Penrith “I love reading.

There’s nothing like a good book with good pictures. It’s very peaceful and relaxing. I come to the library and borrow nearly every week. I enjoy reading anything on boats or travel.�

Rita Shepperd, Emu Plains “The kids know how to work the Internet better than me. I don’t really know. It’s just easier to have a book. I borrow health books.�

Julie Stinson, 53, Mulgoa “I read about 10 books a fortnight so I love borrowing. It’s a lot easier and cheaper to borrow. I enjoy anything that can help me with my real estate.

I am looking at some economic books or sometimes even art. I also enjoy a murder mystery.�

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success and growth despite a changing world and competing priorities LAUREN SUTTIE

s the Internet has increasingly become a necessity in day to day life, providing instant access to information, some might believe that physical libraries are now a thing of the past.

But for Penrith City Library, which is celebrating its 70th birthday this year, nothing could be further from the truth.

If anything, the library is growing in popularity, not fading.

Library Research Services Supervisor, Lorraine Stacker said that libraries were no longer seen to be just places to access books, with Penrith City Library now a community hub for people to use a whole range of services.

“Libraries are very good at adapting to what the current needs are of the local community,” she said.

“People are looking at libraries in a different way, they are a place to come, a place to meet, attend events, it’s a place to go to be entertained and to be informed about what is going on or find out about our history.”

While Ms Stacker said that the library’s collection of over 200,000 books might not be getting checked out as much as

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

can’t stop library boom

The team at Penrith City Library are always available to help locals find what they need. Photo: Melinda Jane they used to, people were still reading and engaging with literature more than ever.

“For us there has been a small decline in the number of print books that people borrow, but that decline has been offset by an increase in the number of e-books and e-magazines,” she said.

“While people might not be borrowing the book to read on the train anymore, they are borrowing e-books to read on their iPad when they go to work.

“So people are still using the library, but we are just providing a different kind of electronic service now than we did in the past.”

With data from the latest Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report showing that over 100,000 people had visited libraries in 2016, Ms Stacker believes that number will continue to remain strong.

“I think people still have a need and a yearning for lifelong learning,” she said.

“You just don’t just get that from TV, or from electronic devices, so there is always going to be room for print resources.

“But the bringing in of new electronic sources has allowed us to present information to the public in a different way which is convenient for them.”

To celebrate 70 years, the library will be running events throughout the year for locals to come down and enjoy. Details are on the library’s website.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 ÂŤ the western weekender

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rian Cartwright and Belinda Hill have been endorsed as the Liberal Party’s candidates for the upcoming Penrith City Council by-election.

Mr Cartwright will contest South Ward while Ms Hill will contest East Ward.

Mr Cartwright is currently the Vice President of the Penrith RSL Sub-Branch, a Board Member of Nepean Community College and served his country as a member of the RAAF. “It is an absolute privilege to have been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for South Ward and if elected I will work

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hard for the residents of Penrith to ensure Council delivers for its ratepayers,� Mr Cartwright said.

Ms Hill is a local businesswoman who has also represented her country as a member of the Royal Australian Navy. “As a wife, mother and businesswoman I see firsthand the challenges local people are facing daily,� she said.

The by-election will be held on May 12.

The ballot draw for the by-election was conducted in Glenmore Park on Wednesday afternoon. Details of the results are on the Weekender’s website.

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

PENRITH

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PUBLIC NOTICE Licence over Part of 25–27 Second Avenue, Kingswood (Part Lot 25 DP1069009) Notification under Section 47A – Local Government Act 1993 7KH VLWH ORFDWHG DW SDUW RI ² 6HFRQG $YHQXH .LQJVZRRG LV FODVVLÀHG DV ¶&RPPXQLW\· 7RPUD &ROOHFWLRQ 3W\ /WG KDYH UHTXHVWHG WR OLFHQVH WKH DERYH PHQWLRQHG VLWH IRU WKH XVH RI 5HYHUVH 9HQGLQJ PDFKLQH DW &KDSPDQV *DUGHQV 2YDO &DUSDUN 7RPUD &ROOHFWLRQ 3W\ /WG KDYH UHTXHVWHG &RXQFLO FRQVLGHU WKHLU DSSOLFDWLRQ WR HQWHU LQWR D OLFHQFH RYHU WKLV VLWH IRU D ÀYH \HDU WHUP 6XEPLVVLRQV LQ ZULWLQJ PD\ EH PDGH WR &RXQFLO FRQFHUQLQJ WKLV SURSRVDO ZLWKLQ WZHQW\ HLJKW GD\V IURP WKH GDWH RI WKLV QRWLÀFDWLRQ EHLQJ 0D\ DQG DGGUHVVHG WR 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO & 3URSHUW\ 'HYHORSPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW 32 %R[ 3HQULWK )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FDOO

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

JOKE of the WEEK

Q: What do you call a fat psychic?

A: A four-chin teller.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au

prize cupboard

H

Pheobe Andutan

ailed as “a tremendously entertaining heart-felt comedy”, director Alexander Payne’s hilarious ‘Downsizing’ has arrived on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.

When scientists find a way to shrink humans to five inches tall, Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to ditch their stressed out lives in order to get small and live large in a luxurious downsized community.

Filled with life-changing adventures and endless possibilities, Leisureland offers more than riches, as Paul discovers a whole new world and realises that we are meant for something bigger.

The ‘Downsizing’ 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Combo Packs include nearly an hour of fascinating bonus content with six behind-the-scenes featurettes. It is a must for big fans of the film. Join the incredible cast including Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, plus Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne to see how his unique vision was brought to life. Take a journey on set and check out the production design and visual effects behind the miniaturised world of Leisureland, and much more!

‘Downsizing’ is available now from all good DVD and Blu-ray retailers.

The Weekender has 10 copies of ‘Downsizing’ to give away. For your chance to win one, email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Downsizing’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, April 20 and the winners will be notified via email. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/18/02771. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Werrington FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Downtown Brooklyn or El Jannah FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? I don’t drink coffee but Top Juice has good fresh juices FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Panthers FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? Panthers Stadium to watch Penrith play or AMF Bowling WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The fact you can walk down any street and there’s always a great place to eat WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? Me

Congratulations to Marianne Farrar who will adorn the front cover of this year’s Penrith Yellow Pages and White Pages book. Marianne’s love of gardens is the focus of her cover shot.

It was up to Melissa Etheridge to force security guards to let people get up and dance at her show at ICC Sydney last weekend. She was clearly embarrassed by the overzealous security approach.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

2.7 A 68-year-old grandmother from Berkshire Park has won a $2.7 million Keno jackpot at St Marys Rugby League Club.

The calm winner, who wishes to keep her identity private, is taking her new millionaire status in her stride, saying it will give her “freedom from stress”. The winner said she knew she had won the $2,735,523 cash prize but waited until all her games finished before presenting her tickets to the cashier on Easter Saturday.

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

More harm than good?

Report raises questions over worth of NAPLAN tests in education system EMILY NEWTON

f you’ve ever thought that the NAPLAN tests were causing more harm than good, you’re not alone.

The Perelman Report, commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation, has revealed this week that the NAPLAN testing regime is possibly contributing to declining performance standards across the nation.

“This historic Perelman Report now provides overwhelming evidence that the existing NAPLAN testing regime is harming our students and harming our nation,” NSW Teachers Federation President Maurie Mulheron said.

“The Report shows that NAPLAN is a recipe for mediocrity, reinforcing low level student writing capacities at the expense of higher order performance skills.

“NAPLAN encourages teaching to emphasise low standard, formulaic student writing performance that harms student achievement across the spectrum.”

Founder and Principal of Master Coaching in Penrith, Rob Ollis, believes that what was created to “keep track of schools who are letting the system down” morphed over the years to become a tool to harvest

I

Rob Ollis from Master Coaching says believing in and praising students has profound impacts on their learning. Photo: Melinda Jane

information and rank schools, which is a dangerous development.

“It’s the marking of the English paper that’s caused all the controversy,” he told the Weekender.

“The way the system is graded, if you use a word with a lot of letters in it or a complicated word, you get more marks, irrespective of whether you use it correctly or not.

“And for that reason, this test is a farce.”

While he believes that testing is a good tool that helps raise standards when utilised properly, the NAPLAN tests have caused numerous problems that ultimately fail the students who want to learn.

“I think schools are teaching to the NAPLAN test, and you can’t blame them for that because they’re being judged on it,” he said.

“They’re making sure the worst students are sick on the day of the test... not every school, it’s not a widespread problem, but it is happening.”

He believes that the tests occur too frequently, and a computer is not an appropriate tool to grade assessments.

“A computer can’t look at a question and say this student obviously understood that, but just made a stupid error, I’ll give them marks for it,” he said.

“Computers can’t mark exams in my opinion.”

HELPING LOCAL BUSINESSES SAVE MONEY Nepean Solar Solutions are fast becoming the leading commercial solar company in the local area and recently celebrated their 3rd birthday at the Avli Greek Restaurant in Cranebrook with an installation of a 15kW Solar System at the new restaurant.

The Avli Greek Restaurant design comprised of 2 of the market leading brands, SMA & LG. SMA are a world leading provider of inverters and are considered the market leaders in Australia which is why SMA was coupled with the LG NeON2 panels.

Amongst being competitive with performance, the LG NeON2 330w monocrystalline solar panels provide an aesthetic advantage to other brands, as they are a black cell & black

faced panel with thinner wire busbars that provide an aesthetically pleasing look to the heritage exterior.

Nepean Solar Solutions understand that their customers can be concerned with the aesthetics of a solar system, which is why they provide their customers with options with their design, whether it be based on the panel layout of their systems, or using particular products that work better with the aesthetics of the home or business.

Alike to their residential installations, Nepean Solar Solutions commercial solar requests are treated with the same tailored solar design process with the on-site consultation with an emphasis on highlighting the expected return on investment with the range of renewable energy and storage design solutions available.

If you are interested in talking to a solar expert about a solar design solution to suit your needs, please call 4760 0809 or email info@nepeansolar.com.au

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But still won’t reveal their own plans until after the Budget EMILY NEWTON

ederal Labor has come out swinging against cuts to hospitals, but are keeping their own funding plans close to their chest until after the Budget is released in May. On Wednesday, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek joined Member for Lindsay Emma Husar and Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman for a tour of the Sydney Medical School Nepean after being denied entry to visit Nepean Hospital across the road by the NSW Health Minister.

Ms Plibersek claims the government is cutting funds to some of the most vulnerable people in the state, with $700 million cut from public hospitals over the next few years.

“The next few calendar years will see dramatic, multi-million dollar cuts not just to Nepean,” she said.

“Every hospital will be facing funding cuts which means thousands of patients will be waiting longer in emergency and waiting longer for elective surgery.”

With an investment of over $1 billion into the Nepean Hospital redevelopment secured by the Liberal State Government, Ms Plibersek said investment in infrastructure was a good thing, but more is needed.

F

Federal Labor MPs Susan Templeman, Tanya Plibersek and Emma Husar “There’s no point in having a brand spanking new building if you’re not prepared to pay the salary of the nurses, the doctors, the allied health professionals, the cleaners,” she said.

Ms Husar agreed, saying the investment was “finally close” to what was needed.

“It is incredibly important that we get this right, this is by and large the most

under pressure hospital in NSW,” she said.

When asked if Labor would reverse the cuts if they win the next election, Ms Plibersek said to judge Labor “on their record”.

“We will make clear our hospital funding commitments well before the next election,” she said.

Plan to build new homes A proposal to rezone around 40 hectares of local land could see the development of 500 more homes and new open space created.

The Department of Planning and Environment recently launched a public exhibition of the proposal, which involves rezoning land within the Central Precinct of the former Australian Defence Industries site in St Marys, as well as land in Jordan Springs.

Executive Director of Regions at the Department, Steve Murray, said the plan, which was developed in January 2001, would see approximately 38.4 hectares of land in St Marys transformed from employment to urban, resulting in the space for new housing.

“Increasing the number of homes at the site would have a direct impact on housing affordability in Sydney’s west, as housing supply is the major driver for home prices,” he said.

With part of the land, that is owned by Lendlease, sitting within “Probable Maximum Flood” levels, Mr Murray said the department was aware further consultation would be needed.

“Lendlease has undertaken extensive consultation on the flooding risks of the site, and the Department has determined there now is sufficient information to allow the matter to proceed to public consultation,” he said.

Visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/srep30stmarys for more details.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Labor slams hospital cuts

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

Penrith: Man arrested after stabbing at Torton Place

Witnesses have helped local police arrest and charge a man following a serious stabbing that occurred on Monday.

Police were called to an address at Torton Place, Penrith at 3.30pm on Monday, April 9.

When police arrived on scene, they found a male had been stabbed.

Officers were forced to deploy OC spray on a 44-year-old man from Penrith who was armed with a knife.

The 44-year-old was arrested and conveyed to Nepean Hospital for treatment.

The victim of the stabbing was also taken to the hospital for treatment on the injuries he sustained from the assault.

A number of bystanders witnessed the attack, leading officers to charge the 44-year-old with ‘Aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence’ and ‘Assault occasioning actual bodily harm’.

The 44-year-old was released from hospital on Tuesday morning and has been bail refused.

Police believe the man was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack.

Castlereagh: Pay dispute turns nasty after gun produced

A pay dispute almost turned very ugly after one man pulled a shotgun on another this week.

On Monday, April 9 a 25-year-old male from Castlereagh became involved in a pay dispute with a 30-year-old man from Cranebrook.

The pair met at a Castlereagh address in the early evening, where it is alleged that the 25-year-old produced a shotgun.

At this time, the 30-year-old man became involved in a physical altercation to disarm the offender, which then continued and turned into a fight between the two men. The victim then left the property. At about 9.10pm the 25-year-old man left his residence and was stopped by police, arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station.

Inquiries are continuing surrounding the man’s possession of a firearm.

He was charged with ‘Common assault’ and was granted conditional bail to appear in Penrith Local Court.

St Marys: Suspicious activity around car leads to arrest

A group of people standing around a car caught the eye of local police, who went on to catch a man in possession of a prohibited drug.

On Sunday, April 8 at 10.30pm, police were patrolling Monfarville Street, St Marys. They sighted a motor vehicle in the car park of a small set of shops with several people around it.

One person, a 20-year-old St Marys man has walked away from the vehicle, and police have stopped him a short distance away. The man was searched, and it is alleged police located a small utility tool including a knife and a small plastic resealable bag containing methamphetamines in a small backpack.

He was charged with ‘Custody of knife in public place – subsequent offence’, ‘Possess prohibited drug’ and outstanding warrants.

He was bail refused and faced Penrith Local Court this week.

St Marys: Multiple charges after man’s verbal tirade

A man who tried to get a free train ride became verbally abusive at police.

At 3pm on Sunday, April 8, police were patrolling the St Marys railway station and stopped a 37-year-old Smithfield man who allegedly attempted to enter the station concourse without a valid ticket.

The man began to verbally abuse the officers, swearing at them profusely.

Police have issued the man with a move on direction, but he continued his verbal tirade against them and was arrested.

He was charged with ‘Use offensive language in/near public place/school’, ‘Travel or attempt travel without a valid ticket’, ‘Refused/fail to comply with direction’ and ‘Resist officer in execution of duty’.

with Daniel McKinnon Complete Legal & Conveyancing • 4704 9991 • Suite 11, 354 High Street Penrith

No one is above the law Colourful Sydney barrister Charles Waterstreet has declared bankruptcy, lodging documents with the Australian Financial Security Authority to formalise the declaration.

Waterstreet has long been controversial, with the hit ABC program ‘Rake’ starring Richard Roxburgh said to be based loosely on the life and times of the 68-year-old Sydneysider.

Waterstreet has been in the media frequently of late, largely to do with allegations against him of sexual harassment made by a number of his female colleagues fuelled by the recent global movement against sexual harassment.

Waterstreet has been in a long feud being played out in the District Court in relation to almost half a million dollars of alleged unpaid tax, culminating in a decision by the Court ordering Mr Waterstreet to pay the money to the Tax Office. Following this decision, Mr Waterstreet filed for bankruptcy.

Solicitors and Barristers in New South Wales are required to notify their relevant regulatory body of any “show cause” event such as bankruptcy whereby they must provide a statement explaining why, in light of the said event, they still consider themselves to be a fit and proper person to continue holding a Practicing Certificate.

This means that one of Sydney’s most prolific barristers may be struck off by the NSW Bar Association.

Mr Waterstreet did not attend the

hearing of his tax debt matter in Court, electing instead to send an email minutes after the hearing began indicating that he had been unable to obtain legal representation after his previous legal team had ceased to act for him, and that “I have been advised, and I am in no position to defend this action and without prejudice withdraw further defence”.

Mr Waterstreet continued, “I had this matter down in my diary for tomorrow, and as usual the shoemaker’s children are worst shod. You can show this email and contents to Court by way of explanation”.

When pressed on what led to his bankruptcy, Mr Waterstreet responded in typical fashion saying, “I was ill advised, mainly because I advised myself”.

Waterstreet’s career has included appearing in complex civil and criminal cases in New South Wales and in the High Court. He has appeared in high profile cases of alleged sexual abuse, murder and terrorism. He also appeared in the famed “Greek pension scandal” case whereby hundreds of Greek Australians were arrested, accused of conspiring against the Commonwealth to obtain welfare entitlements they were not entitled to. Famously, many of the accused were subsequently released without charge and in fact received compensation packages.

