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Family’s desperate plea to get Penrith business identity home
TROY DODDS
The family of Penrith business identity
Greg Evans are desperately working to get him home to Australia so he can seek immediate medical attention for cancer.
Evans, who had many business interests in Penrith over the years and was a Penrith City Councillor, is a former owner and publisher of this masthead.
He has split his time between Australia and Thailand for much of his life.
Evans has been diagnosed with stage three cancer and as a result of various medical complications, requires medically escorted commercial travel back to Australia.
“Greg is currently in a care facility as hospital has become too expensive and his health is declining rapidly,” his daughter Monique Evans noted on a GoFundMe page.
“Although he has loved this part of the world, it is not a place where he can access the healthcare he needs.
Australians will go to the polls on May 3 after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a Federal Election last Friday.
Albanese visited Governor-General Sam Mostyn to lock in the election date, kicking off a five-week campaign, at the end of which Australians will either endorse Labor for a second term or elevate the Coalition to government.
Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are likely to fight the election on tax cuts, cost-of-living and electricity prices.
“Over the last few years, the world has thrown a lot at Australia. In uncertain times, we cannot decide the challenges that we will
face, but we can determine how we respond,” Albanese said.
Dutton’s pitch to voters will be asking them to compare their lives and circumstances today to when Labor first came to power in 2022.
“The question that Australians need to ask is: are you better off today, and is our country better off today, than three years ago?” he said.
“Generations of Australians have built their lives – and our country – on the belief that if you work hard, you can get ahead and build a better future for your children. However, right now, Australia is going backwards.”
Locally, the battle for Lindsay will be fought between current Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh and Labor newcomer Hollie McLean.
McIntosh holds the seat by 6.1 per cent and it is expected to remain with the Liberal Party.
One Nation will also be a factor in Lindsay with Chris Buckley confirmed as the candidate. The party grabbed 5.9 per cent of the vote at the 2022 election, when Max Jago was the candidate.
There is also a lot of interest locally in Macquarie, which now takes in areas such as Emu Plains and Leonay.
The Australian Embassy in Thailand has provided advice to the Evans family on the best course of action, which includes a transfer via ambulance from Nong Khai to Bangkok, an appointment
“For Greg to have dignity, pain management and ongoing care, the best place for him is Australia.”
at a hospital to get flight clearance and then the flight home with medical escort.
The GoFundMe has a target of $25,000. Almost $6,500 had been raised on Monday. Support the mission to get Greg Evans home at https:// gofund.me/f8254d87.
Labor’s Susan Templeman holds the seat with a 6.3 per cent margin, with the Liberal Party endorsing Mike Creed to take her on.
Redistribution has taken the seat from a 7.8 per cent margin to the new margin of 6.3.
One Nation is also fielding a candidate in the shape of Matthew Jacobson while Family First and the Libertarian Party have also locked in candidates.
Greg Evans requires medical treatment in Australia.
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From The Editor’s Desk
Troy Dodds
Albanese lands early election blows
Anthony Albanese has always been a fighter.
And like any good political fighter, strategy matters almost as much as the punches you land.
Which is why Albanese’s decision to call the election last Friday gives you an insight into the inner workings of an election campaign, and the desperation involved to get any perceived advantage.
Friday morning visits to Government House – a journey about theatrics more than anything else – are somewhat rare.
Scott Morrison made the drive on a Sunday back in 2022, as did Malcolm Turnbull in 2016 and Kevin Rudd before that in 2013.
And while Morrison did choose a Thursday to visit the Governor-General in 2019, the tradition of calling the election on a Sunday has generally been upheld – it’s a clean start to a new week, and some handy leaks to the Sunday papers are usually thrown in.
This year though, a Friday drive and a social media “leak” gave Albanese an opportunity to silence Peter Dutton from afar.
In the hours before Dutton was due to deliver his Budget Reply on Thursday night, a post from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet was released on X – and quickly deleted – suggesting that the Government was in caretaker mode.
A legitimate mistake, apparently.
Mistake or not, it took the air out of the lead-up to Dutton’s big final pre-election pitch. Instead of the focus being on Dutton’s response to Labor’s “election Budget”, all of the talk became about a possible trip to Government House on Friday by Albanese to call the election.
But with more people likely watching a ‘Law and Order’ re-run somewhere than tuning into Dutton’s big plan, it was only part of the strategy.
The next step was ensuring the election was called as early as possible on the Friday to rob Dutton of important media time.
And so the morning breakfast shows on television, radio programs and online outlets all focused on Albanese’s movements instead of Dutton’s Budget Reply.
Dutton struggled for air, on a morning he usually would have dominated the tradition-
ally quiet Friday morning news rundowns. It was a campaign master stroke – and it put Albanese immediately on the front foot. It would have rattled and frustrated the Dutton camp, with their last real chance for speaking to the Australian public out of campaign mode taken from them with some swift scheduling and smart chess moves.
For those who doubted Albanese was up for this campaign, who thought perhaps he’d run out of puff after 12 months struggling to match the impact of his first two years as Prime Minister, it was a sign of just how much fight is left in the man at the top.
A small thing, yes. But in that small move it showed how determined Albanese is to get every possible bit of ground.
in Queensland with a tie strangling his neck, while Albo tucked into a ginger beer at Bundaberg Brewery on the same day, again with no tie.
Has Labor decided that when it’s appropriate, they need to present Albo as a laid back Aussie who isn’t taking things too seriously?
The antidote to Dutton, who is claiming everything is collapsing around us?
I’ve noticed this because I remember a conversation I had with a Liberal MP a year or so ago who suggested that he thought Dutton was a chance of winning the 2025 election, but if it were up to him, “I’d be telling him to lose the tie”.
The idea being that Dutton appeared too stuffy, too stereotypical and not ‘down with the people’ enough.
Intriguing then that Dutton has rocked a tie even on casual appearances during the first week of the campaign, where when possible, Albanese took a different approach.
“It was a campaign master stroke and it put Albanese immediately on the front foot”
Dutton will land his own blows through this campaign, of course, and nobody is suggesting this was a knockout punch – but it was certainly a win in the mind game stakes, right as both fighters prepared to enter the ring.
And while we’re on it – another piece of strategy I’ve noticed, all involving a tie.
As Dutton made his way through western Sydney on Sunday, he was dressed just as you’d expect – full suit and a tie.
But Albanese, back in Canberra, was enjoying breakfast with an Italian grandmother and her family – with an open collar and no tie.
This had been the case a day earlier as well – Dutton enjoying a beer at the XXXX factory
Forget about ties, I hear you say, what about policies?
Let’s be real – this first week of the campaign is hardly policy-driven. Instead, it sets up what the tone and nature of the campaign will be – and I dare say that Albanese has appeared the most comfortable so far, certainly the most strategic, and without question a little more prepared.
There were question marks over his energy levels ahead of this campaign – but he’s brushed them aside right away.
If anything it is Dutton who has appeared somewhat slow out of the blocks.
All of that said, I did think Albanese’s big act of bravado towards the big supermarkets on Sunday was a weak moment.
Albanese has been talking about grocery prices for some time now. To suggest he’d make price gouging illegal only if re-elected seemed a bit of a stretch.
And more of a stretch perhaps given there’s been no evidence found of supermarkets price gouging, despite an extensive investigation by the ACCC recently.
But such a promise is perfect for 6pm news grabs and sound bites. Very little detail, very little substance, but enough to get you a sugar hit.
Another strategic win, perhaps.
PM’s supermarket swipe
Anthony Albanese says supermarkets are “taking the piss” as Labor promises a ban on price-gouging if re-elected, despite the consumer watchdog finding no evidence it was taking place.
Labor has promised to make excessive supermarket pricing illegal, to fix what it has labelled a gap in the nation’s competition and consumer protection framework.
Laws are set to be introduced by the end of the year if the government is re-elected.
“I got asked today … how do you know what’s price gouging? Price gouging is when supermarkets are taking the piss [out of] Australian consumers,” Albanese told reporters.
“I think there are absolutely examples where they have been … Australians know that.”
Laws to protect customers from companies engaging in the practice already exist in the UK, European Union and dozens of states in the US.
Labor would first implement
recommendations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s supermarket inquiry report to improve transparency about prices, promotions and loyalty programs.
A task force would be set up to advise on introducing an excessive-pricing regime for supermarkets to be policed by the consumer watchdog.
The group would include Treasury, the ACCC and other experts who would consult and report to the federal government within six months.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton rejected the price gouging proposal, backing a coalition policy to divest major supermarkets.
“It’s just this continuous wet lettuce response from a weak prime
minister, and Australians know that,” he told Sydney radio station 2GB.
“The Prime Minister is out there saying, ‘oh, well, we’ll set up the fifth committee in three years’, and somehow that’s going to make a difference.”
Coles and Woolworths have rejected claims of price-gouging, arguing their margins are compa-
rable to their peers in countries including Canada, the UK and the US.
The Australian Retailers Association said the comments were a distraction from the broader policies the community deserved during the election campaign.
“Eight taxpayer funded inquiries have failed to find any evidence of supermarket price gouging,” the association’s Fleur Brown said.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the supermarkets didn’t fear the “weak” prime minister, with Australian families to pay the price.
With cost of living being the most pressing issue for voters, Labor is spruiking measures including cheaper medicines and proposed tax cuts.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Labor was making sure Australians were not being treated like mugs.
“We’re delivering a better deal for families at the checkout and a better deal for farmers at the farm gate,” he said.
“Our plan helps deliver more competition, fairer prices and better deals for Australians.”
The Federal Election will be held on Saturday, May 3.
Anthony Albanese speaking with reporters on Sunday. Photo: AAP Image / Lukas Coch.
TESS IKONOMOU, AAP
LAW and ORDER
Police Snapshot Legal Matters
Penrith: Aggravated man headbutts police in hospital
At 1pm on Sunday, March 30, a 29-year-old Kingswood man was being released from custody at Penrith Police Station due to an incident pending further investigation.
While the man was being transported from the police station he began to swear at police and then punched an officer in the face in an unprovoked attack. The man was violently resisting police, and a struggle ensued as police tried to arrest him.
The man was eventually arrested and taken back into custody at Penrith Police Station. Whilst in custody, the man was taken to Nepean Hospital and was under a police guard.
While at the hospital, the man became angry and aggressive and started to swear and yell loudly. The man headbutted one of the police officers who was guarding him and threatened to murder the other officer.
The man was bail refused and appeared in Penrith Local Court yesterday on Wednesday, April 2.
Penrith: Man arrested on his wedding night
On Friday, March 28, a 47-year-old Emu Plains man was celebrating at his wedding reception at a licensed premises in Penrith.
At about 11pm attendees of the wedding reception were involved in a fight with security guards after they left the premises and were refused permission to re-enter.
Police were called and the 47-year-old made his way to the entrance to see his friends. As police were investigating the fight, the 47-year-old interfered with police and became belligerent.
Police were attempting to calm the man’s wife when he approached and pushed police. As a result, police attempted to arrest the man but he violently resisted and assaulted police in the process.
Police deployed capsicum spray into the man’s face in order to restrain him.
After the arrest, the 47-year-old was searched and numerous small bags of white powder, believed to be cocaine, were located in his pocket.
The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 24.
Kingswood: Railway stop reveals stolen Visa cards and ice pipes
At 5.30pm on Thursday, March 27, police were patrolling the main concourse at
Kingswood Railway Station when they saw a 42-year-old Werrington man holding a pole. Police approached the man and took the pole from him.
The man appeared nervous and provided police a fake name. His true identity was established, and it showed the man was subject to bail conditions.
The 42-year-old was searched and police found two Visa cards in the name of another person and two ice pipes on the man. The man admitted he did not know the person whose Visa cards he had and that he was going to use the ice pipes to take drugs.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, May 16.
Penrith: Man arrested after slapping a woman on the behind inside shopping centre
At 1.10pm on Friday, March 28, a 46-year-old Kingswood man was inside a major shopping centre in Penrith when he approached an unknown woman and slapped her on the behind. The woman reported the incident to police.
At 4pm on the same day, police were patrolling High Street when they saw the man walking towards them. The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station. Police searched the man’s property at the station and found a knife.
The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, April 24.
Cranebrook: Man busted growing drugs at home
At 11.30am on Tuesday, March 25, police executed a search warrant at an address in Cranebrook.
Police located a number of cannabis plants growing in a hydroponic set up.
A 59-year-old man who lives at the property admitted to growing the plants for personal use. The man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, May 6.
Kingswood: Five-year-old struck by car along Great Western Highway
A five-year-old girl is in a serious condition after being hit by a car at Kingswood on Monday afternoon.
The girl, who it’s believed was being chased by a dog at the time, was hit by a Nissan utility.
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead in a serious condition.
Police are still investigating the incident.
LABOR’S BAN ON NON-COMPETE CLAUSES, IF ELECTED
It’s election time!
In about four weeks Australia will go to the polls to decide the country’s next Prime Minister.
Almost always, the lead up to an election sees each of the major parties make promises to voters about what they will do if elected.
Most of the time these promises are economic in nature. One party might promise funding for the upgrade of a hospital while the other might promise a new railway line or road upgrades.
Independent candidates with no affiliation with any major party or candidates from minor political parties like the Greens and One Nation usually do not have any decision making power so any policies they come up with are just rhetoric. Australia’s political system is dominated by two major parties, the incumbent Australian Labor Party led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Liberal-National Coalition led by Peter Dutton.
Pundits are predicting a very close election which could, if neither major party is able to secure a clear majority, increase the influence of independents or minor political parties exponentially. We will write an explainer article about Australia’s preferential voting system closer to the election, but essentially, if one of the major parties cannot secure enough votes (seats) to form a clear majority to govern in its own right, then parties like the Greens (who almost always give their votes to Labor) and One Nation (who almost always give their votes to the Liberal-National Coalition) together with independent MPs can have a significant influence on government policy (think back to the hung parliament of 2010 that saw Labor form a minority government with the support of three independent MPs and one Greens MP).
On budget night a few weeks ago Labor unveiled a policy in the budget that is just as much a legal issue as it is an economic one. Labor pledged that if elected it would ban non-compete clauses for employees who are low and middle income workers. The ban is slated to apply to people earning less than
the high income threshold in the Fair Work Act, which is currently $175,000.
A non-compete clause, or what can sometimes be referred to as a restraint clause, is a clause in an employment agreement which prevents an employee who leaves a job from joining a competitor of that business or starting a business in competition with their former employer.
Usually a non-compete clause applies for a certain time-frame post employment and in a specific geographical location. For example, a non-compete clause might say that a departing employee cannot work in a competing business or set up a competing business for a period of six months from when they leave their employment within 50km from their former employer’s principal place of business.
Non-compete clauses also extend to things like using or sharing confidential information.
The main criticisms of non-compete clauses is that they are a mechanism used to force someone to remain in a job they might want to leave and can be used as leverage to stifle wages growth. If someone knows that they are subjected to a non-compete clause that they will have to navigate if they resign their employment then they arguably have less leverage in things like salary negotiations or might not readily be able to resign their employment for fear of not being able to obtain work in their field of expertise once they do resign.
Employers and small business groups take a different view. They largely say that non-compete clauses prevent employees from stealing confidential information or intellectual property or diverting customers or clients away from businesses who have invested in an employee’s development allowing them to develop skills and relationships which the employee should not be able to leverage to the detriment of their former employer.
There are a range of other arguments for and against non-compete clauses.
So far as Labor is concerned, if elected reforms are schedule to take effect from 2027.
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Friday 4 April • 5pm - 9pm
Triangle Park and High Street (west of Station Street)
● Join us for our annual Penrith Producers event on Friday 4 April at Triangle Park and High Street (west of Station Street), Penrith from 5pm to 9pm. We’ll have more than 40 local producers offering specialty crafted food, drinks and artisan wares right here in the heart of Penrith. Kids can enjoy the free craft workshops.
