Western Weekender December 18 2025

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the western Thursday, December 18, 2025

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The Voice of Penrith

Merry Christmas to all our readers

ICONIC PENRITH FITNESS GURU CALLS IT QUITS AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS

WEIGHTS DOWN Kevin Chevell’s Inside Fitness has survived every fitness craze and competitor imaginable. But after more than 40 years, it’s time for the Penrith institution’s final workout. The gym will close its doors this Friday.

Nathan Taylor reports on Page 16.

Violetta and Kevin Chevell.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Safety concerns: Pages 12-13

Final whistle blown: Back Page

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Next step for massive indoor sports centre EMILY CHATE

T

he new indoor sport centre slated for Claremont Meadows in one step closer to fruition with Penrith City Council, in partnership with NSW Public Works, awarding the centre’s design contract.

AJC Architects, an architectural practice responsible for designing projects including PCYC Wagga Wagga and Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Centre, has been selected to deliver the centre’s design at a cost of $4,489,242.80.

It was one of four companies that submitted tenders.

The arena will be designed to cater to a diverse range of sports and recreation activities, including 10 multi-sport courts, squash courts with movable walls, multi-use rooms, a covered outdoor roller sports rink, a kiosk, a lounge area, a car park, outdoor recreation spaces and facilities and a shared pathway along South Creek.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the design concept will be shared

for community input early next year.

“We will continue to speak with sports clubs, residents, community groups and organisations to make sure the design is on the right track to meet the needs of everyone from casual users through to sports groups at all levels,” Carney said.

“It’s exciting to see this project making progress. The arena was identified as a key project to deliver on our Community Strategic Plan and is an important part of our vision for Penrith as a great place to live, work and visit.

“There aren’t enough indoor sports facilities in the area, and this project will change that by creating a premier sports and recreation facility in the east of the city.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Londonderry Prue Car said this project will unlock a range of new sporting opportunities in western Sydney.

“The Minns Labor Government and Penrith City Council is powering ahead with delivering the high-quality sporting infra-

Artist’s impression of Penrith’s future indoor multi-sports arena.

structure western Sydney residents deserve,” she said.

“This indoor multi-sports arena will be a benefit for our growing community for years to come.”

The project was first announced in 2022 by the then Liberal Government as part of the WestInvest

Project construction is expected to begin in mid-2027.

While Council is hopeful it will be operational by 2029, that would still be seven years from when the facility was first announced.

The total cost for the project is $106 million.

“At this special time of remembering the birth of Jesus, may His message bring you and your family hope and joy at Christmas and into the New Year”

WW57705

MERRY M ERRY CCHRISTMAS HRISTMAS WISHING W ISH HING G EVERYONE EVERYONE A JJOYFUL OYFUL C HR RISTMAS A ND HAPPY HAPPY N EW CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR! YEAR!

program, later re-branded to the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program (WSIG). It remained in limbo for two years while waiting for the Labor Government to transfer the land title to Penrith City Council, which is responsible for delivering the project.

MP 9833 1122 londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

PRUE CAR MP PR MEMBER FOR LONDONDERRY

154 Queen St, St Marys NSW 2760 PO Box 43, St Marys NSW 1790

02 9834 2966 02 9834 6291 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 Shop 43, 155 Bennett Rd, St Clair NSW 2759 badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au

WW57704

Member for Badgerys Creek

@PrueCarMP

AUTHORISED BY PRUE CAR MP. FUNDED USING PARLIAMENTARY ENTITLEMENTS, December 2025

Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlement

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

3

the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998

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Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor | Journalist: Emily Chate | Journalist: Ally Hall |

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Heartbreaking end to a year of highs and lows

I

want to start my final column of the year by acknowledging those impacted by the terror attack in Bondi on Sunday.

As I drove to work on Monday morning, stopped to get petrol and then a coffee, there was a nod of solidarity and recognition from everyone you came across.

This attack will stain Australia forever.

But as much as horrors like this show us the worst of humankind, in the same breath they show us the best.

The incredible stories of heroism and bravery that have emerged out of this attack are the hope and light we must cling to.

We must put our arms around the Jewish community, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as they confront the difficult path ahead.

I encourage you to read Alan Mascarenhas’ brilliant piece on page eight this week, which I think sums up how we all feel after the tragedy of Sunday night.

What happened this week is a horrible conclusion to a year that, has always, delivered a roller-coaster ride.

I write 49 of these columns a year.

About 10 of them are set in stone. Things like ANZAC Day, the start of the footy season, poignant anniversaries and things like that.

The rest somehow find their way from head to keyboard.

This particular column, my last for the year, is always one I look forward to writing.

I’m a reflection kind of guy. I love to look back at the path we have taken to get to the final destination, in this case the end of the year.

It also signals a moment of “we made it”.

Through all the trials and tribulations of the year, the good days and bad, we find ourselves face to face with Santa Claus and everything else Christmas brings.

Of course, the reality is, many did not make it.

Each year we lose people, many of whom had a significant impact on Penrith.

This year felt particularly hard with the

INDEX

losses of veteran journalist Terry Gallaway, former Mayors Pat Sheehy and Kevin Crameri, the legendary St Marys local David Trist, Panthers icon John Farragher and the founder of The Western Weekender, Greg Evans.

But of equal importance, many of you would have lost people not quite as well known. And as you face your first Christmas without your loved one, my thoughts are with you and I acknowledge just how difficult this time of year can be.

“To have your vote of confidence in what we do is the greatest gift”

We saw an intriguing year politically, with Labor and Anthony Albanese returned to power in an election that feels like an age ago, and Melissa McIntosh retaining Lindsay for the Liberal Party.

We were rocked by Deputy Premier and Londonderry MP Prue Car’s cancer diagnosis, and our thoughts and wishes are with her and her family during this period.

We had days of sadness in our community, with the stabbing death of beloved shopkeeper Sonmez Alagoz at Kingswood in February amongst the darkest.

We lost long-standing businesses along the way, with hospitality amongst the hardest hit. But from the rubble of business closures we also saw new arrivals, like Brell House at St Marys and two new chicken wing restaurants set to battle it out over summer.

On the sporting front, Penrith hosted the Canoe Slalom World Championships, while our Panthers fell just one game short of

News..........................................................1-32 Business.............................................33-38 2026 Planning..............................39-42

competing in a sixth straight Grand Final.

It has been an honour and a privilege to bring you the news of our city this year.

In an era of social media distrust, AI, scams and overall uncertainty, traditional media outlets shine as somewhere you can turn when you need factual information without an agenda. That continues to be our mission for all of you.

I’d like to thank my incredible team here at The Western Weekender.

Our journalists Nathan Taylor, Ally Hall and Emily Chate continue to write Penrith’s story, one yarn at a time.

Our sales team of Andrew Harris, Rebecca Vella, Callum Gilbert and Maria Van Den Broek continue to work hand in hand with local businesses to deliver the best on the ground marketing in town.

Our production team of Kacey Wilson, Ian Beard and Maddie Dantier, and our accounts coordinator Amanda Coskerie, play such a critical role in everything we do.

I’d like to thank our publisher and CEO Kathryn Garton for her continued support, and faith in the Weekender. It really is something we cherish.

I want to acknowledge all of our suppliers and wider team, including Naveen Chand who heads up our distribution team.

A special thank you to all of our advertisers and partners. You ensure we can continue doing what we do, and the support you show your local paper is something we value beyond words could ever convey.

And lastly thanks to you, our readers, for your ongoing support. To have your vote of confidence in what we do is the greatest gift we could ask for.

This is the final edition of The Western Weekender for 2025. Our first print edition of 2026 will be out on Thursday, January 15. A limited news service will run on our website and socials over the holidays.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Please stay safe, and we’ll see you back on the roller-coaster next year.

Entertainment..............................43-54 Western Property.......................55-61 The Experts....................................62-65

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

anya

Contact T

badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 9834 2966 (02) 9834 6291 tanyadaviesmp tanyadavies.com.au Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759 55487

Member for Badgerys Creek

55483

Tanya Davies MP

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Relax & Unwind...........................66-74 Motoring.............................................75-77 Sport.....................................................78-80

Authorised by Tanya Davies MP, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

5

LAWandORDER Police Snapshot

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Legal Matters

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

Bateman Battersby Complete Legal | 4704 9991 | 19 Lawson St, Penrith

Jamisontown: Man resists arrest, brandishes knife at police At 6pm on Friday, December 12 police attended a unit block on Regentville Road in Jamisontown. Police went to the unit block to speak with a 34-year-old Urunga man in relation to an incident that occurred earlier in the day.

On arrival at the unit police had a conversation with the occupant who allowed police to enter. The 34-year-old was inside a bedroom in the unit. Police announced they were there and attempted to open the bedroom door. The 34-year-old locked the door and began to barricade himself inside the room.

Police could hear the 34-year-old screaming at them from the other side of the door as well as a window being opened.

Police contacted the Public Order and Riot Squad, Paramedics and Negotiators who all attended the unit block. Upon the Public Order and Riot Squad arriving the 34-yearold refused to comply with any directions and told negotiators that he was carrying a knife. The 34-year-old could be heard yelling on the other side of the door and without warning stabbed the door, causing the knife to protrude through to the other side.

A short time later, the 34-year-old removed the barricades and opened the bedroom door while he was possessing the knife. Police told him to drop the knife and a taser was deployed. The 34-year-old was taken to the ground, and the knife was secured but he resisted being handcuffed.

The 34-year-old was searched, and another knife and a syringe were found in his pocket.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged. The 34-year-old was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

Kingswood: Drunk man wipes blood on police At 12.50pm on Friday, December 12 police were told about a man lying on the footpath of Somerset Street in Kingswood. Police arrived and found a 48-year-old Kingswood man laying down while holding a bottle of wine.

Police attempted to wake the 48-year-old by rubbing his chest and the man began to speak, slurring his words and not making any sense. Police attempted to assist the man in sitting up but the 48-year-old began to verbally abuse officers.

Police got the 48-year-old to his feet, but he was unsteady and continued to verbally abuse them. He then tried to push an officer out of the way and grabbed his bottle of wine.

Police removed the bottle of wine from the 48-year-old who again verbally abused the officers.

At this stage, the 48-year-old was bleeding from his foot and knee. He then wiped the blood from his wound onto one of the officers.

The 48-year-old was then arrested and taken to hospital where he received treatment.

The 48-year-old was later charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, January 20.

Cranebrook: Teenager lights colleague on fire At 4pm on Thursday, December 11 a 16-year-old Llandilo teenager and a 17-yearold Londonderry teenager were working at an industrial location in Cranebrook.

The 17-year-old was fixing a truck at the location, and the 16-year-old was standing behind him in possession of a blow torch.

The 16-year-old attempted to light the 17-year-old’s shirt on fire but the 17-year-old walked away.

The 16-year-old took a bottle of brake cleaner and sprayed it on the 17-year-old before attempting to light the 17-year-old’s shirt on fire again, but the fire did not take.

The 16-year-old again sprayed the 17-yearold with brake cleaner and used the blow torch to light the 17-year-old’s shirt on fire causing him to be quickly engulfed in flames causing serious burns.

The 17-year-old was taken by ambulance to hospital and police were notified. The 16-year-old was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged. He will appear in a Children’s Court on Tuesday, February 3.

Penrith: Man urinates in library, will face court next year A man will front court after an incident at Penrith Library last week.

At 7pm on Tuesday, December 9 a 57-yearold Kingswood man was inside a library in Penrith.

The man was acting erratically and began making other library guests including children uncomfortable.

Library staff were informed and as they approached the 57-year-old began to urinate on the floor.

Security arrived and asked the 57-year-old to leave but the man threatened security leading to police being called.

Police arrived and after reviewing CCTV footage arrested the man.

The 57-year-old was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court next year.

Generations of Trust.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST! In our last column for 2025 we would like to wish all our clients, referrers and our local community a happy and safe holiday season.

Our office will close on Monday, December 22 at 5.00pm and reopen on Monday, January 5 at 9.00am.

2025 has been a wonderful year for the firm.

For our regular readers, you will have noticed some changes to our branding.

We are excited to share that earlier this year Complete Legal and Conveyancing merged with Bateman Battersby Lawyers to form “Bateman Battersby Complete Legal”.

Our combined team now boasts 11 solicitors with over 40 years of experience in Property Law and Conveyancing, Business and Commercial Law, Wills and Estate Planning, Family Law, Disputes and Litigation (including will disputes), Employment Law, Debt Recovery, Criminal Law and Traffic Law. Complemented by a formidable team of experienced and devoted paralegals and legal assistants, Bateman Battersby Complete Legal has a team of over 20 staff ready to support local people and local businesses with their legal needs into the future.

Whether you are purchasing your first home, buying, selling or leasing commercial

or industrial property, acquiring or merging with another business, drafting a will, administering a deceased person’s estate, navigating the challenges of a relationship breakdown, dealing with issues with an employee/employer or involved in a legal dispute of some kind, we can help. We are extremely proud to have one of the most comprehensive legal service offerings in western Sydney.

It is this columnist’s (Daniel McKinnon) absolute pleasure to lead a combined team including John Bateman OAM and Michael Battersby as well as all of the other familiar faces our existing clients have come to know so well.

To our existing clients and referrers, thank you. A law firm is nothing without loyal clients who put their trust in us.

To new clients we might meet in the future, we welcome you in advance and look forward to working with you.

Finally, to all of the staff of Bateman Battersby Complete Legal, thank you for your dedication to ensuring the success of our merged legal practice and for your devotion to all of our clients. May your holiday season be filled with love and laughter.

COALITION RESPONDS TO ANTISEMITISM The Coalition has established a dedicated Taskforce on antisemitism, extremism and counter-terrorism in response to the escalating threat posed by antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.

It comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under intense pressure regarding his response to antisemitism in Australia.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said the taskforce would bring urgency and discipline to confronting a threat that endangers the lives of Australians.

“The Prime Minister has said he will do whatever it takes. That means doing the hard work, not delaying it like the government has done to date,” Ley said.

“That must start with implementing the Antisemitism Envoy’s report in full, not shelving it or watering it down.

“ASIO has been clear. Antisemitism represents the greatest threat to loss of life in Australia, and when our intelligence agencies issue warnings of that magnitude, political leaders have a duty to act.

“No Australian should feel unsafe practising their faith, sending their children to

school or gathering as a community. Jewish Australians should never have to look over their shoulder in their own country. Restoring safety and confidence is non-negotiable.”

The taskforce has been established with three clear priorities: • It will drive the full implementation of the government’s Antisemitism Envoy’s report.

• The taskforce will focus on strengthening Australia’s counter-terrorism response.

This work will examine weaknesses and emerging risks across intelligence coordination, law enforcement powers, border integrity and the monitoring of individuals on terror watchlists.

• The taskforce will undertake direct and ongoing engagement with Jewish community leaders, organisations and institutions to ensure their security needs are understood and addressed.

“For too long, antisemitism has been allowed to grow in plain sight,” Ley said.

“What we saw at Bondi is the consequence of failing to confront extremism early and decisively.”

Our combined team can advise you Our combined team can advise you on:on: Conveyancing Conveyancing && Property Property Law Law

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Our team has had the privilege of representing local people and local businesses for decades.

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6

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

˂˨˥ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˢ˩˘˥ ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˁ˘˪ ˌ˘˔˥ ˇ˛˘ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ʟ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ ˔ˡ˗ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˙˥ˢˠ 4pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026.

News

ˁˢ˥ˠ˔˟ ˢˣ˘˥˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˛ˢ˨˥˦ ˥˘˦˨ˠ˘ ʹ˥˜˗˔ˬ ʥ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʩʡ

ˌˢ˨ ˖˔ˡ ˦˧˜˟˟ ˟ˢ˗˚˘ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˦ˢˠ˘ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ʡ Visit my.penrith.city to access our Online Services Portal ˔ˡ˗ library.penrith.city to ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˧˛˘ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ʡ

Find out more at penrith.city/news

Contact Us Administration ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ Civic Centre, 601 High Street. ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street. ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˂ˣ˘ˡ 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777 PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at ˠˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

Services ˊ˔˦˧˘ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ 4732 7777 ʼ˟˟˘˚˔˟ ʷ˨ˠˣ˜ˡ˚ Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). ʺ˥˔˙Ѓ˧˜ ʻˢ˧˟˜ˡ˘ Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

Council Briefs ● Get ready to paddle, explore and enjoy the Nepean River like never before with a new kayak launch deck now ready to use at River Road in Leonay, between Buring Avenue and Urbane Street. ˇ˛˜˦ ˜˦ ˧˛˘ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˟˔˨ˡ˖˛ ˗˘˖˞ ˢˡ ˧˛˘ ˦ˢ˨˧˛˘˥ˡ ˦˜˗˘ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ M4, making it even easier to explore the stunning Nepean Gorge, one of the river’s most popular paddling spots.

This addition joins our network of access points around the Nepean River including launch decks at Tench Reserve and Regatta Park to create even more paddling opportunities at the Nepean River.

This project was jointly funded by the NSW Government in association with Penrith City Council. Council secured a $250,000 grant under the NSW Government’s Boating Now Program and matched this funding. ● Construction has begun on the Londonderry Park upgrade, ˗˘˟˜˩˘˥˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˡ˘˪ ˣ˟˔ˬ˦ˣ˔˖˘ ˗˘˦˜˚ˡ˘˗ ˙ˢ˥ ˔˟˟ ˔˚˘˦ʡ ˇ˛˘ Ѓˡ˔˟ design includes swings, a multi-level play tower, boulder climbing and water play.