It goes to show, no one is above the law.

Births registered at click of a mouse Babies born in NSW from this week will have the opportunity to be among a new generation whose births will now be registered online for the first time.

The new online birth registration system will cut the time and effort required for new parents to obtain a birth certificate.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

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More dads staying home Fathers switch the office for diapers as stats show household roles are changing LAUREN SUTTIE

recent study has revealed an increase in Aussie dads swapping their careers for diapers, but the overall number of stay-at-home dads still remains low.

The study shows that more than 80,000 Australian families now consist of having a stay-at-home dad, which increased from 68,500 in 2011.

But while the increase shows that attitudes to the role are slowly changing, the number still doesn’t come close to the almost 500,000 families who are looked after by stay-at-home mums.

Penrith local and father of two Aish Sebastian has been a stay-at-home dad for just over a year, deciding to leave his fulltime job after struggling to find suitable childcare for his daughter.

“My wife is a Registered Nurse and I was working in aged care, but after my wife went back to work after having our second child, our daughter just wasn’t able to settle into daycare,” he said.

“The salary that I was earning was almost all going to childcare anyway, so we decided that I would spend my time looking after the kids.”

Taking on the extra responsibilities has

A

Aish Sebastian with his wife, Jaice John and their children, Angelo and Angela

given Mr Sebastian a new appreciation for his wife, admitting that he found the first few months hard as he adapted to the demanding role.

“From the outside it might look like it is a very easy thing, but it is very difficult, and it’s just been a learning curve,” he said.

“Every day they are changing and now Angela is in the ‘terrible twos’, so at the end of the day we are both getting to grow and learn together.”

The 2016 Census data, analysed by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, also showed that despite changing attitudes towards evolved fathering, there were still factors, such as financial, that would make this arrangement impossible for some families.

And while Mr Sebastian said it does come down to everyone’s own individual situations, after seeing positive improvements within his kids and even within himself, he encourages more dads to stay at home too.

“When I used to work we didn’t have a lot of quality time to give to the kids, we were always in a mad rush,” he said.

“Now we have a lot of time and I feel like my mind has become less anxious and less stressed. It is very difficult to sacrifice a lot of things, but when the kids are happy, it keeps you going.”

Local restaurants rush to be part of takeaway evolution Jane Wang from Manic Cafe, which has joined Uber Eats

With more than 100 lives lost on NSW roads already this year, police from the Nepean Police Area Command are calling on all road users to slow down and travel safely ahead of the school holidays.

Sergeant Matthew Shirvington said drivers need to follow the road rules in order to return home safely.

“Obeying the road rules and maintaining good driver behaviour is the responsibility of all road users,” he said.

“Never underestimate the dangers associated with speeding, alcohol, and driver inattention.”

In the last month, more than 30,000 infringements have been issued across the state for a variety of offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Get a taste of Uber Eats

Stay safe on roads

Cash for Golf Club

LAUREN SUTTIE

ber Eats will officially launch today across restaurants in and around Penrith.

Jodie Auster, Uber Eats General Manager Australia and New Zealand, said they were excited to be extending their services out west.

“We’re excited to bring Uber Eats to Penrith locals, who will now be able to get the food they love, delivered to their door at Uber speed,” she said.

U

“Uber Eats will enable restaurants in Penrith the opportunity to connect with more customers and grow their business.”

The launch of Uber Eats in Penrith follows Deliveroo’s move into the area last year.

Rashay’s Penrith, Nutrition Station, The Brew Lab and Silver Spur are among restaurants that locals will be able to order from when the app launches at 10am today, with more restaurants anticipated to come on board in the near future.

Sunny Leong, manager and part owner

of Manic Organic Cafe on High Street, said he was looking forward to giving their customers that extra service.

“The best thing about Uber Eats is that they are great at what they do, the deliveries are organised and they always do a good job,” he said.

“I am very excited and looking very forward to working with them closely.”

The fast food delivery service will be available for those in Penrith, South Penrith, Jamisontown, Cranebrook, Jordan Springs, Werrington Downs, Kingswood and Cambridge Park.

Penrith Golf Club has received a grant worth $4,965 administered under the Community Building Partnership Program to fund the repair and replacement of security fences around the facility.

Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies was joined by General Manager Brendon Kop to present the cheque.

“The allocation of this grant to the Penrith Golf Club signifies the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting projects that encourage growth and development in our local community,” Ms Davies said.

The grant will fund upgrades to the club’s security fences, allowing for better and safer access to the club’s facilities.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

It’s time to lock up your boss!

EMILY NEWTON

eeing your boss behind bars in a jail cell is something many of us have dreamed about.

Penrith PCYC is making dreams come true, encouraging businesses to nominate and ‘lock up your boss’ for a good cause.

“Time4Kids is PCYC’s biggest annual fundraising event where all across NSW we throw community leaders and business people in a jail cell and ask them to raise bail money to get out,” Penrith Club Manager, Natalie Face said.

“It’s to raise awareness for PCYC and more importantly our police and youth programs, which help to reduce and prevent crime by and against young people.”

By putting community members in a mock jail cell, the fundraiser helps to prevent young people going behind real bars.

“PCYC is a registered charity and all the money that is raised through this fundraiser and all the other activities goes back into programs and activities for young people in the community,” Ms Face said.

“For Penrith Time4Kids, all the money we raise will go back into the Penrith club

S

and that will help to run and facilitate our normal everyday activities such as youth boxing and sports classes, but also our programs.

“We teach them how to use their energy for recreation rather than negative things like violence and crime.”

The programs work with at-risk youth to teach them leadership skills and community awareness, as well as personal skills such as anger management and first aid training.

“Everybody wants to do something good for their community, so why not keep it local, why not make it about the young people and the community leaders of the future, why not set an example and show what it means to give back,” Ms Face said.

“It’s fun, and who doesn’t want to spend their lunch break thrown in jail rattling a tin trying to get out in front of hundreds of local shoppers.”

With huge support from the Penrith CBD Corporation, expect to see familiar community faces locked in a cell as they beg for bail money.

This year’s event will coincide with Youth Week on Thursday, April 19 at Westfield Penrith from 9am to 9pm.

Contact the Penrith PCYC if you want to nominate your boss or a business leader.

Campbell Arundel being ‘arrested’ by Annie Knight. Photo: Melinda Jane

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Springing in to new Hub New community facility at Jordan Springs to open with day of fun festivities “It’s not every day as Mayor you get to open a facility like this,” he said.

“Often a new building is just a building, but the collaboration between Council and Lendlease in co-designing the Community Hub has been outstanding, and has created something special.”

To celebrate the opening, Council and Lendlease are inviting the whole community to come down and enjoy free entertainment, activities and burgers.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the community in the space, and celebrate with them at the grand opening,” Cr Thain said.

The festivities will start from 11am and will run until 2pm at the Hub, located at 2-6 Cullen Avenue, Jordan Springs.

For more information about the Hub open day, visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov. au/HubOpening.

LAUREN SUTTIE

he Jordan Springs community is set to have their patience rewarded as the Jordan Springs Community Hub will open its doors for the first time after a year and a half of construction.

The Hub, which is a joint initiative between Penrith Council and Lendlease, will officially open this Saturday, April 14, where the community will be able to get their first look at the innovative space.

Lendlease Communities General Manager NSW/ACT, Arthur Ilias, said it was exciting to be able to provide the community with a permanent space that puts social needs and sustainability at the forefront.

“The Jordan Springs community has outgrown the temporary space, so we are extremely thrilled to deliver this important facility for our community and the broader region,” he said.

Opening on weekdays for the public to use, for pre-booked events or just to use as a space to read the paper or study, the Hub will also provide locals with the opportunity to utilise services from a range of training, health and recreational groups.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said he was honoured to officially open the facility.

T

Penrith Mayor John Thain and Arthur Ilias from Lendlease at the new facility

Attention all sleep apnea sufferers!!

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Solar idea makes sense This should have been policy before the ADI land and Ninth Avenue Llandilo was developed (Cornish calls for solar panels to be mandatory, Weekender April 6). All new developments, be they residential or commercial, should have at minimum solar energy and water retention and recycling. From Llandilo to Wollongong, the land is so dry with ponds and dams drying up through lack of rain. We should be capturing this rain and using it, instead of letting it go to waste. So Councillor Cornish, make it so.

NERREL LOADER, VIA FACEBOOK

Focus on other priorities How about doing something useful Cornish and get my yellow recycling bin picked up every two weeks on the day it’s supposed to be. Don’t hurt yourself trying to save the world from Penrith pal.

PETER LEES, VIA FACEBOOK

We were told that when the NRL took back control of match scheduling from the broadcasters that we’d have a much more sensible draw. But how is it much more sensible to be playing both a Sharks and Dragons home game on a Friday night, within 10kms each other, yet no Sydney game on the Saturday? Sounds about as sensible as having Penrith and Parramatta play each other twice in the

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dear weekender...

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space of five weeks. Same for Melbourne and the Tigers. It was no real surprise we got the same results (Penrith and the Tigers winning) because the form line hasn’t really changed in that short space of time. We talk a lot about crowds in rugby league and why fans don’t go to games, but the schedule is critical. The NRL doesn’t seem to have its finger on the pulse in terms of the issues that really matter.

STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

Emus should merge I see the Weekender ran its annual “Emus aim for better season” story last week (Weekender April 6) and the Emus responded as usual, with a 60-point loss. I think the time might have come to merge Penrith and Parramatta, and for the powers that be in Australian rugby to consider a single merged western Sydney team in the Shute Shield to stop the rot.

CRAIG FERGUSON, VIA EMAIL

Games ceremony proves what’s wrong with Australia The Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony had the chance to showcase how great Australia is. Instead, it came across as one giant apology. I’d really love to meet the individuals who constantly want to focus on the past, and the negatives, rather than the future.

MAVIS LEONARD, PENRITH

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Local lands Sweet role Orchard Hills student hopes short film will reach an international audience LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s not every day that an 11-year-old gets to live out their dream of being in a fairytale, but for Mikayla Castillo that dream has become a reality.

The Orchard Hills local recently landed the role of Gretel in the short film ‘Sweet Tooth’, a dark fairytale inspired by the classic story of Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm.

“It was great, I walked into a studio and there was a little scene set up that was the witch’s house and I met the witch,” Mikayla said.

“My costume was as if I was poor, putting fake dirt on my apron and face to make it look like I had just come from the forest.”

Telling the tale of the wicked witch, it’s not just the clever plot that makes ‘Sweet Tooth’ a unique film, with the writer, director, producer and cinematographer all women.

Producer Katherine Shearer said they were proud to be women filmmakers, portraying female perspectives on the big screen.

“That’s one of the reasons we’re also so passionate about making this film,” she said.

“We want to be able to go forward as a

I

team and make things together as a group of female filmmakers, with the leads about the female characters.”

Using the backdrop of Woodford Academy in the Blue Mountains, the crew recently transformed the National Trust building into a 1700s market place, where the blind protagonist played by Liz Wheeler, who has a vision impairment herself, spends most of her time in the story.

“I liked how the main character is blind and even though she’s blind, she’s brave and she does anything she wants to do,” Mikayla said.

The film is set to be released in November this year, where it is hoped that it will reach audiences all over the world.

“We’d love to do a screening in the Blue Mountains as there were a lot of the locals that helped us out as well as acted,” Ms Shearer said.

“Then we’ll go to festivals around the world and get it viewed by as many people as possible.”

Relying solely on crowd funding, the crew have been volunteering their time to see this project come to life and are still looking for supporters to help reach their goal of $50,000.

For more information about the project, visit www.sweettoothmoviemagic.com.

Diesel La Torraca (Hansel) and Mikayla Castillo (Gretel). Photo: David Collins

Mayor’s News The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Looking for a challenge and a great job with a local team?

We have a number of available roles & would love to hear from you now!

Maintenance Plumbers If you are a licensed plumber & experienced in maintenance & upgrade works, why not send your resume now?

You will have: • Strong maintenance experience including hot water repairs & installations, sewer blockages & all aspects of general plumbing repairs & installs. Pipe relining, backflow prevention & CCTV would be an advantage also but we will offer training • A Focus on Safety and Customer Service • Willingness to learn & use our electronic job system • Driver’s licence, White Card and possible RIW card and/or other accreditations

Licensed Electricians – Maintenance If you are a licensed electrician and have experience in maintenance work for domestic and commercial properties including fault finding, stove and hot water repairs and all general electrical repairs we would like to hear from you.

You will: • Be meticulous with quality • Be well presented & have strong customer service skills • Be willing to learn to use our electronic job management system • Be focused on Work Health & Safety & quality values • Hold a current driver’s licence, White Card and possibly other accreditations

Attractive wages, vehicle, uniforms & phone provided along with flexible working hours.

Work will be based in Penrith and throughout the Sydney metro.

If you are interested in either of these roles, please send your resume telling us about your qualifications, skills and experience and a little bit about yourself to:

hr@hix.com.au (Please be sure to identify which role you are applying for) Or contact Lea Hicks on 4721 7500 for more information

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WE ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM APPRENTICES WHO MAY HAVE COMPLETED 2ND OR 3RD YEAR TRAINING WW33207

School holidays in Penrith School holidays are upon us and there’s no reason to be stuck at home with nothing to do.

Penrith’s tourism website visitpenrith. com.au has many exciting, interesting and fun ideas for family outings with the kids.

Whether your child has an adventurous spirit, an enquiring mind or an active imagination, there are worldclass attractions, events and activities happening across the city to appeal to all ages and interests these holidays.

Thrill seekers can fly above the water on a jet board or explore new heights by joining the iFLY kids flying club.

Creative types can enjoy workshops at the Penrith Regional Gallery or improve their dancing with the Sydney Dance Company and Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Science lovers can enjoy building and launching rockets at the UWS Observatory and there’s also free movies being screened at Penrith Panthers.

With the Blue Mountains as a back-

drop, the Nepean River is a great place to visit to enjoy the great outdoors.

The path around the river is a great way to get active and there’s lot of things to see around the river.

Another beautiful place to visit is Mountain View Reserve at Cranebrook, it’s just five minutes north of Penrith and is home to a range of endangered flora as well as a vital habitat for fauna.

There’s a shared path around the wetland and bushland with informative signs and metal sculptures to provide an enjoyable experience for all.

Many of the tourism operators are running school holiday programs and special deals these school holidays.

Go to visitpenrith.com.au to find out more.

Council will also be updating its social media sites with news throughout the school holidays, so make sure you connect with Visit Penrith on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Keep up to date with all the local breaking news, sport and more by ‘liking’ us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/ westernweekender.

Pro v i di n g t h e N e pe a n w it h qu a lit y wo r k m a n s h i p a n d s e rv i ce

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Author Sandie Docker “If you look at all the literary prizes out there, it’s usually the men winning them and if you look at things like the #metoo movement for example, that just shows how much women’s voices aren’t heard even today in this modern world,” Ms Docker said.

“The more we look at women’s stories, written by women, and showcase those lives of women in everyday Australia, I think that’s a really good thing.”

Bookings are required for the event, which can be made by calling 4732 7891 or visiting Penrith Library.

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ome make you laugh, others make you cry. Some make you think, while others might make you blush.

No matter what feeling fictional stories evoke, love often has a way of weaving itself into tales in unexpected ways.

This year, Penguin Random House Australia and Dymocks are celebrating the beauty of women’s fiction that explores love in all of its forms.

The ‘Love Between The Pages’ tour will see nine Australian female authors hit the road to talk all things love.

Joining NSW authors Janette Paul and Fiona McArthur at the Penrith event, will be debut author Sandie Docker, whose first book The Kookaburra Creek Café is set to be released at the end of this month.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with readers as this will be my first event as a debut author and I just can’t wait to meet with readers and talk about all things related to love,” she said.

“Love makes us human, it’s the essence of who we are, of what we are all chasing, what we all want and that’s why they are such important stories to be told.”

The free event, that will be held at Penrith City Library on April 16, will also see the authors discuss the importance of celebrating women in literature.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Turn the pages of love and meet top authors in Penrith

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Time to be a village again

Youth honoured The Rotary Club of Nepean hosted its Annual Youth Awards Night at the Penrith RSL Club on Tuesday.

The function is held to acknowledge students from schools in the Penrith district. The students are chosen by their Principal and Year Leader as leaders within their schools in demonstrating community participation both within and outside of the school community.

The six recipients were: • David Pletkan (St Dominic’s College) • Mikayla Morgan (McCarthy College) • Jarrod Everingham-Bryan (Nepean Creative & Performing Arts) • Jacinta Rastegorac (Caroline Chisholm) • Kieren Ha (Penrith High School) • Maddison Locantro (Cambridge Park High School).

Why the community should get behind Fitness 4 Autism

Bonsai show

Fitness 4 Autism participants at Jamison Park last year

The Nepean Bonsai Society will be holding its annual show on April 14 and 15 at Glenbrook Community Hall.

There are displays, demonstrations, sales tables and club members to answer every question you have regarding the maintenance and upkeep of a bonsai tree.