More information, please visit
● St Marys Cinema is back! We’re watching ‘The Lego Movie’ on Friday 11 April from 6–9pm at Coachmans Park. Make a night out and bring some blankets or lawn chairs – we’re giving
We’ll have some fun crafts and activities for the little ones.
Find out more at
● 2025! We’re having fun at City Park, Penrith on Wednesday 16 April and Coachmans Park, St Marys on Wednesday 23 April from 10am–1pm with free activities for kids to enjoy during the school holidays.
Come down and get your face painted, enjoy arts and crafts, and spend some time outside with games and live music. No bookings are required. The activities are free.
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Nominated Integrated Development
Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The proposal is declared
Western City Planning Panel is the Consent Authority.
• EMM Consulting DA24/0268
Proposed tree removal, bulk earthworks and retaining walls (to create ‘building pads’), stormwater management and drainage works (including ‘naturalised trunk drainage channel’), road construction (including a portion of a ‘collector industrial road’ and a ‘local industrial road’), and subdivision
The subject Development Application has been amended.
The proposed development is Nominated Integrated Development, requiring a Controlled Activity Approval (pursuant to Section 91 (2) of the Water Management Act 2000 from the Department of Planning & Environment – Water and an Aboriginal Heritage
impact Permit (pursuant to Section 90 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974) from Heritage NSW.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the application are available on Council’s website, in the period from Monday 31 March 2025 to Sunday 27 April 2025.
Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0268.
Please contact Robert Walker on 4732 7409.
Integrated Development
Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.
• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust DA25/0134
Integrated Development for the subdivision of 1 lot into 3 lots, with works including demolition of existing structures, and stormwater management works (Stages 14 and 15)
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Rural Fire Service NSW.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time
2025 to Sunday 20 April 2025.
Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way the submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0134.
Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.
The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.
By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit
One Nation to play role
Local candidates say party has moved on from negative perceptions of
One Nation has solidified its commitment to western Sydney ahead of the Federal Election as it fields two local candidates.
The at times controversial party has selected locals Chris Buckley to run for the federal seat of Lindsay and Matthew Jacobson to run in Macquarie after previously fielding a ‘ghost candidate’ in the 2022 Federal Election who reportedly resided in Tasmania.
Buckley has lived in Glenmore Park for over two decades and felt it was time to try to make a difference in his community.
“Lindsay and Macquarie have never had an actual sitting [One Nation] member or candidate who lives in the area … if we all do nothing then nothing is going to change,” Buckley said.
“That’s why I put my name forward and doing what I’m doing.
I’m just a simple bloke who works a 9-5 job and has lived in the area for 20 years and wants to see some positive change for everyone in the community. I just can’t see it going in the direction its going. It’s not good for anybody.”
Jacobson, originally from the
United States, emigrated to Australia over three decades ago and has spent his time working in the school system and served in the military.
“When I got to the end of the process with my permanent residency here in Australia I got a beautiful letter from… the Immigration Minister at the time and it was just put together so nicely about how we come from diverse backgrounds but
we’re all one nation and we would love to have you step out from being a resident and invite you to be a citizen,” Jacobson said.
“It was such a proud moment for me… I’m really passionate about my country and my fellow citizens and I have to say over my 30 years of living in this country, I’ve never seen Australia in a more unstable state than I do now.”
In preparing for the 2025 Federal
Premier dropping the ball: Speakman
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has taken aim at Premier Chris Minns, saying more needs to be done for western Sydney.
Last week officially marked the two-year anniversary of Minns’ tenure as NSW Premier, and Speakman said his government had been a “huge disappointment”.
“It’s failed on a lot of major metrics, cost-of-living is still skyrocketing, groceries, electricity and insurance [are skyrocketing] and the government’s response has been to slash cost-of-living support,” Speakman said.
“On infrastructure, he is planning over the next few years to cut infrastructure by 34 per cent for transport, 36 per cent for health and 41 per cent for education.
“The infill that he wants around transport hubs is not being supported by new infrastructure, but you need schools, hospitals roads and open spaces and more generally there are no new major infrastructure projects that
weren’t already in the pipeline under the Liberals and Nationals.
“For example, in western Sydney there are no plans to commence construction of any metro extensions before 2040, there is no commitment to build Tallawong to St Marys or Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur, there are no commitments at all. The Government’s Aerotropolis Sector Plan that it put out last week suggests that even if it does starts it won’t be before 2040.
“There are a lot of major roads in that plan that there is not commitment either to build like Devonshire Road, later stages of Elizabeth Drive, Badgerys Creek Road South, Bradfield Metro Link Road, Luddenham Road, Pitt Street West… a lot of these just don’t have any commitment at all.”
Last year, the State Government released its draft Orchard Hills Rezoning Proposal to meet the demands of the growing city, which was met with major backlash by residents.
Speakman said the plan lacked “imagination”.
“This is a government that lacks vision and imagination. If
you want growing suburbs and increased population you must support it with [the right] infrastructure,” Speakman said.
Speakman declared that western Sydney is a priority for the Opposition particularly in delivering the right infrastructure for its predicted growth.
“Western Sydney is the fastest growing part of NSW; half of the Sydney region’s population lives west of Parramatta,” Speakman said.
“As the fastest growing part of NSW it has the highest demand for new infrastructure and this government is just not giving western Sydney the priority it deserves…”
Right now, there is no Liberal State Candidates in place for Penrith or Londonderry, but it is something Speakman said will become a priority after the Federal Election.
“We are at the halfway point of the Minns Labor Government… let’s get through the Federal Election first and then we will be looking at what we can do with candidates for the State Election,” Speakman said.
Election, One Nation has been working to ensure they have policies that will “benefit all Australians”.
“One Nation has spent six years planning this election with policies,” Buckley said.
“They’ve also got $40 billion of savings… which is going to be massive in putting money back into Australian people’s pockets as well.
“There is a lot going on and people need to take the time to have a look at the policies instead of just thinking the stereotype of One Nation. Take the time to jump on the website and have a look at the policies.”
One of the major policies for the party will be to limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country each year if elected, Jacobson explained.
“When I arrived in Australia in 1997 during that year they allowed 76,000 people into the country. That wasn’t because it was a racist agenda or anything along those lines. It’s just because people used common sense economics,” Jacobson said.
“Can we educate, house and medically treat all these people or support them while they’re not able to get work? Over the last two years Labor let in one million.
“It’s not a matter of racism or being cold hearted. It’s just people are
the past
paying into the system and we need to look after those people first.
“If One Nation gets in, they’re going to pull back on immigration, which is going to be a huge relief.
“They’re going to be putting more tax dollars into people’s pockets and the thing is the number one biggest contributor to rising house prices is immigration.
“It all has to do with supply and demand.”
Not shying away from the past controversy of their party both Buckley and Jacobson said it is important to look into the party values before casting perceptions.
“If you listen to the mainstream media for 30 years, they have all said the same thing and for 30 years no one has been able to explain why they say [it],” Buckley said.
“If you look into it, you will see the cliché of Pauline Hanson is not what the mainstream media want you to think.
“That woman is as tough as nails, she fights for Australia, and she loves Australians. She is all about Australia… and that’s me. I’m about my family, my community and my country. That’s why I’m here, I’m trying to make a change and make a difference.”
The Federal Election will be held on Saturday, May 3.
One Nation candidate for Lindsay Chris Buckley and One Nation candidate for Macquarie Matthew Jacobson. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Mark Speakman in Penrith last year. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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cupboard prize
While some people still hide keys under the front doormat or a nearby pot plant, these hiding spots have become so predictable, it’s highly risky. As a safe alternative, lockboxes and smart key storage options are becoming increasingly popular for secure key storage offering flexibility and convenience for everyday use.
Offering a smarter way to keep track of keys and access cards, Master Lock, the global leader in portable security, is launching four new key storage solutions that blend modern ergonomic design, enhanced functionality, increased security, as well
as greater resilience against the elements. The new products offer increased storage capacity to secure more than ten standard house keys, as well as larger modern RFID (Radio Frequency identification) car keys and fobs, access cards and extra-large home, office and storage keys.
Perfect for busy households or anyone looking to grant trusted access to their home, back shed, office or rental property, the Master Lock 5481EURD Wall Mounted Key Safe (RRP $59.95) provides a permanent solution with unrivalled storage capacity and usability.
For those on the go, the Master Lock 5480EURDAU Portable Shackle Key Safe (RRP $65.95) and the 5482EURDAU Portable Cable
paceway winners lucky
Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
you
Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The entry way to the medical centre is located at Monfarville Street Shops in St Marys. We’re hoping not too many readers recognise this one!
Key Safe (RRP $69.95) are designed to offer even more application and functionality, with each product’s respective shackle and cable being removable, allowing for easy placement in a wide range of locations. Visit www.masterlock.com. au for more information.
The Weekender has eight Master Lock key safes to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Key’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Monday, April 14 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.
bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.
Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-
way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!
This week’s lucky winners are: 0438, 0878, 1070.
It’s disappointing to see another local business announce their impending closure with Cookies Ice Creamery on Henry Street confirmed to close its doors this Saturday.
Congratulations to Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo, who will celebrate his 250th NRL game this Friday night against the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium. Well done, Yeoy!
From Emu Plains to Summer Bay: Martha’s big TV break
The 17-year-old Blue Mountains local started taking acting classes at The Joan Sutherland Centre when she was five-yearsold.
Alocal high school student can now be spotted on Channel Seven living with Roo Stewart in the fictional town of Summer Bay.
Martha Morgan plays Eliza Sherwood, a troubled foster child with a mysterious past on ‘Home and Away’.
“I love acting because I get to dive into these characters that are not like me at all and live vicariously through them,” Martha said.
“There are so many different stories to be told and it’s like living multiple lives.”
Martha said her character in the long-running soap opera has a very different outlook on life than she does.
“When I watch it, I don’t really recognise myself,” Martha explained.
“When you have to play characters like this, you have to justify everything that they do, so I don’t like to call her crazy.
“I have to understand where she’s coming from and her reasons behind doing things – I think it all goes back to trauma.”
Eliza has stirred up suspicion, drama and fear in Summer Bay, meanwhile Martha has forged friendships and connections with her castmates.
“Joining this big ensemble cast – everyone was so welcoming and understanding, especially Georgie Parker who plays Roo,” Martha stated.
“She was really helpful and eased me into it. She’s an outgoing and lovely person and she introduced me to everybody and asked me questions to get to know me.”
The young actor considers this role her big break and is now being recognised at her workplace.
Catch her on Seven and 7plus from Monday to Thursday each week at 7pm.
NOTICE OF 1080 BAITING
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from 07 April 2025 to 06 October 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium uoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes and feral cats using ground baits, canid pest ejectors and felixer grooming traps.
The program will take place in Yiraaldiya National Park, formerly Shanes Park (opposite 50 Stony Creek Road, Shanes Park 2747).
The program is designed to eradicate feral predators in a feral predator free area before reintroducing locally extinct animals including threatened species. Baits will only be laid inside the fenced area (the baiting location).
Signs will be placed at entrances to the baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs).
Pets and working dogs must not enter the baiting location. In the event of a suspected or accidental 1080 poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Please contact the local NPWS Cumberland Area of ce for more information on 4580 2750 during business hours or NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.
Mamre Anglican School to move to new location in 2029
Mamre Anglican School is on the move as it locked in its new location in Luddenham.
In a major boost to education the Anglican Schools Corporation has announced that Mamre Anglican School will relocate from Kemps Creek to the Sydney Science Park in Luddenham.
The new Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 campus is expected to open in Term 1 of 2029.
CEO of the Anglican School Corporation Peter Fowler said the new location will enhance the education opportunities for students.
“We’re delighted to confirm that Mamre’s future is bright, and our new location at Sydney Science Park will provide incredible opportunities for growth and development,” Fowler explained.
The school’s new location at the Sydney Science Park is part of the 271-hectare greenfield site at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, located three kilometres north of the
soon-to-open international airport.
The site is being developed into a mixed-use city and developers of the site Celestino said that high quality education is an important piece of building the new city.
“Education is fundamental to our vision for Sydney Science Park, and the relocation of Mamre Anglican School is aligned with
our plans for a connected community where people can live, work and learn,” Celestino CEO, Matthew Scard said.
The new school will cover four hectares, accommodating for over 1,200 students and will feature multi-storey buildings, expanded academic and co-curricular programs and dedicated facilities for the school’s soccer program.
Cr Garion THAIN
Councillors. I’m grateful for the chance to represent our city.
Council Facilities • Other Council Services (excluding DAs) Is there something I can help you with for Council? garion.thain@penrith.city
I can make representations on: • Council Roads
Rubbish
Parks
Recreation
Martha Morgan.
Mamre Anglican School is on the move.
World Health Day to shine light on maternal and newborn health
ALLY HALL
This Monday is World Health Day, which commences a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) campaign is titled ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’, and will urge health professionals and governments globally to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritise women’s longer-term health.
Nurse Unit Manager for the Women’s and Children’s Outpatient Department at Nepean Hospital Samantha Moss agrees that a healthy beginning creates a hopeful future.
“We provide families with the resources to know how to nurture their baby through its development years and engage with all the different teams including child and family health or social work,” Moss explained.
“It’s knowing which pathways a family needs and utilising those resources around us.”
A healthy start also comes down to the nutrients a baby receives.
“Even when it comes to breastfeeding for the optimal health outcomes for babies, the World Health Organisation says to exclusively breast feed for the first six months and then continue to breast feed for as long as the woman desires,” Moss said.
“Breastfeeding is important and gives the
optimal brain function for baby’s development and that nurturing side of things.”
The WHO reports that based on currently published estimates, close to 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy or childbirth each year, and over two million babies die in their first month of life while two million more are stillborn.
The team at Nepean Hospital are dedi-
cated to the prevention of this through antenatal and postnatal care.
“In the antenatal period, we do the whooping cough vaccine and the RSV vaccine which can reduce risk of infection,” Moss explained.
“Our primary outcome is to avoid hospital admissions and not get unwell babies.”
As for the mothers, the Tertiary Level 6 hospital does everything it can.
“We always try and capture cervical screening tests so that they’re up to date with those things and routine checks,” Moss said.
“It’s about focusing on the women when we’ve got them and doing our best with that.” Moss said there’s no gaps in the service to ensure that no one gets missed, which aligns perfectly with providing a healthy beginning for a hopeful future.
Nepean Hospital’s Women & Children Unit. Photo: Melinda Jane. The Women & Children Unit at Nepean Hospital. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Log Cabin security under investigation
Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of alleged heavy handed security guards abusing their power and using excessive force against patrons at Penrith’s Log Cabin Hotel.
Community groups on social media have been abuzz with reports of alleged bad behaviour in recent weeks.
An online petition started two days ago, alleging poor behaviour from security guards, has attracted more than 250 signatures.
“The Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED) and Licensing Police from Nepean Police Area Command have been advised of alleged incidents involving security guards at a Penrith licensed premise,” said a spokesperson from NSW Police.
“As investigations continue, anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The Log Cabin acknowledged it was aware of the issues via a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
“We have been made aware of a number of complaints by our patrons against the venue’s contracted third-party security company.
We have taken immediate action and have appointed a new third-party security company,” the statement said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and guests is always our top priority, and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour in our venue.
“We are committed to ensuring a welcoming and secure environment for everyone,” the statement concluded.
– Ally Hall
Festival for the west
The Beats, Brews & BBQ festival is returning to Penrith
Gearing up to become one of Penrith’s largest festivals as it returns for its second-year, Beats, Brews & BBQ will bring the ultimate weekend of beer, BBQ and live music to Penrith Showgrounds this winter on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28.