It also features new fencing, pathways, Dalmarri Indigenous artwork, a drinking fountain, seating and a picnic shelter.

As part of the upgrade, the tennis courts will be resurfaced ˔ˡ˗ Ѓ˧˧˘˗ ˪˜˧˛ ˡ˘˪ ˙˘ˡ˖˜ˡ˚ʡ Work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026.

This project is funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council.

For more information, visit: ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˟ˢˡ˗ˢˡ˗˘˥˥ˬˣ˔˥˞ ● The holiday season is upon us! As we prepare to celebrate, it's important to keep sustainability in mind and reduce the environmental impact of the festivities. To support Penrith residents during this busy time, Penrith Council is offering additional waste management services over Christmas and New Year:

Monday 2 February – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)

• ʸ˫˧˥˔ ˞˘˥˕˦˜˗˘ ˕˜ˡ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ʭ Additional weeks to help manage the festive waste from Thursday 25 December to Wednesday 7 January 2026 (including public holidays).

Monday 9 February – 7pm (Policy & Strategy Committee Meeting)

• ʻˢ˨˦˘˛ˢ˟˗ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ˗˥ˢˣʠˢ˙˙ ˗˔ˬ˦ʭ Help us recycle seasonal packaging and materials from Monday 22 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026, excluding public holidays.

Online via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

• ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˧˥˘˘ ˗˜˦ˣˢ˦˔˟ʭ A dedicated drop-off event for ‘real’ Christmas trees on Saturday 10 January 2026.

For full details on these services and how to take advantage of them, visit ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˖˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦

penrith.city.council

Let’s work together to make this holiday season joyful and environmentally responsible!

penrithcouncil penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Integrated Development Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. In accordance with Section 2.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the development application will be referred to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel (SWCPP) for determination.

• HB & B Property Pty Ltd DA25/0955 ʿˢ˧ ʤ ʷ˃ ʤʥʬʦʫʣʨʟ ʥʤʤϝʥʥʪ ʿ˨˗˗˘ˡ˛˔ˠ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ʿˢ˧ ʬʥ ʷ˃ ʤʥʪʩʧʣʧʟ ʤʤʪ ʿ˨˗˗˘ˡ˛˔ˠ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ʿˢ˧ ʥ ʷ˃ ʨʧʪʣʨʪʟ ʦʬʤʠʦʬʨ ˀ˔ˠ˥˘ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ Proposed staged construction of Luddenham Road upgrades with new signalised intersection to Patons Lane and Luddenham Road widening, upgrade of Patons Lane with roundabout intersection to site collector road with associated earthworks, stormwater management works (including basin), reinstatement of existing driveways and construction of new driveway, new utility service connections, landscaping embellishment works and vegetation clearing The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from Heritage NSW. ˇ˛˜˦ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˜˦ ˜˗˘ˡ˧˜Ѓ˘˗ ˔˦ ˧˛˥˘˔˧˘ˡ˘˗ ˦ˣ˘˖˜˘˦ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ and includes a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith Council’s DA Tracker at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢʷʴ˧˥˔˖˞˘˥ or at the locations listed ˕˘˟ˢ˪ ˔˧ ˔ˡˬ ˧˜ˠ˘ ˗˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˢ˥˗˜ˡ˔˥ˬ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘ ˛ˢ˨˥˦ʟ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ from Monday 22 December 2025 to Sunday 8 February 2026. ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ • 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 • 207–209 Queen Street, St Marys NSW 2760 ˁˆˊ ʷ˘ˣ˔˥˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˢ˙ ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ʟ ʼˡ˗˨˦˧˥ˬ ʙ ʸˡ˩˜˥ˢˡˠ˘ˡ˧ • 320 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 • 10 Valentine Avenue, Parramatta NSW 2150 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, ˧˛˘ ˚˥ˢ˨ˡ˗˦ ˢ˙ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡʡ ˇ˛˘ submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0955. ʹˢ˥ ˔ˡˬ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˥˘˟˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ʭ Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.

Development Application The following Development Application has been received

by Council: • Stevens Land Pty Ltd DA25/0920 ʿˢ˧ ʥʥ ʷ˃ ʤʥʬʨʥʩʪʟ ʤϝʨ ʽˢ˛ˡ ˂˫˟˘ˬ ʴ˩˘ˡ˨˘ʟ ˊ˘˥˥˜ˡ˚˧ˢˡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬ Commercial development comprising 2 take-away food outlets, a retail building comprising of 4 retail tenancies, associated parking, landscaping and signage and a 3-lot Torrens title subdivision Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378 Closing Date: Monday 12 January 2026 ˉ˜˘˪˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢʷʴˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. ʷ˜˦˖˟ˢ˦˨˥˘ ˢ˙ ˃ˢ˟˜˧˜˖˔˟ ʷˢˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˥ ʺ˜˙˧˦ By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ WW57789

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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Guest Columnist

Alan Mascarenhas

alanmascarenhas09@gmail.com

@lifeofalanmasc

We must try to find light in the darkness S hock. Bewilderment. Panic. Dread. A reflex, even in the immediate aftermath, that something precious about Australia has been pierced.

A terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, targeted at Sydney’s Jewish community.

Even typing the words the next morning feels unreal. We will remember where we were, what we were doing, when it happened.

Not all the details – just the moment our stomachs dropped. Hands trembling at the first buzzes on WhatsApp. The frantic scrolling of Instagram feeds. Eyewitness videos that load, then stop, then load again.

I was walking home, having left a local event in Carlingford. Lights. Families. Children still singing. I shared the news with a stranger on the pavement. We stood there, phones in hand, watching footage of two armed men firing into a crowd on the beachfront.

“What’s happening to society?” I heard myself say. He shook his head. What’s becoming of us.

It still hasn’t sunk in. I keep imagining the scene. Blood on the grass. The dead and the maimed. People trying to help. The moment when the sound stopped being confusing and became unmistakable. Not fireworks. Not celebration.

Beachgoers running, scaling hills, hiding behind cars, fleeing into back streets, losing sight of friends, parents grabbing for children

– that primal fear, the kind most of us have not known and hope never to know, flooding the body all at once.

It’s important to note this was not random, in the way we sometimes say to protect ourselves. This was a deliberate act of antisemitic hatred. A community gathered in peace, celebrating Chanukah by the Sea, was attacked because of who they are.

I cannot imagine what Jewish Australians are experiencing today. The question that must be echoing: Are we safe here? Why weren’t we safe? Everybody in this country should be free to practise their faith openly, proudly. That is the Australia we believe in.

I also grieve for us. Our worst fears realised.

Shots fired into a crowd. A mass-casualty terrorism event. Many parents try to shield their children from violent images to preserve their innocence. They might not let them watch too much of the news. But events like this expand our map of human darkness.

They whisper that Australia was never the shield we imagined.

Bondi Beach is not simply a beautiful place.

It’s the ultimate calling card of a nation meant to be happy, carefree and open to the world.

And it belongs to everyone – surfers catching a break, influencers meditating on clifftops, families with sand between their toes. It’s where so many of us have tried the yoga studios or wine bars, sipped from its smoothie counters, or triumphantly completed the City2Surf. And it’s where we proudly take visitors to show off who we are.

For me, it’s where I go to find peace. All the way from western Sydney, as much as three nights a week during summer, simply to run along the boardwalk or the sand, leaving my belongings out in the open, never worrying they won’t be there when I return.

How many of us thought about the beach on Sunday? I almost went. The weather was perfect – I had my swimmers in my bag – but changed plans at the last minute so as not to be late for the carols.

The Prime Minister said that in moments of darkness we must be each other’s light. It’s a

simple phrase, but it feels right. There will be anger in the days ahead – that’s human. But anger, left unchecked, only generates heat. It doesn’t help us see the way forward.

Those responsible wanted nihilism. They wanted fear. They wanted fracture. They wanted Australians to turn on one another, to entrench hatreds that do not belong on our streets – let alone our beaches. Will we give them that victory?

If there is a different story from Sunday night, it lies in the actions of a single bystander. As shots rang out, a man ran towards danger and crash-tackled one of the gunmen. The Premier called it the most extraordinary footage he had ever seen.

With one act of bravery, he neutralised half the threat. He gave police time. He left people space to escape. He did it, not knowing if the attacker had another weapon, a suicide vest, or accomplices nearby.

We are told his name is Ahmed al Ahmed.

We will learn more about him, but perhaps the most important thing is this: he was an everyman – balding, unremarkable – who did something not everyone would attempt. In a moment of terror, he chose instinctively to protect the innocent.

Let’s let that sit. Something quietly profound.

Not a slogan. Not a sermon. Just a reminder of who we are at our best.

That, too, is Australia.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

YESTERYEARS LANE

LOCAL NEWS

BONDI’S BROKEN HEART Penrith’s response to terror attack as Australia is rocked by mass shooting at beach TROY DODDS

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he Penrith community has responded to the Bondi terror attack by donating blood in record numbers.

The Penrith Donor Centre stopped taking walk-in bookings on Monday due to “unprecedented levels of attendance”.

“We apologise for this inconvenience, but are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community,” a sign at the donor centre said.

The high number of donations locally has continued throughout the week.

It has been a similar situation at donor centres across Sydney as people do what they can to help following the terror attack at Bondi Beach.

15 innocent people were killed when a father and son opened fire at a Hannukkah event on Sunday evening. Dozens of others were hurt.

One of the gunmen, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police. His son Naveed remains in hospital.

The incident was declared a terror attack by NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

“I want to be crystal clear that we strongly repudiate antisemitism in all of its forms and there is no tolerance for racism or hatred in NSW or Australia,” Premier Chris Minns said.

“And we will wrap our arms around the Jewish community and let them know that every Australian stands with them.”

A woman is comforted outside the Bondi Pavilion. Photo: AAP / Dean Lewins.

Federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh said: “Our hearts are broken”.

“Our community is with our Jewish community, with our Bondi friends and with our fellow Australians,” she said.

“Thank you to every hero who stepped up and made our country proud on the darkest of days.”

The tragedy put a dark cloud over the entire country on Sunday night and Monday.

Wingstop’s planned grand opening in Penrith on Monday was postponed out of respect.

Multiple police investigations continue in the wake of the attack.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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Joke of the Week

Q: What happens to old candy canes?

A: They go into retire-mint Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

S

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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 bumper sticker from the Paceway

I SPY

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 Paceway 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: 0311, 0392, 0001 The bumper sticker promotion won’t be returning in 2026. Thanks for taking part over the years!

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Do you know where this picture was taken?

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 Santa Claus holding a candy cane inflatable is located above Health Save Chemist near Memory Park on High Street, Penrith.

Connect with us online...

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Criticism of the police response to the Bondi terror attack is way off the mark. Selected video snippets on social media, and rogue journalists, aren’t helping.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

@wwpenrith @westernweekender

Congratulations to all involved in the Carols on the Course event at Leonay last weekend, including the crowd who turned out and braved the conditions. A wonderful night!

@westernweekender @westernweekender

LOCAL NEWS

Proactive, not reactive: Funding helps prepare EMILY CHATE

right now,” Templeman said.

“You go a kilometre or two up the hill and everyone in a bushfire zone has access to terrific information about how to make their home

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, Assistant Minister for Emergency Management Josh Wilson and State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown. Photo: Emily Chate.

more resilient and there is even an app called ‘the Bushfire Resilience Rating Home Self-Assessment’ you can put all your details in and it will give you a list of the things that you personally can do or the investment you can make in your home to make it more resilient. It is much less accessible to find out how to make a house more resilient to flood and what other things can be done that would save money if it does get flooded given the inevitability of flooding at some point in time when you live beside a riverbed.”

Now coming into the fourth round of funding, the three politicians met to discuss the impact of flood events in the Nepean and Hawkesbury.

McKeown said there was a lot of unknown information regarding flooding within the Penrith area.

“Historically, we have been reactive rather than proactive,” McKeown said.

“It’s about switching that up to make sure that we’re putting funding where it is needed in the front end and not coming in after the fact when its catastrophic.

“Nearly 50 per cent of our flooding occurs below the dam.

“It is all the tributaries and creeks that feed into the river below the dam, and it gets that bathtub effect, comes through at velocity and the creeks then back up and with nowhere to go it over spills…

“That sort of information will be gold for them to know what they can do.”

Wilson said it was important to speak with people in the affected communities.

“The Commonwealth just wants to work more responsively and make sure that the funding we provide rather than being tilted towards after the event also includes support for getting ahead of it,” he said.

“Seeing these kind of Disaster Ready Fund projects on the ground, talking to people who understand the communities that are affected by them is the best way of making sure that we have adjusted a program a little bit year on year and we will keep doing that so that we get the best return from the investment.”

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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he Nepean River was the peaceful background for a meeting between local politicians last week as they discussed disaster funding for the area.

The politicians, including Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown and Assistant Minister for Emergency Management Josh Wilson, met to discuss the latest round of Disaster Ready Funding that will include a project for the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley.

The Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is an initiative for disaster resilience and risk reduction where up to $1 billion is provided over a five-year period to support projects which address the physical and social impacts of disasters on Australian communities.

In the third round of funding, support was provided for the Resilience Homes and Preparedness Program, providing 2000 home assessments to the most at risk

properties in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, with just over $2 million in funding.

“What I love about this program is it’s just filling an information gap

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LOCAL NEWS

Seniors sound alarm Constant ignorance of No Stopping signs has residents of a popular retirement ALLY HALL

A

long Retreat Drive – the road that leads into Mountain View Retirement Village – there is a row of standard ‘No Stopping’ signs. However, at any given time of day, there is usually a row of parked cars there too.

To most, this is a head-scratching scenario to brush off. To the residents at Mountain View, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

To discuss safety concerns, 74 of the residents gathered at what was one of the largest resident meetings to occur at Mountain View.

Linsey was the first to take the mic.

“There is no lighting on that street, and the paths don’t go right down.

If people are walking this way, they have to get off the path and onto the road,” Linsey explained.

“There are new blocks being made there that aren’t occupied yet, and they are going to make the parking even worse for us. I found that there are some larger vehicles parking there now as well – tradies, vans, and things like that.

“So, my main issues are the lighting, the pathway, and the cars that are parking there preventing

Ruth, Irena, Betty, and Hazel. Photo: Ally Hall.

us from walking safely down to the village.”

Linsey’s concerns were met with a ‘hear, hear’. Later in the meeting, Frank shared his experience.

“One day, I saw a line-up of vehicles along one side of Retreat Drive and there was one vehicle on the other side. Unfortunately,

the garbage truck couldn’t get in,” Frank recounted.

“They went away and came back with a smaller vehicle with a chap that had to both drive the truck and get out to empty the bins into the back of the truck. He had to do the whole village.

“The fact of the matter is – and I

hope this never happens – that if we need the fire brigade, they won’t be able to access the street.”

Multiple residents have contacted Penrith City Council to enquire about having the illegally-parked cars towed, but that stretch of road is privately owned by Hardi Aged Care, who run the neighbouring

nursing home facility.

“I’ve been to the council and gave them my phone number. The ranger rang me up and said that because it’s a private road, he can’t do anything,” explained Kathy.

“He told me the only ones that can do something is the police, so I rang the police and they told me I need to go to a local Member.

“I understand that they’re too busy to come down and fine cars, but something has to be done to stop it because something serious is going to happen.”

Mary, another resident, reiterated that point.

“If there is a fire in here, a fire engine can’t get down; ambulances have enough trouble as it is,” she said.

“I don’t know whether the people in the nursing home realise that they are endangering the lives of their residents and staff as much as they’re endangering our lives.”

Polly has lived in the village for 20 years and hopes to see a resolution.

“In this area, we’re all aged, and we want to be looked after. I don’t know what the answer is, but someone has to come up with something very soon,” Polly said.

Manufactor Precinct – 4 / 2215 Castlereagh Road, Penrith enrith – 4720 2320

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LOCAL NEWS

over parking village on edge, and nobody is taking action

“I’m 90 in January, and there are a lot of people here a lot younger than me and they will be here for a long time. This is a wonderful place to own property, and we’re all lovely people, and it’s a shame that we’re all under risk.”

The Weekender reached out to Principal Lawyer at Complete Legal Daniel McKinnon, who posed an interesting question regarding the

regulation of the road.

“To determine what powers the council or police have to regulate the use of a ‘road’ that is on private property, the question that must be answered is whether or not the Road Rules 2014 (NSW) apply,” he stated.

“The test is not ownership, it is access and use, and in certain circumstances, the rules can and do apply to private property.”

‘No Stopping’ sign on Retreat Drive. Photo: Melinda Jane.

On behalf of my family, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year with loved ones WW57711

Ruth organised the Extraordinary Meeting. Photo: Ally Hall.

According to Regulation 12 of the NSW Road Rules 2014, a road is defined as an area that is open to be used by the public and is used for the driving of motor vehicles.

Regulation 11 states that the rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas.

“Private property is not automatically excluded,” McKinnon explained.

“Places like shopping centre car parks, internal roads of a hospital and university, or club car parks are often captured by the Road Rules even though many of these types of properties are privately owned.

“To avoid enlivening the Road Rules on a ‘private road’ there needs to be an element of restricted access to the public.

“For example, a gated industrial yard, a farm track behind locked gates, or a residential driveway on private property that is not open to public use.

“If the Road Rules apply, then the police or the council are typically the authorities empowered to regulate things like breaching 'No Stopping' signs.”

Hardi Aged Care did not provide a statement in time for publication.