The Nepean Bonsai Society has been running since 1972 when a group of local bonsai enthusiasts got together after arranging a display in the old Penrith Plaza.

The club continues to be supported by members from the local area and is run in a rather fun, friendly and informal style.

For more information, visit www. nepeanbonsaisociety.org.

very isolated and very house bound by the disability and don’t have a safe space or an accepting or welcoming space for the families to be,” she said.

“To be able to get out, to walk, be in the sunshine and to exercise with family and friends, it’s just such a great day.”

The event, which will be held on Sunday, April 29, will see locals participate in a 10km charity walk or run.

The cost to participate starts at $20 per person, with group tickets also available.

But that won’t just get you into the event, with the cost also covering a sausage sizzle, amusement rides, face painting and much more.

LAUREN SUTTIE

t’s almost time to put on your joggers and deck yourself out in all things blue, as Fitness 4 Autism returns to Jamison Park later this month.

Organised by the Luke Priddis Foundation, Fitness 4 Autism aims to raise funds and awareness for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Luke Priddis Foundation General Manager, Tamara Van Antwerpen, said it was a great opportunity for everyone to get out and get moving for a great cause.

“So often you find that families become

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With the money raised from the popular annual event going back into providing support and skill groups for families living with autism, Ms Van Antwerpen said the event was more than just a fun day out.

“It’s a funny little saying, but we’ve often said that it takes a village to raise a child, but we as a community have forgotten how to be a village,” she said.

“This is the chance to go out and be part of that village.”

Check in for the event is 9am, with the run starting at 10am, followed by the walk at 10.45am. To register, visit www. lukepriddisfoundation.com.

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Arty Bra & Tie 2018

CALL FOR ENTRIES Doing it for the girls & the boys!

Cancer Wellness Support is appealing to your creative spirit to decorate and donate an ArtyBra or Tie, you can use any material you like, let your imagination run wild.

The AryBra & Tie® collection will be exhibited in venues in the Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley before a final function in September at The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba, where all items will be auctioned.

All proceeds from the ArtyBra & Tie® auction go to assisting the work of CWS to support people living with cancer and raise awareness of the issues they face.

Submission deadline July 6 2018

Entries can be individual or a group ArtyBra or ArtyTie. More information and registration form at

www.cancersupport.org.au | (02) 4784 2297 email: events@cancersupport.org.au

26

Top: "David" by Jodie Van DerVelden Sculpted from dark Fair Trade certified Belgian Chocolate.

Below:" Boobonza" by Helen Smith

The ArtyBra & Tie® Project is a fundraising initiative of Cancer Wellness Support (CWS), a locally based organisation established to provide support for residents in the Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley who have been diagnosed with cancer.

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LO

S ES

LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

L BUSIN CA

2 018 2018

AW

ARDS

2 2018 P PENRITH CITY LLOCAL BUSINESS AW AWARDS A WARDS

Nominate your favourite Penrith City local businesses at

www.thebusinessawards.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

VOTE & WIN Visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au to vote for your favourite business and you could win a Nespresso KitchenAid Coffee Machine*!!

Nominations close on Tuesday 8th May. *visit www.thebusinessawards.com.au for terms & conditions

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Anthony Walker from BOQ Penrith receiving an award last year

A chance to be honoured as Penrith’s best business inning a trophy at the Penrith City Local Business Awards is a thrill, but every entrant receives an even greater prize – what their business is doing right, and how they can improve on it.

That’s the take home message from Business Awards founder Steve Loe – and after more than three decades, he should know.

“Year after year, the stand-out message from our nominees has been that the Awards’ judging process gives them a framework in which they can reflect on every aspect of their business – from customer service to presentation,” Mr Loe said.

“Business people can often become so immersed in the day-to-day running of their operation, that it’s hard to take time to step back and evaluate what they’re doing from a customer’s point of view.

“The Penrith City Local Business Awards provides an opportunity and framework for business owners and managers to take an impartial look at what they and their teams are doing, then make adjustments to suit.”

Community has always been at the centre of the Business Awards.

Customers nominate and vote for

W

businesses in industry categories. The winners of each category are then considered for the main award – Business of the Year.

Mr Loe said the Awards’ sponsors wanted to support the efforts of Penrith City businesses and acknowledge their important role in the community.

“The Awards are only possible because of the sponsors and their support,” he said.

He also encouraged members of the community to nominate and vote for their favourite local businesses by visiting the Awards’ website www. thebusinessawards.com.

Everyone who nominates a business will be in the running to win a Nespresso KitchenAid Coffee Machine.

Nominations for the 2018 Penrith City Local Business Awards will close on Tuesday, May 8 with the winners announced at the Awards Presentation Evening on Wednesday, July 4.

The Western Weekender will provide weekly updates on the progress of the Awards program, and will also run a special finalists and winners feature.

For further information on the 2018 Penrith City Local Business Awards, call Precedent Productions today on 8588 5060.

SUPPORT SPONSORS

Awards Categories: Antiques, Art, Crafts and Gifts

Fast Food/Takeaway

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VOTE ONLINE

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REWARDING YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES WW33028

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Local Business Awards Penrith

2 17

Winners

Heartland Holden – Business of the Year & Automotive Services What did winning mean to you? Winning the business award for Automotive was fantastic, my team was so happy to take out this award, the competition in the category was huge and we were up against some very good businesses. Winning the award was reward for the team’s determination to be the best in what we do. To further add to this we then went on to win the prestigious Business of the Year award. Winning this award just topped off our night by not only taking out our own category but then to win the overall business of the year was incredible.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards? We love the local business awards because it gives the community the opportunity to vote for who they believe are worthy winners, and if you have put in the effort you will be rewarded, and it is also recognition for the staff to see that there is a reason why we do the things we do the way we do. There is no law to say people must come to Heartland, we must have a point of difference, they can buy a car at lots of places, so our service and knowledge of our product is paramount to our success.

What is your message to your customers? Thanks to all our loyal Heartland customers that return time and time again to update their vehicle or bring in their son or daughter to purchase their first brand new car. Customer service is always at the forefront of everything we do, there are many car dealerships in Sydney all offering similar products and services that our customers could choose to do business with, so our customer service has to be a point of difference. We make a point of not pressure selling to our customers, I would prefer to say that we assist our clients to purchase their new vehicle, relationship and trust building with our customers is key to earning their business. The key for any business success is to realise that success is not a destination point in business, success in business is a journey and if you think you have ever made it that is when you will stop moving forward. To be successful in business requires commitment and determination from the entire team sharing one common goal of giving our customers the best experience we can offer each and every time they have contact with us. We have some exciting new vehicles coming over the next little while, that will see us in a whole new market and I guarantee that it will be an exciting time at Holden going forward.

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4725 6555 | penrithholden.com.au 2166 Castlereagh Road, Penrith

Poles Patisserie – Bakery/Cake Shop What did winning mean to you?

Being really proud of what we have accomplished as a team, and to be recognised for that was just amazing.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

It’s a great opportunity to meet other business owners and their teams and to see what they have created and accomplished. The awards night also gives us time to take a moment to really look at what we have achieved and to acknowledge our team for their commitment and hard work. It’s also a time of the year we get to thank our customers for their continued support.

What is your message to your customers?

A HUGE THANK YOU to our loyal customers for your continued support! We love you all! We are looking forward to serving you in the many years to come, whether it be helping you create your dream special occasion cake or having a chat while making you a delicious coffee!

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4722 5903 | polespatisserie.com | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Nepean Village Shopping Centre, Station Street, Penrith

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What did winning mean to you?

The team at Gourmet Meat Company is very proud of this accomplishment as we’re very passionate about what we do. It’s lovely to be recognised for our hard work by our customers and also our peers.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

It gives GMC a chance to thank our loyal customers and hard-working staff! It boosts our team morale also. Plus the awards night is a great opportunity to meet other businesses in our local area.

What is your message to your customers?

Thank you so much for your ongoing support. Come visit the team at Gourmet Meat Company today for the tastiest, freshest meat in town. We love being a part of our local community and we’re looking forward to seeing you in store soon!

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47351400 | facebook.com/gourmetmeatcompany1/ 1/116 Old Bathurst Road, Emu Heights

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Gourmet Meat Company – Butcher/Delicatessen

Little House of Coffee – Outstanding Café What did winning mean to you?

Winning was such a thrill for us because we had only been open for just over one year. It meant that more people started to hear about us and would come in to experience our great service and warm hospitality.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

These Awards give everyone a chance to promote their business in the local area, become known and recognised and build up their business. It really got people talking about our little café and has helped us become well known in the area.

What is your message to your customers?

We’d like to say a big Thank You to our customers, and hope that they continue to enjoy coming and bringing their friends. They have shown us so much support and shared some very special moments with us. We couldn’t have come this far without their continued support.

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04100 LATTE (04100 52883) | littlehouseofcoffee.com.au Cnr The Northern Rd & Castle Rd, Orchard Hills Find us on Facebook & Instagram Little House of Coffee

Guzman Y Gomez Penrith – Fast Food What did winning mean to you?

Winning this award meant the world to our team. We were so excited to win. It was great to receive recognition for all our hard work.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

It’s a great community event where customers can vote on the best local businesses in the Penrith area and the Awards night itself was so much fun celebrating with other local business owners.

What is your message to your customers?

Thank you for voting for Guzman Y Gomez Penrith. We love our customers! We just launched our Breakfast Menu with barista-made coffee at both Penrith and Drive Thru Werrington so come try it out – The Brekkie Burritos are AMAZING!!!

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8014 8571 | gyg.com.au 2/82 Mulgoa Road, Jamisontown

Zoo Fitness – Outstanding Fitness Services What did winning mean to you?

Winning the local business awards in the “Outstanding Fitness Services” category was such an achievement and compliment on how much hard work and level of commitment we have put into our gym. We have achieved so much in the two years and it’s only going to get bigger and better from here.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

We love the local business awards because they acknowledge and recognise the hard work and level of dedication of small business owners.

What is your message to your customers?

We would like to give a very big thank you to all our wonderful members for all their ongoing support and loyalty over the last two years. We hope you have reached all your expectations and that we have helped you achieve your goals individually and as a family.

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4744 2020 | zoofitness.com.au | info@zoofitness.com.au Unit 15/241 Mulgoa Road, Jamisontown

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Local Business Awards Penrith

2 17

Winners

Emu Florist – Outstanding Florist What did winning mean to you?

It was an acknowledgement of the hard work and effort put in, but more importantly it gave us a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction that our community loves what we love ‘Beautiful Flowers’ Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

The local business awards are an acknowledgement by the greater community and awards businesses for best in category, its great to have an unbiased judgment of local businesses in the community.

What is your message to your customers?

To all our amazing customers, we thank you for your support and we truly love our local community. The reaction to our flowers and services offered have been amazing. We are truly blessed to have such a supportive community.

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4735 1106 | Lennox Village Emu Plains | emuflorist.com.au 4737 2416 | Glenmore Park Town Centre | glenmoreparkflorist.com.au

Diamonds Hair & Beauty – Hairdresser What did winning mean to you?

Winning the local business award for Most out standing Hairdresser in 2017, was truly amazing. It was great to know how much our clients value all our hard work. We were so excited and appreciative of winning the award.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

I love the local business awards because it has helped our business receive more exposure in the Penrith area. It also gave us the opportunity to get know other business people, with skills and knowledge to help our business grow.

What is your message to your customers?

We would again like to thank our clients for voting for us in 2017. We look forward to providing our customers with our expertise and professionalism for many years to come.

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Phone 8834 1383 | Unit 13/65 Watergum Drive, Jordan Springs

Destiny Jewellers – Jewellery Store What did winning mean to you?

It was an honour to win the Local Business Awards as it means everything to us. It shows us how far we have come and we are excited that our customers are loving our Quality, Price and Services.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

The Local Business Awards is an amazing award as it rewards the all the local businesses. These awards open opportunities for business to be recognised for the outstanding work and service they are providing.

What is your message to your customers?

We at Destiny Jewellers would love to thank all our beautiful customers who support us, without them this would have never been possible.

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4722 6003 | destinyjewellers.com.au | penrith@destinyjewellers.com.au Shop 255, Level 2, Westfield Shopping Plaza, Penrith

What did winning mean to you?

Being recognised for any award is special, being recognised for a Local Business award is also quite humbling. Pi Workwear/Tornado Teamwear is a relatively young business with big ideas, we always have that can do approach and are second to none with our customer service. Our staff are local and we are well supported by Nova Employment and have been for some 2 ½ years.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

We love the local business awards because it tells us that we are on the right track and an award like this is a pat on the back for all the hard work from staff and management. Without great staff you don’t have a great business.

What is your message to your customers?

We would like to thank all our supporters from customers to suppliers for their ongoing support and we aim to become bigger and better at what we do and hopefully become a major player within our market, opening up more employment opportunities for the local community.

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4704 8447 | paul@pisports.com.au Unit 10/31 Coombes Drive, Penrith

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

PI Workwear – Most Inclusive Employer

Excite Dance and Cheer – Performing Arts What did winning mean to you?

Winning the Local Business Awards Performing Arts Category was a huge acknowledgement of our team’s absolute passion and commitment to our dancers and families. Our team have a strong sense of pride in what we do every day and the award was recognition of this.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

We love the Local Business Awards because it provides business owners and their team to be acknowledged and rewarded for the skills and service they provide to the community.

What is your message to your customers?

A very big thank you to our families and supporters for their nomination and for supporting Excite for over 10 years. We love what we do and appreciate your faith and dedication in allowing us to nurture and develop our young performers.

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4761 0535 | excitedance.com.au | kerry@excitedance.com.au Suite 1, 51 York Road, South Penrith

Coreen Ave Vet Clinic – Pet Care What did winning mean to you We are incredibly grateful to have been recognised for our work through the Penrith Local Business Awards and the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. We acknowledge that these awards are a fantastic tool in not only making people aware of our services, but also in recognition for the the quality of care that we deliver to our two-legged and four-legged clients. Winning our tenth local business award in 2017 was just as exciting as winning our first in 2006.

When clients are making a decision about the care of their pet, they feel reassured to know that they are leaving their health in the hands of a clinic that is caring, kind & loving as well as one that is recognised for best practice standards and excellent quality of service.

Why do you love the local business awards The awards are a way of not only rewarding our staff for a job well done but also to connect with other like minded businesses within the Penrith community. Whether internal or external, our diverse mix of connections forms the very heartbeat of our practice,We believe that we have fostered the development of a unique family that is made up of co-workers, clients, suppliers, and the Penrith community as a whole.

What is your message to your customers We see our clients as part of our extended family and we aim to make them feel they have a genuine sense of belonging. Without the support of this extended family we would not be able to provide the services that we do. To all of our family members in the Penrith community we say thank you for entrusting us with your fur-babies.

4731 3055 | www.cavet.com.au | Unit 2/117 Coreen Avenue, Penrith

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Bank of Queensland (BOQ) – Professional Services What did winning mean to you?

At BOQ Penrith we pride ourselves on building great customer relationships and providing excellent customer service. Winning this award has validated what we do and given us a great deal of joy knowing our customers value our relationship.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

We love the Local Business Awards because it’s great to see so many local business owners being recognised by their customers for doing what they love and doing it well. It’s also a great way for potential customers to see the fantastic reputation a local business has built for itself.

What is your message to your customers?

Thank you for your support and taking the time to vote for us, our customers are our number one priority so if there’s ever anything else we can do for you please don’t hesitate to give us a call or pop into branch.

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4723 7650 | www.boq.com.au 77 Station Street, Penrith

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What did winning mean to you?

Winning the Local Business Awards was a very proud moment for me and the Team. The efforts, standards and commitment we put in daily were recognised and I’m very grateful for this. We have waited a long time to win this award and aim to win many more.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

Bringing all the local small business together and recognise the hard work we all put in daily for the community is great. We all work for the same outcome and to be recognised from our local community is very rewarding.

What is your message to your customers?

Thank you to all our Clients for recognising the genuine hard work the Team at Southlands Estate Agents have provided. We are truly grateful and will endeavour to continue with the standards and honest approach in handling any of your real estate needs.

4721 1111 | southlandsea.com.au | admin@southlandsea.com.au Shop 9/2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Southlands Estate Agency – Outstanding Real Estate Agency

Burger Head – Restaurant What did winning mean to you?

Taking out the top prize for outstanding restaurant in only a few months of trade left us absolutely flabbergasted. Coming in every day it’s sometimes hard to see the good so to win an award voted by the people gives us something to help us keep going.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards?

It’s an excellent program, it gives a chance for the community to shine a spotlight on their favourite businesses in a variety of categories. It also gave us an opportunity to connect with other local small business owners.

What is your message to your customers?

We can’t thank you for your unbelievable support over the last 16 months of trade and a massive thank you for accepting us into your community with open arms.

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0405 194 383 | theburgerhead.com.au | info@theburgerhead.com.au 17/98 Henry Street, Penrith

Southlands Australia Post – Specialised Retail Business What did winning mean to you? Getting success and recognition early on in my business career (within first year of buying it), has been a blessing. I am more motivated to serve my local community by providing the best customer services and care to my customers. Being a part of the South Penrith community means a lot to me, I care about the community members and their welfare. I realise that the award is not just about me winning for me, it is about all the people who helped us get to where we are. It recognises the brand name of Australia Post and people around me. The hard work put in by the team members, the support given by my family and friends, the support received from the managers at Australia Post, Southlands centre management and above all, our customers and clients.