The two-day festival will have plenty for festival goers to enjoy from a long list of iconic craft brewers, industry-renowned BBQ food exhibitors, and a huge line-up of live music and entertainment.
With this year’s event predicted to attract more than triple the attendance of last year, event organisers are excited to bring even more beer and BBQ to the west.
“For us, Beats, Brews & BBQ is all about bringing the best of craft beer and BBQ to western Sydney. It’s something our locals love, it’s a festival for the west and what they enjoy most,” they said in a statement.
The festival recently launched its large-scale media campaign across Sydney with plenty more exciting announcements to come over the coming weeks and months.
Early Bird Tickets are now available until the end of April, with a variety of affordable ticket options for the whole family.
To keep up to date with Beats, Brews & BBQ and to secure your tickets, head to beatsbrewsbbq. com.au or follow @beatsbrewsbbq on socials for the latest news and updates. You won’t want to miss it!
Melissa’s Message
The weekly views of the Federal Member for Lindsay
Halving the fuel excise Right now, families and small businesses in Western Sydney are struggling under the weight of rising costs. From groceries to electricity bills, everything is going up, and fuel prices are no exception. For our community, driving isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Western Sydney is home to thousands of hardworking tradies who rely on their utes to get to job sites each day. Small business owners make deliveries to keep their businesses running. Parents juggle school drop-offs, sports runs, and weekend activities. Every extra dollar spent at the bowser means less money in the household budget or reinvested in a small business to employ more locals.
That’s why we have announced that, under a Dutton Coalition Government, the fuel excise will be halved for 12 months. This is a practical way to provide real relief to families and businesses who need it most.
By cutting the fuel excise, we will help ease one of the biggest cost-of-living pressures facing Australians today. When fuel prices go up, the impact is felt across the
board—from transport costs for businesses to everyday expenses for families. By reducing the fuel excise, we can make a real difference in keeping costs down. For a family filling up a car every week, this policy could mean hundreds of dollars in savings over the year. For a tradesperson or delivery driver who fills up multiple times a week, the savings will be even greater. This is money that can be used to pay bills, buy groceries, or invest back into a business.
Western Sydney is full of hardworking people doing their best to get ahead, and our community deserves this immediate cost of living relief. We know that times are tough, and this is one step to helping ease the financial burden on families, young people, seniors and our small businesses and manufacturers.
Practical policies like this one is an important step in making life more affordable for Australians. I will always stand up for Western Sydney and fight for the support our community needs
MELISSA MCINTOSH
Federal Member for Lindsay
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The Penrith Showgrounds will be jam-packed with the best beer and BBQ in late June.
Rusty Penny will be in attendance.
READ ALL ABOUT US
IS YOUR CHILD’S HEARING ON TRACK? THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY TESTING
Children’s hearing is an important ingredient in a child’s development.
Research has shown that the longterm experience of hearing loss, even that caused by infection will a ect a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and speech development. Further, hearing loss in school age children will limit their ability to learn and retain information
e most common cause of hearing loss in young children is otitis media or middle ear infection, commonly called “glue ear”. is type of infection a ects 80% of all children, at some time, up to the age of 3. Many children recover without intervention and no further action is required. However, for some children, infections persist or recur, leading to lengthy periods of hearing loss.
Hearing loss may also be c aused by changes to the inner ear or auditory nerve due to genetics, injur y or illness
While, as a parent, you notice that your child can hear in many situations, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t having trouble hearing. Small de cits can lead to a child missing out on
important verbal and sound-based cues.
Newborns now have their hearing tested soon a er birth. is will diagnose any congenital or birth related loss. But this is not the end of the story. Children can develop both temporar y and permanent hearing loss due to illness or other impacts.
Hear-Clear Australia can test your child’s hearing as young as 9 months. We have di erent tests to use, depending on the age of your child. All our tests are painless and fun. Our sta have a wonderful rapport with children. Jennifer Blenman is our Paediatric and Adult Audiologist who provides testing which is tailored to the individual needs and capabilities of each child. She is a very patient and caring person who will use all her skills and e ort to obtain the best result for you and your child.
How do we test?
Hearing tests are conducted by playing sounds of varying loudness and pitch to provide information about the type, extent, and severity of the hearing
loss. Testing the hearing of children, is designed to be playful and appropriate to their age.
With babies and pre-schoolers, we use VROA (Visual Reinforcement Orientation Audiometr y) where we monitor a child’s response to calibrated pure tone sounds by using puppets and toys.
With children over the age o we use Play Audiometr child plays a game and gives a play response when they hear a sound through headphones.
For 5 years and above age group, the child’s hearing is tested in the same way as adults, wearing headphones and sitting in a soundproof booth. e test involves pressing a button to
indicate when they hear the sound Booking a hearing test
If you are worried about your child’s hearing, don’t delay, make an appointment with Penrith clinic. You can claim Medicare rebate with GP, ENT and P diatrician referral. Call us t
Giving clothes new life
Picture this: You have a hole in your best button-up shirt. What do you do? Stitch it up or buy a new one?
The team at Trashy Penrith hope to hear that you’ll mend the tear, and they’re prepared to give you the skills to do so.
Sewing enthusiast Bronwyn Davies will be leading a workshop called ‘A Stitch in Time’ at the Henry Street location.
“Hand-sewing skills are important on a variety of levels – for a sense of personal accomplishment, for repair and preservation of favourite fabric pieces, and to provide a simple way to save some money,” Davies explained.
These skills also lessen the burden on our environment, which is something the female-owned start-up is passionate about.
“The loss of skills and increasing demands on family time and increased availability of cheap imported clothing and furnishings means more and more textile waste is accumulating in landfill contributing dangerously to the
environmental burden on our planet,” Davies stated.
“I feel focus has been lost on the fact that the world is our home, not just the four walls we live within.
“Just because an item is tossed away out of immediate sight, we can too easily forget that it is still having an impact on our daily living – our land, our waterways, our local services, our rates, rent and cost of living.”
Davies is excited to help more locals uncover the lost art of hand-sewing and mending.
“I am really looking forward to helping our locals pick up these simple, practical skills to help increase their sense of achievement at the same time as improving their economic situation,” Davies said.
“I hope to encourage sharing of these skills with family members to preserve memories and protect the environment and our futures.”
‘A Stitch in Time’ workshops will run on April 7 and April 12 and materials will be provided.
Find out more about the workshop online at https://www.penrithcity. nsw.gov.au/upcoming-events/astitch-in-time---basic-hand-sewing-mending-workshop.
A Stitch in Time workshops will be held in Penrith from Monday, April 7.
ALLY HALL
Greek delight! Avli set to return to dining scene after 2023 closure
Penrith’s hottest Greek restaurant is back and better than ever with an elevated menu and dining experience.
Located in the beautiful 1930’s-built church in Cranebrook, Greek restaurant Avli was the first of its kind when it first opened in 2017 –not only because of its unique setting with original architecture – but for its delicious traditional cuisine, warm atmosphere and friendly staff.
The restaurant announced its closure in 2023, but is now officially coming back with a slight twist on its beloved menu.
“Our menu is going to be shared, something a little bit different for Penrith but something we want to help usher our customers into and give them the ideal guest experience when they come here,” Co-owner of Avli, Sophia Griggs said.
“It is not just rocking up, getting your food and then leaving. You’re coming to our home; we want you to come in and feel welcome and we’ll show you how to have a great time here.”
Another key difference will be the improved drinks menu.
“We will have an enhanced cocktail list as well,” Griggs said.
“We’re doing some pretty exciting things in terms of the drink offerings we’re going to
have here. We’ve got the beautiful backbar church that was restored into the dining area that it is now.”
When the restaurant closed in 2023, The Bunker moved in, which has since gone into liquidation, leaving the perfect opportunity for Avli to make its triumphant return to its original site.
“We will still be the same Avli in the fact that we’re still focused on that warm hospitality with flavoursome ‘like home’ food,” Griggs said.
“Still expect to see some of your favourite
dishes from our old menu with some of them spiced up a bit and some of them exactly the same, and also some potential new dishes as well.
“We are building off the bare bones and we want to build Avli into that next level of service, food and hospitality.
“We have had a lot of people really excited to see the sign that we’re coming back with lots of booking enquires with people wanting to book already! A lot of people are excited which makes us more excited.”
Prior to the reopening of the restaurant Avli
operated as a food truck, something Griggs said will continue.
“The food truck will still be operating. We may do some pop-ups here on days that we are not open,” Griggs said.
“We’ll still focus on doing events, private parties and other pop-up locations in the area as well as outside of the area.”
The grand opening for the restaurant is expected to be after Easter but make sure to keep an eye on Avli’s socials – Instagram @ avlirestaurantandbar and on Facebook – for up-to-date information.
Avli is making a comeback.
Avli will re-open in Cranebrook soon.
If you were raising a family in St Marys in the 1960s and 1970s, you almost certainly visited Steve’s Fruit and Vegetable Shop.
The shop was located on the western side of Queen Street, between the Great Western Highway and Carsons Lane.
The shop not only stocked delicious fresh fruit and vegetables long before most of us bought them at the supermarkets, but they also delivered direct to your door – along with your soft drinks!
(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)
Δ Easter surprises: Kinder is delivering plenty of goodies for the upcoming Easter period. They’ve released their Mini Egg Range, a must-have for any Easter egg hunt. Available in delicious Milk Chocolate or Crunchy Hazelnut flavours, these bite-sized eggs make hide-and-seek even sweeter. Plus don’t miss the iconic Kinder Easter Bunny. Crafted with Kinder’s signature milk chocolate and creamy white lining, it’s the perfect treat for any chocolate lover in your life. You’ll find Kinder’s Easter treats in stores now.
Δ Dumpling delights: Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, and now Australians can enjoy an even more convenient way to experience its rich flavours at home. Bibigo, the global leader in authentic Korean food,
is introducing two exciting new dumpling varieties to its range: Steamed Mandu Pork Dumplings 280g and Steamed Pork and Kimchi Flavoured Mandu Dumplings 280g. These delicious new flavours are now available at IGA stores.
Δ Iconic retailer to close: 53 years after it began operating in Western Australia, Jeanswest has confirmed it would close all of its physical stores. The brand’s parent company, Harbour Guidance, has appointed administrators to restructure the business. All 90 physical stores will close with the fate of the online business unknown.
Δ Brand shake-up: Coles will axe its First Choice and Vintage Cellars brand, and bring all of its liquor stores under the Liquorland banner. Starting this month, the national roll out will see all Coles Liquor stores unified
under three banners: Liquorland, Liquorland Cellars and Liquorland Warehouse.
Δ Discover new Easter treats: Nestlé Incredible Eggs has launched in two exciting new flavours: KitKat Honeycomb Smash Incredible Egg and Milkybar Cookie Chunks Incredible Egg. Perfect for the chocolate lover who needs an indulgent break, the KitKat Honeycomb Smash Incredible Egg has a milk chocolate exterior packed with honeycomb bits, rice crispies and KitKat wafer pieces offering a textured chocolate base. For white chocolate lovers, the Milkybar Cookie Chunks Incredible Egg is packed with crunchy cookie crumbs coating with delicious white chocolate hollow chunky shell.
Δ Now there’s a twist: Twisties is bringing back a fun blast from the past with the return of a retro icon – a packet of Twisties which turn tongues blue. Twisties Sour Blueberry combines the iconic Twisties crunch we know and love, with a tangy blueberry flavour and vibrant colour-change, promising a one-ofa-kind, mouthwatering and visual snacking experience. The Twisties Sour Blueberry flavour temporarily coats the tongue in an electric blue shade – it’s so visible that you’ll start conversations without even trying.
Mayor’s News
The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor
Advocating for the best outcomes in Penrith Penrith City is transforming – and we are excited about the changes we can see taking place across the region.
initiatives that will help us to futureproof this City.
Catalytic projects like the new airport and metro rail line are fast-tracking this growth. However, this significant scale of change and opportunity requires a collaborative effort to ensure that we thoughtfully manage the changes for our community.
Penrith City Council has been proactively planning for this period of extraordinary growth for some time. Our residents tell us that advocating on their behalf is important to them – and we are committed to harnessing opportunities that will enable our City to be the best place to live, work, visit and play.
With a federal election in weeks, Council is sharply focused on what the Australian and NSW Governments must also do to play their part in realising Penrith’s full potential.
Our recently endorsed Advocacy Strategy 2025 sets out the shared vision for Penrith, identifying priority projects and
Much of the city-shaping infrastructure and policy that support the shared vision for Penrith goes beyond Council’s control – that’s why we are calling for federal and state investment and policy change to achieve the best outcomes for Penrith. Our advocacy priorities cover critical projects relating to housing, roads and transport connections, flooding, liveability and place-based initiatives in St Marys and Orchard Hills.
We want to take the community on the journey so starting next week, Council will be sharing and explaining these priorities in the Western Weekender.
Our month-long series will reveal the transformative projects we are advocating for and want to bring to fruition to achieve the aspirations for our City and our community.
Look out for the first piece in next week’s paper. In the meantime, find out more at penrith.city/advocacypriorities
CR TODD CARNEY
Mayor of Penrith
PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS
Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.
time to
TRAVEL
Lord Howe is waiting to be discovered
Switch off from the everyday with a rejuvenating escape to World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, you can snorkel coral reefs, hike volcanic peaks, swim with turtles, and unwind in luxury at one of five landmark stays – including Pinetrees Lodge, Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat, Admiralty Apartments and Island House, a Hemsworth family favourite!
Pinetrees Lodge
With its 19th-century heritage, Pinetrees is an integral part of Lord Howe Island’s identity, but this carbon-neutral lodge is not one for stuffy formalities. There’s no need to don resort wear, and the doors don’t even have locks. The pick of its relaxed ‘coastal-style’ rooms, suites and cottages is the spacious Chef’s Cottage. French doors and louvre windows summon in Pacific Ocean breezes, while blackbutt timber floors, subtropical garden-facing private decks and a 400-book library add refinement.
Capella Lodge
In the island’s south, Capella Lodge claims Lord Howe’s most
spectacular vistas. Let majestic mountains Lidgbird and Gower duel for your attention as you float in the mesmerising infinity pool. The intimate resort has nine timber-floored suites designed to be in visual harmony with their surroundings.
Arajilla Retreat
A subtle entrance off Old Settlement Beach sets the scene sublimely for small-footprint, laid-back Arajilla Retreat. The light-dappled boardwalk which links its 12 rooms with the spa and restaurant feels like a natural path through the kentia palm forest. All-inclusive Arajilla caters for most holiday demands, from island-fresh breakfasts to complimentary use of fishing gear and snorkelling equipment. Tropical-print rugs and cushions in natural materials such as linen help weave Arajilla’s boutique island vibe. Nooks of note include the Banyan Suites’ north-facing mezzanine Treetops Lounge.
Island House Island House offers a contemporary island paradise, nestled in privacy amid a forest of ketia palms and centuries-old Banyan trees. Island House has two two-bedroom, two-bathroom, architect-designed spaces, the South House and the North House are elegantly curated with mid-century Danish furniture, high-end Japanese homewares and Aboriginal art. Soak in outdoor
copper baths then relax by a castiron Cheminées Philippe fireplace, sampling a Japanese spirit or ‘new- and old-world’ wine from the well-curated bar.
Admiralty Apartments
sit two spacious self-contained apartments by relative newcomer Admiralty Apartments. Hand-feed fish and snorkel over the reef at Ned’s Beach Sanctuary Zone, which is literally almost on your doorstep. Admiralty typifies Lord Howe’s barefoot-luxury ethos. Enjoy breezy, generous interiors full of thoughtful touches such as Haiku timber ceiling fans, then grab your complimentary bottle of wine and Rose-Marie Hillier beach umbrella when you’re ready to spend some ‘you’ time on the beach.