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

Pub’s parking dilemma Log Cabin to replace confusing signage, confirms customer parking will be free ALLY HALL

A

new parking sign at The Log Cabin caused outrage and confusion recently, but it was all a big misunderstanding.

In large writing, the sign features a list of newly introduced parking prices, and in smaller text, it says ‘Customers validate parking at The Log Cabin’.

In the comment section of a Facebook post featuring the sign, one commenter wrote ‘Rip off’ and another wrote ‘Guess I’ve visited The Log Cabin for the last time’.

Since then, the establishment has clarified the situation via social media and will replace the signage to improve clarity.

“We’ve realised the signage we put up was a tad confusing for our guests,” said The Log Cabin’s General Manager Matt Betteridge.

“Patrons of The Log Cabin will get free parking, we just ask that they make a purchase over the bar or bistro to confirm that, and then we give them a QR code coupon to scan upon exit for free parking.”

You can obtain the QR code with a $10 purchase, but allowances are made for those visiting for events.

The Log Cabin is one of Penrith’s most popular watering holes.

The confusing parking sign.

“For guests of an event, we can provide a QR code without requiring a payment,” Betteridge elaborated on the rules.

“And for instance, if someone is at Sinclair’s sitting at a table of 10 and they didn’t personally pay for their meal, we can still give every person at the table a QR code. The whole

“Additionally, on Sunday mornings or afternoons, we would have 10 to 15 patrons in our venue, but the car park would be full. This meant that when peak times rolled around, patrons would struggle to park at our venue because people doing the river walk were using it,” he said.

“We also had a few issues with

point of doing this is to better our patrons’ experience.”

And most patrons’ experiences start in the car park.

Betteridge said the new parking system was implemented as other venues were advertising the car park as an option for their own customers.

party buses using our car park as free parking for pick-up and dropoff. We had to put this signage in place to protect our business and better protect our clients.”

Clearer signage is expected to arrive this week. In the meantime, parking is still free.

“Anyone can get in there for the time being, but I dare say that within a week or two we will start charging.

We don’t want to rush it; we want to make sure we get everything right first,” Betteridge finalised.

The popular Laughin’ Boy cafe, which sits on the other side of the river, has had its own parking challenges.

“Penrith City Council have installed sandstone blocks on the grassed area where many of our customers park,” a post on social media said.

“This has significantly reduced available parking space as our on-site car park tends to fill up quickly (especially on sunny days!).”

Once fully implemented, paid parking at The Log Cabin for non-customers will start at $5 for up to an hour, with a maximum fee of $50 for those staying more than five hours.

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LOCAL NEWS

Council keeps eye on the ball with parking EMILY CHATE

P

enrith City Councillors have endorsed a five-year action plan to make parking within the Penrith CBD “work harder” as the city prepares for major growth.

The report titled the ‘Penrith City Centre Parking Implementation Plan 2025-2030’ identifies shortand medium-term actions that can be executed over the coming five years to make the existing parking solutions within the CBD be utilsied in an efficient way.

This plan comes on the back of a similar parking strategy implemented in 2011 which was developed to optimise existing parking provisions, provide parking and sustainable transport opportunities to manage the parking demand of a growing city and provide an integrated transit and parking system as a critical element in achieving the city’s vision.

“Since the adoption of the 2011 Strategy, Council has delivered on several impactful strategies/ actions to date, including rollout of

in-ground parking sensors across the CBD, line marking of on-street parking spaces, allocation of an increased number of accessible parking spaces in off-street car parks and provision of additional car parking at the North Street and Woodriff Gardens sites,” the Council report said.

“Work is also ongoing as we address CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) issues throughout the CBD including footpaths, lighting safety and wayfinding.”

In 2023 following the pandemic Council commissioned a car parking study to understand current parking data as well as supply and demand pressures in the CBD. “The analysis found that there is currently a surplus of parking available within the CBD and therefore increasing supply now would be premature,” the Council report said.

“However, there are a number of potential ‘levers’ (or actions) that could be implemented in the short to medium-term to manage supply and demand pressures.”

Union Lane car park. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Recent data outlined in the Council report outlines that there are 6,361 private parking spaces, 5,222 public off street parking spaces and 1,118 public on street parking spaces.

The 2025-2030 implementation plan groups its recommendations into seven objectives including understanding parking issues,

optimising parking demand monitoring and enforcement, efficient use of existing facilities, reducing demand, ensuring development parking controls are effective, generate funding to support manage measures and increase car park supply.

“The Implementation Plan is not intended to be final or absolute in

the sequencing or ultimate delivery of actions,” the Council report said.

“Delivery of parking management initiatives requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation.”

Do you think there is enough parking in Penrith? Give us your verdict by emailing news@westernweekender.com.au.

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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LOCAL NEWS

Final workout: Fitness legend calls it a day NATHAN TAYLOR

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long-standing local business, which has impacted the lives of more than 25,000 people, will close its doors on Friday after more than four decades in operation.

Iconic Penrith gymnasium Kevin Chevell’s Inside Fitness will officially depart its well-known premises at 87 Henry Street tomorrow after 32 years at the busy location.

When Kevin Chevell and his wife Violetta moved into the site from their previous location at Peachtree Road in 1993, they were one of the only gyms in town, now Penrith has become somewhat of a fitness mecca with several gyms within walking distance of their soon-to-be shuttered business.

But it isn’t local competition that is seeing this passionate couple pack up and move on to their next chapter, it’s the opportunity to spend more time with family and other projects after dedicating their lives to helping others for more than 40 years.

“When the original owner of the building passed away two years ago, we decided to reassess our situation,” Kevin told the Weekender inside his near empty gym.

“The new owner was happy for us to stay as long as we wanted, but he also said that he wanted to make something of the building, and we both agreed that he should.

“We have missed time with our kids and our grandkids. I’ve given it a pretty good shot, 42 years, and I’ve still got plenty of work to do over in India where I still coach cricket three times a year.”

“I never worried about what other gyms were doing”

Kevin originally started Inside Fitness in 1983. Not long after, he became frustrated with the high dropout rate in the fitness industry, which led him to develop his own ‘Chevell methods’ that focused on delivering faster and more noticeable results.

“I played State cricket for Western Australia in my early 20s and, as a fast bowler, I had my fair share

Nathan Taylor chats with Violetta and Kevin Chevell. Photo: Melinda Jane.

of injuries. I used to see a range of doctors and medical specialists, but my injuries kept returning,” he said.

“I soon realised that I was knocking on the wrong door… I needed to knock on my own door. I had to find the answers as to why I was getting injured and I ended up doing that.

“Once I discovered the formula, which became the Chevell methods, I not only became a better player, but I was injury-free.”

In 1991, Kevin began applying his methods to professional athletes, including state and international cricketers, like Australian captain Mark Taylor, as well as rugby league stars.

“There were stages during the 1990s and early 2000s that I had a who’s who stable of well-known sports legends out here in Penrith under my guidance and all after the same thing – an edge on their opposition,” Kevin said.

“In 1995, Glenn McGrath said, ‘Kev, I think I can do well at Test cricket level. I can bowl good enough but I’m not going to last.

I was wondering if you can help me?’,” Kevin recalled.

“Glenn said he was willing to do whatever it took, so I said he needed to get himself out to Penrith on Tuesday morning at 6am and not to be late. He arrived at 5.45am and he never missed a session for the next 12 years, five times a week!”

Years later, as a thank you for his dedication and commitment to his wonderful career, McGrath gifted Kevin his famous Baggy Green cap.

In the mid-1990s, on the advice of someone he met at an industry event, Kevin started adapting his methods for everyday people of all ages and conditions – proving they are effective beyond elite athletes.

“After that conversation, it was like a penny dropped,” Kevin admitted.

“I knew the formula, so I decided to scale what I do with sportspeople to suit the average person. As soon as we started to do that it took off immediately. People would come in

Violetta and Kevin Chevell are closing their famous gym in Penrith.

saying, ‘I’ve lost weight’, ‘I’ve got all this strength’, ‘I’ve got all this speed’, ‘my heart condition has improved’, ‘no more back pain’.

“I discovered that this is the way to teach people properly, and that’s why we have lasted so long.”

But it wasn’t just the ‘Chevell methods’ that Kevin and Violetta have imparted on thousands of people, they were innovators in many other ways too.

“Back in the Peachtree Road days we were the first gym to put in entertainment like playing music videos on TV screens,” Violetta said.

“Then, when we relocated to Henry Street, we were the first gym that started doing monthly memberships.

“Prior to that you had to either pay at the door for each visit or join as a member for three-,

six- or 12-months. You’d pick the period and pay cash up front, like registering your car. There was no such thing as a monthly payment system.”

And while Penrith is currently home to around 20 major gyms and fitness centres, not many offer the personalised, old-fashioned service that Kevin Chevell’s Inside Fitness was renowned for over all these decades.

“Each person that would come in here, I’d sit down with them, get their background, and find out why they walked through these doors,” Kevin said.

“I never worried about what other gyms were doing. It was about staying true to myself. If you were part of my gym – you were a member, you were family, as far as I was concerned.”

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

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LOCAL NEWS

Lend a hand this Christmas Support services come together to meet unprecedented demand for help EMILY CHATE

T

“When someone walks in after skipping meals so their kids can eat, one meal or one safe place to sit and be heard can be the turning point.

“People are exhausted, and they need community behind them."

The Just One campaign is coordinated through the Uniting Church’s Parramatta Nepean Presbytery, and all funds raised support frontline work across the five partner organisations.

“Hardship rarely comes on its own,” Just One campaign spokesperson Craig Corby said.

“Someone who can’t afford food might also be struggling with rent or isolation.

“Working together ensures people receive are in joined up ways: food, shelter, support and hope.”

Just One support services include a warm meal, shower or hygiene pack for someone sleeping rough, a lifeline crisis call answered, a Christmas hamper delivered and a supported playgroup helping parents rebuild confidence.

To help or learn more about the campaign visit https://donate. parramattamission.org.au/event/ just-one.

Support services are available this Christmas. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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his festive season give the gift of financial relief, be a shoulder to lean on or fill a hungry stomach as it could be the turning point for someone in need.

Communities across western Sydney are facing record hardship as cost-of-living pressures, housing stress and food insecurity intensify.

Local support services are reporting their highest demand for emergency relief, mental health support and crisis intervention since COVID-19.

In response, five community organisations including Parramatta Mission, Junction 142, Lifeline Macarthur & Western Sydney, Bidwill Uniting and Gateway Family Services have untied to launch the Just One Christmas appeal, a coordinated model of care ensuring no need falls through the cracks.

The collaboration brings together food relief, crisis counselling, family support, community meals and pastoral care, strengthening safety nets across Parramatta, Penrith, the Blue Mountains,

Nepean and Macarthur.

Through the Just One appeal, agencies are asking the community to give just one gift like one meal, one grocery card, one counselling session or one night of safety because each act is capable of changing the trajectory of a family doing it tough.

Lifeline, which provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services, is seeing rising distress according to Chief Executive Officer for Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney Veronica Macdonald.

“Our calls tell us the pressure is real,” she said.

“Campaigns like Just One remind people that someone will answer.

Someone will step in. No one needs to face this alone.”

Frontline workers are saying the need for help in western Sydney is the worst it has been in years.

“We’re seeing families who have never asked for help before: single parents, shift workers, people who are working hard but unable to keep up with the rise in cost of living,” Fundraising and Consortium Manager at Parramatta Mission Jenny Oates said.

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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LOCAL NEWS

Your guide to Penrith’s From Caddens to Cranebrook and Emu Heights to Erskine Park, locals have gone ALLY HALL

Shepherd Street Thrift Street Adler Parade Cumberland Road Berith Road Carnation Street

T

he hunt is on! It’s time to chuck on your jammies, stir your hot chocolate, and whack the Christmas music on in the car to explore endless Penrith streets filled with sparkling lights.

One of the many houses with a display on another level this year is 17 Regentville Road, Glenmore Park.

“We have a Grinch-themed display, so we have a lot of Grinch pieces and lights all around the house,” explained local mum-of-three Taylor Duck.

“We’re collecting donations for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and we have food trucks and Santa here on the weekends.

“We enjoy doing this for the kids and we love having everyone come along and enjoy this time with us.”

In the spirit of giving, the Weekender has created an itinerary for your 2025 Christmas light hunt:

EMU HEIGHTS 1 Matthews Street Litton Street

EMU PLAINS 31 Coghlan Crescent Emerald Street

ERSKINE PARK 4 Capri Place Whistler Street

Glenbrook Street, Jamisontown. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CADDENS 22 Oxen Way

CAMBRIDGE PARK 11 Sherriff Street 92 College Street 138 Oxford Street 140 Oxford Street Twickenham Avenue Lincoln Drive Pembroke Street

is there every Saturday until Christmas, there are free lollies, and the family is collecting donations to give to Westmead Hospital.

2 Glynn Close. The light display is connected to music and matches the beat!

4 Ravine Close 34 Waterfall Crescent Hindmarsh Street

CRANEBROOK

COLYTON

10 Bottlebrush Drive. Santa

22 Dan Crescent

6 Devaney Avenue, Glenmore Park.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

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LOCAL NEWS

best Christmas lights all out to celebrate the festive season Fauna Road Warbler Street

GLENMORE PARK 60 Kiber Drive 25 Laguna Drive 4 and 25 Wilmott Place 20 Thornbill Crescent 22 Tench Place 14 Riverflat Drive

24 The Carriageway 17 Regentville Road 6 Devaney Avenue 9 Richardson Road Laurel Court Coolabah Crescent Kumbara Close Narran Place Troon Court Woodbrook Grove

JAMISONTOWN 34 Glenbrook Street Jular Place

JORDAN SPRINGS 34 Cabarita Way. Holding a fundraising barbecue every Saturday night to raise money for local kids to go to America for the 2026 Worlds

Glenmore Park is one of the key suburbs for Christmas lights.

and Summit competition for Cheer and Dance.

7 Fleet Avenue 53 Flagship Ridge 49 Water Gum Drive Wallara Green

KINGSWOOD Jean Street Peppermint Crescent 5 Gungurru Street

LLANDILO Ninth Avenue

LEONAY Glenmore Park is home to plenty of great displays.

Deloraine Drive

PENRITH 7 Hillcrest Avenue

SOUTH PENRITH 106 Racecourse Road 3 Chesterfield Road 34 Fragar Road 18 Blackford Crescent Sheba Crescent

ST CLAIR 6 Hascombe Way 19 Bradman Avenue 18 Coonawarra Drive 56 Melville Road 64 & 66 Chatsworth Road 15 Lyrebird Crescent

42 Blackwell Avenue 4 MacArthur Street 12 Mudgee Place 5 Shakespeare Drive 16 Anchorage Street Palena Crescent St Clair Avenue Grimmett Court Nalong Street The Grandstand

ST MARYS Marsden Road

WERRINGTON DOWNS 52 Tanbark Circuit Harness Place

Wishing a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the residents of Penrith!

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Mayor Todd Carney ne ey y Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 51 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

19

LOCAL NEWS

On board for festive ride EMILY CHATE

tion David Callahan said.

“This celebration is a wonderful way to recognise the people behind those services and the vital role they play.

“The Christmas buses initiative brings joy to commuters and showcases the creativity and pride of all the operators.

“It’s about spreading festive cheer while highlighting the fantastic work happening across the state.”

Penrith Bus Depot already has their eye on next year as they begin brainstorming Christmas themes.

“We are already starting to plan for next year and decide what kind of theme we are going to do to make it bigger and better!” Golding said.

To catch a ride on the special buses, commuters across

P

enrith Bus Depot has truly sleighed this Christmas, taking out the top prize in the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Christmas bus competition.

Last week 20 decorated buses from across Greater Sydney met and convoyed over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to spread some festive cheer.

One of those 20 buses was ‘Polar Express’ themed, expertly decorated by the team at Penrith Bus Depot.

“We put in as much effort as we can to make every bus that we display Christmassy,” Penrith Depot Manager Georgette Golding said.

“We had three this year, but we picked the best one, which was Polar Express themed, to enter the actual competition to bring joy and happiness to all the committee plus also raise funds for Westmead Children’s Hospital.”

The buses in all their festive glory were judged by a panel of experts including TfNSW Coordinator General Howard Collins and children from Wesley Mission.

The panel deliberated and elected their favourite bus to be Penrith Depot’s ‘Polar Express’ bus.

“We were ecstatic!” Golding said.

Greater Sydney will see a Santa or tree icon on the timetable identifying a Christmas bus when using trip planner apps, making it easier to find and get on one of the festive buses.

In Penrith even if you don’t get on a dedicated Christmas bus, it’s likely you will still experience some festive fun.

“Everybody gets involved, even the drivers get dressed up!” Golding said.

“We have one driver that actually drives around in an elf costume, and we have a lot of drivers in Christmas shirts to try to bring that little bit of joy even if they’re not driving one of the Christmas buses."

Inside a Christmas bus.

“We were quite surprised because there were some beautiful buses.

“To be picked out of 20, we were over the moon and so glad to be picked!”

It wasn’t an easy feat though to get the bus judging ready; it took a lot of work from Penrith Depot staff.

“It took us two days!” Golding explained.

“One guy stayed until 11pm at

night trying to get it all done, ready for the next day. It was worth it!”

The competition is a way to showcase the NSW bus network, recognise frontline workers and celebrate the community they serve.

“Buses are the backbone of our public transport network, connecting communities across NSW every single day,” Transport for NSW Executive Director Bus Transforma-

Western Sydney Busways team with the young judges.