Why do you love the Local Business Awards? Winning the 2017 local business award has helped me to understand that it is not just about business outcomes, rather it has given me an opportunity to realise my potential as a human being who wants to a make positive changes in people’s life around me. I felt such pride that we were nominated by over 300 customers, then accepted by the business community and eventually being the winner of Specialised Business Category 2017 – with this “my dream came true”

What is your message to your customers? Normally, most of us assume that business is always ‘money oriented’, however I want my local community to believe that business can be “service oriented” too – and Southlands Australia Post represents an example of such a business. The more my team and I serve the community, the more motivated we feel to keep providing outstanding customer service.

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4722 5523 | Southlands Shopping Centre Shop 3, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith

Winning team: (Left to right) Sawsan Fam, Harinder Kaur (Licensee), Inderpal Singh (Licensee), Sundeep Singh & Viren Chapatwala.

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Brought to you by…

TITANIC BATTLE t i ta ns ne x t on pa n t he rs’ hi t l is t MASKED PANTHER > P36 The latest on Waqa Blake’s injury plus the sad loss of a Panthers icon

HOW THE WEST WAS WON > P40 We look back at Penrith’s second big victory over Parramatta this season

HERE’S CHEERS > P44 Every week we meet another talented member of the Penrith Pantherettes

Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

8PM AT TIVOLI SHOWROOM 4 NIGHTS OF PARTIES 3 DAYS OF DANCE WORKSHOPS INTERNATIONAL ARTIST’S & INSTRUCTORS LIVE URBAN BACHATA CONCERT With Special Guests:

Dani J & Dario & Sara (Spain), Gabriel & Leticia (Argentina) & More

W W W. R O O T Y H I L L R S L . C O M . A U Find us on:

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/RootyHillRSL

/RootyHillRSL

Ph: (02) 9677 4916 WW33201

THE FINAL WORD

v

SUNDAY, APRIL 15 • 2.00PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: CHRIS SUTTON & CHRIS BUTLER

PANTHERS 1

Dylan Edwards

2 Josh Mansour 3 Isaah Yeo 4 Dean Whare 5 Christian Crichton 6 Tyrone Peachey 7 James Maloney 8 Trent Merrin 9 Peter Wallace (c) 10 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11 Viliame Kikau 12 Corey Harawira-Naera 13 James Fisher-Harris 14 Wayde Egan 15 Kaide Ellis 16 Moses Leota 17 James Tamou 18 Jarome Luai 19 Nick Tui-Toso 20 Sione Katoa

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

MATCH PREVIEW

Brought to you by…

TITANS

FOX LEAGUE

Isaah Yeo in action last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn

TROY DODDS @troydodds

A

fter three weeks on the road, Penrith return to Panthers Stadium on Sunday afternoon with plenty of intriguing storylines surrounding the clash against the in-form Titans.

The obvious one is the return of Bryce Cartwright to the foot of the Mountains for the first time since his pre-season departure to the glitter strip, and right on cue he found some impressive form against the Sea Eagles last weekend.

While the terms of his departure in no way left bad blood between he and the club, there is no doubt Cartwright will be keen to put on a good display against his old team at the ground he once thought would be his home forever.

Same goes for Titans coach Garth Brennan – he has been nothing but positive in his talk about the Panthers but there would be a little bit of extra excitement surrounding the prospect of coaching against his old team for the first time and potentially drawing first blood.

Nobody can deny that Brennan is doing great things with the Titans. Apart from a major misstep in round three against the Dragons, his team have been competitive in every game and managed to secure wins against Canberra, Brisbane and Manly to find themselves in the top eight after the first five rounds of the competition.

There is nothing particularly convincing about the way the Titans play but there’s no doubt that they’re willing to throw the ball around and never give up on hunting down a result. The side is right up there with the best in the competition as far as offloads (fourth), try assists (fourth),

2GB 873 ABC 702

intercepts (second) and kick return metres (fourth), proving that one thing the Titans won’t be doing in 2018 is playing conservative footy. Nothing seems to get them down either – they’ve come from behind more than once this season to claim victory.

Penrith produced a gritty performance against the Eels last weekend and while they only crossed for one try, they repeated their defensive effort from the week before against North Queensland and seemed to find energy from their time without the ball. Such strong defence will be a good quality against a Gold Coast side that will throw everything at the Panthers on Sunday.

The Titans are without Ryan James for this clash after he found himself in trouble with the match review committee during the week, while the Panthers will be missing the speed and strength of Waqa Blake

1

Michael Gordon

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18

Anthony Don Dale Copley Konrad Hurrell Phillip Sami Kane Elgey Ash Taylor Jarrod Wallace Nathan Peats Max King Kevin Proctor Will Matthews Jai Arrow Mitch Rein 15 Morgan Boyle Bryce Cartwright Jack Stockwell Leilani Latu 19 K Hipgrave

who will be sidelined due to an ankle injury. Coach Anthony Griffin has shifted second rower Isaah Yeo into the centres to cover for the loss of Blake.

Penrith will again rely on James Maloney to steer the ship, but Tyrone Peachey got more involved last week and will continue to grow in confidence in his temporary posting in the halves. Some Peachey magic wouldn’t go astray against the Titans on Sunday because there’s no question that 12 points or one try won’t be enough to win this one.

I’m tipping a high scoring encounter.

With both sides high on confidence I wouldn’t be surprised if this one goes tryfor-try for a good 50 or 60 minutes, before the better side eventually pulls away. On paper, Penrith have the Titans covered and back at Panthers Stadium I’m tipping the big cats will roar home late.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

WAQA JOINS INJURY LIST » The Panthers have been dealt yet

» Sam McKendry has declared he’ll be

another injury blow with star centre Waqa Blake ruled out for the next eight weeks with an ankle injury. The 23-yearold suffered the high grade syndesmosis injury late in the game against the Eels on Sunday and missed the final stages of the contest. It was initially hoped he would only miss four weeks but as it turned out, surgery was required.

Waqa Blake

» I’m hearing a former Panther is really

struggling to win over officials at his new club. In fact, rumour has it he’s recently started hanging around people he would be wiser to avoid. It has real potential to end in tears.

back from a third straight knee reconstruction. There were fears the 28-yearold would be forced into retirement after again breaking down with an ACL tear in the clash against the Rabbitohs earlier this season, but the big fella says he has unfinished business in the NRL. “I’ve done it before, so I know what I’m in for.

I’ll get back to playing next year,” McKendry told Fairfax Media. “I was pretty devastated at the time. Especially after all the hard work I put in to get back, to finally play first grade and be back in the team. But that’s part of footy, that’s life.”

» A shout out to Panthers centre Dean

Whare, who I’m told is an avid reader of the Weekender and Western Property.

» Sad news this week with the passing of

former Panthers gear steward Jeff Smith.

Mr Smith, who was also on the Board of the Penrith District Junior Rugby League Club, passed away aged 72 last weekend following a long illness. He was the club’s gear steward for the 1991 premiership year and held the role for six seasons.

» I always love to hear about players do-

ing good things in the community. Last week at the Glenmore Park Brumbies season launch, James Tamou’s autograph and photo were in hot demand. One of the kids in attendance asked Tamou if he could have his hat, and the former NSW forward had no issue in handing it straight over to the youngster. Word quickly spread, and Tamou suddenly found himself handing out plenty of bits and pieces. From what I understand he’s lucky he didn’t leave in just a sock for modesty.

» The NRL has issued Banning Notices

to two spectators who made offensive remarks towards South Sydney Rabbitohs Captain Greg Inglis at Panthers Stadium in round 2. The Notices ban the two individuals from attending NRL events until they can establish that they have taken sufficient steps to address their behaviour, including apologising and completing approved cultural training and education.

» Parramatta may be struggling to record

a victory on the field, but they’re struggling to win many fans behind the scenes either. The media team at the club constantly ignores requests from journalists and it’s a growing problem. It appears the club really needs to get its house in order.

With only 10,000 fans rocking up to a Sunday afternoon game at ANZ Stadium against arch rivals Penrith on Sunday, you would think the Eels would want all the publicity they could get.

» I’ve questioned Dally M judge Joe Galuvao’s awarding of points in Penrith games

in the past, and again I can’t fathom how he came up with his decision in last week’s Panthers v Eels match. He gave Nathan Brown from the losing Eels three points, James Fisher-Harris two points and Josh Mansour one point. Nothing for James Maloney despite an outstanding performance including a try assist and a brilliant try-saving run. Last year Galuvao

produced one of the stranger Dally M lists when he judged the Panthers v Roosters game at Panthers Stadium, giving Luke Keary three points despite an ordinary performance and failing to award a single Penrith player a point even though the home side was in front for most of the game. What’s going on, Joe? Something doesn’t seem right.

Get a copy of our Statement of Wishes to help you plan your final wishes.

Part of the local community Ph: 02 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

FEATURE

FORMER PANTHERS RETURN HOME NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

enrith fans will welcome back some familiar faces this Sunday afternoon when former Panthers lower grades coach Garth Brennan and his Gold Coast Titans come to town.

Usually a match-up between the Panthers and Titans wouldn’t create a ripple of excitement amongst the fanbase, but things will be very different on this occasion.

Not only do the Titans have former Penrith mentor Brennan as coach but they boast a huge number of former players including Bryce Cartwright, Leilani Latu, Mitch Rein and Michael Gordon.

To make the game even juicer, Panthers five-eighth Tyrone Peachey will also come up against his future club for the first time this season.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Penrith backrower Corey HarawiraNaera isn’t quite sure what reception his

former teammates, in particular Bryce Cartwright, will receive from passionate Panthers supporters on Sunday.

“I wouldn’t have a clue… I think they’ll support him, they should be happy for him. He played well for the Titans last week,” he said.

Penrith centre Dean Whare was also unsure when asked how the crowd will react when his former teammates return to Panthers Stadium.

“I wouldn’t have a clue… everyone left on pretty good terms,” he said.

“I don’t think the crowd will have a sour taste in their mouths, it shouldn’t be too bad for them.”

The Titans are currently sitting inside the top eight, with three wins and two losses to their name. They enjoyed a strong victory last week, defeating Manly 32-20 in Gladstone.

Harawira-Naera said he’s been keeping a close eye on the Titans this season.

“I’m not really surprised they’ve started this well,” he said.

“I played under Brenno a few times and I

Dean Whare says the Panthers need to be on high alert against the Titans this Sunday highly rate him as coach. He’s done a good job with them up there and has the young halves playing really well.”

This Sunday’s match will be a danger game for Penrith. While all signs point to them being clear favourites, Brennan will be out to expose any weaknesses the Panthers may have.

“He’s got ‘half’ our team up there playing with the Titans now and I’m pretty

sure they know how we like to play,” Whare said.

“I think Brenno will be trying to get his boys up for this game as well seeing as some of them come from here,” HarawiraNaera added.

“We know it will be a tough game, it will be a war in that first 20 minutes.

“As long as we can hold them out we will do well.”

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

PANTHERS WIN WITH DEFENCE NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

enrith has proven in recent weeks that if you’re going to beat them, you’re going to be very sore as a result.

Despite a barrage of attack last Sunday from a desperate Parramatta side, Penrith were barely troubled, managing to stop just about everything the Eels threw at them.

During the Panthers’ previous match against the Cowboys, the hits were so hard up in Townsville that they could be heard in people’s lounge rooms right across the Penrith LGA. One could describe their defence as being as strong as the wrought iron walls of the Victoria Bridge.

Panthers centre Dean Whare said his side’s ‘D’ has been months in the making.

“Defence isn’t built overnight, it sometimes can take weeks or even months to get combinations going. I think we are slowly getting there,” he told Extra Time.

Panthers backrower Corey HarawiraNaera said the side is taking their defence much more seriously this season as opposed to recent years.

Penrith’s improved defence has been a key this season. Photo: Megan Dunn “I think we just take more pride in it these days. We lacked that last year and lost some games because of it,” he said.

“Our middle and edge guys have also taken it personally – it’s just an attitude thing, it always has been.

“The last few games we’ve had to win the game without the ball and the boys have been turning up for each other.”

The Panthers didn’t concede a point in the second half of their first three games this year and have conceded just 68 points

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Mon-Tues 11am-7.30pm | Wed-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sundays 11am-7pm

0 A F 1 CE P O E N ON ERE IN NF W CO Y DA

all season. Harawira-Naera and Whare both credited Penrith’s coaching staff for putting together strong defensive strategies each week.

“Our coaches have done a good job getting our big guys to target opposition playmakers by putting a bit of heat on them,” Harawira-Naera said.

“I think the way teams attack these days you have to get in their face and take the momentum off them – that’s what we try and do,” Whare added.

Meanwhile, Harawira-Naera has opened up about starting the season off Penrith’s interchange bench.

The 22-year-old Kiwi enjoyed a stellar debut season last year, starting the majority of his 22 matches and winning the club’s Rookie of the Year title.

However after a disruptive off-season that saw him undergo a shoulder reconstruction, Harawira-Naera is just grateful to even have a place in Penrith’s first grade squad.

“I’m still slowly coming back from the shoulder reconstruction, so wherever the coach needs me to play I will,” he said.

“My shoulder is sweet now, it’s just about getting my confidence back. As long as I’m helping the team win games, I’ll be happy.”

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Small business today and in the future

Bob Turner BREED Australia

Tries are out, stubborn defence is in

WARREN SMITH T

hink back to the pre-season. It wasn’t that long ago, but it’s worthwhile looking back because it gives us a clue as to why we should throw our club-coloured crystal balls out the window.

It wasn’t really any different to any other pre-season. There was a lot of talk about what Matt Moylan’s departure to the Sharks would mean for the Panthers’ attack, and whether James Maloney could be as productive a playmaker as Moylan was when he was at his best.

There were plenty of people wondering if the Tigers had pulled the wrong rein in bringing Benji Marshall back to the club for one last go-around when it looked as though his best attacking days were behind him.

Blake Green’s switch from the Sea Eagles to the Warriors was seen as a positive move for the perennially under-achieving Auckland-based outfit, but it was viewed through the prism of the control he would bring to the Warriors’ attack and how it would let Shaun Johnson play his natural, free-running game.

All the previews – all the theories on why

teams will move up the ladder or slide down the snakes – are centred on one thing: attack.

And you can understand why. There’s a sub-conscious bias towards thinking about the prospects of sports teams in terms of their attack, because when we watch sport we’re predominantly looking at the team with the ball, and the team with the ball only.

But if you look at the NRL ladder after five rounds, the top of the table is chockfull of the best defensive teams in the competition. The top four teams – Dragons, Warriors, Panthers and Tigers – are second, third, fifth and first respectively in the defensive rankings.

The Tigers attack is five points per game worse than it was on average in 2017, which would be a huge concern if their defence hadn’t improved by a truly remarkable 13 points per game.

That’s a massive difference for a team that has made leaking points an artform for the best part of a decade.

The Warriors are 11 points better defensively per game than they were last season, the Dragons are seven points better, while

the Panthers, on average, are conceding a converted try per game less than they did in 2017.

By comparison, the bottom two teams on the ladder, the Bulldogs and the Eels, are both eight points worse defensively this season than they were last season.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

Brought to you by

In February, it’s difficult to imagine how much teams will improve in the season ahead when they don’t have the ball, but the oldest statistic in the game, for and against, doesn’t lie – the easiest way to fast track a move to the top of the table is by getting serious with your defence.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

IN PICTURES Photos: Megan Dunn

DOUBLE TROUBLE 08/0 4/ 18 : The Panthers b beat eat the Eels for the second time this year CC TYRES is a local family-owned independent business established more than 60 years ago We supply many local businesses, Fleet companies, Government and Trade contracts. Selling all Tyre Brands, we supply and fit for Cars, Trucks, 4X4, Trailers, and Farm and Plant machinery.

We stock all major brands of tyres and wheels.

The latest equipment for larger wheel and run flat tyres.

Using the latest equipment such as: Premium inflation systems for clean dry air & the newest CAMERA Alignment for the best possible result.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

Let’s hope the surprises keep coming

JAMIE SOWARD E

veryone’s pre-season top eight is busted at the moment, but who really cares!

This is the most exciting competition ever and what’s transpired over the first five rounds is really healthy for the game.

Every expert, including myself, didn’t have some of these teams in their top eight let alone at the apex of the ladder.

For me, while I had the St GeorgeIllawarra Dragons (currently 1st) scraping in at eighth spot, I had the New Zealand Warriors (2nd) and Gold Coast Titans (6th) finishing 15th and 16th respectively.

The Warriors are playing really good, smart footy and have a nice mix of attack and defence, while the Dragons have been playing very similar also.

If both teams remain undefeated this week, it will shape up to be an amazing contest in Round 7 when the Dragons take on the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

If Ben Hunt and Shaun Johnson stay fit, these two sides may well continue their form through to September.

The Wests Tigers (4th) have also been surprisingly impressive to start the year

and are playing completely different to both the Warriors and Dragons.

The Tigers are building their wins off the back of defence, and so are the Penrith Panthers (3rd), who have also found that throughout the last two weeks.