The Cabin Family-owned and thoughtfully designed, The Cabin is a secluded off-grid retreat set on a small hobby farm within Lord Howe Island’s untouched bushland. Nestled on a private five-acre property, this eco-conscious escape offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and unwind while enjoying modern comforts. Enjoy an outdoor nature shower, scenic walking trails, or spend a quiet evening by the fire pit under the stars. For added convenience, airport transfers, restaurant transport, and alternative transport
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
TRAVEL It’s time to
Explore the wild side in beautiful India
Marriott Hotels has announced the opening of Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the pristine wilderness of Uttarakhand, India.
Set amidst the dense forests of Jim Corbett National Park and on the bank of river Kosi, this retreat is a gateway to nature’s wonders and authentic local experiences.
Guests can embark on thrilling jungle safaris, serene nature walks by the river or birdwatching excursions, and indulge in the rich flavours of Kumaoni cuisine as they explore the vibrant culture through guided village tours, offering a deep connection to the traditions of the region.
Jim Corbett National Park, rich in flora and fauna, and home to one of the densest tiger populations in India, is a unique and breathtaking wildlife destination. As India’s first national park and the cornerstone of Project Tiger, it plays a crucial role in tiger conservation, offering visitors a rare chance to witness the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. The thrill of spotting a tiger amidst the wilderness, coupled with the park’s rich biodiversity, makes it a must-visit destination for
those seeking both adventure and serenity. Easily accessible by road and well-connected to major cities in North India, Jim Corbett National Park is 145km from Bareilly Airport, Uttar Pradesh and 270km from Indira Gandhi International
a renowned sanctuary of natural beauty and rich biodiversity,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.
“This opening reflects our commitment to expanding in India’s most sought-after travel
exceptional service and immersive experiences. We look forward to creating unforgettable stays for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature, whether they are wildlife photographers, nature lovers, or
Airport, New Delhi, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking comfortable yet adventurous stays in the heart of the wild.
“We are thrilled to bring Marriott Hotels to Jim Corbett National Park,
destinations, providing guests with world-class hospitality in harmony with nature. Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, our 13th hotel under the brand in India, is designed to provide refined accommodations,
simply seeking an escape from the hustle of city for a weekend.”
The resort offers delightful culinary experiences with its eclectic
dining restaurant, features international favourites that highlight the myriad flavours of traditional Kumaoni cuisine. Guests can also dine under the stars with lush forest views at Malani Grill, which includes a menu of artfully reimagined delicacies and skilfully crafted concoctions. The speciality restaurant offers a unique dining experience inspired by the five elements of nature. Overlooking the majestic Malani Range and serene Kosi River, the restaurant blends fresh, locally sourced ingredients with traditional flavours, creating a harmonious culinary journey in the heart of the wilderness.
The resort caters to travellers across age groups, offering a range of activities to indulge in. Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of nature while kids stay engaged at the Kids Club, a nature-inspired playground, and The Jungle, an entertainment zone. Other recreational options include a gaming arcade, a golf simulator, and board games to be enjoyed as a family.
For reservations and more information, visit www.marriott.com/
Nestled in the Jerrara countryside just 90 minutes from Sydney, with Kiama’s stunning beaches and town centre moments away
All our tents feature their own private fire pit and deck with breathtaking views across the beautiful green rolling hills of Jamberoo.
Luxury hotel shoot for Marriott, Jim Corbett, India. Photo: Amit Mehra.
Bringing designs to Life
We’ve all seen the flashy ads, the enticing introductory offers, the relentless marketing campaigns from large corporations like your bank, your energy provider and maybe your insurance company. They pour millions into attracting new customers with special offers and better deals. While gaining new clients is a must for business no matter how big they are, it begs a crucial question. When was the last time your current service provider called you with a new or better offer, just for being a loyal customer?
It’s a scenario many businesses can likely relate to. You might have been with the same bank for years, yet the most attractive interest rates and perks seem reserved for those just walking in the door.
Your energy bill creeps up, but the only time you hear from your provider is when they’re reminding you to pay.
It’s a frustrating reality, and it highlights a significant oversight in many businesses, the neglect of their existing and past clients.
Nurturing these relationships doesn’t require a huge budget. In our local community, genuine connection matters. You can personalise communication by remembering past interactions.
A motor dealer in the US built his reputation on sending greeting cards to his current clients for any and all milestones in their lives.
If you have not already done so, look at implementing a simple loyalty program to show appreciation. Be proactive and engage beyond the transaction. Seeking feedback is important to streamline customer service and demonstrates you listen. As we all know, exceptional customer service is a hallmark of a strong business and fosters loyalty.
Think of a local business you feel connected to and
why you buy from them. My local café remembers my coffee order each and every morning. While the price of my morning fix has gone up, it is this personal touch that keeps me coming back. While new client acquisition is important, your current customers are your biggest asset.
By focusing on keeping them happy, your business will earn more from them over time and build a solid reputation based on loyalty and local support.
When did you last show your regulars, you appreciate them? Make them feel valued.
See you next time.
Unmatched living in Merrylands
Merrylands has never seen a residential offering quite like this. Mason & Main, the award-winning precinct by Coronation Property, presents a rare final opportunity to secure a premium apartment in one of western Sydney’s most impressive lifestyle precincts.
With limited apartments remaining and demand surging, now is the time to stake your claim at Mason & Main. To give buyers a first-hand look at the superior design, high-quality finishes, and spectacular city views that set this development apart, three brand-new display apartments are currently open by appointment.
A Game-Changer for Merrylands
Designed by globally renowned architects Woods Bagot, with lush landscaping by 360 Degrees, Mason & Main is a modern, masterplanned community that seamlessly blends high-quality residences with resort-style amenities. The lifestyle delights are headlined by a luxurious swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and beautifully landscaped outdoor dining areas, offering a living experience
unmatched in the west. At the heart of Mason & Main’s retail offering is ‘Eat Street,’ an enticing dining hub featuring a diverse selection of cafés and restaurants. With exclusive resident discounts, this lively retail destination is designed to enhance convenience and lifestyle for those calling Mason & Main home. Adding to the precinct’s
appeal, One Playground – a 3,000-square-metre fitness and wellness centre – is set to open soon, bringing world-class training facilities to residents, along with exclusive benefits.
An Investment with LongTerm Growth Potential Merrylands is experiencing
an economic transformation, underpinned by a $26 billion infrastructure pipeline in neighbouring Parramatta. With major projects such as Parramatta Square, Sydney Metro West, and the Western Sydney University expansion reshaping the region, the demand for premium residences like Mason & Main is rapidly increasing. Merry-
lands maintains a low 1.4% vacancy rate (SQM Research, January 2025), making it an ideal choice for investors.
Rental demand remains consistently high, with strong rental growth reflecting the suburb’s desirability and proximity to Parramatta Central Business District.
The Final Chance to Secure Your Place – Inspect Today Joe Nahas, Managing Director of Coronation Property, says: “Mason & Main is a landmark development that has redefined modern living in Merrylands.
With its world-class design, premium amenities, and vibrant retail and dining precinct, this is a rare opportunity to be part of a thriving community. We’re incredibly proud to deliver this exceptional precinct, and with limited apartments remaining, now is the time to secure your place in one of western Sydney’s most exciting new neighbourhoods.”
Mason & Main’s final selection of brand-new, move-in-ready apartments starts from $508,000. To arrange an appointment or for more details, visit masonandmain.com. au or call 1800 192 517 today.
DEERUBBIN LOCAL ABORIGINAL
LAND COUNCIL (“ the LALC”) (ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTED)
NOTICE OF MEETING OF MEMBERS
I advise that on 28 August 2024, I was appointed Administrator of the LALC pursuant to section 222(1) of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (“ the Act”).
I have been appointed to administer all of the functions of the LALC and board generally pursuant to the Act.
The LALC’s board members ceased to hold office from the date of my appointment.
I have convened the next meeting of members to discuss the administration with a view to consulting with members regarding the administration process and the next steps.
Notice is hereby given that the meeting of members will be held at West Tradies Chifley Room, 247 Woodstock Ave, Dharruk, NSW on Monday, 7 April 2025 at 6:00PM.
AGENDA
1. Introductions, confirmation of attendance and apologies.
2. Review of the LALC’s certified membership roll.
3. Administrator update.
4. Native Title Matter.
5. Land and Property Update – Kayne Moreton Deerubbin LALC.
6. Membership.
7. Board nomination process
8. General business and question time i.e. Administrator Q&A
9. Next meeting date.
For health and safety purposes, it is respectfully requested that you reconsider your attendance at the meeting if you are generally feeling unwell or have recently been exhibiting flu like symptoms
If you have any specific questions pertaining to the administration process, please let us know in advance of the meeting to assist in the orderly conduct of the meeting.
Our contact details are
Tim Gumbleton - 0418 9 19 882 / tim.gumbleton@rsm.com.au.
Liz Inman - 02 6586 7701 / liz.inman@rsm.com.au
Dated 27th day of March 2025
TIMOTHY GUMBLETON, Administrator 55944
CALL TO ARMS
TELL YOUR BOSS YOU NEED TO LEAVE EARLY. THE PANTHERS NEED YOU THIS FRIDAY AT 6PM. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. PANTHERS v COWBOYS COVERAGE INSIDE
DEAR EMPLOYER,
Please excuse __________________ from work on Friday afternoon so he/she can attend the Panthers v Cowboys game. The game kicks off at 6.00pm and _______________ needs time to get to CommBank Stadium. It’s not an easy journey. The Panthers need ____________ there. It’s a desperate situation. There are seats that must be filled and we know ________________ is up to the task.
We appreciate your support in this matter.
More concerning than Penrith’s one win, three loss record to start the season is just how far off the pace Ivan Cleary’s side seems to be.
After a strong win in Las Vegas, the Panthers have collapsed in defence and their energy and enthusiasm has fallen off a cliff.
The good news? There’s plenty of time to fix it.
And some of those fixes will come in the shape of returning players, like Nathan Cleary who is back in the number seven jumper for this Friday night’s clash with the Cowboys.
Cleary is such a dominant player and sees the game so differently to others that when someone has to fill in for him, everything can get clunky really quickly – as we saw when Trent Toelau was tasked with guiding the side around last week against Souths.
It was different when Jarome Luai took control. He understood Cleary’s game.
I’m not one to question Ivan Cleary’s team selections (after all, he’s got it so right over the last five years), but I did find it curious that he went with Toelau over the more experienced Brad Schneider, who was sitting on the bench while the carnage unfolded at Accor Stadium last Thursday, perhaps wondering what he did wrong given he was brought to the club last year as a back-up half to be utilised when one of the key men were unavailable.
So, Nathan Cleary is back – and it won’t be long before Penrith is full strength again. But just being full strength alone may not be enough to get everything ticking along again. The Panthers need to find another level, a new way to defy expectations, new tools with which to climb the mountain.
Because while nobody would question Penrith’s hunger, there are other teams in this competition on the mountain with them – the
the final word
likes of Manly, Brisbane and the Bulldogs, who haven’t eaten as regularly as Penrith in recent times. Their desire to get to the top may just be a little stronger.
The last month has been pretty tough for Penrith fans but it will turn at some point, and we can hope it’s against the Cowboys this Friday.
North Queensland had a slow start to the season but finally got on the board against Canberra in a much improved showing in Townsville last Saturday.
The thing about the Cowboys is that while they don’t seem to have 80-minute performances in them, they can sting you quickly. They scored three tries in eight minutes in the first half last Saturday to completely change the nature of the game and go from behind to a decent lead in the blink of an eye.
And Penrith’s recent defensive leaks put them
at risk of conceding points quickly, so they’ll have to work hard to arrest any momentum the Cowboys get, or it could spell danger.
The eight-day turnaround from the performance against South Sydney would have given Ivan Cleary the opportunity for a mini-reset.
He would have addressed the issues of the last three weeks and will have a game plan to get things back on track.
One thing that has put Penrith in such good stead during their Premiership run is their ability to control the game, to dictate the terms and starve their opposition of opportunity. That simply hasn’t been there enough in the first month of the competition – indeed there was even signs of it in Las Vegas against the Sharks.
Find that spark again, and the Panthers will go a long way to returning to the winner’s circle.
Tip: Panthers by 6.
Graphic: Zoe Merrick.
TROY DODDS FRIDAY, APRIL 4 | 6.00PM | COMMBANK STADIUM | REFEREE: PETER GOUGH | BUNKER: GERARD SUTTON
panther rumblings
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
BRIAN BACK AFTER EASTER
! To’o sidelined: Panthers winger Brian To’o could be out for around month after suffering a hamstring injury against Souths last Thursday night. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary wouldn’t confirm a timeframe for To’o’s return when asked by reporters on Monday, but I’m told the four week mark is likely.
! Panthers turn it on for Yeo: Penrith will go all-out to pay tribute to Isaah Yeo ahead of his 250th NRL game at CommBank Stadium this Friday night. There will be special video tributes, while Yeo will walk out with his family. The club is also giving away Isaah Yeo footy heads (pictured) with every purchase from the merchandise stands. One thing that won’t be happening is a massive banner for Yeo to run through – the man himself asked for that idea to be canned.
! Sad loss for Panthers family: The matriarch of the Alexander family, Leonie Alexander, passed away last week. Leonie is Greg Alexander’s mother and Mark Geyer’s motherin-law, so the news has been felt deeply within the wider Panthers community. A funeral service was held yesterday at St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church on High Street.
! Journos’ wager: Two rugby league journalists have placed a bet – involving Krispy Kreme doughnuts of all things – on how the Panthers will finish this season. One veteran writer believes the Panthers will make it as far as a Preliminary Final this year, the other says Penrith will be done and dusted before then. May the best scribe’s prediction win.
! OAK takes step out: It’s been one of the great jersey sponsorships but OAK will officially bow out from Penrith’s strip from next season. The company had already moved on from its major front of jersey sponsorship after
the 2023 season, but were still featured on the back of the jersey. 2026 will mark the first time in more than a decade that the OAK logo does not feature on the Panthers jersey. None of this would have come as a surprise to Penrith’s corporate team – OAK had indicated some time ago that they were scaling back their sponsorship commitment. The brand will continue to support some of the club’s community initiatives.
! Podcast record: Perhaps an indication of the frustrations many Penrith fans have with the move to CommBank Stadium, a recent special edition of the ‘Tension’s Running High’ podcast focused on the CommBank move and associated issues was the most listened to episode in the show’s history.
! Construction begins: Formal construction of the Penrith Stadium project is now underway, following months of work to relocate sewer lines and prepare for the stadium redevelopment. Interestingly, there was no photo opportunity with Premier Chris Minns and a shovel on Monday. In fact, it was a very low-key start to work – announced by local MP Karen McKeown on her Facebook page.
! Where’s the skipper? The official Australian Kangaroos Facebook account posted an ad last week announcing the return of the
! Multicultural Round: The NRL will celebrate Multicultural Round this weekend, paying tribute to the some 65 nations represented across the NRL and NRLW playing
squads in 2025. Expect to see special branding and acknowledgements at grounds and as part of broadcasts right across the weekend.
! Spotted: Plenty of Panthers fans soaking up country music at the CMC Rocks festival in Queensland last week.
! Spotted: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary enjoying a meal with his family at Wests Leagues on Sunday. They then popped over to Campbelltown Stadium to watch Jett Cleary play for the Warriors in the Jersey Flegg against the Tigers. After leading 20-4 at half-time, the Warriors could only manage a 20-all draw in the end.
! CommBank conundrum: Here’s an interesting one for you – neither Penrith nor North Queensland have a particularly good record at CommBank Stadium. In fact, both have lost the majority of their games there. The Panthers have won 48 per cent of their matches at the Parramatta-based venue, while the Cowboys have won just 29 per cent of their games.