WW57791

A Diamond Wedding Anniversary!

Jan and Tony Powell are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary! The couple started married life in St. Marys however have been residents of Emu Heights since 1972.

Jan grew up on an egg farm at Rooty Hill, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere for the time. Tony’s family emigrated from the Netherlands when he was just four.

The couple met as classmates at St. Mary’s High School and started to date while attending the local Gospel Hall.

Married at St. Johns Anglican Church in Parramatta, they have four children, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Trips to their holiday home in the Shoalhaven, throughout Australia and many parts of Europe have created many happy memories for them.

Their strong Christian faith, patience and perseverance have sustained them. Their family and friends are blessed to have them as a constant support and inspiration.

Congratulations Jan and Tony, Mum and Dad, Nana and Pa! a!

CHRIS BOWEN MP P: (02) 9604 0710 E: chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au chrisbowenmp chrisbowenmp Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, ALP, Fairfield West

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

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LOCAL NEWS

From Syria to St Clair: First Aussie Xmas ALLY HALL

T

his year marks the first Aussie Christmas for a Syrian family of three in St Clair. Their first Christmas where the temperature cracks 30 degrees; their first Christmas where a sausage in bread is on the menu; their first Christmas leaving Santa a VB on Christmas Eve instead of a glass of milk.

The family arrived in St Clair on July 8 and moved into a rental property. Members of the Social Justice Group at Holy Spirit Parish St Clair then helped them make it a home.

“They’re from Syria but they lived in Lebanon for two years like a lot of refugee people do. They got to Australia in June this year,” said Jeanne Appleton, a member of the Social Justice Group.

The family put up their first Aussie Christmas tree.

“They had a rental, but it was an empty house, and all they had were their personal possessions.”

The group posted a request on their church bulletin asking for homeware donations – furniture, linens, white goods, anything the family needed.

“Our church community was very generous. One member donated a lounge, another person was clearing out a deceased estate and was able to access a fridge, microwave, and other items,” Appleton elaborated.

“We also had a group of men from the parish pick up and deliver furniture. So, on that day on July 8, the empty house became a home.”

Appleton reported that the family are loving Australia.

“They feel safe here, and they like living in St Clair,” Appleton stated.

“The husband has had a job since

Members of the Parish Social Justice Group. Photo: Melinda Jane.

he got here, so the family pay their own way. Their little boy will start childcare next year for a couple of days per week, and the wife may be able to get work then too.”

In their spare time, the couple in their 20s pursue their hobbies.

“The wife does English classes

with Catholic Care, and the man grows vegetables because that’s what he did before he left Syria,” Appleton described.

“They have been so appreciative of everything. I see them every week or two and they’re a joy – they’re a beautiful young couple.”

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atmospherefitness.com.au Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

21

LOCAL NEWS

JAZZ BLOOMS IN PENRITH Keeping the spirit of jazz alive: Regular Thursday night routine at The Flower Shop ALLY HALL

I

f you pop into The Flower Shop on High Street for an Appletini on a Thursday night, you’ll find the Peter Locke Trio filling the room with jazz music.

Peter Locke is one of Australia’s most highly respected jazz pianists, and he’s set his sights on strengthening the art form in western Sydney.

The ‘Jazz N’ Jam’ Thursday sessions at The Flower Shop started one month ago.

“When we saw the room, we said to the owner at the time that it would be the perfect jazz room,” Locke recounted.

“That’s when the owner said he wanted jazz at the venue every Thursday night, and that’s when I said, ‘I’m your man’.”

Despite new ownership, The Flower Shop has honoured that dream, highlighting talented jazz musicians in western Sydney.

“I now live locally in Penrith, and there are numerous other international players that I know in the Blue Mountains,” Locke stated.

“We want to put jazz on the map in the west of Sydney because it deserves it.”

The Peter Locke Trio is playing regularly at The Flower Shop.

The musician has also noticed a renewed demand for the genre.

“At The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre a few months ago, Samara Joy was here from New York

with her band. She is very popular at the moment, and The Joan was packed out,” Locke said about the American jazz singer.

“I noticed a high percentage of

young people. That indicated to me that there is a large group of people that are interested in this music and this quality of entertainment living in the west of Sydney.”

One of the major supporters of this venture is Terry Rae – a local jazz musician that once played alongside Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra.

Locke and Rae have been associated for over 30 years playing music.

“He used to play in the first big nightclubs in Sydney. Over the years, we’ve performed a lot together and he’s a big supporter of jazz,” Locke described.

“When I mentioned The Flower Shop to him, he had a look and saw its potential as a jazz room. I got him up to sing some classic standards from the jazz repertoire, but he doesn’t have a vested interest in being in the group.

“He wants the event to succeed because of the room, the quality of the music, and the fact that people in the west deserve an alternative.”

The alternative sounds very enticing in Locke’s words…

“To me, it’s one of the important art forms. It’s spiritual, emotional, and human. It reaches people’s hearts,” Locke shared.

The Peter Locke Trio’s final performance at The Flower Shop for 2025 will be tonight, December 18, and will return in the new year on January 8.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

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LOCAL NEWS

Furry friends waiting for next chapter ALLY HALL

L

ast December, my fellow journalist Emily Chate returned to the office after conducting an interview at Llandilo Animal Adoption Agency. Upon her return, she showed me a photo of one of the dogs at the rescue – a Siberian

Husky named Temmie.

The next week, my partner and I adopted him, renamed him Lincoln, and he became a cherished member of our family and celebrated Christmas with us in 2024.

Equal parts sweet and cheeky, he barks when he’s feeling sassy, he spins in circles when he’s excited,

Ally and Lincoln. Photo: Melinda Jane.

he steals as many socks as possible, he insists on meeting every dog we walk past, he rips the laundry off the line, he jumps on the bed if we sleep in on the weekend, he’s made lint rollers an absolute necessity, and he brings us unending, unbridled joy.

I recently revisited the Animal Adoption Agency to meet animal carer Audrey Moxom to talk about the importance of adopting a pet.

“We do see a lot of people trying to adopt around Christmas, but sometimes it’s not for the right reasons. We always try to encourage responsible adoption and make sure that you’re not just getting them as a present,” Moxom explained, with a labrador named King by her side.

“We make sure our animals go to a home that is ready and able to accept a dog with whatever their requirements are.

“There are so many animals in shelters in need of homes, so if you have the kind of lifestyle that a shelter dog could fit into, choosing to adopt would be wonderful.”

Moxom hopes to see some of the shelter’s long-term residents find their forever homes soon.

“Being a no-kill shelter means that we do get some dogs that are here for

Audrey and King. Photo: Melinda Jane.

a long time,” Moxom said.

“Lincoln was here for seven or eight months, and we have a German Shepherd named Tyson who has been here for almost a year now.

“I form a close bond with all the dogs because I work with them all individually.”

Two current stand-out characters are Sugar and Bane.

“Sugar is a five-year-old pointer, and she is the gentlest, sweetest girl you’ll ever meet. She’s such a calm, placid, respectful dog,” Moxom described.

“Bane is a typical Frenchie – he’s got that Frenchie energy and is the definition of the breed. He loves splashing around in the pool. If he could spend 24/7 in the water, he would.”

For those who can’t welcome a furry member to the family just yet, the team at Llandilo Animal Adoption Agency have a Christmas wish.

“If you can’t adopt, you can always share us around on social media because that exposure does help,” Moxom finalised.

“Have a great Christmas and happy holidays!”

M4 exit ramps to close for two weeks M

otorists are facing traffic chaos in January with Transport for NSW confirming the M4 exit ramps to Mulgoa Road will close completely for two weeks.

The closure is taking place in January while school holidays are underway and traffic volumes are traditionally lower.

The M4 eastbound and westbound exit ramps will be closed from 7pm on Monday, January 5 and will reopen by 5am on Monday, January 19.

“During the closures, please detour via The Northern Road or Russell Street to access Mulgoa Road,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.

The closure may be extended if there is bad weather, with January 19 to 23 ear-marked as a back-up work period.

In addition, day and night work along Mulgoa Road may require additional lane and road closures at times.

“Please observe speed limits, follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs,

plan ahead and allow extra travel time,” the spokesperson said.

The Weekender understands there will be no further closures of the exit ramps after the January period.

The work involves completing final road surfacing, installing guardrail, line marking, signage and landscaping on the ramps.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

23

LOCAL NEWS

Helping local women dress for success ALLY HALL

N

ine months ago, Dress for Success opened on High Street with a mission to support women entering the workforce.

Since then, 350 clients have walked through the doors.

“We’ve seen a lot of women come through feeling quite nervous about what their futures look like and not confident in the clothing they were wearing,” said Operations Manager Sue West.

“I had one girl come in for help finding work in retail. She had struggled with mental health and domestic violence.

“She had no idea what to wear for an interview, so we found some outfit options, and she felt amazing when she left.”

When this client got the job she applied for, she came back to Dress for Success for her ‘Got the job’ outfits.

“We do a couple of different appointments. People can come in and get their interview clothing, and once they secure employment, we give them a week’s worth of clothing to get them through the first few weeks of work,” West explained.

“It was really nice to see her come back; her confidence level had completely changed from when she first came in. It’s not necessarily about the clothes – it’s about the feeling of confidence within.”

Dress for Success also provides advice to give clients the best chance at nailing their interviews.

“We run workshops on how to make that first impression on an employer, and we have a career

hub which provides resume-writing support, LinkedIn profile assistance, and tips on how to use Canva,” West said.

“In 2026 we will be doing in-person workshops covering interview tips and presentation, because up until now, that service has been online.

“We will also be open on an additional day. We were only open on Tuesday and Wednesday, but we will now open on Thursday too.”

Having this service available in Penrith has been a weight lifted off the shoulders local women.

“We have branches in Illawarra, Newcastle and Summer Hill – all very different areas – but in Penrith there has been a huge need,” West stated.

“All the clients that have come to see us have expressed how grateful they are to have a service near them

Sue West. Photo: Melinda Jane.

– they don’t have to go to the city.”

Almost a year on, West has expressed gratitude towards volunteers, referral agencies, and the community for embracing the service.

“The message we want to get across is that it’s all about the indi-

vidual. There is no selection criteria for our service,” West reiterated.

“You don’t need to be receiving a benefit and there is no minimum requirement.

“Any woman who feels they need our service can utilise it. There is no judgement here.”

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

Look out for one another this festive season What an incredible and transformative year we’ve had in Penrith.

It has been heartwarming to see you all come together for events including our flagship Real Festival, enjoying completed projects like the pedestrian pathway at Nepean Avenue, celebrating diversity at our citizenship ceremonies, and exploring our bustling city centres.

These moments of connection show that community spirit is strong and something to be proud of in this City – and I encourage you to hold onto that this festive season.

While this is a special period of reflection and celebration for many, it is also a time when some people are struggling. We are a community that cares so please look out for one another – lend a hand and don’t hesitate to ask for support.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are many local services that provide meals and material aid at this time. Council has compiled a list that you can access at penrith.city/christmassupport.

Stay safe on our roads and look after your health too – keep cool, stay hydrated

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Here's to a sparkling Christmas for our community, family, filled with fa amily, y friends,, joy! and endlesss jo oy!

24

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

and check in on neighbours and pets on hot days.

If you’re cooling off in the water, swim between the flags at the beach, wear a hat and sunscreen, and check that backyard pools are compliant. Children must be supervised by an adult in and around water.

Read the safety rules at penrith.city/pools.

As we generate more waste than usual at this time of year, Council is providing two weeks of extra kerbside bin collections, recycling drop-off days and a real Christmas tree drop-off day. Go to penrith. city/christmaswaste for details.

The Civic Centre, our St Marys office and Penrith City Library’s three branches will close at 4pm Wednesday, December 24 and re-open on Friday, January 2 2026.

Residents can still access our Online Services Portal at my.penrith.city.

Council wishes our community a safe and restful break. From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in 2026.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

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LOCAL NEWS

Promoting local athletes Penrith Valley Sports Foundation on the hunt for new Board members in 2026 EMILY CHATE

A

local not-for-profit sports foundation is looking for people to join its Board, as it continues to identify local junior and senior talent.

The Penrith Valley Sports Foundation (PVSF) was first established in 2000 as an independent body with Councillor and Council representatives with the aim to support and promote local athletes.

“The Penrith Valley Sports Foundation was established to recognise and support local sporting talent,” PVSF President Rodney Watson explained.

“The idea was that we would, through sponsorship, have a pool of funds to be able to reward junior and senior sportspeople who have excelled at the state, national and international level to give them funding to help them further their careers.

“That funding can be for them to pay for more equipment, support uniforms, interstate and international travel, or anything else they need. These days funding is the bane of most people’s lives and particularly for an athlete who is trying to get to the very pinnacle of their career.”

Since its inception 25 years ago the PVSF has supported athletes that have gone on to represent their sport at the highest level including the likes of Jess Fox, Paige Hadley and Pat Cummins.

Three current Penrith Valley Sports Foundation committee members Emily Chate, Rodney Watson and Vanessa Pollak.

The PVSF supports local athletes by providing funding in monthly awards and then yearly awards, Watson explained.

“The Senior Sports Star award is for someone aged 16 and over and it is awarded every month with $500,” he said.

“The Junior Sports Star award is $250 for the month and is for athletes aged under 16.

“Then at the end of the financial year we hold an annual dinner and all the successful monthly winners are then considered by the committee and we vote to select the Senior

and Junior Sports Star of the Year, among other awards.”

To nominate a sports star, visit www.pvsf. org.au and fill out the Google form for the Committee to consider. Athletes are profiled in The Western Weekender.

Following some recent resignations from the Board, the PVSF is now making a call out to the community to express their interest in joining the board.

“I would love to have many people apply to be part of our committee,” Watson said.

“It’s designed for people who have an interest in sport. All they need to have is a deep interest in sport and be across what’s happening in their Local Government Area in the various sports.

“It’s not a lot of personal time. Usually, the meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at The Henry Sports Club from 6pm and the meetings only go for an hour.”

The PVSF is a 10-person Board and is looking for two additional members.

“The easiest way to express your interest in being part of our board would be to send me an email with a description of yourself and your interest in sport in the local area,” Watson said.

“My personal email is Rwatzon@hotmail. com or you can call me to discuss it further on 0412 470 102. I am more than happy to take a call and discuss anything people want to know.”

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LOCAL NEWS

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ndromeda Drive Reserve in Cranebrook will soon have more car parking spaces, along with resurfaced and line marked sports courts as part of the second stage of an upgrade.

The first stage of the upgrade to the sport and recreation infrastructure in this popular reserve was completed earlier this year. It included drainage improvements on the eastern field and additional storage space in the amenities building.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said he hoped the improvements encouraged more locals to get involved in sport and recreation activities.

“The car parking works will complement the updated amenities building and eastern field to support the sports clubs who use Andromeda Drive Reserve for game days and training,” Carney said.

“Refreshing the courts will also create more opportunities for the community, and particularly young people, to enjoy a casual game with friends.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney in front of the Andromeda Drive Reserve sports courts.

“This project is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that residents have access to facilities and public spaces that suit their lifestyles.”

The Andromeda Drive Reserve project is funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($1.7 million) and the Australian Government's Investing in Our Communities Program ($450,000), in partnership with Council.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said the NSW Government is proud to support this project through the Western Sydney Infra-

structure Grants Program.

“Investments like this help local communities thrive by improving the spaces where people come together to play, exercise and spend time with family,” she said.

“Cranebrook is growing and that means making sure our community facilities grow with it. The upgrades at Andromeda Drive Reserve are a great example of how all levels of government can work together to deliver meaningful local improvements.”

Landscaping will be undertaken, and pathways and seating will be installed in early 2026.

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Front pages tell Penrith’s We’ve loved bringing you local news, sport and more in 2025

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

In compliance with the Heritage NSW policy - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010, MCH would like to extend an invitation to Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to the SURSRVHG SURMHFW DUHD DQG ZKR FDQ GHWHUPLQH WKH VLJQLͤFDQFH RI $ERULJLQDO object(s) and/or place(s) in the area of the proposed project to register an interest in the consultation process for this project.

Written registrations must be forward to MCH (P.O. Box 166 Adamstown, NSW, 2289; penny@mcheritage.com.au no later than C.O.B. 1 January 2026.

All registered parties will then be contacted to discuss the project in compliance with Heritage NSW policy. If you register your interest in this project, please also nominate your preferred option to receive the initial information. You may wish to attend a non-paid meeting and receive an information pack, or receive an information packet through the mail or e-mail.

Any parties who register are advised that, unless otherwise requested, their details will be forward to Heritage NSW and the relevant LALC within 28 days of the closing date of registration and in compliance with Heritage NSW policy.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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the western

Lifesttyle Home&L

Friday, October

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai.

Photo: NRL Images.

F CT PERFE POT ANTS PLA

GHTEN UP YOUR HOME

THE NEW RANGE TO BRI

Mark STEVENSON

You can pick up the latest copy of the Weekender at the following locations each week:

der.com.au

PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in breaking countless the past along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player.

But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match.

Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta.

It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons.

It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won .

From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

Crosswords & PUZZLES

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Photo: NRL Images.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

WW48421

Blaxland

ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES, TELEVISION, MUSIC AND MORE – PENRITH’S LEADING ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

JUST LIKE THE REAL THING! ALLY HALL

Y

ou’ll have to rub your eyes and do a double take when you see Greg Andrew take the stage at the Blue Mountains Theatre in February, because you won’t believe he’s not the Rocket Man himself.