While Melbourne (9th), Brisbane (12th) and the North Queensland Cowboys (14th) are currently out of the top eight, I don’t believe for a second that their run has ended.

Keep an eye on those teams to improve in the coming weeks as they get over the World Cup hangover and get used to how the game is being officiated at the moment.

Two teams I would pull out of my preseason top eight if I could would be the Canberra Raiders (13th) and Parramatta Eels (16th).

While the Raiders have been playing OK and could have potentially been 4-1 right now, the Eels aren’t playing good footy at all.

Parramatta aren’t out of form like some teams out of the eight right now, they are just plain bad!

The Eels have a chance to restart their

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

Brought to you by

Could Shaun Johnson guide the Warriors to their first ever title? season this Saturday night against the Raiders and I’m tipping they’ll do just that. But they have a long way to go if they are going to be back in my top eight by

season’s end.

It’s certainly been an amazing first five weeks of the competition and I really hope the surprises continue.

KEY BUSINESS DATES JANUARY 2018 22 January 29 January

December monthly Business Activity Statement (BAS) due.

December quarter superannuation guarantee contributions due.

FEBRUARY 2018 5 February

February fuel tax credit rates change today.

21 February

January monthly BAS due.

30 April

March quarter PAYG instalment due.

Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) return due.

14 August

PAYG withholding annual report due.

21 May

April monthly BAS due.

21 August

July monthly BAS due.

28 May

March quarter superannuation guarantee charge statement due.

28 August

Taxable payments annual report due.

28 August

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JUNE 2018 May monthly BAS due.

28 February December quarter super guarantee charge statement due.

30 June

End of financial year.

APRIL 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 21 September August monthly BAS due.

JULY 2018 1 July

New financial year begins.

16 July

PAYG payment summaries need to be provided to your employees.

MARCH 2018 February monthly BAS due.

August fuel tax credit rates change today.

21 May

21 June

21 March

1 August

MAY 2018

28 February December quarter BAS due.

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AUGUST 2018

23 July

June monthly BAS due.

30 July

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23 April

March monthly BAS due.

30 April

March quarter BAS due.

30 July

June quarter BAS due.

30 April

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30 July

June quarter PAYG instalment due.

OCTOBER 2018 22 October

September monthly BAS due.

29 October

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29 October

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31 October

2018 Income tax return due.

WW32834

4722 2998 | sales@westernweekender.com.au | www.westernweekender.com.au

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

Dragons

5

5

0

0

0

154

60

+94

10

2 Warriors

5

5

0

0

0

124

65

+59

10

3 Panthers

5

4

0

1

0

105

68

+37

8

4 W. Tigers

5

4

0

1

0

68

55

+13

8

5 Roosters

5

3

0

2

0

110

70

+40

6

6 Titans

5

3

0

2

0

104

136

-32

6

7 Knights

5

3

0

2

0

84

124

-40

6

8 Sea Eagles

5

2

0

3

0

130

101

+29

4

9 Storm

5

2

0

3

0

88

67

+21

4

10 Rabbitohs

5

2

0

3

0

100

88

+12

4

11 Sharks

5

2

0

3

0

68

76

-8

4

12 Broncos

5

2

0

3

0

69

102

-33

4

13 Raiders

5

1

0

4

0

117

122

-5

2

14 Cowboys

5

1

0

4

0

80

123

-43

2

15 Bulldogs

5

1

0

4

0

76

130

-54

2

16 Eels

5

0

0

5

0

44

134

-90

0

CLUB

1

Round 6

/ / / / / / / /

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, April 12 7.50pm Allianz Stadium

Friday, April 13 6pm AAMI Park

Friday, April 13 7.50pm WIN Stadium

Saturday, April 14 3pm Mt Smart Stadium Saturday, April 14 5.30pm 1300 Smiles Stadium Saturday, April 14 7.30pm Canberra Stadium

Sunday, April 15 2pm Panthers Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game?

If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 006 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday, April 15 4.10pm Lottoland

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Jamie Soward SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi/ 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

HERE’S CHEERS!

STEPHANIE

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WW33117

Nickname: Steph Age: 22 Occupation/studying: Nursing Years as a Pantherette: Four Favourite player: Peter Wallace Best thing about being a Pantherette: Being out on the field with the amazing atmosphere and the sea of supporters Favourite song to dance to: ‘Came Here

For Love’ – Sigala, Ella Eyre Biggest guilty pleasure: Arnott’s chocolate mint biscuits My dream job: Midwife Biggest influence: My boyfriend, Jamie, who is a cancer survivor One thing people would be interested to learn about me: I’ve been in a KFC television commercial

SCOREBOARD

LACK OF INJURIES HELPS DRAGONS TO TOP SPOT

NRL PANTHERS 12 EELS 6

» The Dragons lead the competition

ISP NSW

after five rounds and it’s no coincidence that they’ve had a blessed run with injuries. Incredibly, coach Paul McGregor has used just 18 players so far this season and has nobody on the sick list heading into tonight’s clash against Cronulla.

PANTHERS 36 MOUNTIES 22

JERSEY FLEGG

» Manly coach Trent Barrett says Daly

Cherry-Evans (pictured right) deserves to wear the number seven jumper for Queensland this year, despite the Sea Eagles’ inconsistent form. “He’s been one of our best players all season and I think his leadership this year and last year has been second to none,” Barrett said.

a great job in helping out members of the rugby league community who have fallen on tough times.

» The Men of League Foundation is

» Fox League would be very happy

looking for a new CEO. The new leader of the organisation will be responsible for driving the overall strategy and direction of the Foundation and building and maintaining close relationships with the Foundation’s staff, committees and stakeholders. The Foundation does

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

EXTRA MINUTES

MOUNTIES 32 PANTHERS 10 and it’ll obviously pick up more viewers on re-runs.

» Panthers legend Greg Alexander has

bravely questioned whether or not Johnathan Thurston has played on one season too long at the Cowboys.

Thurston has been down on form this year but is largely untouchable by many in the media. Brandy backed himself in making the comments and it’s up to Thurston to prove him wrong.

with the ratings for Sunday night’s premiere of ‘Kokoda’, a documentary that followed Nathan Hindmarsh, Bryan Fletcher, Jess Yates and The Professor on the tough and gruelling Kokoda Trek. 68,000 viewers tuned in to watch the program on Sunday night

WW32752

panthers on the prowl

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 16 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week, thanks to Hertz, we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. s.

s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu Madaline Fraser

The student of the week this week is Madaline Fraser. Madaline attends Bennett Road Public School and has been a determined member of our group this term. One of the key aims of the Panthers on the Prowl Classroom Program is to develop student confidence. This involves providing opportunities for students to succeed but also pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Madaline has particularly enjoyed participating in gymnastics and fitness sessions at Penrith YMCA where she has proven to herself that she is capable beyond her expectations. In our recent fitness testing, she improved her 500m time trial time by over a minute.

This is a testament to her hard work and positive attitude.

The student of the week is brought to you by

LOCAL NEEDS MET

BY LOCAL PEOPLE

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HOME

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

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LEE BANISTER

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MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL 0402 896 906

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LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING 4735 6411

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FOX LEAGUE

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EZRVEND 0414 254 074

PREMIERSHIP WINNER

AT PRINT 4731 5055

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CATHOLIC CEMETARIES 9826 2273

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 13, 2018

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FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

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JOIN IN THE FUN @ HUBERTUS

CINDERELLA’S DANCE PARTY DOORS OPEN 10.30AM WORKERS BLACKTOWN SUNDAY 22ND APRIL TICKETS $5 EACH

(INFANTS UNDER 12 MONTHS FREE) Cinderella’s Dance Party is about more than giving kids a good time. Self-image is important for children and Cinderella provides a great role model of what happens when you act in positive and loving ways.

The show sparkles with interactive fun, captivating comedy and a message of hope that if you believe in your dreams hard enough, you can make them come true! Treasure it …

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Success is Crystal clear LAUREN SUTTIE

F

rom Martha and the Vandellas, The Shirelles and The Supremes, the 60s was a decade that saw girl groups dominate the charts.

One of the beloved groups to emerge from the decade was American vocal group, The Crystals.

And now, 57 years after their rise to fame, original member Dee Dee Kenniebrew is still carrying on The Crystals’ legacy.

“We were in Florida last weekend and the people beg you saying, ‘please don’t

stop, you make us feel so good’ and I’m like well I’ll keep going as long as I can,” she said.

Originally made up of five high school girls, The Crystals’ rise to fame was a quick one, with Dee Dee admitting that they didn’t expect their first song, ‘There’s No Other (Like My Baby)’, to do as well as it did.

“One day I came home from school in October and like most teenagers back then I put on the radio,” she said.

“It was then I heard our record and I was so shocked.

“We didn’t know what to expect going into this, we just liked singing together and it sounded good, but then the next

thing you know they are calling us to come and do shows.”

As the years went on, family commitments saw the original members turn off their microphones one by one.

But Dee Dee said that demand to perform never really faded, with their songs remaining popular with audiences today.

She credits the feeling the songs create as the reason for the longevity.

“It really just made you dance and feel happy because it related to your life as a teenager,” she said “A lot of people would love to go back to those days because they were days where you really felt happy and had fun.

“There wasn’t the weight of the world on you like the kids have today, it was a lot lighter and a lot easier to be a kid and enjoy your life.”

And while fans haven’t heard any new music since 1967, there still might be hope yet for new material.

“I have one song that I keep coming back to and I say that I’m going to do, and I think it needs to be done,” Dee Dee said.

“I said even if I have to do it myself and put it on YouTube, I’m going to do it.”

The Crystals will perform live at Rooty Hill RSL on Friday, April 20 at 8pm.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 9625 5500 or by visiting www. rootyhillrsl.com.au.

y s a ’ r D e Moth 3 T H MAY S U N D AY 1

Spoil Mum this Mother’s day, with help from The Village. Start her day with a delicious breakfast, or treat her to a scrumptious 3 course meal, lunch or dinner.

We also have High Teas available all day.

Bookings and deposit are essential to secure your spot.

Session times: Breakfast: 9am till 11am; Lunch: 12-2pm; 2-4pm; Dinner: 6pm-8pm; High tea all day till 4pm

Call us now to book your table 4721 1155 • 74 Henry St, Pe Penrith enriith ith WW33139

PEN RITH

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WW32722

Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

AUSTRALIAN HAYDN ENSEMBLE

EMILY NEWTON

T

umble down the rabbit hole and enjoy your adventures in Wonderland alongside Alice in a dazzling, internationally acclaimed production of the timeless classic.

The New York production of literary great Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ will come to life on stage in hilarious fun at the State Theatre next week for two performances only.

A star-studded cast of talented actors and puppeteers use their ingenious stagecraft and limitless possibilities of imagination to bring this beloved story to life with masterful sets and lavish costumes.

The production recently enjoyed enormous success around the world and

ONE SHOW ONLY FRIDAY 20 APR 7.30PM

A thrilling program of Handel and Mozart arias from Agrippina, The Magic Flute and Marriage of Figaro.

TICKETS

STANDARD $60 CONCESSION $55 UNDER 30 $30 STUDENTS $20 OR SUBSCRIBE & SAVE!

RICHARD BONYNGE FINE MUSIC SERIES

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Enjoy the magic of a classic tale live on stage

now it’s Sydney’s turn to see why we’re all mad here.

Don’t you dare be late for this very important date with the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter, or the Queen of Hearts might have a few words to say.

Tickets are on sale now from $40 for the 60 minute performance held on Thursday, April 19 at 2pm and again at 7pm at the State Theatre. Visit www. aliceinwonderlandlive.com.au for more information or call 13 61 00 for bookings.

New Jersey Nights

RICHARD BONYNGE FINE MUSIC SERIES SUBSCRIBE & SAVE | 4723 7600 | www.thejoan.com.au JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 597 HIGH STREET, PENRITH NSW 2750 WW32597

OZWAC

20TH ANNIVERSARY BALL

LAUREN SUTTIE

T

ake an exciting musical journey through the career of one of the biggest-selling groups of all-time, in this spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

From the back-street studio in New Jersey where it all began, this vibrant production includes all The Four Seasons’ greatest hits, including ‘Sherry’, ‘Rag Doll’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Let’s Hang On’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and many more.

With over 100 million records sold, The

Four Seasons are without a doubt one of the most successful doo-wop groups, with stage shows like New Jersey Nights allowing their legacy to live on and reach new audiences.

Joining the live band on stage for the show is a sensational cast of awardwinning West End singers and dancers, who have wowed audiences from all over the US and UK with their talent.

With one show already sold out at The Joan, you better get your tickets quick, as you won’t want to miss this musical extravaganza!

New Jersey Nights will be at The Joan on Friday, April 13. Tickets start at $84.90 and can be purchased by calling 4723 7600.

We are proud to announce that the AUSTRALIAN WOMEN & CHILDREN’S RESEARCH FOUNDATION will be celebrating 20 years of support for muchneeded funding of research into Women & Children’s health. With the support of the local community and beyond, the Foundation has, since its inception in the local area by local Business People and Medical Professionals and supported by a large number of volunteers, supporters and sponsors, raised almost $1 million which has supported a range of critical research . . . helping to improve our knowledge and outcomes in this important field which affects us all as families. So to celebrate these achievements and to raise much-needed funds for future research . . .

WE ARE BRINGING BACK THE OZWAC BALL! MARK YOUR DIARY NOW & go online to www.ozwac.com.au to BOOK TICKETS OR SPONSOR A TABLE OR PACKAGE

20TH ANNIVERSARY BALL Panthers Evan Theatre

(Proudly sponsored by Panthers Rugby League Club)

Saturday 12 May 2018

Pre-dinner drinks on arrival at 6.30pm Dinner & Entertainment from 7.00pm - late Be entertained by Johnny Spitz & Xparte whilst you enjoy a great dinner & dancing & SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION via our Auction Items, Raffle & fundraising

With event assistance from the staff & students of TAFE Western Sydney y y

WW28890

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

R A S H AY S P E N R I T H ®

9

$ 90

$

1290 1290

$

1790

$

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13000 13000 | rashays.com | 120 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW 2750

WW32476

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Teachers hit the stage!

“Ultra-fast, super professional and delivering way much more than I ever anticipated” - Melinda Leyshon, write copy

A

“Teaching is performance,” Daniel said.

“I honestly believe doing theatre has made me a better teacher.”

One of his fellow teachers and co-stars, Fiona Brennan agrees.

“Teaching and performing are often quite synonymous,” she said.

“After all, teaching in essence, is one big performance.”

With a cast of nearly 100, the team of Bek Want and Brenden Neaton are driving the show.

“Brenden and I both have the same visions for this show, and we have a great team behind us to bring our dream to life,” Bek said.

‘Seussical The Musical’ opens at The Joan in Penrith tonight and plays until April 21. Tickets can be purchased by calling 4723 7600.

Do you need a professional voiceover, radio commercial, on hold message or any other form of audio recorded?

• Cost effective • Professional • Fast turnarounds • Male and female voices available

WW32652

group of Penrith teachers will be taking to the stage in April, performing in the Penrith Musical Comedy Company production of ‘Seussical The Musical’.

‘Seussical’, which is based on the works of children’s author Dr Seuss, has drawn a number of local teachers to its cast, giving them the task to entertain away from the classroom and on the big stage instead.

Daniel Conway, who is an English teacher at McCarthy Catholic College in Emu Plains, is playing the lead role of Horton, an elephant who discovers that a tiny speck of dust is actually a planet called Who. He strives to save the planet from destruction, despite no one believing his claim that tiny people live on the dust speck.