! Spill the tea: I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. If you’ve spotted a Panther out and about, or you want to get some gossip off your chest, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.
Ashes, with five Australian players pictured in the promo. The problem? No sign of Isaah Yeo. You’d think the current Kangaroos captain would feature on the promo.
Injured: Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Photos.
PRAISE THE LORD! THE PRINCE IS BACK
Nathan Cleary will return to the field this Friday and has issued an ominous warning for his opponents, declaring he is “raring to go”.
Cleary left the field just eight minutes into the Grand Final rematch in Round 2 and was stood down for 11 days as part of mandatory head injury protocols.
Named to play against the Cowboys tomorrow night, Cleary said he feels refreshed to get back into the game.
“I’m feeling really good,” Cleary said with a smile.
“With the head knock straight after the game it was bit sore but from the day after there was no symptoms. I sort of got to last week against the Rabbitohs where I felt like I could play but the protocol is in place for a reason and I’m just raring to go now.”
Having spent the last two games watching from the coach’s box, Cleary said despite the losses his team showed guts in their performances.
“It’s obviously not an ideal situation but I think the important thing is the way we finished both games,” he said.
“[We were] just throwing punches right through to the end. I think that’s
a good show of our culture although that’s certainly not the performance we want.
“We’re not up to scratch but we’re not rolling over and giving up, which is important.”
The Panthers plan to stick to their process and trust that they can get back on top with Cleary saying it is important
not to get too caught up in needing to win.
“You can lean on the past and use
we want to we will compete with the best teams on any day,” Cleary told Extra Time
“It’s about us getting the best out of ourselves at the moment and just trying to not be so tense and wound up about [needing to win].
“Sometimes that can be counterintuitive and it’s more so just to focus on the process and put in a good performance and just one play at a time, as cliché as it is, but just stacking up those little wins and ultimately then getting the win on the scoreboard.”
Cleary’s co-captain Isaah Yeo will celebrate his 250th game this Friday night, something Cleary said is giving the team extra motivation to get another two points.
“He is the heart and soul of this team,” Cleary said.
“I’ve said it a few times but he’s almost like a dad figure as well, everyone looks to him whenever they need anything, need a bit of advice or need picking up. He is always saying the right thing at the right time and that’s him off the field as well, he’s such a great person.
“On the field he’s an absolute freak of a player with the amount of work he gets through week in, week out, with the consistency and the high level he plays at… it’s quite incredible!”
Nathan Cleary
night against the Cowboys.
Photo: Melinda Jane.
YEO TO MAKE PANTHERS HISTORY
At 6pm on Friday, Isaah Yeo will do something no other Panther has done before him – play 250 NRL games for the club.
Just six months after being crowned the most capped Panther of all time, the humble father of three will notch up yet another incredible milestone when Penrith do battle with North Queensland.
With his family and friends in the stands at CommBank Stadium watching on, the Panthers co-captain said it will be a moment to savour.
“I was speaking with Ivan (Cleary) earlier and he said it was pretty special. Obviously, no one at the club has done it before and I think I’ve just been very lucky,” Yeo said on Monday.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be durable over a long period of time. I’ve also played in some big games, which means your season goes longer and then, all of a sudden, you get a milestone like this.
“Playing the game at home will be nice as well. I’ll have my kids there and my partner. I’ll have a bit of family too. My 200th game was down in Canberra and there wasn’t many travelling there for that, so it’ll be nice to be able to share it with them. I’m really lucky.”
The 30-year-old made his NRL debut on March 8, 2014, against the Newcastle Knights. During his decade in the game, Yeo has played in multiple positions from centre to second row and then to lock where he’s had the most success.
Yeo credited all the coaches he’s had during that period for turning him into the world-class player he is today.
“I’ve had some wonderful coaches that have given me a lot of opportunities and then, off the back of that, it’s elevated my game a lot too,” he said.
“Ivan is a big part of that, moving me to lock full-time. But Trent Barrett was our attack coach when I first moved into that position, and he helped me a tremendous amount with passing and reading the game better.
“I’ve felt the coaches I’ve had have given me so much confidence.”
Ivan Cleary handed Yeo his debut 11 years ago, probably not knowing at the time that this skinny kid from Dubbo would be arguably Penrith’s greatest.
“He’s unbelievably reliable, a team-first guy and he’s consistently excellent… I could go on all day,” Cleary said.
“250 games in the NRL is an incredible milestone and there’s not too many who have actually done it. To do it for the one club when he’s still in career-best form is exciting for the
future as well.
“I’m really proud of him and no one deserves what he’s achieved and is still achieving,
more than him. We’re very lucky to have him.”
The Kangaroos captain and four-time premiership winner
is signed with Penrith until the end of the 2027 season, which means Panthers fans will get to enjoy the brilliance of Yeo week in, week out for many years to come.
While he’s done pretty much everything in the game, including winning the prestigious Golden Boot award late last year, Yeo said he has another big milestone in mind before it’s all said and done.
“I’ve always had a career goal that I’d love to hit 300 for Penrith… touch wood,” he revealed.
“I’m signed here for a few more years but that would be nice, but that’s probably looking too far down the track.”
The club will hand out 2,000 commemorative Isaah Yeo posters to the first fans through Gates A or B at CommBank Stadium on Friday afternoon, with 250 exclusive Isaah Yeo Sports Heads also available to any fans who purchase merchandise at the game.
The milestone man said he hopes there’s a big crowd in attendance to watch his side bounce back, but he understands the difficulties of getting to the game on a Friday afternoon.
“We understand Friday at 6pm isn’t the greatest timeslot for people to be jetting over to Parramatta but you’d love to get as many fans there as possible,” Yeo told Extra Time
“The reality is, CommBank is our home ground now and the more fans we have cheering us at home is important and a big part of why we’ve had so much success.
“We’d love to have them out there, but I understand that time may not be great.”
Isaah Yeo speaking with the media on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Isaah Yeo will play game 250 on Friday. Photo: NRL Images.
Isaah Yeo back in 2015. Photo: NRL Images.
Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...
Tries: K Koloamatangi 2, J Gray, A Johnston, D Moale Goals: J Humphreys 4/6
Tries: L Martin, B Schneider, J Cole Goals: P Alamoti 3/3
Tries: B Talagi, H Hassett, A Kepaoa, D Fale, M Eisenhuth Goals: B Talagi 3/5
Tries: F Myers, C Kaho, D Towns, A Ward Goals: A Ward 3/4
Tries: N Murphy 2, B Moran, H Armstong, P Hotere-Papalii
Goals: Z Clarke 5/5
3/5
Tries: R Frame 2, S Taylor, D Waqa, N Quinn Goals: N Quinn
player of the year
panther memories
Penrith Stadium faced significant redevelopment in the 1980s, becoming a rectangular ground better suited to rugby league.
The Eastern Grandstand was constructed, leaving the stadium with two hills at the northern and southern end, and two grandstands.
This photograph shows the grandstand in its original form, with a grassed area along the bottom, preserved. The shot was taken on August 18, 1988. Seating came later, replacing the grassed seating area.
(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)
GENERATION NEXT analysis
Penrith supporters do you know who Jaxen Edgar, Jack Attard, Harry Armstrong and Billy Scott are?
Whether your answer was yes or no it doesn’t matter because soon you’ll know who this talented quartet is.
The club is currently undefeated in Jersey Flegg (Under 21) after four rounds while NSW Cup has won three games-in-a-row.
In contrast the first-grade team is struggling for the first time in five years and everyone wants to know which players are ready to step up to first grade over the next couple of seasons.
In fact, some of these kids are so good I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of them get a run in the top grade as early as next year.
The club has built its huge recent success on churning out first grade players from their renowned Panthers Pathways system and the odd external signing as well.
Unfortunately, the club has lost so many topline players over the last five years, a few youngsters have been called up earlier than expected.
It won’t be long however before the next group of players are ready to step off the production line and into first grade ready to make their mark.
If you think I’m just full of hyperbole, then file this column away and read it again in three years’ time. You’ll see how right I am especially with the four names listed in the opening paragraph but more on those players later.
There seems to have been a shift in philosophy when it comes to the Panthers selection process for kids aged between 17 and 19 playing Harold Matthews and SG Ball.
Over the last couple of years the club seem to be picking a certain number of players in each squad who are a year younger than the maximum age allowed. They then see which are resilient enough to play against older opponents’ week-in, week-out despite the result on the scoreboard.
It seems to be working already.
Fullback Jaxen Edgar is only 19-years-old and playing NSW Cup against men five to 10 years older. Edgar is already being touted as Dylan Edwards’ successor after Edwards hangs up his boots. Big shoes to fill but if anyone can, early indications are, Edgar can.
Edgar won’t have it all his own way however as another outstanding young prospect, 18-year-old Jack Attard is already nipping at his heels. Attard is currently playing fullback in the
unbeaten Jersey Flegg side and turning plenty of heads with his explosive play.
Another player turning heads is 20-year-old second rower
Harry Armstrong who is also in the Jersey Flegg team. Penrith got under the guard of many teams including the Brisbane Broncos and signed him.
Finally, 21-yearold hooker Billy Scott is already a regular in the NSW Cup team and will next year be elevated to the club’s Top 30 roster. There are plenty of good judges who believe he could take over from Mitch Kenny in years to come.
The talent is there in the lower grades and it only needs time to develop. What’s that song again, oh yeah!
“The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades”. Billy Scott.
PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS ROOSTERS DRAGONS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
SHARKS PANTHERS
RAIDERS PANTHERS
DRAGONS
TIGERS
KNIGHTS
ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
MARCIA’S STILL SHINING
From church pews in Boston, Massachusetts to the judging panel of ‘Australian Idol’, Marcia Hines has followed her heart since childhood and now has a five-decade singing career to show for it.
Hines took a break from entertaining her miniature cavoodle poodle to chat to the Weekender about where her journey started.
“Most Black children in America, we’re brought up in church, and it teaches you lovely things like how important it is to have grace, to be humble, and to appreciate what you’ve got,” Hines told.
It was in church that she also found her love of music.
“I learnt to sing in church; my godmother was in the Baptist Church and my mum was Church of England, and so I would dutifully go to church with my mum and then hightail it down the road to take my godmother up into the area where they sang because she was the head of the choir,” Hines recounted.
“She was blind, and because she was blind, I was allowed to be in that area.”
As the young Hines would soak up the harmonies in the acoustic setting of the Baptist Church, she felt like her heart would explode.
“There’s really something about church singing. When I was a kid, I got to the point where I’d go to the Catholic Church to listen to the choir, I’d go to the Baptist Church, and whenever I
could go to the Synagogue, I’d go and listen to the singing,” Hines recalled.
She had to find inspiration else where when she moved to Australia at 16-years-old.
“The churches I was used to being brought up in didn’t exist here,” Hines explained.
“They do now, but when I was a kid, they didn’t, so I’d listen to the radio, and I’d listen to singers like Mahalia Jackson and all the gospel singers that I used to listen to at home.”
Now, just as church choirs and gospel singers did for her, Hines acts as a role model and mentor for young artists through ‘Australian Idol’.
“It’s not an easy platform for these kids to be plucked out of obscu rity and placed on a stage where all of Australia has an opinion about them,” Hines sympathised.
“They have to try and stay strong in themselves and hopefully they’ve got good people around them.”
That’s how the 71 year old is still daz zling audiences today, with one of her next stops being Penrith for her ‘Still Shining’ tour.
“I try and make it a night to remem ber where it’s good entertainment and there’s about 20 or 22 songs,” Hines said.
“I try and sing all the old songs because I think that’s what people remember.”
Marcia Hines will perform at the EVAN Theatre on May 3 at 8pm. Tickets cost $68.40. Visit penrith.panthers.com.au.
ALLY HALL
hosted by VINCE SORRENTI
THINGS TO DO
General Motors Display Day
look
Holden – basically everything an automobile lover could dream of. There’s a gold coin donation for spectator admission.
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.
Nepean Riverlands Probus Club
Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club
Penrith Producers returns!
Penrith City Centre will come alive on Friday with street food, a beer garden, and market stalls featuring local artisans and producers, as well as live music and a free kids activity zone! It’s the perfect way to unwind, eat and play. Enjoy over 40 delicious food, drink, and artisan market stalls at Penrith Producers! There is no entry fee, just bring your appetite!
from 10am. New members are always welcome.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.
South Creek Probus Club
Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail.com.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary
Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.
Never-ending ‘90s hits Panthers
Get ready to re-live the iconic hits that defined the ‘90s and rock out to unforgettable jams. This Saturday, dust off the double denim and neon for an incredible night of non-stop dancing, memories and an irresistible urge to jump, jump, jump! You’ll hear bangers like ‘Vogue’, ‘Backstreet’s Back’, Wannabe’, and many more. Book now at penrith.panthers.com.au.
volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group
First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.
Car fanatics,
no further. Head to the Museum of Fire on Sunday for the 51st General Motors Display Day. On display will be a Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oakland, Pontiac, Vauxhall, Opel, Bedford,
At the movies...
Dog Man A Minecraft Movie
When Officer Knight and his faithful police dog are injured in the line of duty, a crazy but lifesaving surgery fuses the two of them together. That is how Dog Man is born!
As Dog Man embraces his new identity, he also works hard to stop the evil schemes of supervillain, Petey the Cat. Dog Man gains the love of the city as he continues to foil Petey’s plans, which causes a non-stop rivalry between the two characters.
Eventually, Petey decides he needs help defeating his enemy, and purchases a cloning machine.
in real life. The film is in cin- emas now!
www.hoyts.com.au
WAYNE’S W RLD
with Wayne Tunks
WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION
‘The Power of Love’ was a very popular song title in 1985. There were actually three massive tunes from that year with the same name, and each is iconic in its own way. Naturally there was the fantastic Huey Lewis & the News tune that was on the soundtrack to ‘Back to the Future’. It was released June 17 of 1985.
Jennifer Rush’s beautiful power ballad was released in December 1984, but hit number one in Australia in 1985. Also out at the end of 1984, but charting well in Australia in 1985 was Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Christmas themed ballad. All great songs, all different, all with the same name.
Huey said no when asked to write the theme song to ‘Back to the Future’, but Robert Zemeckis wanted Marty McFly’s favourite band to be Huey’s and promised him he didn’t
have to write an actual song called ‘Back to the Future’, though I would have liked to see him try. Huey promised he’d submit the next song he wrote, and it just happened to be what I think is his band’s finest song ever.
‘The Power of Love’ by Jennifer Rush is one of those songs that have been covered by many over the years.
1994. There may be many arguments with music fans over which is finer, for me, the original wins.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood told a great story with their first three singles, ‘Relax’
Jennifer was the first, taking it to #1 in Australia and the UK. Air Supply got to 21 in New Zealand with their 1985 cover and Laura Branigan’s version went to 26 in the US in 1987 and then there was the Celine Dion version, which topped the Aussie and US charts at the start of
was about sex, ‘Two Tribes’ was about religion and ‘The Power of Love’ was about religion – all the things our mothers told us to never talk about. But when you do, you get three straight UK number one singles!
All are great songs and definitely worth a listen.
COUNTRY CORNER
Family band adds one more
One of Australia’s most loved family bands, The Buckleys, are back with their highly anticipated new single, ‘See Your Folks Again’. The Buckleys, consisting of siblings Sarah (25), Lachlan (24) and Molly Buckley (22) are also using the release to officially announce and welcome their youngest brother, Dylan Buckley (17), into the band as their permanent drummer – transitioning the group from a trio to a full four-piece family band.
‘See Your Folks Again’ sees the group leaning into their roots with a more organic, country production and a strong lyric-driven and storytelling focus.