The performer will be bringing locals ‘The Elton John Experience’ – a two-hour concert paying homage to the British legend.

“This particular show is built on all the greatest hits,” Andrew described.

“We’ve done different tours over the years where we’ve marked anniversaries of albums, but this show is all about the hits. People will know all the songs, which is great.”

Andrew has been performing for around 40 years, honing his craft on stages across Australia.

“Initially, for 20 years I travelled Australia visiting piano bars and casinos. Now, for the last 17 years, I’ve done the Elton Show which has been great. It’s taken me all over Australia and I’ve also performed it in over 30 countries,” Andrew explained.

“Everyone loves Elton John’s music worldwide. He’s loved in every country, but some songs are more popular in some countries than others.”

The tribute performer claims to be as big a fan of the Rocket Man as anyone!

“I love Elton John’s music, and it’s just a bonus that people say I look like him and perform like him,” Andrew said before elaborating on the top songs. “‘Rocket Man’ is very popular; ‘Your Song’ is a beautiful one that is still relevant today and is one of the oldest that I perform; and ‘I’m Still Standing’ is also popular.”

The love for Elton John’s music comes down to the lyrics and tunes being universally appealing.

“Even if you’re not in an English-speaking country, the crowds know the words,” Andrew told the Weekender.

“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written lyrics for over 50 years, so we’ve all grown up with these words and with Elton.”

The unending popularity of the music also comes down to nostalgia.

“There are so many memories attached to these songs. Music is an amazing vehicle – it’s the closest thing we have to time travel,” the tribute singer explained.

“You can hear a song that you haven’t heard for years, and you can remember exactly what you were doing when you last heard that song.

That’s the great appeal – the lyrics, the melodies, and the memories.”

See Greg Andrew’s blindingly accurate and faithful recreations of Elton John’s greatest hits on February 27 at Blue Mountains Theatre. Book a ticket online at https:// www.bluemountainstheatre.com. au.

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43

INSPIRED BY SICILY ALLY HALL

P

enrith’s newest restaurant – Palermo – brings Euro Summer to western Sydney.

The Sicilian restaurant is operated

by Ross Dobson – a local restauranteur, chef, food stylist, and cookbook author who has operated five venues across Penrith and the Blue Mountains. Palermo has moved into the space where The Union operated for over a decade.

“I started Café at Lewers in 2009, and I was there until 2014,” Dobson recounted his journey.

“From 2011 to 2016, I started The Union with a friend of mine. I was at Vincent Diner for a year around 2016 to 2017, then I operated The Royce Café at the independent living complex in the Panthers Precinct until August this year.”

Dobson’s current venture was inspired by three trips to Sicily.

“When I went to Sicily for the first time in 2012, I was struck by the place and the food and the antiques.

I’ve been back twice – the last time being in September this year – but I still hadn’t decided to open the restaurant,” Dobson said.

“But, when I went into the dining space again, I saw the potential, and I love that it’s in the CBD, but it’s not

44

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

on High Street.

“I’d been in the kitchen before, so I knew the layout, and all the equipment is the same as what I installed 15 years ago. It all still worked, so I just started painting walls and sanding floors and cleaning.”

And now, locals can experience something Penrith has never seen before.

“Palermo’s vibe is somewhere between an Italian grandma’s dining room – a Nonna – and a trattoria – an old fashioned Italian casual eatery.

“When we had The Union, it was very cutting edge at the time because we went for an industrial look with metal chairs and beams from the ceiling and exposed wood; I wanted to do the opposite of that with Palermo.

“I wanted something lush with lots of velvet and lace. It’s got a beautiful

comforting, homey vibe to it.”

The food adds to the cosy atmosphere.

“The food in Sicily is quite repetitive. Everything you eat there, you can get at the markets, or you can get while fine dining. There are a lot of traditional recipes and ingredients,” Dobson described.

“That made my work easier because I didn’t want to do anything fancy; I wanted the food at Palermo to be comforting.

“We’ll have locally cured prosciutto from Melosi Deli and homemade bread and focaccia. We’ll have meatballs and two pasta dishes – it’ll all be simple. The desserts will be a real stand-out as well.”

Set to become another staple in Penrith’s dining scene, Palermo is a drawcard for our region.

“The interior is unique, it’s a beautiful space, and it’s very old – it’s probably the oldest dining room in Penrith. It was a terrace in the 1880s, and since the 1960s it’s been a restaurant. It’s been everything – French, German, I think Japanese at one point – and we did tapas there with The Union.”

The restaurant is open at 542 High Street from Wednesday to Saturday every week. Palermo will close briefly over Christmas. Visit www.palermodining.com.au.

THINGS TO DO The Australian Bee Gees Show

Say goodbye to 2025 at Panthers

As good as the real thing!

Direct from Las Vegas, The Australian Bee Gees Show is bringing their world-class tribute act to St Marys for one night only! Dance and sing along to iconic hits like ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘Night Fever’ at St Marys Band Club on December 20 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available online at smdbc.com.au/band-club/whatson/entertainment.

Penrith is set to light up this New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable celebration at Panthers! It’s going to be a night packed with colour, fun and excitement for all ages. There will be a carnival, fireworks, a kids disco from 4pm to 7pm, live music from 7pm, DJ’s from 11pm till late, and fireworks at 9pm and 12am. Everyone’s invited!

Take a chance on 2026 with an ABBA-tastic New Year’s Eve Bash! From 7.30pm at Panthers Leagues Club, enjoy a sensational night of music, nostalgia and fun as the award-winning ‘Abbalanche – The Australian ABBA Tribute Show’ takes the stage to deliver an electrifying tribute to the iconic Swedish pop group. Tickets online at penrith.panthers.com.au.

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.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am. All new members welcome.

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.

of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Penrith NASHOS Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL from 10am. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

Ropes Crossing Probus Club Meets every third Monday of the month at Ropes Crossing Community Hub from 10am. Email ropescrossingprobusclub@gmail.com for more information.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club Community fundraisers for The Smith Family. Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

St Clair Probus Club Meets on the third Monday of the month at St Barys D&B Club. Email secretarystclairprobusclub@hotmail. com for more information.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Penrith Lions Club Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Glenmore Park Probus Club Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Leonay Golf Club. New members welcome. Call 0439 323 103.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club Meets on the fourth Monday of the

Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday

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.

JP service Located in Western Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.

0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

Arms of Australia Inn Monday and Wednesday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.

SUPPORT GROUPS

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.

Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

LISTEN NOW ON

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

45

COUNTRY CORNER

Talking of break-ups...

0ɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ Ɏǝƺ ɖǼɎǣȅƏɎƺ ƬȒȅƫǣȇƏɎǣȒȇ Ȓǔ ƬȸƏǔɎ ƫƺƺȸ ƏȇƳ ȅȒɖɎǝɯƏɎƺȸǣȇǕ ª ƏɎ «ɖɀɎɵ ¨ƺȇȇɵ ȸƺɯƺȸɵ ۭ ³ȅȒǸƺǝȒɖɀƺِ áǝƺɎǝƺȸ ɵȒɖٔȸƺ ƬȸƏɮǣȇǕ Ə ȵƺȸǔƺƬɎǼɵ ƫƏȸƫƺƬɖƺƳ áǝƺɎǝƺȸ ɵȒɖٔȸƺ ƬȸƏɮǣȇǕ Ə ȵƺȸǔƺƬɎǼɵ ƫƏȸƫƺƬɖƺƳ ƬɖɎ Ȓǔ ƫȸǣɀǸƺɎ Ȓȸ Ə ǼȒƬƏǼǼɵ ƫȸƺɯƺƳ ƬȒǼƳ Ȓȇƺً ɯƺٔɮƺ ǕȒɎ ɵȒɖ ƬȒɮƺȸƺƳِ

‫« ! וב׏ٖג‬00z à0ً ¨0z«XÁR z³á ‫׎דוא‬

WW57293

IȒǼǼȒɯ ɖɀ Ȓȇ ɀȒƬǣƏǼɀ ۬ȸɖɀɎɵȵƺȇȇɵƫȸƺɯǣȇǕ ɯɯɯِȸɖɀɎɵȵƺȇȇɵƫȸƺɯǣȇǕِƬȒȅِƏɖ

SUMMER CLUB ☀ A country break-up

Step into Percy Plunkett and feel right at home. Tucked inside a charming old house in Penrith, we’re all about good coffee, hearty meals, and warm smiles.

Whether you’re after a lazy breakfast or a comforting lunch, there’s always a seat waiting for you here.

WW57526

146 Station Street, Penrith

American country music duo Maddie and Tae are calling it quits.

“Thank you for making our wildest dreams come true and we hope you stay close by to watch us chase some new dreams,” the duo said on social media.

The duo – featuring best friends Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr – first burst onto the country music scene in 2014.

And while they’ve had a string of hits, headline tours and three studio albums, they never quite became part of the echelon of country music stars in America.

Best known for ‘Die from a Broken Heart’ and ‘Girl in a Country Song’, Maddie and Tae say they leave on good terms – but are entering different chapters and seasons of life.

This is the final Country Corner column.

Over the last couple of years, we’ve enjoyed giving you a bit of insight into the country music landscape.

When we started publishing this column, it was designed to keep readers informed about the exploding country music scene – and since then, we’ve seen the genre become more popular than ever.

We have loved bringing you news on the latest country releases both here and overseas, encouraging you to listen to artists who hadn’t quite made it to the mainstream yet, and of course followed some of the best tours Australia has ever seen from overseas country acts (plus plenty of homegrown talent too).

We even took you to Nashville, the home of country music.

While Country Corner may be wrapping up, now is not the time to stop listening to country music. So make sure it’s the sound of your summer, and keep listening in 2026!

46

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

WAYNE’S W RLD with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION The 80s is where it’s at.

You have the rock party anthems, ‘Livin on a Prayer’ and ‘The Final Countdown’ and more great pop tunes, ‘All Night Long’ and ‘You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)’ and then more great pop divas with ‘Chain

Cnr Woodriff & Derby Sts, PENRITH

WW55316

Reaction’ and ‘Locomotion’.

I could go on, and I will.

I love my 80s. Early 80s saw post-disco, with great tunes like ‘Flashdance’, then came New Wave and the 2nd British Invasion with some ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’, then full on pop took

hold with Stock, Aitken and Waterman and tracks like ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’.

Then don’t forget the hair metal, tracks like, ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’.

You put any of these songs on a playlist, and guaranteed people will either be singing or dancing. I’ll be doing both. And you know what?

I will put these songs on a playlist for New Year’s Eve. For the fifth year running I’ll be hosting New Year’s Eve on My88, 7pm until midnight.

No ads, just 80s bangers, and me shouting out all those listening.

Phone:

4721 2515

penrithbowling.com.au

WW56368

Did the 80s have the best party tunes? Unequivocally the answer is yes. There isn’t even a debate. You want examples? How does ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ sound? What about ‘Beat It’, or ‘Love Shack’, or my favourite, ‘Into the Groove’. And the beauty of 80s tunes, you can put it on and most will be having a great time. Yes, there’s always one party pooper, but what can you do?

The other decades are more divisive. I love the 90s, but the decade feels half 80s reheats and a new era of music that not everyone likes. For every fan of ‘Mambo No5’, ‘5,6,7,8’ and any song about the Vengabus, there are people who don’t like it. The 70s had some great party songs, but people did literally burn disco records on a baseball field. Then we get into the 2000s, and I’m just too old.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

47

At the movies...

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Anaconda

3 hours, 17 minutes

1 hour, 40 minutes

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is the third installment in James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi franchise.

Set after the events of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, this new installment dives into the heart of Pandora’s most volatile and unforgiving biome – a vast volcanic region where survival depends on more than strength…

it demands fire.

As tensions escalate between the Na’vi and renewed human colonisation efforts, a mysterious and ancient clan emerges from the ashlands. The allegiance of these fire-wielding warriors could tip the balance of the planet’s fate.

In cinemas now!

See these movies at...

Doug (Jack Black) and Griff (Paul Rudd) have been best friends since they were kids and have always dreamed of remaking their all-time fa- vourite movie: the cine-

matic classic ‘Anaconda’.

When a midlife crisis pushes them to finally go for it, they head deep into the Amazon to start filming.

But things get real when an actual giant anaconda appears, turning their comi-

PENRITH

cally chaotic movie set into a deadly situation.

It turns out the movie they have been dying to make may actually get them killed…

It’s in cinemas on December 26.

www.hoyts.com.au

Movie Info & Session Times

Hamilton

Love Actually

Die Hard

Edward Scissorhands

Home Alone

(PG)

(M)

(M)

(PG)

(PG)

New Year’s Eve 31 Dec

Classic 19 & 23 Dec

Classic 20, 21 & 24 Dec

Classic 18 & 21 Dec

Classic 20 to 24 Dec

Wicked: For Good

Zootopia 2

The Golden Spurtle

Anaconda

Song Sung Blue

(PG)

(PG)

(PG)

(M)

(CTC)

Now Showing Extended Season

Now Showing Extended Season

18 to 23 Dec

26 Dec to 7 Jan

26 Dec to 11 Jan

Grand Prix of Europe

Coming in January...

SIX The Musical Live

Grow

Hamnet

The Choral (M)

(G)

(CTC)

(PG)

(CTC)

1 to 14 Jan

8 to 14 Jan

8 to 14 Jan

15 to 28 Jan

15 to 28 Jan

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Direct to your email inbox: Weekly Session Times & Coming Attractions | www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

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48

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

Ê It's that time of the year again when I hand out my famous Chatter on the Box Awards for 2025. I hope you enjoy… Ê Best Aussie Reality Show: ‘Big Brother’. I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that the return of ‘Big Brother’ on 10 would be the smash hit that it was!

From live evictions to diverse housemates and being back at its traditional home of Dreamworld, this season of ‘Big Brother’ had it all. New host Mel Tracina was perfect for the role, I only wish it went for longer!

BEST INTERNATIONAL DRAMA SERIES: THE PITT, HBO MAX

Ê Best Aussie Comedy Series:

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

‘Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers’ / ‘The List’. It was hard to split these two Inspired Unemployed offerings, so they both win for funniest shows of the year. From travelling around the world doing crazy challenges to hilarious pranks at fast-food outlets with unassuming customers, these boys continue to elevate the game. I just hope we see more from the lads next year on our TV screens!

Ê Best Aussie Drama: ‘NCIS: Sydney’.

While the final season of ABC’s ‘The Newsreader’ was a close second, I couldn’t go past ‘NCIS: Sydney’, which continues to go from strength to strength, for this award.

BEST INTERNATIONAL COMEDY SERIES: THE STUDIO, APPLE TV

Fans were treated to not one but two seasons of this huge hit this year, such was its success on Paramount+ here and overseas. The cast is the perfect mix of serious and comedic, and I just love seeing our great city on the small screen.

Ê Best Streaming Service: HBO Max. What a debut year for HBO Max in Australia. I found myself watching this streaming service more than any other in 2025 and it’s not hard to see why. HBO Max delivered blockbuster after blockbuster this year including ‘The Last of Us’, ‘The White Lotus’, ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’, ‘Task’, ‘And Just Like That…’, ‘The Pitt’, and ‘The Rehearsal’. Let’s hope Netflix keeps its pesky hands off it next year! Ê Best Limited Series: ‘Adolescence’.

I’ve never seen a series quite like ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix. Each episode of this acclaimed UK drama about a 13-year-old boy accused of killing his teenage classmate was filmed in a single, unbroken shot, immersing viewers in the unfolding events and characters' real-time confusion. It dominated the 2025 Emmys and it’ll no doubt do the same at the Golden Globes early next year. Bravo! Ê Best International Drama Series:

‘The Pitt’. I’ve never been a fan of medical

dramas but ‘The Pitt’ changed the game.

Starring Noah Wyle of ‘ER’ fame, this series had me enthralled the entire way. ‘The Pitt’ follows the intense, day-in-the-life struggles of healthcare heroes at a struggling Pittsburgh hospital. What draws you in is that the entire 15-episode series is set across just 15 hours – showing just how chaotic a major hospital can be each day. I can’t wait for season two in January!

Ê Best International Comedy Series:

‘The Studio’. Apple TV nailed it with Seth Rogan’s ‘The Studio’, which follows a movieloving studio executive who unexpectedly gets the top job at Hollywood’s fictional Continental Studios. This series, which won a stack of Emmys recently, is satirical comedy at its best. The cast is also elite, and the celebrity cameos blew me away too!

Ê Best Documentary: ‘John Candy: I Like Me’. One of my favourite actors of all-time, John Candy, died unexpectedly in 1994 and this Prime Video documentary by director Colin Hanks and producer Ryan Reynolds showcases the Canadian comedian’s beautiful but tragic story.

Through unseen home videos and interviews with famous friends and family, I couldn’t help but shed a tear or two.