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, April 13 Seussical The Musical – The Joan From $35, 7.30pm 4723 7600 Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Seniors Week Luncheon – Evan Theatre From $28, 12.30pm 1300 PANTHERS Backlash – Penrith Gaels Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Jazz Daiquiri – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Royal with Cheese – O’Donoghues Free entry, 8.30pm 4735 5509 Damage Inc – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Paul Adam – Lapstone Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4739 1266 New Jersey Nights – The Joan From $84.90, 7.30pm 4723 7600 Cool River Feeling Groovy – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Chinese Wisteria – Evan Theatre Free entry for members, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS Karaoke/DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Diesel The Blue Cattle Dog 9670 3050 Friday, April 13, 8pm, $39.80

The Vicar of Dibley Wentworth Falls Country Club 4757 1202 Saturday, April 14, 6.30pm, $80

Free entry, 1pm 4773 8888 Stephanie Jansen – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4728 5200 The Shuffle Boys – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 9677 4916 Backlash Duo – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 1pm 8822 2444

Puppetry of the Penis Rooty Hill RSL 9677 4916 Saturday, April 21, 8pm, $44

Friday, April 20

Saturday, April 14 The Frocks – Blacktown Sports Club Free entry, 9pm 8822 2444 Mulgoa Road Jazz Band – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 9677 4916 Airing of the Quilts – Arms of Australia Inn $5, 9am 4735 2058 Original Sin, INXS Tribute – Colyton Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 2266 Jhanjhariya Nite – Rooty Hill RSL From $20, 8pm 9677 4916 Jesse Morris and the Shakedown – Station Bar Free entry, 9pm 4782 4782 Urban Stone – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Rock City Saints – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Funky Punky Party – Hotel Gearin From $15, 8pm 4782 4395 Touchwood Rock – Wallacia Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4773 8888 All Access 80’s – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 9677 4916 The Everly Brothers & Frankie Valli Show – Blacktown Workers $45, 8pm 9830 0600 Hits & Pieces – St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8pm 9623 1211

Karaoke/DJ – Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Australian Haydn Ensemble – The Joan From $55, 7.30pm 4723 7600 Joe Apap – Blacktown Workers Free entry - 7.30pm 9830 0600 The MAES – The Metropole Guesthouse From $15, 5pm www.stickytickets.com.au School Holiday Kids Flicks – Evan Theatre Free entry, 10am 1300 PANTHERS The Crystals – Rooty Hill RSL $45, 8pm 9677 4916 The Djangologists – Hotel Blue Free entry, 6.30pm 4782 6922 Tara Favell – Lapstone Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4739 1266 The Frocks – Penrith Gaels Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Soundproofed – Pioneer Tavern Free entry, 9pm 4736 4466 Mary’s Karaoke and DJ – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 Mr Snot Bottom Wentworth Falls School of Arts 0466 981 544 Friday, April 20, 11am, $15

Saturday, April 21 Cover Me Crazy – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Beach Boys Experience – Blacktown Workers Free entry, 7.30pm 9830 0600 Guitarra Flamenca – Wentworth Falls School of Arts From $25, 7.30pm www.trybooking.com/TZDR Rogue Syndicate – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Deliberate Strangers – Hawkesbury Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4577 3050 The Vicar of Dibley – Wentworth Falls Country Club $80, 6.30pm 4757 1202 Afternoon Delight – Carrington Hotel Free entry, 2pm 6622 1555 Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash: The Men In Black Tour – Evan Theatre $59.90, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS

Sunday, April 15 Brian Lorenz – Rooty Hill RSL From $40, 8pm 9677 4916 ZenRasa – Blue Mountains Theatre From $25, 2pm 4723 5050 Anton – Wallacia Hotel

All things baby for when they are squishy till when they are sticky.

• Bibs and Burp Cloths • Dummy Clips • Quilts • Taggie and Sensory Mats • Pillows and Cushions

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Bring your custom ideas to life! Contact us today! squishlets@optusnet.com.au | 0403 274 068

WW31656

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Penrith 35+ Social Meet-up Fridays and Saturdays Text 0418 254 229 for details Vauxhall Owners Club 43rd Annual Car Show April 15 10-3 • Museum of Fire Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4735 1542 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 Penrith Harmony Barbershop Chorus • Mondays at 7pm 4735 2637

Sing along to some of music’s biggest ever hits Get taken on a musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all-time tonight at The Joan. Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, this exciting production will deliver all the hits including ‘Sherry’, ‘Rag Doll’ as well as many more to get your toes tapping! Tickets start at $84.90 and can be purchased by calling 4723 7600 or visiting www.thejoan.com.au.

FOR SE NIORS

S D I K R FO

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Glenmore Park Probus Club Third Wednesday of the month • 9673 2580 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Mondays • 0407 077 143

Lah-Lah’s decade of fun

Seniors concert at Panthers

Put on your best party outfit and head down to the Blue Mountains Theatre this Monday to help Lah-Lah celebrate their 10th birthday!

There’s no better way to celebrate Seniors Week than with the talented Lisa Crouch and Michael Montgomery today at the Evan Theatre.

NASHOs AGM Sunday, April 15 at 10.30am Penrith RSL

Peter Rabbit (PG) Daily except Thurs, Fri: 9:50AM, 12:00PM, 1:20PM, 2:20PM, 4:00PM, 6:30PM. Thurs: 10:00AM, 12:10PM, 2:20PM, 4:30PM, 6:50PM. Fri: 10:00AM, 12:10PM, 2:20PM, 4:30PM, 6:30PM

Blockers (MA15)

PENRITH

Daily: 1:50PM, 4:40PM, 6:00PM, 7:00PM, 8:50PM

Rampage (M)

SESSIONS VALID 5 APRIL TO 11 APRIL WW29582

Session times are subject to change without notice, visit www.hoyts.com.au to check session times or book tickets

Thurs, Fri: 11:20AM, 2:00PM, 2:20PM, 3:30PM, 4:40PM, 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:40PM. Sat: 10:30AM, 1:10PM, 2:10PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:20PM. Sun, Mon, Tues: 10:30AM, 1:10PM, 2:10PM, 3:40PM, 4:40PM, 7:10PM, 8:30PM, 9:40PM. Wed: 10:30AM, 1:10PM, 2:10PM, 3:40PM, 4:30PM, 6:50PM, 8:30PM, 9:40PM

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Free Comedy Night

BINGO JUST GOT COOLER SING, DANCE & DAB THE NIGHT AWAY!

Every 4th Thursday of the month 8pm

3RD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH ONTH TH FROM 8.30PM FREE ENTRY

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TRIVIAOLOGY

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BRILLIANT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TRIVIA WITH A HILARIOUS TWIST

7.30PM WEDNESDAYS FREE TO PLAY GREAT PRIZES

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PUPPETRY OF THE PEN!S

OVER

18’s ONLY

One of Australia’s greatest theatrical exports. The audience will watch as two near naked men (they wear shoes) manipulate their nether regions using the Ancient Art of Genital Origami to create a hilarious array of shapes and impersonations including the Eiffel Tower, the Lochness Monster and the iconic Hamburger. All will be projected onto a huge video screen so those in the back still get a close up view!

TICKETS $47.65 | 8PM F

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The real deal! 10CC have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and dominated the airwaves in the 70s with hit after hit. Now coming to Panthers for one night only, come along to hear classics such as ‘Donna’, ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, ‘I’m not in Love’, ‘Rubber Bullets’, ‘Life is a Minestrone’ and many more!

10CC TICKETS FROM $74.75 | 8PM

PANTHERS.COM.AU 56

1300 PANTHERS WW32904

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Social Scene

Above:

The Penrith CBD Corporation held its monthly Coffee Catch-up at the Red Cow last week. Photos: Melinda Jane

April Scho o l Holidays at The Joan!

HOLIDAY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY & THE JOAN

Ages 8 – 11 | Mon 23 – Tue 24 Apr Ages 12 – 16 | Thu 26 – Fri 27 Apr 9.30am–4pm each day A fun and focused environment for young people to improve their dance technique and learn new routines under the direction of professional teachers and choreographers. Workshops are designed for passionate young dancers with some previous experience. Covering a variety of different dance styles (Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Hip Hop/Street) for boys and girls 8-16 years, Sydney Dance Company holiday workshops offer an exciting and supportive environment to dance. $170 per 2-day workshop

HOLIDAY THEATRE WORKSHOPS

The Magic Wand

Ages 8–12 | Mon 23 – Tue 24 April (2-day program) 9.30am–4pm | $120 Two workshops for a complete theatre-making experience: A hands-on PropMaking Workshop followed by a Storytelling with Props Workshop.

Basics of Stage Combat

Ages 13 – 17 | Mon 23 April 9.30am–4pm | $60 A full day course with stage combat experts Swordplay, providing introductory training in basic skills, rules of engagement and safety for armed and unarmed combat, as well as techniques to draw audiences into a thrilling fight scene for the stage.

Ages 4 – 9

JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE

Fri 27 April | 10am & 12pm Tickets: $25 / $20 / $76 family A brand new Australian musical based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Perfect for young audiences and their families, brought to you by the team that created the award-winning Pete the Sheep, this hilarious new work by Monkey Baa brings to life a tale about a bush kangaroo you’ll never forget!

BOOKINGS thejoan.com.au | 4723 7600

Exploring Your Voice

Ages 15 – 17 | Tue 24 April 9.30am–4pm | $60 Students will learn vocal practice to create popular accents for the stage and screen in Accents For Acting; followed by Sensory Exploration of Sound, providing a sensory exploration of the sounds we make, how to make them safely, and how to use a range of kinaesthetic, aural, visual and olfactory exercises to make amazing sounds.

PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

23–27 April | Ages 3 – 12 | $12 – $30 Focus Exhibition: tactile, a vibrant and colourful exhibition that explores the sense of touch. Try your hand at sculpture, animation or drawing. Various workshops — check website for details: penrithregionalgallery.org

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

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things to do these

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1. INTENSIVE SW IM LESSONS - JU ST $70 FOR 5 LE NEPEAN AQUATIC SSONS CENTRE, MON 16 TH-FRI 20TH APRI 16-19 LAMBRIDGE L PLACE, PENRITH • 4730 8900

TIL JUNE! AND THURSDAY UN AY SD NE ED W Y COM.AU F EVER AINS • JABALNA. 8. ENJOY 10% OF PL U EM H, GW 2/91 JABALANA • SHOP

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Q: What do you call a cow on a trampoline?

A: A milk shake!

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

9. IRONEST 2018 • 21ST AND 22ND APRIL LITHGOW SHOWGROUND • TICKETS ONLINE @ IRONFEST.NET

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Q: What kind of lion never roars?

A: A dandelion!

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

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crossword ACROSS 1. Brief letter 4. ... & lemons 8. Wildebeests 11. Railway freight vehicle 13. Tunisia’s neighbour 15. Pirouette 17. Doze, ... off 18. Mexican friend 20. Just a minute, wait a ...

21. Approximately 24. Mortal (wounds) 27. In the ... of luxury 28. Denounce 30. Pepper grinders 31. Fewest 33. Rewrite on machine 34. Gives up 35. Bazaar 36. Dress ribbon 39. Throwing weapons 42. Start (of ailment) 44. Oliver Hardy & ...

Laurel 45. Noblemen 46. Zigzag (of yacht) 48. Golf course’s manicured area 49. Small birds 50. Prepare (newspaper) 52. Singer, Jerry Lee ...

54. Am aware 55. Collapsed, ... in 56. Seed 57. Catch breath 60. Genghis ...

62. Between 90° & 180° (angle) 65. Loll 67. Everest is there 69. Job attitude, work ...

70. Downy duck 72. Saturated soil 73. Dog lead 75. First, second, ...

77. Iconic American musician, ... Reed 79. Neglects 81. Well-suited 82. Unhurried Texan twang 84. Terminate 85. Cleopatra’s land 86. In proportion, pro ...

87. On the other hand 88. Large

DOWN 1. Tennis court dividers 2. Double 3. Wheat spike 4. On top of 5. Parent’s sister 6. Horsefl y 7. Louvre section 8. School PE room 9. Fixing pins 10. Ladle carelessly 12. Black look 14. Bundled (material) 16. V-shaped block 19. Field entrances 22. At that time (2,4) 23. Line call judge 25. Indians & Chinese 26. Ready (3,3) 29. Reached summit 32. Donkey 35. Clouding (windscreen) 37. Wonky 38. Sacking fabric 40. Become alarmed 41. Cut (wood) 42. An ... but a goodie 43. Port-wine style 44. Appears 47. Deformed 51. Gossip 52. Camera glasses 53. Kiss and cuddle 54. Danish currency units 58. Every 12 months, per ...

59. Bubble burst 61. Bow missile 63. Lightweight timber 64. Fuel gas 65. Tiny 66. Dizzy 68. Decree 71. Raise spirits of 72. Anchor (boat) 74. Over again 76. Beware the ... of March 78. Arm bone 80. Sri Lankan product, Ceylon ...

83. Engine revs reading (1,1,1)

Last week’s solution

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28

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18

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61

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86

37

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77

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85

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88

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

60

Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: FLYING AIR TRAVEL AIRBUS AIRCRAFT ALOFT ALTITUDE ATMOSPHERE AVIATION DIRIGIBLE FLUTTER FLYING BOATS GYRODYNES HELICOPTER HOVER LONG-HAUL PLANES PROPELLER ROCKET ROTORCRAFT SEAPLANE SKY LANTERNS SPACECRAFT SWEEP TILTROTOR WIND WINGS ZEPPELIN

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions

Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about the history of technology breakthroughs!

1. In what year did Apple release the first iPhone?

2. Which two huge companies co-developed the Compact Disc (CD)?

3. Which company sold the most phones in 2017, Apple or Samsung?

4. In what year did colour TV broadcasts begin in Australia?

5. Optus once rivalled Foxtel with a Pay TV offering. What was it called?

6. In what year was the original Sony Walkman released to the market?

ANSWERS 1. 2007 2. Sony and Philips 3. Samsung 4. 1975 5. Optus Vision 6. 1979

Trivia Quiz

a ll Ca w for te no E quo FRE

DESIGN, MANUFACTURE & INSTALLATION OF CABINETRY • Kitchens • Vanities • Wardrobes • Bars • Laundries • Home Office • Home Entertainment KITCHEN & JOINERY PROFESSIONALS

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info@kitchenjoineryprofessionals.com.au www.kitchenjoineryprofessionals.com.au WW32994

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

THE VOICE SUNDAY, APRIL 15 CHANNEL NINE

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

Ê In case you missed all the promos (I doubt that), ‘The Voice Australia’ is returning this Sunday, April 15 on Channel Nine. Delta Goodrem, Boy George, Kelly Rowland and newcomer Joe Jonas will serve as coaches on the latest series. It premieres at 7pm. Ê Channel Seven has announced that Danni Minogue will host its upcoming series ‘Dance Boss’. The show’s expected to air later this year.

est, it was a pretty boring event in my opinion. I look forward to the day when someone has the guts to mix up an Opening Ceremony instead of doing the same old thing.

Ê Foxtel has announced hit Australian prison drama ‘Wentworth’ is returning to Showcase on Tuesday, June 19. The sixth season will see Susie Porter, Leah Purcell and Rarriwuy Hick join the cast.

Popular ABC shows ‘Gruen’ and ‘The Weekly with Charlie Pickering’ return on Wednesday, May 2. The new series of ‘Gruen’ premieres at 8.30pm, while ‘The Weekly’ returns at 9.10pm.

Ê Channel Nine has confirmed veteran reporter Ross Coulthart won’t be returning to ‘60 Minutes’ after his contract wasn’t renewed due to “cost cuts”. Coulthart was a valuable member of the news program for three years.

Ê A whopping two million people watched last week’s Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on Channel Seven. Despite the huge amount of inter-

Ê With the wedding of the year right around the corner, Channel Seven will air US telemovie ‘Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance’ sometime next month. The

Ê

film chronicles the courtship and love story between the beloved prince and his new fiancée and will examine the history of Prince Harry and Markle from the moment they met after being set up by friends, through their initial courtship when they were able to keep their romance under wraps and ultimately the intense global media attention surrounding their relationship and Meghan’s life as a divorced American actress. This screams cheesy but will be fascinating to watch.

Ê A number of shows in the US have received renewals in the past week including ‘Supernatural’, ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’, ‘Roseanne’, ‘Arrow’, ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’, ‘The Flash’, ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. Ê Andrew Denton’s new show ‘Interview’ premieres this Tuesday on Seven.

CAMPS Mondayb16th April 2018 Snr. Gymnastics 9am-3pm 8-13yrs Tuesday 17th April 2018 Fit 'n Fun, with boxing! 9am-3pm 4-13yrs Wednesday 18th April 2018 Multi-Sport 9am-3pm 4-13yrs Friday 20th April 2018 Indoor Soccer 9am-3pm 4-13yrs Monday 23rd April 2018 Multi-Sport 9am-3pm 4-13yrs Tuesday 24th April 2018 Jnr. Gymnastics 9am-3pm 4-9yrs Thursday 26th April 2018 Ballet Without Borders 9am-3pm 6-10yrs Friday 27th April 2018 Multi-Sport 9am-3pm 4-13yrs

$25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25

Ballet Without Borders aims to bring ballet to all children. This program will cover ballet basics including jumps, turns and more!b WW33166

WW32598

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Places are limited, call 4732 1755 to book now!

A yearly membership is available for $10

life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Restless Rams are ready to fire off in exciting new directions! Mercury is now moving forwards in your sign, and Monday’s New Moon is also in Aries. So it’s action stations for adventurous Aries.

And it’s the best week of the year to set intentions, hatch ideas and take steps to initiate bold new projects. But (with Jupiter opposing Venus) don’t get carried away; promise the Moon and the stars; and then fail to follow through.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Are you stubbornly holding onto outdated ideas? Are you sticking to obsolete ways of thinking, as if you’re on auto-pilot? This week the New Moon, Pluto and Uranus encourage you to let go of an old grudge; put aside pre-conceived notions; and examine your beliefs in a philosophical and spiritual new light.

Focus on practical projects that need to be completed.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

After three long weeks, thank goodness Mercury is finally moving forwards.

Communication, conversation, business, education and travel should all gradually improve as the week progresses. But the New Moon and unpredictable Uranus could still throw some chaos into the mix! Especially involving friends, groups, clubs or organisations. So think before you speak and – if you find yourself compelled to spread secrets – zip it!

Joanne Madeline Moore

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Daily posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2018

The New Moon and Uranus shake up your career/reputation zone so prepare for a few surprises. But the more you try to control those around you, the more they will tend to push back. So take a good long look at your motives. Perhaps you need to be less possessive? Perhaps you could give someone more freedom, so they can fight their own battles and make their own mistakes?