“When we got into the studio, our only goal and intention was to pull out the most raw and honest emotion and tell some real stories. I think that comes with age and the fact that we’re all sorta entering a new phase in our lives – when we were introduced onto
the scene, we were literally teenagers! So, it’s exciting to show people more depth, as we find it ourselves,” Sarah said.
The track is out now on all the usual streaming services.
ACM nominees announced
The nominees for this year’s ACM Awards have been announced. The awards will be held for the 60th time on May 8 in Texas.
The coveted Entertainer of the Year category sees some of country’s biggest names go head-to-head – Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini (pictured), Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.
Despite her controversial Grammy win, Beyonce is nowhere to be seen in the Album of the Year category, where true country artists Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Post Malone and Lainey Wilson have been
See the full list of nominations at https://www. acmcountry.com/ noms.
UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
of Taiko
SATURDAY 3 MAY, 7:30PM Show includes a free Q&A with the per formers & choreographer
Sons of Sun – Elvis, Jerr y Lee, Johnny & Me Sat 5 April, 7:30pm
Mels: ROCKET MAN vs PIANO MAN Wed 9 April, 10am
Noonan and Karin Schaupp Friday 11 April, 8pm
EVENT Music for the Soul Sunday 27 April, 3pm
MIRROR Saturday 3 May, 7:30pm
IN THE BOX OFFICE James Valentine’s Upbeat Revue Saturday 2 August, 7:30pm
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00
Poh’s Kitchen 10:30 The Pacific 11:00
ANZAC Battlefields 12:00 ABC News 1:00
Unforgotten (M l,s) 2:00 Grand Designs
Australia (PG) 3:00 Back Roads (PG) 3:30
Grand Designs Revisited (PG) 4:15 Long
Lost Family (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard
Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:35 Gardening
Australia 8:35 Under The Vines (PG) 9:20
TV Guide: April 4 – 10
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
April
5
Saturday
The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Movie: “The Drowning At Beldwin Lake” (AKA ‘The Cult/ Fatal Following’) (M) (’21) Stars: Jacob Young 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Pitch Perfect” (M l,s) (’12) Stars: Anna Kendrick 10:50 The Americas(M) 12:00 Movie: “A Party Gone Wrong” (AKA ‘Trapped Daughter’) (M) (’21) 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Murder At The Country Club” (M v) (’23) Stars: Alex Mitchell 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News
2:30 Sydney Weekender
3:30 Storage Wars New
(PG) 4:00 Mountain Men (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Countdown 7:30 AFL: Round 4: Geelong v Melbourne *Live*
6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 West Coast Cops (M v) 8:30 Movie: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (PG) (’02) Stars: Nia Vardalos 10:30 Movie: “Wedding Daze” (M l,s) (’06) Stars: Jason Biggs
10:30 House Rules (PG) 12:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 3:30 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 4:30 Frogger (PG) 5:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 7:00 Movie: “Babe: Pig In The City” (G) (’98) Stars: James Cromwell
6:30 My Family (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Movie: “A Time To Kill” (M l,v) (’96) Stars: Matthew McConaughey 10:55 ER (PG)
4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:35 Great Blue Wild 7:30 Movie: “Satellite Boy” (PG) (’12) Stars: David Gulpilil
12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Family Feud (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Football: Matildas v Korea Republic *Live* 10:30 10’s Late News 10:55
8:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 9:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 The ExWife (M l,s,v) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 Fire Country (M v)
2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie:
5:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:00 Nigella Kitchen 6:30 Jamie At Home 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s American Adventure 8:30 A Lake District Farmshop 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK 10:00 Hungry For More: Spain 4:15 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:40 PBS News Hour 5:40 History’s Crazy Rich Ancients (PG) 6:05 If You Are The One (In Mandarin) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 2:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Cheaper By The Dozen 2” (PG) (’05) 2:00 A&E After Dark (M l)
Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 1:25 Darby And Joan (PG) 2:15 Under The Vines (PG) 3:00 Dinosaurs Of The Frozen Continent 3:50 A Life In Ten Pictures (PG) 4:45 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli 5:15 Landline 5:40 Australian Story 6:15 Father Brown (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:30 Vera (M) 10:00 Unforgotten (M) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Caulfield *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Central Intelligence” (M l,s,v) (’16) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 9:45 Movie: “Battle: Los Angeles” (M l,v) (’11) Stars: Aaron Eckhart 12:10 Idris Elba Meets Paul McCartney (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today ExtraSaturday 12:00 Destination WA 12:30 My Way 1:00 Let’s Eat With George 1:30 Innovation Nation 1:40 Movie: “Uptown Girls” (PG) (’03) Stars: Brittany Murphy 3:30 The Hundred With Andy Lee (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Black Adam” (M v) (’22) Stars: Dwayne Johnson
12:00 Escape To The Country 2:00 Better Homes And Gardens 3:00 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Caulfield *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet
12:30 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Motor Racing: Shannons Speed Series: Round 1: Day 1 *Live* 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Aussie Salvage Squad (PG) 12:00 Dream Home (PG) 1:40 Holey Moley Australia (PG) 3:10 My France With Manu 4:10 Dodger (PG) 5:15 Movie: “The Tiger Rising” (PG) (’22) Stars: Christian Convery 7:30 Movie: “Jumanji” (PG) (’95) Stars: Robin Williams
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:30 Offsiders 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Monty Don’s French Gardens 3:30 Grand Designs Revisited (PG) 4:30 Restoration Australia (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Darby And Joan (PG) 8:15
Cops (PG) 6:00 rage (PG) 7:00
5:30 The Barber (PG) 6:00 The Last LandGespe’gewa’gi (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:35 Movie: “Legend” (PG) (’85) Stars: Tom Cruise 10:15 Movie: “Mama Africa” (PG)
(M l,v) 3:10 Doctor Who (PG) 3:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Live At The Apollo (M) 8:50 Gavin And Stacey (M s) 10:15 ER (PG) 5:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 6:00 Memory Bites With Matt Moran 6:30 Remarkable Places To Eat 7:30 Dermot’s Taste Of Ireland 8:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 David Rocco’s Dolce Napoli
3:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 4:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 25: Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:25 Football: Isuzu Ute A-League: Round 25: Adelaide United v Sydney FC *Live* 11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 Deal Or No Deal 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Frasier (PG)
4:10 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:35 PBS News Hour 5:35 Over The Black Dot 6:05 Our Law (PG) 6:40 Engineering Tomorrow 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Special Forces - Most Daring Missions
3:20 Hunting Hitler (PG) 4:20 Jeopardy! UK (PG) 5:20 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:50 Movie: “The Addams Family” (PG) (’19) Stars: Oscar Isaac 7:30 Movie: “The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader” (PG) (’10) Stars: Ben Barnes
3:00 Movie: “The Day The Earth Caught Fire” (PG) (’61) Stars: Janet Munro 5:00 Movie: “Vera Cruz” (PG) (’54) Stars: Burt Lancaster 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Force v Highlanders *Live* 9:30 Rugby Union: Post-Match
A Moveable Feast 1:40 Home And Away (PG) 3:40 Australian Idol (PG) 5:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special 5:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 6:30 Puppy School (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 4:25 Mama Africa (PG) 6:00 Queer & Here (PG) 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Australia: An Unofficial History (M l) 8:30 Movie: “The Last Ice Hunters” (M l) (’17) Stars: Bendt Bendtsen 9:50 Movie: “Kill Bill: Volume 2” (MA15+) (’04) 11:30 Roads Less Travelled 12:00 Navigating The World 1:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 3:00 Top Gear Australia (PG) 4:30 Australian Survivor (PG) 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 8:00
Lost Gold Of World War II (PG) 2:55 Hunting Hitler (PG) 3:55 Jeopardy! (UK) (PG) 4:55 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Get Smart” (PG) (’08) Stars: Steve Carell 7:30 Movie: “Gone In Sixty Seconds” (M) (’00) Stars: Angelina Jolie
Get Macca’s® delivered.
5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05
5:35 Fireman Sam 5:50 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 6:55 Odd Squad 7:35
Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)
The Addams
5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I
6:00 The
(PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)
2:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 3:00 Back Roads (PG) 3:30 Grand Designs NZ (M l) 4:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Restoration Australia 9:00 Melbourne Comedy
Stars: Nikki Deloach 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 AFL: Round 5: Adelaide v Geelong *Live* From Adelaide Oval 10:30 AFL: Post Game
Sarah Beeny’s Little House Big Plans 5:00 Chateau DIY 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town (PG)
Movie: “Agatha Raisin And Then There Were None” (PG) (’15) 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Yes Minister
Nathan Taylor
TV NEWS
Ê The new season of ‘The Rehearsal’ will premiere exclusively on new streamer Max on Monday, April 21. Starring the brilliant Nathan Fielder, ‘The Rehearsal’ follows one man’s journey to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life. With a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources, Fielder helps ordinary people prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design. In season two, the urgency of Fielder’s project grows as he decides to put his resources toward an issue that affects us all.
Ê ‘The Hundred with Andy Lee’ returned to Channel Nine this week. Now airing on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm, the series also includes regulars Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein. Each week Lee will be joined by a rotating panel of top comedians, alongside The Hundred, a cross-section of everyday Aussies from right across the country appearing via Zoom who reveal surprising, hilarious
APRIL 21 6PM
CLAIRE HOOPER’S HOUSE OF GAMES, ABC
and sometimes shocking truths about our nation. Guests this season include Hamish Blake, Joel Creasey, Kate Langbroek, Ross Noble, Merv Hughes, David Walliams, Osher Günsberg, Glenn Robbins and Tom Gleeson.
Ê New weeknight quiz show ‘Claire Hooper’s House of Games’ will premiere on the ABC on Monday, April 21 at 6pm. Each Monday to Friday night, four competing celebrities will back it up as Hooper dishes out a different mix of head-scratching games all designed to fuel the celebrity players’ competitiveness and test their mental prowess. Stepping up to the podium is an eclectic mix of famous faces, including Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, TV personality Jamie Durie, celebrity cook Julie Goodwin, ABC presenters Costa Georgiadis and Zan Rowe, performer Eddie Perfect and comedians Lizzy Hoo, Rhys Nicholson, Nazeem Hussain and Geraldine Hickey.
Ê ‘Australian Idol’ will crown its new winner next week, but it’s already looking
for singers for another season. To audition, you must be 15 to 35-years-old (as of October 1, 2025), be an Australian; a New Zealand citizen living in Australia; or current permanent resident of Australia. You must also not have an existing contract with any other TV show or record label. To apply, visit www.idolauditions.com.au.
Ê Apple TV+ juggernaut ‘Severance’ has been renewed for a third season. The renewal follows the second season breaking records as the most-watched series on Apple TV+ ever. ‘Severance’ is executive produced by Ben Stiller and stars Adam Scott.
Ê Finally, I finished watching UK drama series ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix last week and I must say it’s the best piece of television I have ever watched. I don’t think I’ve ever been as glued to a series like I was to this. It seems I’m not alone either, with the show breaking streaming records all over the world. The content is heavy and confronting, but it’s definitely worth your time.
THE SIMPLE SOLUTION TO REPAIRING A HOLE
With the summer holidays now over, it’s a great time to tackle home improvement projects. Interestingly, it’s often the small but impactful repairs that can make a big difference in the look and presentation of our home.
From patching small holes left by picture hooks to filling cracks in the plasterboard, minor fixes are the first step for day-to-day cosmetic repairs or when sprucing up a home for sale.
Designed with same-day project completion in mind, Gyprock’s new One Patch is the newest addition to its extensive DIY range and is perfect for general plasterboard repairs around the home without the expertise of a handyman.
One Patch is a smooth, lightweight, pre-mixed multi-purpose filler suitable for minor repairs in walls and ceilings
terboard, fibre cement, masonry, concrete or timber are used. Making DIY projects effortless, One Patch is fast drying, non-cracking, exhibits minimal shrinkage and requires only one application to complete the job and transform your space.
“SMALL
Smart preparation before painting means ensuring that any cracks and holes are patched. With a little DIY inspiration and easy-to-use products such as One Patch, completing simple tasks such as repairing unsightly holes
Easy Four Step Application for Everyday Repairs
1. Ensure the surface to be filled is clean, dry and free of loose material, dust, dirt or other contaminants. Lightly sand surface if necessary. Apply One Patch onto the hole/crack using the spatula provided. Spread and smooth off. Overfilling is not required.
2. Lightly sand once dried prior to painting. One Patch requires little to no sanding for a smooth finish.
3. Apply a coat of undercoat. Allow to dry for 30 mins.
4. Apply a coat of matching wall paint
For damp environments and wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, the product provides moisture and mould resistance, ensuring a durable and lasting repair. Additionally, its low VOC formulation supports healthier
homes into hubs of creativity and transformation. Whether it was refreshing living spaces or tackling long-overdue repairs, the enthusiasm for home improvement was evident. Research by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), in conjunction with Roy Morgan, revealed that more than a third of Australians planned DIY projects, with an estimated $6.3 billion spent on
Gyprock DIY One Patch Filler
For more information on CSR
has a real Real Estate, her enthusiasm and drive is reason she
Jocelyn Marrian hasareal passion for RealEstate, her enthusiasm and drive is the reasonshe has joined @realty.
How Jocelyn helped Home Owners get their Best Results!
Good knowledge
Jocelyn provided an excellent and professional service in theselling of the house. Jocelyn was very knowledgeable, and her communicationwas excellent. Jocelyn made the process of selling the house seamless.I would highly recommend her service.
the selling house her communication was excellent seamless I service
Verified by RateMyAgent
Highly recommend
the price easy to
Very professional, sold house quickly and for theprice we wanted and very easyto talk to Verified by RateMyAgent
and worked in the network of industry that all property, Jocelyn is passionate she is committed to delivering what she her clients the best
Jocelyn has lived andworkedin the Penrith area for over 30yrs with an extensive networkof clients and friends. In an industrythat is all about property,Jocelynispassionate about people, sheiscommitted to deliveringwhatshe promises and getting herclients thebest results!
What SetsUsApart?
Sets Us Apart?
@realty i sa modern and forward thinking rea le stat ea genc yt hat is growing every day, b ringin gaf resh upgrad et oa n industry t hat ha s been largely unchanged for severa ld ecades. The bricks an dm ortar model of agencies requiring as hopfront is g one.
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t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s t h a t a r e c o m m o n i n o s t r e a l e s t a t e o f f i c e s , o r i s t r a c t i o n s t h a t c a n c o m e w i t h a b u s y f f i c e I n s t e a d H e a d o f f i c e
The c oncep to f@ realty revolves around the individual real estat e professional. Thi sm eans @realt ya ssociates are not b urdened by the requirement st ha ta re common in m ost real estate offices, or d istractions t hat ca nc ome with ab usy o ffice. Instea dH ea do ffice o ffer sal arge t eam focused on ou ra g ent ss upport with Admin, M arketing, IT, legal ,f inanc e a llowing th eA gent st ow ork in th eb est interest of Y OU, th ec lient. Contact J ocely nM arrian on: 040 516 4446 https://www.ratemyagent.com.au/real-estate-agent/jocelyn-marrian
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JocelynMarrian is atrue gem andI highly recommend hertopeople lookingto buy or sell
Jocelyn made the whole experienceapleasure she had great communication and her understanding of themarket and what we could do toothe property to bring it from thepastto the present and more appealing to potential buyers.Her level of care and professionalism took us from being nervous to excited even taking time out off hoursto answer calls andquestions thatI had.The staging of houseand furniture choicemade it feel warm and inviting With theadvertisement and photos in the lead up to theopen house wastruely amazing On the day of The open home there wasagreat turnout and Jocelyn gotusagreat result on the firstday the house wason the market. I will recommend Jocelyn Marrianto anyone lookingtobuy or sell.