LIVE AT THE COLISEUM

LIVE AT THE COLISEUM

LIVE AT THE COLISEUM

CIRQUE ALICE

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

SHREK THE MUSICAL

WIN

COLISEUM SUMMER FESTIVAL

THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT FIX FOR 2026

FOR REAL LIFE

FALL IN LOVE ALL OGRE AGAIN

FROM 24 DEC 2025

FROM 10 JAN 2026

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

49

TV Guide: December 19 - 25

Sunday 21 December

Saturday 20 December

Friday 19 December

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Portrait Artist Of The Year 11:00 The Forsytes 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Royal Carols - Together At Christmas 2:05 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 QI (PG) 3:30 Nigella Bites 4:00 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 A (Very) Musical Christmas (PG) 9:05 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering 10:20 Spicks And Specks (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre-Game 10:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 NSW Schools Spectacular *Replay* (PG) 9:30 Victorian State Schools Spectacular *Replay* (PG) 12:30 Harry’s Practice 1:00 Any Human Heart (M l,s)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Unforgettable Christmas” (PG) (’23) Stars: Celeste Desjardins 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Elf” (G) (’03) Stars: Will Ferrell 10:40 Movie: “Four Christmases” (M) (’08) Stars: Reese Witherspoon

9:00 Lingo (PG) 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:30 Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas 11:30 My Market Kitchen 12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News: Lunchtime 2:00 Deal Or No Deal 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News: Afternoon 4:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 10 News Plus 7:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” (M) (’16) Stars: Tom Cruise 9:55 10’s Late News

10:00 Inside Oxford Street (PG) 10:50 Who Do You Think You Are? (M) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Amazon - The Lost World (PG) 2:55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon (PG) 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Westminster Abbey - Behind Closed Doors (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Indiana Jones - In Pursuit Of An Icon (In English/ French)

2:30 Sydney Weekender 3:00 The Great Australian Doorstep (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Escape To The Country 6:00 Bargain Hunt 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens

3:30 Billy The Exterminator (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Road Wars 8:30 Movie: “Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life” (M l,s) (’83) Stars: John Cleese

12:00 Movie: “A Furry Little Christmas” (PG) (’21) 2:20 Sean’s Kitchen 3:20 First Dates UK (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:15 Movie: “Fatherhood” (PG) (’21) Stars: Kevin Hart 8:30 Movie: “Friends With Benefits” (MA15+) (’11) Stars: Mila Kunis

5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 Living Black 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Crackers” (PG) (’98) Stars: Warren Mitchell 9:20 Movie: “This Christmas” (PG) (’07)

9:00 The Living Room (PG) 10:00 JAG (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

2:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 3:00 Becker (PG) 3:30 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (M v) (’23)

1:30 Restored By The Fords 2:30 Garden Gurus Moments 2:40 The Block (PG) 4:00 Home Town 5:00 Fixer Upper 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Barnwood Builders 8:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG)

3:00 Play School 3:30 Wiggle And Learn 4:00 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 4:25 Mojo Swoptops 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Masks 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior

12:00 ABC News At Noon 1:00 ABC News Day 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News Summer 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story 9:00 The World

3:40 A Bite To Eat With Alice 4:10 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:00 Nigellissima 6:30 Rachael Ray’s Holidays 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Hotel Chocolat At Christmas 8:30 Jamie’s Night Before Christmas 9:30 The Cook And The Chef

2:00 The Golden Girls 5:00 Worldwatch 10:00 (PG) 2:30 The Nanny Mastermind 12:00 DW (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) The Day 12:30 Dark 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Side Of Comedy (M l,s) 1:20 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of WWE Legends (M l,s,v) 2:55 Bamay 3:40 Worldwatch 5:40 If Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) You Are The One (PG) (In Mandarin) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 7:30 Movie: “The Flash” (M l,v) (’23) Stars: Ezra Miller NITV News: Summer Yarns

3:50 Movie: “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas” (PG) (’18) Stars: Candace Cameron Bure 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Antiques Downunder 8:30 Movie: “A View To A Kill” (PG) (’85) Stars: Roger Moore

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Return To Paradise (PG) 1:25 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2:30 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special (PG) 3:25 A (Very) Musical Christmas (PG) 5:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 5:30 Muster Dogs 6:00 Hard Quiz Battle Of The Networks 6:30 When The War Is Over (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Return To Paradise (PG)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre-Game 10:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 4: Australia v England *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 4: Australia v England *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 4: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry (PG) 8:00 The Salvation Army’s Carols In The Domain *Live* From The Domain, Sydney (PG)

10:00 Today Extra Summer 12:00 Surfing Australia TV 12:30 Find My Beach House Australia 1:00 Drive Safer 1:30 My Way (PG) 2:00 Ready Vet Go (PG) 2:30 Movie: “Christmas In Scotland” (PG) (’23) Stars: Jill Winternitz 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Find My Country House Australia 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story” (M l) (’24) Stars: Vic Zerbst

10:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:00 Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service (PG) 12:00 Everyday Gourmet 12:30 Farm To Fork 1:00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:30 The Yes Experiment (PG) 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 3:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 4:00 All 4 Adventure 5:00 10 News 6:00 Movie: “Jack Black’s Dear Santa” (PG) (’24) Stars: Jack Black 8:00 Love It Or List It Australia 9:10 The Dog House Christmas Special (PG)

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Pakenham/ TBA *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 Heathrow (PG) 12:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

1:30 Cool Cars & Bikes (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under 3:00 NDRC Top Fuel Championship 4:00 Desert Collectors (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “47 Ronin” (M h,v) (’13) Stars: Keanu Reeves

2:30 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:00 Extended Family (PG) 4:25 Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 5:30 Movie: “A Dog’s Journey” (PG) (’19) Stars: Dennis Quaid 7:30 Movie: “About A Boy” (M l,s) (’02) Stars: Hugh Grant

4:10 Precious Leader Woman (PG) 5:00 Faboriginal 6:00 The Barber (PG) 6:30 NITV News: Summer Yarns 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Seeds” (PG) (’24) Stars: Kaniehtiio Horn (In English/ Mohawk)

3:00 Camper Deals 3:30 Tough Tested (PG) 4:30 Football: Isuzu UTE A-League: Round 9: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:35 Football: Isuzu UTE ALeague: Round 9: Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory *Live*

10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 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) 10:00 Frasier (PG)

1:30 Colin And Justin’s Sub Zero Reno 2:30 Barnwood Builders 3:30 Find My Country House Canada 4:30 Renovation Wild (PG) 5:30 My Lottery Dream Home (PG) 6:30 Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker 7:30 Farmhouse Fixer (PG)

3:05 Play School 3:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 4:00 Knee High Spies 4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:00 Octonauts Above And Beyond 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins

2:00 ABC News 2:20 Not Stupid 3:00 ABC News 3:30 If You’re Listening 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Boyer Lecture Series 5:00 ABC News 5:30 The World In 2025 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Culture By Design 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Compass

3:50 Portrait Artist Of The Year 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 8:55 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala (M l,s)

5:40 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And Easy Food 6:00 Sachie’s Kitchen 6:30 Hairy Bikers Go Local 7:35 Secret World Of Snacks: Xmas Chocolate 8:30 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour

12:00 Tiny Beautiful Things (M l,s) 12:35 Bamay 1:00 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 3:30 SBS50 (PG) 3:35 Worldwatch 5:35 Mastermind 6:35 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG)

3:40 Movie: “Radio Christmas” (PG) (’19) Stars: Keshia Knight Pulliam 5:30 Movie: “Santa Hunters” (PG) (’24) Stars: Chris Slater 7:30 Movie: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (M v) (’13) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

2:50 Movie: “The Hallelujah Trail” (PG) (’65) Stars: Lee Remick 5:50 Movie: “A Perfect Christmas” (PG) (’16) Stars: Susie Abromeit 7:30 Death In Paradise (M v) 8:30 Movie: “The Living Daylights” (PG) (’87) Stars: Timothy Dalton

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:05 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty (PG) 9:55 Eat The Invaders (PG) 10:30 New Leash On Life 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong 1:25 Gardening Australia 2:25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat 3:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:10 Extraordinary Escapes (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 9:30 Cricket: Pre-Game 10:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 5: Australia v England *Live* 12:30 The Lunch Break 1:10 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 5: Australia v England *Live* 3:10 Tea Break 3:30 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 3: Day 5: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: WBBL: Melbourne Renegades v Hobart *Live* 10:30 Unfiltered - Cricket: Jackson Warne (PG)

12:00 Find My Beach House Australia 12:30 Movie: “The Most Colorful Time Of The Year” (PG) (’22) Stars: Katrina Bowden 2:10 Movie: “Destination Christmas” (AKA ‘Single And Ready To Jingle’) (PG) (’22) Stars: Natasha Wilson 4:00 Great Getaways (PG) 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 TBA 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Christmas With Delta 8:30 Movie: “Vacation” (M l,s,v) (’15) Stars: Chevy Chase 10:30 Red Eye (M l) 11:30 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners

9:00 Australia By Design - Architecture 9:30 Luca’s Key Ingredient 10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall (PG) 11:30 Pooches At Play 12:00 The Dog Academy (PG) 1:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 1:30 Lingo (PG) 2:30 NBL: Round 13: Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth Wildcats *Live* 4:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 The Dog House Australia (PG) 7:00 Selling Houses Australia 8:00 The Imposter (M l,s) 10:00 FBI (M v)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:25 Matched (PG) 10:15 Inside The Steam Train Museum (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Motorsport: Speedweek 3:00 Figure Skating: ISU Grand Prix Highlights 5:30 Hotel Chocolat At Christmas 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Cleopatra Cracking The Enigma (PG) 8:30 Ken Burn’s The American Revolution (PG) 10:35 Mayhem - Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings (PG) 11:30 Australian Fashion Past Present & Future 12:35 Empires Of New York (M l,v)

2:00 South Aussie With Cosi 2:30 Christmas With The Salvos 3:00 Hornby: A Model Empire (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 7:00 Greatest Escapes To The Country: Barns 7:45 Mrs. Brown’s Boys (M l) 8:30 Vera (M) 10:30 Murdoch Mysteries

2:00 Tackling Australia 2:30 Merv Hughes Fishing 3:00 Duck Dynasty (PG) 4:00 Mt. Hutt Rescue (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Border Security - International (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG)

12:00 Sean’s Kitchen 1:00 Zumbo’s Just Desserts (PG) 3:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 4:30 Dog Patrol (PG) 5:30 The Conners (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v)

5:10 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edwards (PG) 6:50 NITV News: Summer Yarns 6:45 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:35 Aerial Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Nat King Cole: Afraid Of The Dark” (PG) (’14) Stars: Nat ‘King’ Cole

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Reel Action 8:30 Pooches At Play 9:30 Camper Deals 10:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 11:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 13: Sydney Kings v Cairns Taipans *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M)

10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 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) 9:35 Frasier (PG) 10:30 Ridiculousness (PG)

1:30 Renovation Aloha (PG) 2:30 Maine Cabin Masters (PG) 3:30 Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker 4:30 Farmhouse Fixer (PG) 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Christina On The Coast (PG)

3:00 A Very Play School Christmas 3:45 Thomas And Friends 4:45 Gardening Australia Junior 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts Above And Beyond 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins

2:00 ABC News 2:30 Heywire 3:00 ABC News 3:30 That Pacific Sports Show 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Landline 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Regional Roundup 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 The Pacific 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 TBA

4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 The Piano UK (PG) 9:00 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen

5:30 Cheese: Searching For A Taste Of Place 6:30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure 7:30 Marcus Wareing’s Kitchen Garden Tales 8:00 Outback Gourmet 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour

10:00 Mastermind 12:00 Dark Side Of The 90s (M l,v) 1:50 WWE Rivals (M s,v) 2:40 Jeopardy!

4:45 Worldwatch 5:45 Icons Unearthed (PG) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 Miracles 9:50 Liaison (In English/ French/ Arabic)

12:30 WNBL: Southside Melbourne Flyers v Bendigo Spirit *Live* 2:30 Football: Leeds v Liverpool *Replay* 4:30 Premier League Stories (PG) 5:05 Explore 5:15 Movie: “Scooby-Doo” (PG) (’02) Stars: Freddie Prinze Jr

1:35 Movie: “Sabata” (PG) (’69) Stars: Lee Van Cleef 3:45 Movie: “The Train” (PG) (’64) Stars: Burt Lancaster 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Licence To Kill” (M v) (’89) Stars: Timothy Dalton 11:15 Mrs Sidhu Investigates (M l)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

50

5:00 Worldwatch 9:15 Matched (PG) 10:10 Inside The Steam Train Museum (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 When The World Watched 3:25 Ethnic Business Awards 5:30 Bettany Hughes - History Of Mother Earth 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Building The Vatican Secrets Behind The Holy City (PG) (In English/ Italian/ French) 8:30 A Warwick Castle Christmas 9:30 Harrods - The Rise & Fall Of A British Institution (M) 10:25 Robin’s Wish (M)

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

Thursday 25 December

Wednesday 24 December

Tuesday 23 December

Monday 22 December

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12:00 ABC News 1:00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu 2:00 Death In Paradise (PG) 3:00 QI (PG) 3:30 Nigella Bites 3:55 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:40 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz Kids (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 I Was Actually There (M) 8:00 Twitter - Breaking The Bird (M l) 9:15 Movie: “Girl’s Can’t Surf” (M) (’20)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Movie: “Christmas In Pine Valley” (PG) (’22) Stars: Kristina Cole Geddes 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: WBBL: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane *Live* 10:30 Cricket: Post Game

12:00 Movie: “Just Like A Christmas Movie” (PG) (’23) Stars: Marlie Collins 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 9:00 Movie: “Raiders Of The Lost Ark” (M v) (’81) Stars: Harrison Ford

12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 Deal Or No Deal 1:30 Movie: “The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie” (G) (’04) Stars: Tom Kenny 3:30 Lingo (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 Love It Or List It Australia 8:40 The Imposter (M l,s) 10:40 NCIS (M v)

3:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Westminster Abbey Behind Closed Doors (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy!

(PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Secrets Of The Tasmanian Tiger (PG) 8:30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks (M)

12:00 Days Of Our 5:30 The 77 Percent Lives (PG) 12:45 The 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Young And The Wildlife Rescue New Restless (PG) 1:30 The Dog Zealand (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 House 2:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Karla Grant Presents

4:00 Home Town 5:00 3:30 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Christina On The Coast Farm To Fork 4:30 (PG) 6:00 House Frasier (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) Hunters International 6:30 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters Renovation Bang Theory (PG)

3:50 Worldwatch 5:45 5:30 Everyday Gourmet 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 4:30 Culture By Design 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Travel Man (PG) 6:40 With Justine Schofield 6:15 Phil Spencer: 5:00 ABC News Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV 6:00 Nigellissima 6:30 Secret Agent 7:05 Summer 6:00 ABC Masks 6:25 The News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Rachael Ray’s Holidays 7:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Evening News 6:35 If You’re Adventures Of Paddington Games (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw Out Of 10 Cats Does 6:55 Movie: “Tiddler” (PG) (’24) Listening 7:00 ABC National Countdown (M l,s) 7:30 Donal’s Family Kitchen Would I Lie To You? (PG) News 7:30 Back Roads Stars: Jayde Adams

3:50 Movie: “Double 4:30 The Addams Holiday” (PG) (’19) Family 5:00 Bewitched Stars: Carly Pope 5:30 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) Death In Paradise (M v) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG)

3:00 Baking It (PG) 4:30 American 4:00 The Goldbergs Restoration (PG) 5:00 (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) Opal Hunters (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Killer Whale Australia’s Megapod (PG) 2:00 Death In Paradise (PG) 3:00 QI (PG) 3:35 Nigella Bites 4:00 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz Kids (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Piano UK (PG) 9:25 The Assembly (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Movie: “Candy Cane Candidate” (PG) (’21) Stars: Jacky Lai 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: WBBL: Adelaide v Melbourne Stars *Live* 10:30 The Spin: Seven’s Cricket

12:00 Movie: “12 Dares Of Christmas” (PG) (’23) Stars: Brittany Underwood 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Jamie Durie’s Future House 9:35 Beyond The Build

12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 2:00 Taskmaster Australia (PG) 3:00 Deal Or No Deal 3:30 Lingo (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “First Wives Club” (PG) (’96)

2:55 Such Was Life (PG) 3:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Westminster Abbey - Behind Closed Doors (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great British Railway Journeys (PG)

4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG)

3:00 Baking It (PG) 4:00 American 4:00 The Goldbergs Restoration (PG) 5:00 (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback 7:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (M s,v) Truckers (PG)

5:30 Indian Country Today News 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:30 Water Worlds (PG) 8:30 Pro Bull Riding USA

1:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

4:00 Home Town 5:00 3:30 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Scott’s Vacation House Farm To Fork 4:30 Rules (PG) 6:00 House Frasier (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) Hunters International 6:30 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big House Hunters USA 7:30 Help!