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

With the New Moon, Uranus and Mercury all in fellow fire sign Aries, you’re feeling feisty and ready for adventure! But hubris and over-confidence often come before a fall. So the buzz word this week is humility. If you’re a clever Cat you’ll be kinder towards others, and more tolerant of their individual idiosyncrasies. As Jessica Lange said: “Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons”.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

The planets precipitate a romantic or friendship shake-up, as you reassess your relationship priorities. But, under the influence of extravagant Venus and Jupiter, you could blow your budget with a spontaneous spending spree. Or commit yourself to an ambitious project. So think things through before you make promises! You’ll find short-term big talk is no good if it doesn’t translate into long-term dynamic action.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Avoid getting into ‘Very-Stressed Virgo Mode’! Your ruler Mercury is moving forwards, which will help an intimate relationship or a joint financial project that has been somewhat stalled over the last three weeks. As the Sun moves into steady Taurus, you’ll find focus and a practical plan will take you far. As Victoria Beckham said: “I believe you can achieve anything if you work hard to get it”.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

All work and no play make Goats grumpy and difficult to live with. Monday’s New Moon encourages you to adjust your home/work ratio so it’s much more balanced and family friendly.

Communicating with other people looks very intense on Tuesday, as you share a favourite sport, hobby or activity with someone special. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Are your relationships stuck on autopilot? The New Moon, Jupiter, Pluto and Uranus encourage you to blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a fresh angle. Attached Librans – are you doing all the giving, while your partner is doing all the taking? Singles – you could fall for someone who’s not your usual type. But how well do you really know your nearest and dearest? It’s time to gain valuable insights into a family member.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week the New Moon, Mercury and Uranus activate your marvellous Aquarian mind. Wednesday looks crammed full of electric energy and exciting possibilities as the Sun/Uranus connection leads to a brilliant light-bulb moment when you solve a problem, think up a stunning idea or do something wildly different.

But you’ll also feel extra impulsive, which makes you more accident-prone. Slow down and look (twice) before you leap!

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

On Monday it’s a fabulous time to review your emotional wellbeing and physical fitness levels, introduce healthier food choices, and reboot your exercise routine.

Don’t have one? It’s the best week of the year to start! Tuesday’s Venus/Pluto connection intensifies platonic partnerships and adds extra passion to a romantic relationship. Some singles will experience a strong attraction to someone sexy.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

your

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Monday’s New Moon lights up your cash zone, which signals a fresh financial chapter. You’ll find the more proactive and informed you are about money matters, the better your fiscal future will be. Venus and Pluto also send an important message your way this week. When it comes to your peer group and social circle, don’t waste precious time on fickle friends who sabotage your dreams.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

your

The best strategy to secure the right income stream

money

There’s plenty to consider once it’s time to retire and access your super funds...

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

The superannuation system is designed to build wealth in order to provide us with income in our retirement years.

Once we retire and need income, the most efficient way to do this is by converting our superannuation to pension phase and commence an income stream.

Once in pension phase, all earnings are tax-free as is the income you receive.

There are two types of income streams; account-based pensions and annuities.

Each has competing strengths and weaknesses and they work really well together by having a combination of both.

An account-based pension, also known as an allocated pension, is by far the most common income stream. Account-based pensions are offered by most superannuation providers and there is a wide array and choice of funds.

The main strength of the account-based pension is flexibility. You are able to choose how you invest your funds (as you do with your superannuation). You can also select the level of income you require and are able to make withdrawals as you please.

The value of the account-based pension goes up and down in line with investment returns and withdrawals.

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Once you run out of money, the pension stops. In the event of your death, the remaining value of your account-based pension is passed on to your estate.

The full value of the account-based pension is assessed for Centrelink asset test purposes. It is also subject to deeming for the income test, in the same way as other investment assets. Older accountbased pensions may be entitled to more favourable treatment for the income test.

With account-based pensions, you bear investment risk and longevity risk.

Annuities pay you a set income for a set period of time. You are able to nominate a time frame and a portion of your investment you would like back at the end of the period. The annuity company will pay you a pre-determined pension for the designated time frame.

You are also able to select a lifetime pension, in which you receive an income for the rest of your life.

The newer lifetime annuities offer guaranteed payment terms, periods you can access your funds and other options that weren’t available in earlier life time annuities.

This makes them a little more flexible than they once were.

Annuities are very secure in that they offer guaranteed payments with the annuity company bearing the investment risk.

Lifelong annuities and annuities with benefit periods of longer than five years with no return of capital, have favourable Centrelink treatment. In the case of lifelong annuities, they also bear the longevity risk.

The weakness of annuities is that they typically have lower investment returns and are very inflexible.

Taking lump sums is not possible and the income received is set in advance.

Always seek advice.

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

Attitude and expectation are key elements of success in education, and it starts with you...

The recently published NAPLAN results have shown that Australia’s school performance in literacy and numeracy has not improved over the last decade and internationally still lags far behind the more progressive nations.

The NAPLAN results also confirm a significant gap between the performance of disadvantaged schools and more well endowed schools or schools that are located in the more prosperous suburbs of our major cities.

Last week we discussed attitude as it relates to education on a national level, in this country and compared it with other countries that are delivering far better educational outcomes.

At a national level, attitude is important, but at an individual level attitude is governed by a belief system based on expectation.

If a student does not expect success or value from increased study habits then it is almost impossible to expect that student to put in the effort that will produce that success.

Low expectation, I believe, is the key

to the continued low performance of schools in so-called disadvantaged areas.

In many years of teaching and coaching I have witnessed miraculous changes in students that have occurred as a result of changed expectation.

It is my firm belief, based on the research and writings of Maxwell Maltz, Colin Rose, Dr Stephen J Gould, et al., that at least 95 per cent of the students studying in NSW schools at the moment have the intellectual capacity to achieve an ATAR of 99 per cent in the HSC. This result could be achieved without devoting huge hours of extra study.

Disadvantaged schools generate disappointing results, which are generally in line with the expectation of the school, the teachers, the students and the community.

In my five years as head teacher of mathematics at James Meehan High School (1980-1984), our students performed well above the state average in School Certificate mathematics results.

I expected the students to do well and successfully conveyed that expectation to my staff and, more importantly, to the students.

This was the only time during the school’s history that it achieved such results.

Expectation is the first step to success.

health

Heel spurs may not be the real cause of your pain

the western weekender Âť Friday, April 13, 2018

your

Heel spurs are easy to blame, but they could just be an innocent bystander!

Dean Gresser Podiatrist OnePointHealth 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

It is a highly common occurrence for patients to present to our clinic with the belief that they have heel spurs which are causing them a great deal of heel pain.

While it is true that many patients with heel pain may actually demonstrate nasty looking heel spurs on their x-rays, it is also true that these heel spur formations may also be present among patients with no active or prior history of pain.

In addition to this we know that a large percentage of patients we treat with plantar heel pain lack any evidence of heel spurs.

Based on this idea, it poses the question â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is the heel spur the culprit or merely an innocent bystander?

The reality is that when closely monitoring the research there really is no conclusive evidence to suggest whether heel spurs do cause pain or not.

What the latest research does tell us is that a condition called plantar fasciopathy or more commonly known as plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of plantar heel pain in adults.

Therefore, this may be the more likely cause of the heel pain you may be experiencing whether heel spurs appear on your x-rays or not.

It is also important to note that the vast majority of painful plantar fasciitis cases will resolve with conservative treatment methods even in the presence of plantar heel spurs.

In these cases, the asymptomatic spur remains. Therefore, it would be difficult to make a case that plantar heel spurs do indeed cause pain.

It is estimated that one in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis in their lifetime

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; therefore there is no coincidence as to why we are able to diagnose and provide the best possible patient outcomes for this condition whilst utilising the latest evidence-based practice methods available.

To read more about heel pain and plantar fasciitis please, feel free to visit our website. Also if you are currently experiencing heel pain, feel free to book an appointment with us.

Mamre Anglican School Year 7 2019 Information Evening 7.30pm Monday 7th May, 2018 in the school hall Register your interest at www.mamre.nsw.edu.au or 9834 1881 WW33202

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

your

Why microchipping your family pet is so important

pets

When your furry friend goes missing, give them the best chance of being returned to you...

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

We constantly have stray animals presented at the clinic. If pets are microchipped and the owner’s details are up to date, we can normally reunite pets and owners very quickly. A scanner is used to find the microchip number, and the number is used to search the register for the owner’s contact details.

Microchipping and registration with Council has been a legal requirement for cats and dogs for many years.

Unfortunately, we still see several pets either with no microchip or incorrect contact details so we are unable to find the owner.

If a stray animal comes to a veterinary clinic without a microchip or the contact details are incorrect we are not allowed to hold the animal and they must be sent to the local Council animal shelter.

There the rangers can continue to investigate who the legal owner is. Before the pet is released it must be microchipped and fines will apply.

Microchipping is a relatively quick and cheap procedure.

Once the animal is microchipped the owner details are recorded on the

register. Recently the government have launched an online register. Once the animal is microchipped you can create a profile and log onto the register. You can check your details and if you move or your contact details change you can update them. The more information you put on the register the more likely you will be reunited with your pet if they go missing. We recommend adding work, home and mobile numbers, emails and nominate at least one secondary contact.

So why aren’t all dogs and cats microchipped?

Legally all dogs and cats should be

your

Coreen Avenue

Veterinary Clinic

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Quality Loving Care

Western Sydney

Cat Hospital

religion www.gpa.church

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microchipped by the person that breeds them. Breeders, pet shops and rescue organisations will routinely microchip dogs/cats before they are sold.

If you find a stray animal it is important to take it to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter within the local Council area as they cannot take animals from outside the local council areas.

Although it is not a legal requirement to have other species microchipped more people are microchipping other pets like ferrets, rabbits and large birds.

The register can be found at www. petregistry.nsw.gov.au.

The celebration of the wonderful events of Easter have come and gone – but, big question; “Did Easter change anything for you?”

For here is an interesting thing, it almost always happens, that when people take a good and serious look at the central events surrounding Easter, Jesus’ death and resurrection, these events have an immense impact on the lives of those people.

Consider for example the words of Jesus from the Bible’s New Testament Gospel of John.

In Jesus’ trial before, the Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, Pilate is wrestling to understand who Jesus is.

When confronted with Jesus’ powerful words; “My Kingdom is not of this world”, Pilate is challenged by the possibility that Jesus might really be a King. Pilate is challenged to see that Jesus might really be the person he says he is. Yet, Jesus’ words open another massive implication; that he is not just a King, but that he is THE King of an eternal kingdom.

Jesus brings an eternal perspective to life.

He brings a bigger picture that we so often either deny or are simply unaware of.

The magnificent and glorious truth of Easter is that Jesus came to die on a cross and rise again to make eternity with God in heaven a reality for you!

The challenge of Easter is to hear Jesus’ words and have them lift your focus from the here and now; from the things we so often desire now, our passions and lusts for things that are here today and gone tomorrow.

Jesus lifts our eyes to the bigger picture. He sets our hearts and minds on those things which are of eternal value; the things of God.

look

Balance your wardrobe without breaking the budget The credit card bill doesn’t have to take a huge hit for you to look good. You just need to make wise fashion choices as the seasons begin to change...

Alyce Madden For the latest trends follow @westfieldpenrith on Instagram

Wittner have in store the Royston ankle boot, crafted in rich black leather, with a round toe and a black stack heel, these boots are a must have for day to day styling.

To make sure your high-low look is on point, mix your luxury boots with more affordable denim at Dotti. Find the Leah jean, high waisted and cropped length this pair will work for all of your cooler weather looks.

90’s Skinny matrix sunglasses are making big waves in the fashion industry right now.

Apparently Kanye West had sent a lovely email to his wife Kim Kardashian about the fashion memo and told her that huge shades were out and it’s all about tiny 90’s frames.

If you are like me and not ready to commit to hundreds of dollars for the new look but still wouldn’t mind trading the aviators in for a weekend to look like Bella Hadid or any other supermodel walking the runways of Milan, look for cheaper alternatives.

Sportsgirl have cute on trend cat eye sunglasses in store. Find the Gigi frames in black or bold statement red.

Have a great weekend and why not hit the shops at Westfield Penrith to find something for your winter wardrobe. The cooler months are coming!

When it comes to investment pieces, just what should you be splurging on and what can you find for cheap at chain stores to throw into rotation in your winter wardrobe now?

Keep your accessories timeless, whether it’s that designer black evening bag you know you can wear with everything or a high-end block heel boot that can carry you through every winter in style.

It is important to think about the versatility and what you will love for years to come.

If you are prepared to spend the money leave the trendier ‘in the moment’ pieces (we are looking at you baker boy hats) and opt for pieces that will let you wear them time and time again.

For winter, luxury boots are what everyone craves, treat yourself and invest in a quality pair.

Not only will you be guaranteed comfort but you will have durability as in the long run all those cheaper boots that rub in all the wrong places add up and make you appreciate your splurge.

WINE LIST

JOHN ROZENTALS

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

your

we create. you celebrate.

French bliss

F

rance’s Burgundy is obviously large, diverse and highly picturesque, both for its natural and human-created features.

Its cuisine is legendary, and one of its major centres, Dijon, is home to probably the world’s greatest mustard.

With this surfeit of beauty and culinary excellence it’s hardly surprising that the district is a favourite one for tourists, including those on its famous river barges.

Winewise, Burgundy’s fame rests on two grape varieties — chardonnay and pinot noir.

Some of the vineyards are tiny — limited at extreme to just a few hundred vines — and the wines they produce exist in a rare atmosphere of price and quality.

Yet Burgundy can also produce remarkably good, quite modestly priced wines.

Just how good was recently driven home to me through a bottle of Francois Martenot Grand Pres Macon-Villages Chardonnay, from the south of the district.

Its softness and rich, complex, alluring flavours are simply outstanding and it’s available in Australia for just $20 a bottle.

To me, how that exercise — including packaging and transport to the other side of the world — is at all possible simply demonstrates just how much really good wine the French are producing. The poor, old grapegrower must feel that it’s hardly worth his toil, but I guess that’s how many Australian vineyard owners feel, too.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Harnessing the

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travel

One of the most incredible train journeys in the world

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

your

N A H G TH E

Travelling by train is a very special experience, but when you do it on The Ghan, it’s something else.

Perhaps it all stems from the remarkable history...

Roderick Eime Content thanks to WTF Media

It was nearly 90 years ago when the first ‘Ghan’ railway service set out from Adelaide bound for Alice Springs. The construction of a complete line all the way to Darwin was one of the earliest dreams of the fledgling colony of South Australia soon after its establishment by free settlers in 1836.

Apart from the massive cost, the harsh climate and rugged landscape was always going to make the project a challenge and after the first sections were begun in 1878, it was nearly 50 years before a train could make an uninterrupted journey to the tiny outpost Alice Springs, right in the centre of Australia.

Until that time, camels had to be used to transport goods and the few intrepid passengers along the route where tracks were still being laid.

Camels were first brought to Australia for the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition in 1860 when 26 of the beasts and their Afghani handlers were brought from India in the belief they would be invaluable for work in the harsh desert climate. That decision was one of the few

successes of the expedition that ended with the deaths of nine men, including both Robert Burke and William Wills.

Thanks to the nickname, The Afghan Express, bestowed on the service in the early days, it is now just ‘The Ghan’, and reflects with great respect the invaluable service provided by the expert Asian cameleers in opening up the country for agriculture and other primary industries like sheep and cattle farming.

During WWII the route was crucial for the supply of Darwin, with trucks replacing the hardy camels between Alice Springs and the beginning of the short line south of Darwin.

Even with modern diesel locomotives, the old original route remained problematic with floods and sandy soil causing many delays and it was decided to build a completely new line to the west. The last train ran on the old service in 1980, bypassing the remote towns of Maree and Oodnadatta. Today visitors arriving by 4WD can still see rolling stock and a locomotive abandoned in Maree and even though the track and sleepers are long gone, old stations and water towers are preserved in memory of the early days.

It was with great excitement and fanfare that the 126-year dream of the first settlers was finally realised in 2004 when the first train from Adelaide rolled into Darwin after travelling nearly 3000kms in 54 hours. The completion of the railway line to Darwin was the largest and most expensive civil engineering project

since the Snowy Mountain Scheme of the 1950s and ‘60s.

Australia’s government railways moved to private operators in the 1990s and now the company, Great Southern Rail (GSR), owns the route and has significantly enhanced the service to incorporate longer stops at both Alice Springs and Katherine so that passengers can enjoy day tours to the wonderful sights at both locations such as the four-day Ghan Expedition journey which takes travellers on an epic outback adventure with excursions in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy across four days and three nights.

The modern train runs weekly and provides passengers the choice between all-inclusive Gold and Platinum classes, both in comfortable sleeper berths with gourmet dining facilities in the sumptuous Queen Adelaide Car or the exclusive Platinum Club.

The Ghan is without doubt one of the most significant railway journeys in the world alongside our own Indian-Pacific and even the mammoth trans-Asian odyssey, The Trans Siberian Express.

Apart from the valuable freight link to the south, saving many days of sailing for ships from Asia, railway enthusiasts from all over the world regularly travel to Australia for this remarkable experience across a landscape full of history and unlike anywhere else on the planet.

For more details: http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the-ghan.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

BUSINESS Self-care tips for small business owners Jane Tweedy // Western Sydney Business Centre 4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

L

Penrith RSL Sub Branch

ANZAC Services Sunday April 22nd: 3pm - 4pm Wednesday April 25th: 4:30am - 5:30am Memory Park Cnr High & Woodriff Street, Penrith WW31857

ike many small business owners, I have huge time demands – working part-time, setting up two businesses, studying, family, and volunteering. Taking care of me didn’t factor into my day.