Jocelyn Marrian a true and I her to people looking to experience a pleasure the market we too the the past to buyers Her professionalism hours to and questions that I had The house and choice made the advertisement the open was truely amazing The was a great got us a great on first day was on market recommend Marrian to looking to buy or sell
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The Experts
WHY YOU SHOULD ADD OMEGA-3S INTO YOUR DIET
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that offer many benefits for your heart and overall health. These fats are called “essential” because your body cannot make them on its own, so you must get them from the food you eat.
How Omega-3s help heart health
One of the biggest benefits of omega-3s is their ability to improve heart health. They do this in a range of ways:
• Reduce inflammation: Inflammation can cause heart disease, but omega-3s help reduce it.
• Lower blood pressure: can help lower high blood pressure, which is good for heart health.
Omega-3s help prevent dangerous blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke.
• Improve blood vessel function: They support blood vessels, and therefore support your heart.
Omega-3s and cholesterol
Did you know that omega-3 fatty acids are greatly beneficial with improving blood cholesterol levels? There are two types of
cholesterol in your body: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called “bad cholesterol”, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good cholesterol”.
Omega-3s can help by:
• Lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol: Omega-3s reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can build up in arteries and increase risk of heart disease.
• Increasing ‘healthy’ HDL cholesterol: Omega-3s can
raise the levels of good cholesterol, which helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood and protect your arteries.
• Improving triglycerides: Omega-3s also lower triglyceride levels, another type of fat in the blood that, when high, can increase the risk of heart disease.
What foods are rich in Omega-3s?
Omega-3s are mainly found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, but they are also present in plant-based sources such as flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds.
• Reduce blood clotting:
Looking for more information on how to increase Omega-3 intake, and improve your overall health? Consult with an Accredited Practising Dietitian for tailored, individualised advice to suit your health needs, and work towards your health goals.
SUPER AND THE STOCK MARKET
RESTORING YOUR SMILE MONEY MATTERS
Most Superannuation funds have a high exposure to both Australian and International shares. So, when we have a stock market crash, which is inevitable, it is in our Superannuation that we feel the impact.
For those that are five or more years away from retirement, counter-intuitively a stock market crash can be a good thing.
I know this seems absurd, that seeing the value of your Superannuation falling is in fact a good thing, but it can be, hear me out.
The reason that the value of your superannuation has fallen is that the value of the underlying shares has decreased. If we are more than five years away from retirement, we have no intention of selling our shares, therefore the current value of those shares is mostly irrelevant to us. In the same way that if the property market drops, and the value of our house falls, it only impacts us if we
intend to sell.
Furthermore, the nature of Superannuation is that we are constantly adding to our investment through our mandated contributions. Our regular contributions are buying more shares. When the stock market crashes, we get the opportunity to buy cheap shares. Effectively our Super contribution buys about 10-15 per cent more of the same shares it did last month.
The analogy I used during the GFC related to a farmer buying cows. If the farmer goes to the market to buy some cows and they are 10 per cent cheaper than they were last week, does he think to himself about how his herd at home isn’t worth as much as it was last week? Does he think about selling his cows? Of course not, he thinks, you beauty, cheap cows!
For those in accumulation phase it makes sense to think like the farmer. The stock market crash has devalued an asset that you
not only have no intent on selling, you in fact plan on buying more.
For those approaching retirement, or are in income phase, a stock market crash has a greater impact. When the market crashes we want to limit the number of shares we need to sell. The key to this is having sufficient liquid assets to fund the income required that limits the need to sell down growth assets. There are a number of different strategies that can be employed to reduce the need to sell down assets, especially if potentially it is the wrong time. It is something to definitely speak to a financial planner about.
Amissing tooth can affect more than just your ability to chew, it can impact your confidence and the overall harmony of your smile.
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a range of aesthetic solutions designed to seamlessly restore both function and your appearance.
Dental Implants: The Gold Standard
For those seeking a natural looking and long-lasting solution, dental implants are an excellent choice.
A titanium post is placed in the jawbone to act as a replacement root, supporting a custom-designed crown that matches the surrounding teeth in shape, size, and colour. This option not only restores aesthetics but also helps preserve bone structure.
A nifty idea!
Dental Bridges: A Seamless Alternative
A bridge is an effective way to replace a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth between two healthy teeth or implants.
Bridges are carefully crafted to blend in with the natural dentition, ensuring a flawless smile while restoring function.
Dentures: A TimeTested Choice
For patients missing several or all of their teeth, dentures remain a cost-effective option.
Modern designs offer better comfort and stability, with implant-supported dentures providing extra security and preventing bone loss.
Each option offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on the individual’s needs.
For an individualised treatment plan to replace your missing teeth and restore your chewing function and natural smile contact the friendly team at Sydney Smile Doctor today. Next week we will delve deeper with dental implants and their uses.
THE PROS AND CONS OF PET INSURANCE
Pet insurance is one of the most frequently discussed topics among pet owners, with many unsure whether it is a worthwhile investment. With numerous policies available, each offering different levels of cover, the decision can feel overwhelming. The bottom line is that pet insurance is a good idea, but, as with many financial products, it’s essential to read the fine print and understand what you’re paying for.
The benefits of pet insurance
One of the greatest advantages of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Veterinary care can be expensive, especially in emergencies or for chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment. Having a pet insurance policy can help alleviate the financial stress associated with unexpected medical bills, ensuring that pet owners can make healthcare decisions based on their pet’s needs rather than their budget.
Many pet insurance policies also offer coverage for preventative care, including vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental work. This proactive approach helps maintain a pet’s overall health and can prevent costly medical issues down the line.
The downside of pet insurance
However, pet insurance does have some downsides. Monthly
premiums can add up, particularly for those with multiple pets. Additionally, not all policies cover the same conditions, and some have breed-specific exclusions or pre-existing condition clauses, meaning any health issues your pet had before obtaining coverage may not be claimable.
Another important consideration is excess payments (similar to deductibles in human health insurance). Some policies require pet owners to pay a portion of the vet bill before insurance coverage kicks in, and balancing the excess amount with affordable monthly premiums is crucial.
The alternative: A dedicated pet emergency fund
For pet owners who prefer to avoid monthly insurance premiums, setting up a dedicated savings account for pet emergencies is an alternative. By consistently contributing to this fund, owners can maintain financial flexibility and control over their pet’s healthcare expenses.
However, this approach requires discipline and may not provide immediate relief in the case of a significant medical emergency before substantial savings have accumulated.
Making the right choice
The decision to invest in pet insurance or establish a savings fund depends on individual circumstances. Factors such as your pet’s age, breed, and medical history, as well as your financial situation, should all be considered. If choosing pet insurance, thoroughly research policies to understand what is covered, any exclusions, and the limits on claims.
Regardless of your choice, proactive financial planning is key to ensuring that your beloved pet receives the best possible care when they need it most. If you need further information on pet insurance, call Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 4736 2027 –we’re happy to help you navigate the options.
This week you’ll communicate your innovative ideas with extra pizazz, dream mind-blowing dreams, talk about progressive philosophies or make connections with bohemian folk from foreign shores. But, with the Full Moon activating your wanderlust zone, many restless Aquarians will feel cooped up, housebound and a bit stir-crazy. So pull on your travelling shoes and escape on a wild weekend getaway or plan an adventurous trip for some time soon.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Are you stuck in a Taurean rut? Have you been too stubborn to embrace change? This week’s Full Moon shakes up your daily routine zone, plus Mercury and Venus (your patron planet) both turn direct in your peer group and networking zone. So use it as an opportunity to open your mind, extend your connections and expand your world. The weekend favours get-togethers with family, friends and/or work colleagues as you socialise, enjoy and explore.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
The Full Moon fires up your tempestuous nature, so you’ll feel amped up and ready to perform! But don’t let overconfidence (and over-exuberance) trip you up. Your head’s full of ambitious dreams and fabulous schemes, but they’ll only work if you can persuade other people to contribute to Team Leo. You’ll find creative collaboration (especially with people within your local community) will take you a lot further than functioning as a solo operator.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
The Full Moon favours meditation, contemplation, relaxation and investigation as you solve a problem or get to the bottom of a perplexing mystery. However, if you stubbornly hang onto the past and resist change, you’re in for an unpredictable relationship ride. You need to be more flexible and adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Heed the wise words of actor and social commentator Will Rogers, “Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.”
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
The Full Moon highlights a close relationship, shared finances or a joint venture. Secrets and issues of loyalty could also be placed under the microscope, as you discover whether your trust in someone has been well placed. And prepare for a welcome burst of Piscean creativity and energy as Mercury and Venus finally move forward in your sign. Lucky opportunities could magically manifest, especially within your local community or via social media.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
With Mercury and Venus both moving forward in your career zone, a professional matter or a volunteer project should gradually shift from go slow to all systems go. If it’s too much to handle on your own, then don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your work colleagues and/or your extended peer group. Don’t battle on alone … other people are happy to pitch in and help. The weekend is wonderful for relaxing, unwinding, drifting and dreaming.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Thank goodness Mercury and Venus turn direct in your partnership zone! You’ll find the more diplomatic, caring and compassionate you are, the better your personal and professional relationships will be. The weekend Full Moon stimulates your self-esteem and money zone. So – if you want to do well financially – spending sprees are out, and serious saving is in. It’s also an appropriate time to reflect on your personal values and reassess your priorities.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Mercury and Venus move forward in your home zone (on Monday and Sunday respectively) so a family squabble or a domestic drama should start to settle down. With the Sun shining in your leisure and pleasure zone, it’s time to plan a party, book a massage, attend a concert, see an exhibition or organise a night at the movies. Plus the Full Moon fires up your hopes and wishes zone, so do all you can to make a special dream come true.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Mercury and Venus go direct, and the Full Moon lights up your partnership zone, so focus maximum attention on the special loved ones in your life. It’s also time to get the balance right between invigorating independence and cosy togetherness. Your motto for the week is from Aries writer and activist Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
Caring Crabs are the natural nurturers of the zodiac but looking after loved ones won’t be easy this week, as you juggle your busy personal and professional lives. The Full Moon falls in your domestic zone, so it’s a good time to clean and de-clutter your living space, then you can enjoy entertaining family and/or close friends on the weekend. Some lucky Crabs will travel somewhere special – to a much-loved destination with good food and beautiful surroundings.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
With a Full Moon in your sign, you’re keen to motivate, encourage and inspire others. Plus Mercury and Venus turn direct, so you’ll be able to utilise your well-developed diplomatic skills. Librans are the fashionistas of the zodiac, so it’s up to you to lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Wisdom for the week comes from fashion designer/ innovator (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The Capricorn buzz word for the week is Communication (with a capital ‘C’), as Mercury and Venus move forward in your neighbourhood and conversation zone. Expect increased social interaction and educational activities within your community. When it comes to an ongoing neighbourhood problem, think global and act local. Wisdom for the week is from fashion designer (and birthday great) Vivienne Westwood, “The sexiest people are thinkers.”
SEAFOOD AND STYLE AT
As Easter approaches, and the school holidays with it, the idea of a staycation looms large – and the Hyatt Regency Sydney may just be the perfect base for it.
Nestled in the heart of Darling Harbour, the Hyatt Regency Sydney is perfectly positioned - sitting right on the cusp of all the activities surrounding Darling Harbour itself, and just a stone’s throw from the Sydney CBD with all of its nightlife, bars and attractions.
After a seamless check in process (delayed only by taking in the glorious reception area), we opt to drop our bags in the room and head up to Zephr Sky Bar to kick this little staycation off.
Zephyr’s champagne-coloured décor, inspired by the iconic Moët & Chandon bottle, transforms the rooftop into a breathtaking backdrop for stylish gatherings and celebrations.
There’s an extensive cocktail list, a food menu and live music – providing a relaxing vibe for a couple of drinks before kicking the night off, or to settle in and watch the sun go down over Darling Harbour.
Back in the room, you’ll find all the expected amenities and a large comfortable bed for a quick nap before heading out for the night. If you can score yourself a King Harbour View room, then the view itself will become the highlight of the room – you could sit and
watch the comings and goings of this busy part of Sydney and get yourself lost in time.
For dinner we headed to the hotel’s Sailmaker Restaurant, and while it does have an a la
carte menu, it is its seafood menu – headed up by the Seafarer Dinner that runs Thursday to Sunday – that is the real highlight here. It is a three-course, $95 menu that also gives you access to the Mediterranean Tapas Table, meaning there’s little to no chance of going hungry.
“THE MENU ALSO FEATURES SUGGESTED WINE PAIRINGS FOR EACH DISH”
Entrees include options like the Appellation Rock Oyster with raspberry, rose mignonette and lemon; the Ulladulla Yellowfin Tuna; and the Abrolhos Island Scallops. It is the mains where things really shine here – from the Sea Mullet to the Merimbula Swordfish, there’s a range of options to ensure seafood lovers are well looked after. The menu also features suggested wine pairings for each dish, which adds to the experience of the dining package.
Zephyr bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail and people watching.
The Harbour View room at the Hyatt.
Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Seafood at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
HYATT REGENCY
We did add a couple of items from the a la carte menu and couldn’t recommend the Charred Lamb Cutlet from the entree menu highly enough, while the 300gm sirloin steak with fries and green peppercorn sauce was delicious.
Completely full – and maybe even a little tipsy – we headed out to the Sydney CBD, visiting a few popular bars – knowing that the comforts of the hotel room would be waiting upon our return.
Talking of comforts, it’s worth noting the hotel also boasts Nabea Spa. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments tailored to your needs, from soothing massages to luxurious facials. Designed to pamper and restore, it’s the perfect retreat for parents looking to unwind and recharge during the bustling holiday season.
After a comfortable and quiet night’s stay, we headed back to Sailmaker Restaurant the next morning for their buffet breakfast. The options here were endless and in the hit-andmiss world of buffets, it’s safe to say Hyatt Regency Sydney offered one of the better spreads in Sydney.
The executive chef even popped over to our table – and many others – to grab some feedback. It’s hard to see how he’d hear anything but positive reviews.
With plenty of Easter specials around at the moment, Hyatt Regency Sydney is a convenient, comfortable and elegant option for a Sydney staycation – just make sure you come hungry!
EASTER AT HYATT REGENCY SYDNEY
Good Friday & Easter Saturday Seafood Dinner
Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19 | 6.00pm – 9.30pm
Indulge in a seasonal three-course Choice Menu of sumptuous seafood, then satisfy your sweet tooth with an Easter-themed dessert buffet.
Adults – $115pp | Kids Menu Available | Optional wine pairing for $55.
Easter Sunday Lunch Buffet
Sunday, April 20 | 12.30pm – 3.00pm
Enjoy a sumptuous array of fresh seafood, a curated assortment of cheeses and charcuterie, and a mouth-watering selection of lunch favourites including Spanish paella and slow cooked roast beef.
Complete your experience by indulging your sweet tooth with a buffet of Easterthemed desserts.
Adults – $115pp | Kids (6-12 years) – $55pp
Easter at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Seafood delights at Sailmaker.
you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
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.
ANTELOPE
ANTENNA
ANTIQUE
BRILLIANT
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about Federal Elections in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. Who did John Howard take on at the 2004 Federal Election?
2. After winning the Federal Election in 1983, when did Bob Hawke send Australians to the polls again?
3. At what election was Tony Abbott victorious, handing him the keys to the Lodge?
4. How many seats did Labor
win at the 1993 election, won convincingly by Paul Keating?
5. How many Prime Ministers served in the chaotic period of government that followed the 1903 election?
6. In what year did Andrew Fisher win the Federal Election?
7. Who did Anthony Albanese defeat the 2022 election?
Camille and all the staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital wish to thank everyone who voted for us in the 2021 Penrith City Local Business Awards. are grateful for the continued support friendship of our clients and their pets. We won the Pet Care category in 2015, 2016 and 2019, and we are looking forward to the 2021 awards presentation!