We Bought A Village Bang Theory (PG)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:50 Stick Man 7:35 Ninjago Dragons Rising

5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 4:30 Culture By Design 6:15 Phil Spencer: 5:00 ABC News Secret Agent 7:05 Summer 6:00 ABC Claire Hooper’s House Of Evening News 6:35 If You’re Games 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 Listening 7:00 ABC National Would I Lie To You? (PG) News 7:30 Back Roads

3:45 Worldwatch 5:45 5:30 Everyday Gourmet Travel Man (PG) 6:40 With Justine Schofield Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV 6:00 Nigellissima 6:30 News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Rachael Ray’s Holidays 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw Out Of 10 Cats Does 7:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass Countdown (M l,s)

3:50 Movie: “Welcome 4:30 The Addams To Christmas” (PG) Family 5:00 Bewitched (’18) Stars: Eric Mabiust 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) New Tricks (M l,s,v) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

1:00 The Piano UK (PG) 1:55 Death In Paradise (PG) 2:55 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 3:30 Nigella Bites 3:55 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:40 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz Kids (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction (PG) 8:10 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery” (PG) (’15) Stars: Alison Sweeney 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The 1% Club UK (PG) 8:00 Movie: “The Holiday” (PG) (’06) Stars: Jude Law 10:40 Chicago Fire (M v)

4:30 American 4:00 Medical Restoration (PG) 5:00 Emergency (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The 5:30 American Pickers (PG) Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) Heartbeat (PG) 5:10 Peppa Pig 5:30 Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Masks 6:35 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:55 Tabby McTat 7:35 Ninjago Dragons Rising

12:00 Movie: “Under The Christmas Sky” (PG) (’23) Stars: Jessica Parker Kennedy 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Christmas With Delta 8:00 Carols By Candlelight *Live* 11:00 Movie: “Noel Next Door” (PG) (’22)

1:30 Dogs Behaving 5:30 APTN National 3:00 Baking It (PG) (Very) Badly Australia News 6:00 Bamay 6:40 4:00 Jabba’s Movies (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) Arctic Secrets (PG) School Holiday Special (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 7:30 Ocean Warriors: Mission 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 House Ready (PG) 8:30 Movie: (M v) (MA15+) 10:30 CSI: Miami (M) “Scrooged” (M h) (’88)

4:40 MythBusters (PG) 4:30 Culture By Design 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 5:00 ABC News 6:15 Phil Spencer: Summer 6:00 ABC Secret Agent 7:05 Claire Evening News 6:35 If You’re Hooper’s House Of Games Listening 7:00 ABC National 7:35 QI (PG) News 7:30 Back Roads

12:00 ABC News 12:30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (PG) 1:20 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction (PG) 1:55 Death In Paradise (PG) 2:55 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 3:25 Nigella Bites 3:50 Movie: “A Boy Called Christmas” (PG) (’21) Stars: Maggie Smith 5:30 Royal Carols - Together At Christmas 6:30 Hard Quiz Kids (PG)

12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 2:00 Taskmaster Australia (PG) 3:00 Deal Or No Deal 3:30 Lingo (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 Airport 24/7 (PG) 8:30 The Cheap Seats (MA15+)

11:30 St John Ambulance Carols By Candlelight *Replay*(PG) 2:00 Christmas With The Salvos (PG) 2:30 Movie: “Last Train To Christmas” (PG) (’22) Stars: Michael Sheen 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Love Actually” (M l,n,s) (’03)

2:55 Such Was Life (PG) 3:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 London Zoo At Christmas (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Big Fat Quiz Of Everything (M l,s) 9:05 Rock Legends (PG)

4:00 Home Town 5:00 3:30 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Chateau DIY 6:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 House Hunters Frasier (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) International 6:30 House 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Hunters Ho Ho Home 7:00 House Hunters USA Bang Theory (PG)

3:50 Movie: “It’s 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 1:35 If You Are The 5:30 Everyday Gourmet Beginning To Look A The Addams Family One (PG) (In Mandarin) 6:00 Nigellissima 6:30 Lot Like Christmas” 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I 3:35 Worldwatch 5:45 Rachael Ray’s Holidays (PG) (’19) Stars: Eric Mabius Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Travel Man (PG) 6:40 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Liaw 7:30 Mark Moriarty - Cook Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News: Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow Summer Yarns Like A Chef

11:30 Christmas With Delta 1:00 Carols By Candlelight *Replay* 4:00 Movie: “Blizzard” (G) (’03) Stars: LeVar Burton 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (PG) (’89) Stars: Chevy Chase 9:30 Movie: “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (M d,l) (’83) Stars: Chevy Chase

1:30 The Dog House (PG) 2:30 The Living Room (PG) 3:45 The King’s Christmas Message 4:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 4:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 The King’s Christmas Message 6:15 The Dog House (PG) 7:15 The Graham Norton Show (PG) 8:30 NBL: Round 14: Sydney Kings v Ilawarra Hawks *Live*

4:00 Christmas With The Salvos 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M)

4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 American Pickers (PG)

1:30 Dogs Behaving 5:30 Going Places With 4:00 The Goldbergs (Very) Badly Australia Ernie Dingo (PG) 6:00 (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) Bamay 6:40 Arctic (PG) 5:30 First Dates 4:30 The Living Room (PG) UK (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) Secrets (PG) 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen 8:30 Reservation Dogs (M l,v) (M v) Nightmares UK (M l)

5:55 Knee High Spies 6:25 Movie: “The Gruffalo” (G) (’09) Stars: Helena Bonham Carter 6:50 Movie: “The Gruffalo’s Child” (G) (’11)

5:00 ABC News Summer 5:30 The Breakfast Couch 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 7.30 Special 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Back Roads

5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

2:55 Such Was Life (PG) 3:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Christmas Carols From London Coliseum 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Andrea Bocelli 30 - The Celebration 9:20 Vigil (M)

4:00 Home Town 5:00 3:30 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Windy City Rehab 6:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 House Hunters Frasier (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) International 6:30 House 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Hunters Ho Ho Home 7:00 House Hunters USA Bang Theory (PG)

2:45 Movie: “A 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 2:45 Insight 3:45 5:30 Everyday Gourmet Christmas In The Addams Family Worldwatch 5:45 Travel 6:00 Nigellissima 6:30 Tennessee” (PG) (’18) 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Man (PG) 6:40 Rachael Ray’s Holidays 4:30 Poirot (PG) 6:30 Antiques Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News: Roadshow 7:30 Clarkson’s Liaw 7:30 Jeremy Pang’s Hong Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Out Of Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Farm (M l) Kong Kitchen

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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SP O N S O RED CO NTENT SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

Dinos roar into Sydney Olympic Park

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t was a huge hit when it stomped into Sydney in 2024, selling out every show to rave reviews but this summer, DinoFest will up the ante with even more live-action dinosaurs that are guaranteed to thrill.

Showing at Blaxland Riverside Park at Sydney Olympic Park daily from January 10 – February 1, DinoFest features more than 30 lifesize, walking and interactive dinosaurs, as well as brandnew life-like animatronics and dino-themed activities.

While Tyrannosaurus Rex is understandably king of the show, DinoFest also stars a walking Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, Pachycephalosaurs, Ankylosaur and lots of cute baby dinosaurs that can be touched and patted, with in-character rangers who help to make the event a truly unique adventure for families.

In addition to the thrill of a 45-minute Dinosaur Encounter and an amazing new Dino Trail featuring a towering Brachiosaurus, the ultimate dinosaur experience also has a range of educational and highly

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BIMBIIGANG! Learn about Gundungurra local lore, traditional stories and discover the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains as you walk on Country with an Indigenous guide. Includes unlimited rides on the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Cableway.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

engaging kids’ activities like a Dino Dig, themed arts and crafts, and ‘feel a fossil’ with real dinosaur bones.

Especially suited to children aged nine and younger, DinoFest Founder Laurence Taylor says he deliberately designed the event to be experienced outdoors; not just for the sheer scale of the interactive dinosaurs, but also to encourage kids to move, explore and connect with nature.

“There’s nothing like experiencing DinoFest in

the fresh air where kids can really immerse themselves in a prehistoric adventure that’s away from screens and devices. It’s about sparking curiosity, imagination and wonder in a way that’s active, fun and memorable," he said.

Families are strongly encouraged to pre-book online via Humanitix as DinoFest Sydney will sell out faster than a Velociraptor can run!

Visit www.dinofest.com for more details.

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

Parramatta delivers a winning holiday line-up

S

and shadow puppetry.

Active Parramatta: More than 40 classes will roll out these holidays including mother (or mother-figure) and daughter yoga, family tennis featuring the new POP Tennis program debuting in Parramatta and popular favourites such as LED hula hoop dance, silent disco and gymnastics.

Parramatta Aquatic Centre (PAC): Intensive swim program to boost water confidence and skills with week one running from January 12-16 2026 and week two from January 19.

PHIVE: A huge line-up of creative

sessions including Junk Orchestra from January 6, drop-off blind box character workshops from January 14-15, K-POP Demon Hunters, craft workshops, PHIVE SHP: ENVIRO-Beats on January 13 and creative sessions and HADO Battle Arena; an augmented reality gameplay from January 7.

Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library: More K-POP events for the kids to enjoy, miniature garden sculpture making, creative self-portraits, music camp and puppeteering and puppet making workshops between January 13-22.

‘The Bogong’s Song’ at Riverside.

celebrates creativity in all forms.

“Garden of Sound sets the tone for an unforgettable summer.

“Parramatta is ready to welcome kids and their families for a summer filled with connection and play.”

Other highlights across Parramatta include: Libraries: Robots, STEAM days, stories and a summer read-a-thon.

Kids can learn through personalised and interactive lessons with ABii the Smart Robot Tutor, explore AI

and robotics, build safe structures, and dive into STEAM Days focused on housing and design. Creatives can jump into Tales Reimagined: Classics vs Comics while book lovers take on the Summer Read-aThon challenge. All activities can be found here.

Riverside Live at PHIVE: Families can enjoy the Garden of Sound from January 7-10 and ‘The Bogong’s Song’ from January 15-17, brought to life through Bangarra’s dance

Blind Box characters workshops at PHIVE.

PENRITH

OPENING SOON

565 HIGH STREET, PENRITH

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ummer school holiday celebrations will burst to life in January with families invited to take part in almost 100 activities taking place in Parramatta from magic and science shows to augmented-reality battles, art workshops, circus fun, family fitness and a summer long read-athon.

The program will offer residents the chance to partake in activities across Council’s libraries, Parramatta Aquatic Centre, PHIVE, Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library and sportsgrounds including Riverside Live at PHIVE’s Garden of Sound, part performance and part playground following two quirky gardeners on their mission to restore their garden’s beauty.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said this year’s program captures the joy of a summer alive with creativity.

“We are offering kids and families hands-on experiences they won’t find anywhere else,” Zaiter said.

“Our libraries, PHIVE, Active Parramatta, Riverside Live at PHIVE, Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library and the Parramatta Aquatic Centre have built an incredible program that

Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

INCORPORATING Western Property | The Experts | Relax & Unwind

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

FEATURE STORY Western Property

NO REGRETS AFTER ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY RICH EVANS

M

oving to the country.

It sounds so easy and refreshing.

Or, as the Presidents of the United States of America once put it, “moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches.”

That’s the phrase I began using back in December 2012, when we made the decision to leave western Sydney and head over the mountains in search of peace and quiet.

Growing up in Penrith in the 1980s and 90s was a great experience. It was big enough to have everything you needed, but it wasn’t yet the city it has become today.

The decision to move happened quite quickly. After a drive to Bathurst to have a look around,

we passed through a village called Portland. Almost immediately, we knew it was where we needed to be.

“WHAT I FOUND WAS A GENUINE SENSE OF COMMUNITY”

With a population of around 2,500 people, it felt like the kind of small, quiet country town where we could raise our kids. We came back the following week to check out the local Central School (K–12), and that sealed it. This was going to be our new home.

Just one month later, our entire life was packed into a semi-trailer and we headed west. No local network, no nearby family, no job security — just a family of five looking for something different.

Don’t get me wrong, Penrith had been good to us. My whole family still lives there. But I was yearning for a new way of living — one that better matched my idea of home.

When you first move to the country, there’s a period of realisation that life works differently.

Shops don’t open late. If you forget something, it’s a long drive back to town. Every trip seems to take 30 minutes. But that’s all okay, because as you settle into the rhythm of country life, you stop looking for those things.

What I found was a genuine sense of community. A place where people know your name

Portland Pool, community owned and operated.

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and say hello. A place where the community chips in — whether it’s a working bee at the local, community-owned pool to get it ready for the summer swimming season, or helping out when someone needs a hand.

Life has purpose, and if you’re community-minded, you see the rewards of your efforts almost immediately. The whole town notices when people step up.

Remote working wasn’t as simple back then as it is today, but even then it was possible.

There’s no reason someone couldn’t work remotely a few days a week and catch the train into western Sydney on the other days. That’s how my journey began — running a business remotely while keeping a small office in Penrith. Before long, the trips back became less frequent. I found I got far more done working from a quiet rural property than I ever did in a CBD office.

Life was simply quieter — and more rewarding. It was also more affordable. Without large retail precincts to wander through on weekends, you tend to buy only what you need. Shopping stops being a pastime and becomes a task.

We miss nothing, there is so much happening in our little town, but it’s all quiet by 10pm and you can hear the sounds of the country as you go off to sleep.

The transition to country living didn’t take long. 13 years on, it feels like a lifetime ago. The only regret I have about moving over the mountains is this: I didn’t do it sooner.

And despite what the song promised all those years ago, I still haven’t eaten a lot of peaches — but I did find everything else I was looking for.

Rich Evans is a former Penrith local who moved to greener pastures in the Central West in 2012.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.® OFFICE: Suite 1, 235 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

58 College Street, Cambridge Park

4+

2

1

Orchard Hills

4

Ideal Family Home or Investment

JUST LISTED

Welcome to 58 College Street, offering modern comfort, generous living spaces and an unbeatable location. Perfect for homeowners or savvy investors, this residence delivers a lifestyle of convenience, practicality, and long-term value. Positioned in a highly sought-after area, the property is just moments from shops, public transport, parks and amenities. Schools are also conveniently close, making it an ideal home for families seeking everyday ease and accessibility.

5

2+

Rare Opportunity LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

33 Winbin Crescent, Gwandalan, Central Coast

4+

2 + 10

LAND AREA: 2.17ha (5.36 acres)

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

4 Small Crescent, Glenmore Park

2.5

2

3

1

Rare Opportunity | One-of-a-Kind Property on 1,155sqm

JUST LISTED

Proudly offered for the very first time, this property presents a rare opportunity to secure a home that perfectly blends modern sophistication with classic character. This property combines timeless style, generous proportions, and resort-style living in one of Glenmore Park’s most established and desirable locations.

WATER VIEWS

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

3/132 Stock Avenue, Kingswood

3

1

2

Rare | Freestanding Three-Bedroom Villa

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Positioned on a low-maintenance 225sqm block, this freestanding three-bedroom villa offers the perfect blend of privacy, practicality, and lifestyle appeal. With spacious interiors and versatile outdoor zones, it’s ideal for families, downsizers, or savvy investors seeking comfort and convenience.

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

108/10 Aviators Way, Penrith

2

2

1

JUST LISTED

A rare ground-floor gem combining modern design with lifestyle convenience. Ideally positioned within the highly sought-after Thornton Estate, this contemporary apartment offers the perfect balance of comfort, style, and sustainability.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, downsizer, or savvy investor, this residence provides an effortless low-maintenance lifestyle in one of Penrith’s most vibrant and walkable communities.

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

1

Ideal First Home or Investment Opportunity

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2

Rare Ground Floor Gem Ready To Move In

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

7/40-50 Union Rd, Penrith

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Discover contemporary living in this stylish 2-bedroom apartment, perfect for those seeking convenience and comfort. Boasting a spacious, light-filled floor plan, this home offers a seamless transition from the cozy living area to a private balcony, ideal for relaxation and entertaining.

12/86-90 Copeland Street, Penrith

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2

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SOLD FOR $850,000

SOLD

We have qualified buyers who missed out and are ready to purchase! If you’re thinking of selling, call or SMS Gizzelle Powell for your FREE Market Appraisal.

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618 18 Uzrah Bi 0435 205 061

TESTIMONIAL Absolute pleasure working with Gizzelle who made our buying experience so easy

“

We would really recommend Gizzelle for anyone’s real estate needs based on our personal experience. She is 100% professional and also connected with us instantly. We liked her for her honest communication without any drama, which is rare to find these days. She negotiated on behalf of buyers and ensured that both parties end up with fair deal. We really feel that if not for Gizzelle and the trust we had in her, we would not have secured our property in such a shorter settlement period.

”

- Prag & Krithika (Buyer) AGENT OF THE YEAR 11 X Winner Cambridge Park 6 X Winner Kingswood 6 X Winner Penrith 3 X Winner Werrington 3 X National Top 100 Australia

Put our Winning Team to Work

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Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618

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Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing?

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Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.

Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s.

The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers.

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Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a backyard and the low-maintenance qualities of apartment living.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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MONEY MATTERS The Experts

DON’T BE SILLY IN THE SILLY SEASON! P

ALEX MCKENZIE Future Financial Services 4704 8585

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ersonally, I always think of Melbourne Cup day as the start of the festive season.

It seems that the Melbourne Cup functions are the first in a series of Christmas parties and end of year celebrations. It is a great time of year; it can also be an expensive time of year!

It is very easy to overspend during this period, and way too many people get themselves into financial trouble. Hopefully, many of you read my article last year and have already allocated funds throughout the year for this period of increased spending, and have your festive period kitty ready to go. If you did, good work and enjoy! Obviously, you still need to be somewhat aware of what you are spending.

Increased spending over this period is inevitable, the key, as always, is to direct the increased spending to areas that add the most value. Too much of our spending adds very little value to our lives. It may not be necessary to buy a new outfit for every one of

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

the functions you are attending. I know my wife loves to get a spray tan and her hair and make-up done for an event, it makes her feel great and this adds value. The difference is that she picks and chooses the events she goes “all out” for, while the others that aren’t as important, she does her own and hair and make-up.

For me, if I decide not to have a few drinks at some events and drive, I can really reduce the cost of a night by avoiding the need for a taxi or a hotel room.

O t h e r nights, I will let my hair down

and celebrate. It’s all about finding the balance.

Christmas presents can really add up to be expensive. For my family, we no longer buy everyone a present, we have a Kris Kringle; we buy and receive a single present, but it is high quality.

This works out to be cheaper and better value than buying a large number of inexpensive and lower quality presents.

This is just a few examples of how to direct your spending to the things that are important to you, so you can still enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank to do so.