Firstly, a shout out to the wonderful staff at Nepean Hospital for making my recent unexpected stay comfortable.

Why did I end up there in the first place, and how do you avoid that?

You’re not behind – you’re where you need to be right now One of my clients was late to a large networking event. He stood waiting for his wife rather frustrated. However, someone in his industry who runs a collective business also registered late.

This chance meeting continued into further discussions, which led to him being part of their organisation in an outsourced capacity. If he had not have been ‘late’, he would likely have missed the opportunity.

Progress not perfection For small business owners (especially coming out of the corporate world, where they were experts in their fields),

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

SHOW YOU

small business is overwhelming. When starting out you’re performing every function. Be realistic – even superheroes would struggle to get it all done. Focus on doing priority tasks, and moving forward. The polish can be applied later.

Plan ahead The easiest way to go nowhere fast, is to fail to plan. When I set myself a task list and stick to it, I can smash things out. But when I’m vague, other ‘busy’ tasks creep in and I can get to the end of the week with none of my key tasks done, even though I was super busy.

Don’t forget about you Without you, often your business will cease. Therefore, you are its most important asset and need maintaining.

Maintenance comes about through looking after your health. Yes, healthy eating and some exercise must fit in your busy schedule. It’s non-negotiable.

We also need to allow ourselves enough rest and time to recharge – both on holidays but also in small doses every single week. Trust me, ending up in hospital is not fun! Learn from others on this one and employ some self-care.

WHY..

WHAT..

HOW..

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Sydney Brick Show Panthers Pavilion April 21 and 22

sydneybrickshow.com.au

overs of LEGO are set to converge on Penrith these April school holidays as the Sydney Brick Show – Sydney’s largest LEGO fan event – heads out west for the first time.

As LEGO celebrates its 60th birthday, Penrith Panthers Pavilion will become a toy brick wonderland with over 100 exhibits on display – most of which are unique creations straight from the imaginations of their builders.

A highlight this year will be a massive space-themed collaboration showcasing the work of 12 members of the Sydney LEGO User Group. The show’s mascot, an innocent spaceman named Apollo, finds himself on a distant world where a rare ore named LEGOtonium has been discovered.

It’s a tough frontier world with all manner of aliens trying to discover their own plot of LEGOtonium.

Creativity and humour collide in this amazing display that includes ‘Bacon City’, the city corner where heroes and scum “meat” over the infamous outer rim wings and space hotdogs.

Collaborations are something of a theme this year, with a huge number of exhibitors coming together to make an amazing world record attempt for the most number of Minifig Habitats (small dioramas for LEGO characters) displayed – more than 1090.

A fitting celebration of the Minifig’s 40th anniversary this year.

Celebrating another anniversary, 100 years of Disney on Ice, is a husband and wife collaboration that brings to life the fictional All Star Arena precinct, including the ice rink with show in progress.

Conscious of their responsibility to ignite the next generation’s passion for LEGO, show organisers will hold a children’s building competition with winning entries on display on Saturday, April 21, a kids free building area with LEGO graffiti wall, a remote controlled LEGO race track and meet and greets with costumed characters.

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Sydney Brick Show is an experience appreciated by fans and newcomers of all ages.

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the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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WESTERN WEEKENDER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters submitted for publication are done so on the condition that The Western Weekender may edit them, without affecting the overall message or intent of the letter. The Western Weekender reserves the right to publish letters in other publications.

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ETHICAL AND ACCURATE CONTENT The Western Weekender operates under a code covering both ethics and accuracy. If you believe either have been compromised in relation to editorial or advertising content that appears in this publication, you should initially contact the Managing Editor.

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

AUTO

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

V

VOLVO

Honouring the best of the best

olvo has announced the winners of its annual Awards of Excellence for the top Volvo dealers in Australia.

Volvo Cars Sydney was named the top Volvo dealership in Australia in 2017 for the second successive year.

The Leichhardt-based dealership won the Major Metropolitan Award at Volvo’s annual Awards of Excellence dinner held in Sydney.

Its sister dealership, Volvo Cars Parramatta, was judged the runner-up for the second year in a row.

Penrith-based Annlyn Motors took out the 2017 Metropolitan Award, whilst Allan Mackay Volvo in Moss Vale was judged the best Rural dealership for the second year in a row.

Volvo’s Awards of Excellence are judged on a rigorous set of criteria, including outstanding customer service, sales and market share.

On winning the Metropolitan Award John Dunn, Dealer Principal of Annlyn Motors said: “2017 was another great year for Annlyn Motors, and we are very excited and proud to be taking this award home with us. Our partnership with Volvo is highly valued and we foresee a bright future, particularly with the brand direction and product range coming in the years ahead. It is and it always has been about the dedication of our staff toward excellence in customer service”.

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Paddling to success p.76

Fault-free walk wins Alex gold NATHAN TAYLOR

hen asked what he liked most about his chosen sport of race walking, 10-year-old Alex Muir kept it simple: “I like winning”.

Last month, at the NSW Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships, the young Caddens local did just that, winning the Boys U10 1100m Walk to be crowned State Champion.

Not only did the Year 5 Claremont Meadows Public School student claim gold that day, but he did it in a personal best time of 5:33:87.

In just his second year in the super technical sport, Alex said he was shocked with his outstanding result.

“I was really surprised at how well I did… I won bronze last year, so I was going for gold or silver this time,” he said.

“This is the first major event that I’ve won and my family and coach were very proud of me.”

The Nepean Little Athletics member and his older brother, Thomas, began race walking last year and the pair receive expert training from accomplished race walking coach Annette Tillman three days a week.

“My brother and I train at Blair Oval in St Marys three times a week and we really enjoy it,” Alex said.

W

Race walker Alex Muir. Photo: Melinda Jane

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

Sport

ON THE WATER

“Annette teaches us both style and technique, and then we do practice races.”

Style and technique is extremely important in race walking, with multiple judges watching on to spot any errors that may arise.

If a walker receives three red cards, they are immediately disqualified from the race.

Fortunately for Alex his hard work and training paid off, receiving zero red cards on his way to a technically perfect victory.

“I’ve never been disqualified and I never think about getting penalised,” Alex said.

Meanwhile, Alex wasn’t the only member of Nepean Little Athletics to perform well in a race walking event with older brother Thomas finishing sixth in his age race, Jessey Bektas seventh, Abbey Bektas ninth and Isabella Vella 13th in their respective races.

Coach Tillman said she was extremely proud of her young proteges.

“I am absolutely stoked and proud of my little champions and how they conducted themselves during the competition,” she said.

“What makes all their achievements great is that they all walked technically perfect, with none of them getting any red cards at all.”

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

CANOEING

Local paddlers enjoying success on the water NATHAN TAYLOR

eenage paddling sensation Sophie Wilson recently returned from New Zealand’s South Island with outstanding results.

On tour with the National Talent Squad, the 15-year-old competed in back to back events including the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships and the New Zealand National Championships.

The Xavier College student finished first in the K1W Intermediate event at the Secondary Schools Championships, while she also picked up gold in the K1W U16 event at the National Championships.

“This is a wonderful achievement for Sophie especially considering that she has only been kayaking for just over a year,” Assistant Canoe Slalom Development Coach/Coordinator, Tim Anderson said.

“Her rapid improvement is likely to put her in good stead for National Junior Team selection in future years.”

Meanwhile, Sophie wasn’t the only member of the Penrith Junior Paddling Program to achieve good results recently, with 15-year-old Liam Gallacher and 13-year-old Sophia Chen also performing strongly at the North Coast Combined

T

High School Sports Association Canoeing Championships.

Liam picked up four second place finishes in the Junior Men’s K1 slalom, SK1 whitewater sprint, C1 slalom and C1 whitewater, while Sophia finished third in the Junior Women’s K1 whitewater sprint and fourth in the K1 slalom.

Anderson said the Penrith Junior Paddling Program, which is based at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, continues to produce amazing talent.

“The program has been running since October 2016 and is supported by several NGOs including Australian Canoeing, PaddleNSW, the NSW Institute of Sport and Penrith Valley Canoeing,” Anderson said.

“The program is based at the Sydney 2000 Olympic venue, Penrith Whitewater Stadium, with beginners learning on the flatwater facility before progressing to the challenging whitewater rapids.

“2018 saw eight of the program’s paddlers selected into the Western Sydney Academy of Sport.”

Term 2 kayaking lessons begin early next month.

For more information, contact Ros Lawrence on 0422 074 564 or email Rosalyn.Lawrence@canoe.org.au.

15-year-old Sophie Wilson continues to produce amazing results. Photo: Melinda Jane

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76

Digital eyes in the crowd Innovative way to improve safety and player behaviour in junior rugby league NATHAN TAYLOR

or decades, cameras have been pivotal in society solving crimes and keeping the local community safe, but now these ‘digital eyes’ have become a major tool in sport and are taking over footy grounds right across Penrith.

In 2017, the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League (PDJRL) in partnership with iOn Sport began filming rugby league games of all levels in the local area. The initial idea behind the video capture was to create a safer environment at games for players, officials and spectators.

Within a matter of weeks, resources were mobilised, systems were developed and operators employed from the local community were trained to capture up to 150 games every single week.

Each weekend, 15 360-degree cameras, worth north of $15,000 apiece, are set up at grounds all over the district. Operators with laptops sitting nearby follow the on-field action and can even pivot the camera away from players to capture any nasty incidents in the crowd.

Currently 80 per cent of junior league

F

Officials Matthew Plummer, David Patullo and Bill Demanuele look over footage games are filmed every Saturday while 100 per cent of games are captured every Sunday during the season.

PDJRL Chairman David Patullo said the implementation of cameras at games was to create a safer environment for players, spectators and referees.

“This is a world first for any rugby league or sporting association. It costs a lot of money to set up and run, but the safety

of players, referees and spectators is paramount to us,” he told the Weekender.

“We would love to install more cameras at games but cost is an issue. Despite our attempts for assistance, we unfortunately don’t receive any funding from Panthers or the NRL, NSWRL and State Government. If we have to increase fees to keep this technology afloat then we’ll have to.”

Cameras at grounds proved crucial last

year when Panthers winger Dallin WateneZelezniak was assaulted by a trainer while running the line during a junior rugby league game.

“That incident with DWZ was captured by one of our cameras and that trainer got a lifetime ban while Dallin was cleared of any wrongdoing,” Patullo said.

“That could have potentially been disastrous for Dallin’s career and may have taken weeks to sort out without the help of video footage.”

In 2017, the PDJRL had 171 judiciary charges. 113 of these were the result of reports of referees and at least 50 per cent of these were reported by clear video evidence.

There was a higher number of early guilty pleas and fewer judiciary hearings as a result. In total, nine lifetime bans were issued.

While the technology has had a huge impact on safety at games, the cameras are also being used by the Panthers NRL development team to scout up and coming talent and track players.

Parents can also re-watch matches their children are involved in via the Penrith Juniors smartphone app.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Friday, April 13, 2018 « the western weekender

Roster changes at Rams for year ahead Story continued from » p. 80 Despite losing last year’s Best and Fairest winner Jake Pianta to 12 months in Canada, the club managed to recruit back 2016 Best and Fairest winner Brayden Wilson and 2016 leading goal scorer Phillip Aumann.

“We are excited to have both gentlemen back. They are not only good on the field but great club blokes, they are good to have around as well,” Kirk said.

“Unfortunately we also lost last year’s top goal scorer Mitchell Stevens in the first trial after he broke a couple of bones in his foot.

He was coming off his best year of footy and will be missing for a bit of a stretch.”

With the Rams entered into a higher division this season called the AFL Sydney Platinum Division, the club will be hoping each of their new and existing stars will be firing on all cylinders.

“We’ve gone up in standard after AFL Sydney changed the structure,” Kirk said.

“Platinum Division is predominantly made up of teams from Division 1 last year. We were in Division 2 last year, so we’ve gone up in class but we’ve prepared well enough and aren’t intimidated.”

RUGBY UNION

Backing the Emus Penrith RSL continues support of rugby union’s battlers NATHAN TAYLOR

howing their unwavering support for Sydney’s underdog rugby team, Penrith RSL Club have signed on as major sponsors of the Penrith Emus for the third straight year.

Penrith RSL Club CEO Neel Chand said supporting local and grassroots rugby was something he and his Board were very passionate about.

“I know they (Emus) will come back, they have worked very hard and have improved so much in the last three years.

I think we’ll definitely see them get some wins this year,” Mr Chand said.

“Whilst they did not secure a win, first grade’s form improved noticeably over the 2017 season. There was definite improvement in their skills, determination, their focus, and it showed on the field.”

Despite losing to Southern Districts in the opening round of the Shute Shield last weekend, Penrith Emus President Jim Hook believes the Emus will surprise some people in 2018.

“We need the support of the commu-

S

Penrith RSL Club Chairman Frank Portelli, Penrith RSL CEO Neel Chand and Penrith Emus President Jim Hook nity to make a real difference though.

Join our club, come out and show your support at our games, buy a cap or a scarf,” he said.

“Every little bit of support goes a long way for us and inspires the teams.”

Hook said he also plans to develop the game from a grassroots level with several successful Colts teams under the club’s belt including the U13s 2017 State Champions.

“There are some very, very talented young players coming up through our ranks, which is exciting for us to see,” he said.

“It’s up to us as a club to keep them with us and it’s through community support that we can do that.

“We have been working closely with our sponsors and community supporters in developing a strategic plan to rejuvenate rugby union in greater western Sydney.”

Penrith RSL Club Chairman Frank Portelli will be one of the local community leaders involved in the greater western Sydney rugby union strategy.

“I’m very pleased to be involved in the process as a part of Penrith RSL Club’s commitment to grassroots sports in our area,” Mr Portelli said.

“We are also the major sponsor of the Penrith RSL Junior Rugby Union Club, which is the natural feeder club for the Emus. It’s our goal to keep these players local and not lose them to other clubs.”

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BASKETBALL: Penrith’s Men’s and Women’s teams have endured a horror weekend during Round 4 of the Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition. Despite playing at home, Penrith’s men were hammered by the Hills Hornets 91-59. Skipper Ben Kearins top scored with 17 in the defeat. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Women’s team also went down to the Hornets 67-60. Tatiana Beaumont was best for Penrith scoring a team-high 21 points. Both sides will battle Sutherland in Round 5.

AFL: The GWS Giants have lost their first game of the season, going down to the Sydney Swans 103-87 in Round 3 of the AFL. The Giants will look to bounce back when they take on the Fremantle Dockers in Canberra this Saturday afternoon.

GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks will hold the first of two combine days next weekend. In preparation for the upcoming Gridiron NSW season, the combine days will be a chance for people to test their skills in a variety of gridiron-based tests including the 40-yard dash, cone drill, shuttle run, broad jumps and push-ups.

Combine testing is not compulsory, with people just interested in playing gridiron welcome to come down to find out more information. The first Nepean Ducks combine will be held at 10am on Saturday, April 21 at Cranebrook Oval.

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GOLF: Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club has lost its Final of the Major Metropolitan Division 3 Pennants, falling five matches to two against Massey Park Golf Club. Benjamin Michelmore was the best-performed for Glenmore, winning his match 4 and 3, while Andrew Robb and Reece Hackett both halved their matches against their respective opponents.

The loss sees the local team finish second in Division 3, thereby winning promotion to Division 2.

RUGBY: The Penrith Emus have lost their opening round match in the Shute Shield, hammered by Southern Districts 62-7.

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 9 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend with mixed results for Penrith’s SG Ball, Harold Matthews and Tarsha Gale Cup teams. In the SG Ball competition, Penrith defeated the St George Dragons 38-10, while in the Harold Matthews competition, the Panthers smashed the Dragons 50-0. The news wasn’t very positive for Penrith’s Tarsha Gale Cup side with the Dragons walking away 46-24 winners. This Saturday at Leichhardt Oval, Penrith will take on the Newcastle Knights in the opening

week of the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Finals, while Penrith will battle the Sydney Roosters in the Tarsha Gale Cup Finals.

the western weekender » Friday, April 13, 2018

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Sport

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

Friday, April 13, 2018

Rams confident of big year NATHAN TAYLOR

T

hey may be starting the season a week later than their competitors, but Penrith Rams coach Kevin Kirk has vowed his side is ready to have one of their strongest seasons in years.

Following an opening round bye last weekend, the Rams will finally get their 2018 campaign underway when they take on the Holroyd Parramatta Goannas at Greygums Oval this Saturday afternoon.

On the back of a lengthy pre-season which began way back in November last year and included three trial wins, Kirk is confident his side has what it takes to challenge for a title in 2018.

“Our pre-season has been quite good this year, it’s probably the best we’ve prepared in the three years I’ve been there,” he said.

“We had a good run with the weather and good numbers at training. It’s by far the best preparation we’ve had in my time at the club.”

Bowing out in an Elimination Final last year, the Rams have kept the majority of their 2017 squad together with a couple of key additions.

Story continues on » p. 78

The Penrith Rams will get their season underway on Saturday. Photo: Christian Triffitt

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