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Dan Murphy's
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo IGA
Londonderr y Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
Little Bottler
MFC Food Stores
Old Mt Druitt
RM Newsagency
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
C altex Coreen Avenue
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Ta s tify
Tattersalls Hotel
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Mobil Ser vice Station
The Chemist Shop
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Woolworths
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys
Andrew s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are Jayam Supermarket
McDonald's
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St Mar ys Fish Market
St Mar ys Le agues Club
Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store
Indy Performance is an independent, high-tech automotive workshop in Emu Plains. Their mission is to get any vehicle performing at its best every day.
Indy Performance has been taking care of cars from Emu Plains, Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains for over 35 years.
These days you need someone who can diagnose and work with the latest technology – that’s what Indy Performance does.
The team has diagnostic equipment for all cars, this allows them to zero in on the things to fix, so they can get straight on to sorting them out for you.
Indy Performance takes care of general repairs, auto electrical work, fuel injection, brakes, clutches and tuning. They also repair and change tyres, perform rego checks as well as service and repair air
conditioners. They have a loan car available through booking only. They can service cars still under warranty.
The team provides quality repairs for most makes and models of vehicles – 4WDs, light commercials, vans, utes and family cars –including European models. Have a hybrid?
The team at Indy Performance are also qualified in servicing hybrid motor vehicles.
For your convenience, they are open six days a week, which includes Saturday mornings, and provide an early drop-off facility.
Indy Performance is located close to public transport. They also pick up and drop customers home in the Emu Plains area.
Indy Performance has worked hard to keep their Green accreditation and take pride in having one of the area’s cleanest and most well-maintained workshops.
ONE AUTO REPAIRS
Aiming for a Finals return
The Giants haven’t played Finals since 2022 – now they’re saying enough’s enough
Amy Sligar enjoyed the best season of her blossoming career last year, but even she admits it was hard to celebrate her individual performances when her side, as a whole, wasn’t performing.
The 23-year-old picked up the Giants Players’ Player award at the end of the 2024 Super Netball season after playing 13 of a possible 14 games, however the Giants struggled as a team, finishing with the wooden spoon following a disappointing three-win season.
Speaking with the Weekender, the Camden Netball junior said it was an honour to win Players’ Player but she just wished her performances resulted in victories for the team.
“It’s tough because you want your performances to help the team win. I think even if you’ve played a good game, but you’ve lost, you feel you’ve never truly played a good game personally,” Sligar said.
“In saying that it was really nice to win Players’ Player. I have so much respect for my teammates, so for them to choose me was a nice nod to my season.
“Ultimately, I want to win a premiership, I want to be winning games, so I’ll give up any individual award to win with my teammates, hopefully that’ll happen this year.”
Following a bottom of the table finish last year, there was plenty of soul searching at
Giants HQ over the off-season. Sligar said the club ran a fine tooth comb over last year’s results and turned up some interesting finds.
“At the end of last year we had some honest meetings and reviews to set us up for 2025 and once we got into pre-season, it was all guns blazing,” she said.
“One thing we recognised was our inability to close out close games. I think we lost our last three games by one goal and had we won those games, it would have been a completely different story.
“We also discovered that earlier in the year we’d be in the contest for 95 per cent of the game, but we’d have five per cent of the game where we would have these massive lapses of concentration and fall away.”
To help right the wrongs from last season and give the Giants the physical and mental edge they need to perform better on the court, they hired a full-time sports psychologist and employed one of the best Strength and Conditioning coaches going around.
“We have one of the best S&C coaches working with us, so he’s been guiding us in the gym and on the court,” Sligar said.
“We’ve also been lucky enough to have a sports psych join the team for the pre-season and she’ll be with us for the entire year. It’s been really beneficial to have her on board, so hopefully those little things will get us into the Finals this year.”
The Giants haven’t played Finals since the
If the Giants are to return to the top four this year, it all begins this Sunday afternoon when they face-off
land
“We love playing at home. Our fans are some
of the loudest in the league and they make us feel like we’ve got an extra player on the court,” Sligar said.
“I’m excited to play the Firebirds. They’ve had the most changes in the off-season, so it’s exciting to get them in the first round and see what they are like.”
2022 season – the same year Sligar signed her first full-time contract with the club.
against the new-look Queens-
Firebirds at Ken Rosewall Arena.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Amy Sligar in action for the Giants. Photo: Ryan Jones.
Ryan’s determination
When a busted shoulder along with a broken collarbone ruined his season, teenage rugby league star Ryan Cloey never gave up.
Instead of kicking stones after being dropped by the Panthers in 2023, Ryan worked his way back from injury and is now reaping the benefits.
In 2022, the talented dummy half was picked up by the Panthers to be part of their development squad before he was cut by the club a year later due to a nasty AC joint injury and broken collarbone a few weeks later.
Last year, after performing exceptionally well with the U15 Boys NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) team, Ryan was back on Penrith’s radar and he hasn’t looked back since.
“My proudest achievement was making my CCC debut,” he told the Weekender
“I worked pretty hard the season after I was injured and got dropped by Penrith.
“After making my CCC debut, everything started to take off
and, all of a sudden, I was back with Penrith again.”
Earlier this year, the Year 11 St Dominic’s College student achieved another exciting feat, making his Harold Matthews Cup debut with Penrith.
As a mad Panthers fan growing up, playing with his favourite footy team was a pinch me
moment for the 16-year-old.
“After my CCC selection, I signed with Penrith and got added to the Harold Matts squad. I worked hard at training and finally got a game, which was incredible,” Ryan said.
“It’s been my dream for a long time to play for Penrith, so to finally be able to do it and get it
done, is unreal.”
With the Harold Matthews Cup season wrapping up this weekend, Ryan will play his third and final game for the Panthers before returning to the Brothers Junior Rugby League Club where he is the vice-captain of his U16 Division 1 side.
The latest Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star said he loves leading his team out onto the paddock.
“I got the vice captaincy role a while back and I really enjoy being a leader,” Ryan said.
“I love putting my body on the line and working hard for the boys beside me. I never want to let them down.”
Nominated by his proud mum Jo, Ryan’s PVSF Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.
PVSF Junior Sports Star of the Month winners take home a cool $350 each for their efforts.
If you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.
Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.
In some heartwarming news, three Nepean Triathlon legends – Eugene Irvin, Greg Davies and Peter Smith –have kept their incredible streak alive by completing every single Nepean Triathlon since its inception in 1982. Run by Elite Energy Events, this year’s Nepean Triathlon was incorporated into multisport festival, the 2025 Redline Games.
Despite torrential rain throughout much of the weekend, thousands of people flooded the Regatta Centre for the annual event.
Meanwhile, for the second straight year, the lengthier Nepean Classic was also run and won.
The 2km swim, 60km cycle, 16km run was contested by 165 people, which was up on last year.
Youngster Boris Blanc was the first male to cross the line in 03:03:18, while the first female past the post was Catijn Schierbeek in 03:35:06.
The Nepean Triathlon is expected to return this time next year.
Ryan Cloey is the latest Junior Sports Star. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Eugene Irvin, Greg Davies, Peter Smith.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Premiership-winner returns to his favourite stomping ground
After a couple of years off to rest and recharge, arguably Penrith’s most successful Aussie Rules coach Kevin Kirk is back at the helm of the Rams this season.
Kirk, who led Penrith to two first grade Premierships in 2018 and 2020, is back on deck this season following the departure of club stalwart Jay Edwards due to work commitments.
Speaking with the Weekender, Kirk said he missed coaching and is feeling refreshed heading into this weekend’s AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 season opener.
“I had a couple of years off, I feel fresher, and the opportunity was there to return and I was quite happy to do so,” he said.
“I did miss it. I missed being around that atmosphere of being in the rooms with the guys and just sharing the ups and downs.
“You don’t anticipate missing it as much as you do. You get invested in the group. But it does feel good to be back.”
Under Edwards, the Rams returned to the Finals last season for the first time since their premiership-winning year in 2020. The Rams qualified for the Preliminary Final in September, only to go down to go down to Southern Power in a close one.
Kirk said his side – led by returning co-captains Zac Pianta and Josh Rodman – are “shaping up well” heading into this Saturday’s blockbuster Round 1 clash against the Manly Warringah Wolves at Mike Pawley Oval.
“We’ve got a few old faces and a few new faces, so it’s a bit of a mix of talent this year,” Kirk said.
“We’re quietly confident we’ll have an enjoyable and successful season. It’s a good group who are training really hard at the moment.
“Zac and Josh are back as skippers, and they are both premiership-winning players who have a lot of respect within the group.”
In some significant news for the Rams, club legend Phil Aumann has agreed to return for another year despite rumours of an impending retirement.
“Big Phil was going to move into
his hobby of writing poetry this year, but he’s going to give that a miss for another year and pull the boots on for one more,” Kirk said with a smile.
“We’re quite happy to have the big fella continue. He’s very popular around the club and he’s still very productive on the field, so it’s great to have him back.”
The Penrith Rams will field three teams this season – first grade, who will play in the Men’s Division 2 competition; reserve grade, who will play in the Men’s Division 5 competition; and the Ramettes, who will play in the Women’s Division 2 competition.
Kirk is confident the club is in for a successful year.
“I’d like to think that all three grades can compete for flags,” he said.
“The girls are looking really good after some trial match wins and the reserve grade guys are training just as hard as the first grade guys.
“I think there’s an opportunity for all three grades at the club to do really well. We’re all aiming for Finals at a minimum and hope to progress from there.”
NATHAN TAYLOR
The Penrith Rams coaching line-up for 2025: Michael Bottrill, Kevin Kirk and David Sanders.
OZTAG: After more than two decades, Penrith OzTag Association have unveiled a brand-new logo. Following a change in ownership last year, Penrith OzTag opted for a new logo to mark a new era at The Kingsway. “There is a so much history in the current logo and it represents over two decades of hard work, sacrifices and growth in our region,” Penrith OzTag said in a statement. “But as we have now ventured into a new era at Penrith OzTag, we are super excited to continue the legacy that was laid upon us with our new logo for our great club.” Penrith, NSW and Australian OzTag representative Steve Morrison from Credible Clothing designed the new logo, which has already got the big tick of approval from the large Penrith OzTag family.
PADDLING: 36 of Australia’s top high-performance coaches, including Penrith’s own Myriam Fox, have partnered with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to guide the next generation of coaches ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fox, who has guided her athletes to 14 world titles and seven Olympic medals in canoe slalom, has signed on to the AIS High Performance Mentorship Program which will support the development of 40 emerging coaches — a record number of participants — over the next 12 months. “The AIS HP Coach Mentorship Program is central to our commitment to nurturing talent, not only among athletes but also the coaches who guide them,” Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance, Matti Clements said. “World-class athletes need world class
coaches so it’s crucial we make sure our coaches have the development and support they need, especially with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon. To have a record number of coaches taking part in the 2025 edition of the mentorship program is a testament to our national head coaches and I thank them for sharing their time, skills and experience to nurture the next generation.” Mentor and mentee coaches have been matched according to skills, experience and location to enhance development and connection opportunities, with Fox paired with newly announced Rowing Australia National Talent ID and US-Based Women’s Lead Coach Hally Chapman. “It’s crucial to encourage women in coaching at every level, especially in high-performance areas, where men have traditionally dominated. This field can be intimidating, so knowing we are not alone is invaluable,” Fox said.
BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers have had a mixed start to the 2025 NBL1 East competition. Penrith’s men’s side fought hard but went down to the Sutherland Sharks 81-78. Captain Ben Kearins top scored with 15. Meanwhile,
Penrith’s women enjoyed an opening round win, defeating the Sharks 55-46. Penrith face Manly this weekend at home.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have slipped to fifth on the A-League Men’s standings following a 2-2 draw with Wellington Phoenix last Saturday in New Zealand. In a highly entertaining contest at Sky Stadium in Wellington, the Wanderers had already fought back from one goal down, only for the home side to take the lead through a Chico Geraldes’ strike in the 69th minute. It was a frustrating afternoon for Western Sydney, who created a plethora of good goalscoring chances, but lacked a bit of luck and cutting edge at the important moments. Thankfully Nicolas Milanovic’s brilliant first-time effort just before stoppage time in the 89th minute meant the Wanderers got a valuable point to extend their unbeaten run to seven games. The Wanderers will look to keep their excellent form going when they return to New Zealand to play Auckland FC on Saturday afternoon.
for a 46-39 half-time lead. Will Day and Nick Watson were heavily involved and both had nice touches as Hawthorn broke the back of the Giants with four straight majors at the end of the third against the trend. Giants gun Jesse Hogan, who topped the goal tally with four on return from a broken thumb, set up a tense finish when he cut the margin to 12 with less than three minutes on the clock. But Hawthorn scrambled well to hold on in front of a 14,000strong crowd. GWS will aim to bounce back when they take on the West Coast Eagles this Sunday afternoon at ENGIE Stadium.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers women’s team have suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Sydney FC at Marconi Stadium last Friday. The match was tied 0-0 at half-time before the Sky Blues scored back-to-back goals 20 minutes into the second half. The Wanderers will return home this Sunday evening to play the Melbourne Victory. Just three games in the regular season remain.
NETBALL: Panthers Netball have had a mixed night of results in Round 3 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Up against the Sutherland Stingrays, the Panthers Opens team lost 43-38, while the Panthers U23s team and the Stingrays played out a 49-49 draw. Panthers will return to Netball Central in Round 4 to battle the Central Coast Heart.
AFL: The GWS Giants have lost their first game of the season, going down to the unbeaten Hawthorn in a low scoring affair 76-64 last Saturday night in Launceston. All 11 first half goals were scored with the wind, with the Giants opening up a 37-2 lead at quarter-time. The Hawks came to life at the back-end of the second term with the breeze at its back, kicking six goals in 13 minutes
RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 3 of NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys defeated Glebe 32-14, while Penrith Brothers beat the Blacktown Workers 34-10. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys flogged Glebe 54-12, while Penrith Brothers and Manly had their match postponed.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Penrith’s Lisa Fialoa and Tarsha Gale Cup teams had the bye last weekend. Both teams will return to the paddock this weekend for the final round of the regular season. The Panthers will take on the St George Dragons in both competitions this Saturday at Jubilee Stadium.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 8 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season took place last weekend, with Penrith playing the one match. In the Harold Matthews Cup, Penrith had the bye, while in the SG Ball Cup, the Panthers and Illawarra played out a tense 16-16 draw. The Panthers Harold Matthews team will battle the Central Coast Roosters this Saturday afternoon, while Penrith’s SG Ball team will face-off with the North Sydney Bears this Sunday.
GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au.
The Wanderers remain in the top six.
The Giants suffered their first loss of the year.
SPORT
Wanderers remain solid - see page 79
BREAKING THROUGH
Wet weather hasn’t deterred hundreds of people from competing at the 2025 Nepean Triathlon.
More than 350 competitors took part in Australia’s oldest triathlon last Sunday morning at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
Much to the delight of the crowd watching on, two first time winners took out this year’s prestigious race.
Young gun Thales Da Silva Souza, who won the Nepean Classic last year, was the first male to cross the finish line in a strong time of 01:32:41, while rising star Chelsea Brown was the first female to finish in a time of 01:55:42.
Da Silva Souza completed the 1km swim leg in 00:17:00, the 30km cycle leg in 00:47:07, and the 8km run leg in 00:26:47.
Brown completed the swim leg in 00:16:46, the cycle leg in 00:56:54, and the run leg in 00:38:59.
Both winners’ times were down on last year quite considerably.