The thing we really want to avoid is racking up a credit card debt. Ideally, you have put some money aside specifically for this period or have some savings. If you haven’t and will be putting money on the credit card, at least plan in advance how you are going to pay it back.

Don’t let this enjoyable time of the year become an expensive millstone for the rest of the year.

SHOES FOR ARTHRITIS

L

iving with arthritis can make even simple daily activities more challenging. Stiffness, swelling, and joint pain in the feet can affect balance, confidence, and overall mobility, particularly as the day goes on. While arthritis can’t be cured, wearing the right footwear can play a powerful role in reducing discomfort, protecting sensitive joints, and helping you stay active and independent.

Arthritis-friendly footwear is designed to support the foot without adding pressure to already painful areas. Shoes that are too narrow, too flat, or poorly cushioned can aggravate joint inflammation and restrict natural movement.

In contrast, well-designed therapeutic footwear helps distribute pressure evenly, absorb shock, and support healthy alignment, making walking and standing far more comfortable.

Key features to look for in shoes for arthritis include

wider and deeper toe boxes that allow space for swelling or joint changes, soft and seamless linings to reduce friction, and cushioned midsoles that minimise impact through the feet and lower limbs. Adjustable straps or laces are especially important, allowing the fit to change throughout the day as swelling fluctuates.

Contoured footbeds and supportive arches also help reduce strain on sore joints while improving overall stability.

At The Footwear Store, our arthritis-friendly range has been carefully selected to meet these needs without sacrificing style or practicality. We proudly stock podiatrist-recommended brands such as Drew and Vita Sole, both known for their thoughtful construction and long-lasting comfort. Many styles are orthotic-friendly, lightweight, and designed for easy entry, ideal for people with reduced mobility or hand stiffness.

Support at home is just

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I CHRIS MOULDS OnePointHealth 4732 5188 as important as support outdoors. Wearing structured, cushioned footwear indoors can help reduce stiffness, protect joints from hard floors, and maintain comfort between activities.

Combined with simple habits such as gentle stretching, regular movement, and rest when needed, the right footwear can significantly improve daily comfort and confidence.

If arthritis is affecting how you move, the right shoes can make a meaningful difference. Visit The Footwear Store in Penrith for personalised fitting and expert advice tailored to your needs. Mention The Western Weekender to receive 10 per cent off.

f you follow the latest tech trends, you might have seen the name Nano Banana AI popping up.

This tool acts like a digital artist that listens to your instructions. For example, you can say, “replace my living room’s beige walls with a deep navy and add a modern fireplace,” and it will create a realistic image in seconds. There’s no need for Photoshop experience or long hours of editing. Here are some things it can help you with: • Photo restoration and enhancement: Repair scratches, enhance clarity, and upscale old photos to 4K for prints or albums.

• Make posters and invites with easy-to-read text.

You can design holiday cards, kids’ party invites, garage sale posters, or kitchen menus, all with clear writing shown in the image.

• Blend several images into one scene: Mix a product photo, a picture of your backyard, and a style

example into one realistic image for planning or mock-ups.

• I d e n t i t y - c o n s i s t e n t portraits: Make sure faces and objects look the same in different styles and settings. This is useful for family yearbooks, personal branding, or regular social media posts.

• Design custom wall art: Generate original artwork, themed prints, or décor previews tailored to your space.

• Landscape and garden previews: Test out planting ideas, pergolas, lighting, and different seasonal looks for your patio or garden using photos of your own yard.

• Event styling: Make

DAVID NORRIS Nortec IT 9894 9514 mock-ups of dinner party table settings, centrepiece ideas, or event layouts.

• Infographics: Change your notes into clear diagrams, like a wiring plan for a media wall, plant care cards, or a checklist for a weekend project.

I attended a Q&A with John Boyega (‘Star Wars’) and used Nano Banana to merge a photo of him from the event with one of me, creating a realistic-looking interview.

The AI even adjusted our head positions to make them more authentic.

I had a lot of fun playing with this tool. Nano Banana delivers fast, realistic results – turning imagination into reality.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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SWIM SAFETY The Experts

HAVE A SAFE AND VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! S

JULIE SHELDRAKE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

ummer is here, Christmas decorations are up, children are finishing school and getting increasingly excited about Santa’s visit with Christmas less than a week away. However, we simply can’t afford to become complacent about water safety during the silly season, as terrible things can happen at any time, and Royal Life Saving Australia research shows that Australians are twice more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year.

210 Australians drowned on public holidays over the past 15 years, and holiday makers are at highest risk, being 2.5 times more likely to drown due to lack of knowledge and familiarity with the local waterways. Drowning also remains a risk at home, where we are often most relaxed and potentially a little complacent, but we must remain vigilant and maintain constant active supervision. A lapse in adult supervision was the major risk factor in 100 per cent of all toddler drowning deaths last year, and drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death in children under five, with most deaths in this age group occurring in backyard pools. Don’t be distracted when with children around water, nothing is more important than their safety.

Put the phone down and enjoy this precious time in the sun.

Never assume someone else is watching.

Looking forward to New Year’s Eve, perhaps as the clock strikes midnight on December 31 this year we could all commit to some Water Safety resolutions, and to implementing them all year round?

Everyone should Learn to Swim, at all ages.

It is a proven fact that swimming lessons save lives. Make this year your year to get your kids into lessons, and to learn yourself if required. Fence the pool and shut the gate, as accidental falls into water remain the leading activity prior to drowning among children under five. Please check the fence is safe and cannot be climbed, and that the pool gate is

self latching. Make this final weekend before Christmas the time to check your pool fences and gates – refer to the Royal Life Saving website for their home pool safety checklist to minimise the risks.

Be sure to watch your mate around water – don’t let your mates drink and drown. The message is simple: wear a lifejacket when on the river, avoid consumption of alcohol and drugs around water, know your limits, don’t take any risks, and never swim alone. Swim between the flags and in patrolled areas only at the beach and be aware of any rip currents.

Learn CPR and educate children about water safety. Would you know what to do in an emergency? If the answer is no, make it your resolution to learn CPR in 2026.

Let’s all make 2026 a year to improve the swimming and water safety skills in our community and to see more local children reach all of the recommended swimming benchmarks, for lifelong safe and active participation in physical aquatic activities and recreation. If your children are not yet in lessons – please enrol them. If your children are learning to swim – please keep them in lessons until they are truly competent.

Let’s do all we can this summer to take care of one another and minimise the risks. Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

PET HEALTH The Experts

KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON PETS THIS CHRISTMAS C

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

hristmas has a way of sneaking up on us — one minute we’re complaining about the heat, and the next the house is full of tinsel, the fridge is overloaded, and our pets are watching it all unfold with wide-eyed curiosity. As the year comes to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the role our pets play in our lives and why veterinary visits often become part of the Christmas story too.

For our pets, Christmas is a sensory overload. New people, strange smells, extra food within reach and decorations that look far too fun to ignore can quickly turn festive cheer into a trip to the vet. We see it every year — dogs sampling Christmas leftovers they shouldn’t, cats testing the laws of gravity on Christmas trees, and the odd emergency visit caused by swallowed decorations or festive treats left unattended.

Summer also makes its presence felt at this time of year. Heat stress, ticks, grass seeds and snakes don’t take a holiday, and

they certainly don’t care that it’s Christmas Day. Older pets and those with chronic conditions can struggle

Whether pets are coming along for the ride or staying home with a carer or kennel, it’s often during December that owners

in the warmer months, which is why we often encourage a quick check-up before the festive rush truly begins.

Christmas travel adds another layer of excitement (and chaos).

realise medications are running low, vaccinations are overdue, or parasite prevention has slipped off the radar.

A simple vet visit can save a lot of stress — and avoid that sinking

feeling when clinics are closed and you suddenly need help.

But amidst the tinsel and the unexpected vet visits, Christmas is also about gratitude. Our pets have been by our sides all year — greeting us at the door, keeping us company during quiet moments, and making even ordinary days better. They don’t care about gifts under the tree; they care about routine, comfort and being close to the people they love.

As this final editorial of 2025, we want to say thank you for reading, sharing and engaging with us throughout the year. We hope these weekly updates have become a small but familiar part of your routine.

At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we are open with adjusted consulting hours over the Christmas-New Year period.

Phone us on 0247362027.

From all of us, we wish you and your pets a safe, relaxed and joyful Christmas — and we look forward to continuing the conversation with you in 2026.

SUMMER CLUB ☀

Have you noticed the ‘SUMMER CLUB’ banners on some Weekender ads?

WHAT IS THE SUMMER CLUB?

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL!

Spots in ‘SUMMER CLUB’ are extremely limited.

Email sales@westernweekender.com.au to find out how you can be part of it.

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The Summer Club is a collection of advertisers who’ve partnered with the Weekender to promote their businesses across the summer as part of an exclusive package.

We urge you to support the businesses who support free local news in Penrith!

At Orchard Hills ills Veterinary Hospital, we understand d that your pet is a cherished family ily member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pett care services to animals acrosss the Penrith district.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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Contact us! s!

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PET OF THE WEEK Relax & Unwind

4721 1444

my name: Tuffy my proud owner: Delcy i live in: Jordan Springs a bit about me: I’m a playful and loveable

Pugalier with a tail that never stops wagging! I’m the ultimate ball chaser and a true treat enthusiast.

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Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

HOROSCOPES

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro @JoMadelineMoore © Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Unique Uranus (your ruling planet) and joyful Jupiter are transiting through your domestic and daily routine zones.

So strive to be more generous and forgiving towards family and friends, as you view a troubled relationship from a more philosophical perspective. Your festive motto is from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox (who turns 71 on Christmas Day), “Make kindness your daily modus operandi and change your world.”

Steady Saturn (in your sign) helps to stabilise and conserve your energy throughout a long and hectic Christmas Day. Then you’ll be able to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations … without feeling totally exhausted by bedtime! Many Pisceans will spend the post-Christmas period reflecting on 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. So your motto is from birthday great, writer Henry Miller, “One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”

The week starts with Mercury and Venus in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, so you’re in the mood for plenty of fun and Yuletide cheer. However, too much haste and festive frivolity could land you in trouble, especially involving friends and/or in-laws. So do your best to get the balance right between thinking things through and being spontaneous. When it comes to Christmas presents, choose ones that bring joy and inspiration, like soulful music and beautiful books.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Most Bulls are well-prepared but Neptune squares Venus (your ruling planet) on Wednesday, so expect a rather confusing Christmas Eve. Perhaps a family member misunderstands you or Santa gets lost! With the Moon moving through your peer group zone, many Bulls will spend Christmas night with a close circle of special friends. Your festive motto is from birthday great, movie star Marlene Dietrich, “It’s the friends you can call at 4am that matter.”

With the Sun, Venus, Mars and Mercury (your boss planet) bouncing through your relationship zones, it’s all about companionship and sharing as you enjoy the festive season with family members, close friends and/or neighbours. And some lucky singles could find love at a lively Christmas Party. Your motto for the moment comes from birthday great, singer-songwriter-activist Annie Lennox, “Love is the most important thing we can give.”

Prepare to be in a fabulously festive mood, as you let your hair down and enjoy the Yuletide celebrations to the max. But if you eat and drink and party too much on Christmas Day, then you’ll be a grumpy Crab for the rest of the week.

Extravagant Jupiter is jumping through your sign, so be careful at the Boxing Day/New Year Sales. Extravagant, impulse buys this week could result in long regrets later. From Thursday on, love is in the air.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

When it comes to last minute gift shopping, look for presents that are practical and useful. But if you spend more than you can comfortably afford this Christmas, then you’ll just end up with a heap of New Year debt. You don’t have to go overboard in order to have a good time. And avoid getting too serious and stressed. It’s time for clever Lions to bliss out on Yuletide cheer! A calm and methodical approach is the best way to handle festive celebrations.

It’s been a busy lead-up to the big day, so you may feel a bit out of sorts this Christmas. Many Virgos have a very delicate digestive system which is easily upset by stress, rich food, too much alcohol, overwork and over-excitement.

If you pace yourself, then you (and your sensitive stomach) will enjoy the festive season even more. Simple meals – in small amounts – and plenty of sleep is the smart and sensible way to go. Spend Boxing Day with a special loved one.

On Christmas Eve, nebulous Neptune squares Venus (your patron planet) so things could get rather confusing. Don’t worry if your carefully made plans are messed up this Xmas. Try to keep things in perspective. It’s OK if the food, presents, decorations and celebrations aren’t 100 per cent perfect. As writer (and birthday great) Quentin Crisp wisely observed, “Treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster.”

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

With Pluto (your ruler) plus the Moon, Saturn and Neptune in your domestic and entertainment zones on Xmas Day, many Scorpios will host festive celebrations at home. But communication between guests looks tricky, as Neptune stirs up sensitivities. It will take your best diplomatic skills to keep children under control, parents from getting paranoid and family members from feuding.

When in doubt, take 10 deep breaths and continue … the show must go on!

The Moon, Saturn and Neptune are in your domestic zone on Christmas Day which favours traditional celebrations, surrounded by loved ones. Choose your words wisely though because Neptune squares Venus. If you’re not careful, you could blurt out the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong time and upset a relative or stir up an old grievance. Smart Sagittarians will simmer down, hold your tongue, and think things through before you speak.

You’ll need to be extra diplomatic if you want to avoid a fraction too much friction on Christmas Day. With Venus squaring Neptune in your communication zone, misunderstandings are likely (especially with relatives) so tread carefully. With the Sun, Venus and Mars all visiting your sign, focus on friendship, generosity and community spirit. Your Xmas motto comes from writer (and birthday great) Henry Miller, “Do anything but let it produce joy.”

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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Relax & Unwind

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Relax & Unwind DESTINATION Cupitt’s Estate

WORDS

Emily Chate

IMAGES

WINE AND RELAXATION H

eaven is on the south coast, more specifically, it can be found at Cupitt’s Estate. I recently made the three-hour drive from Penrith down the South Coast to stay in one of their luxury villas.

Check-in was smooth with the staff’s kindness apparent from the moment I stepped in the door, they welcomed me with ease and gave me an overview of the sprawling grounds before letting me know my winery tour and tasting would begin soon.

Emily Chate / Supplied

MORE INFO

(02) 4455 7888

The villas at Cupitt’s Estate are the perfect spot for a weekend away.

“THE SHOWSTOPPER WAS THE SECLUDED DECK, WHICH HAD AN OUTDOOR BATH”

I headed to Villa 2, which was to be my home for the evening. The first thing to note is each villa has reserved parking spaces for its occupants; it’s a small touch but it most definitely did not go unnoticed. The short walk from the car to the front door was surrounded in shrubbery making it feel like you were the only person there, another quiet moment of luxury.

With a swipe of my key card, I entered the villa. The villa had a small kitchenette with a fully stocked minibar inclusive of a how to guide for a range of in-house made cocktails – a great touch. To the left was the lounge room, it was decorated with wicker and shades of cream that were complemented by the sound of waves crashing coming

Views, luxury and more at Cupitt’s Estate.

from the TV. To the right was the bathroom inclusive of a rain shower head and coloured by moody tiles, then there was the bedroom stocked with a plush king bed. The showstopper was the secluded deck which had an outdoor bath, this was the

The grilled Yamba prawns with Martins Ridge nduja butter and lemon. Photo: Emily Chate.

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

complete highlight of my trip. I was half tempted to get the water running right then and there but knowing I had my tour soon, I tabled the idea.

After a freshen up, I made the short walk over to the restaurant area to begin my tour. I

was greeted by Rosie Cupitt, co-owner of the estate with her husband and the originator of the family’s move into wine almost two decades ago. Briefly, Cupitt’s Estate sits on Washburton Farm, a 75-hectare property originally settled by William Tuckerman in

The deck with the private outdoor bath.

Photo: Emily Chate.

TRAVEL

AWAITS AT CUPITT’S ESTATE the early 1800’s. The Cupitt family purchased the Washburton Farm in 2001 and later officially opened it as the Estate in June 2007.

Rosie grabbed two wine glasses and led me into the heart of the operation, the wine cellar to meet her son Wally, Head Winemaker. I tasted some wines (some straight from the barrel!) and learnt about the intricacies of wine making. The tasting impressed me so much I bought two bottles to take home to enjoy.

“THESE WERE THE BEST PRAWNS I HAVE EVER TASTED”

Luxury is at every turn at Cupitt’s Estate.

Once my tour ended, I had some time until my dinner reservation. So, I headed to my outdoor bath and turned the taps on to get the water warm and the soap bubbling. To complement the experience, I also grabbed a glass of wine. Once the bath was full, I got in and sat listening to the sounds of nature. It was complete bliss.

I took the short walk over to the on-site restaurant where the staff were so helpful.

I perused the menu before deciding to start with the fried zucchini flower stuffed with

whipped ricotta and the house baked focaccia with Vanella burrata and fennel jam. I want to preface, I did indeed order too much food, but I was so keen to try everything. These two starters were exquisite, in fact, if the food stopped coming then I would have been more than satisfied but I pressed on, with another glass of wine of course.

Next, I ordered a serving of the grilled Yamba prawns with Martins Ridge nduja butter and lemon. As someone who is not often a seafood

The range of wines is outstanding.

lover, these were the best prawns I ever had!

They were so juicy and full of flavour, I’m still thinking about them. Lastly for my mains I ordered the hand rolled ricotta gnocchi in a tomato vodka sauce, a baby cos salad with parmesan and breadcrumbs as well as the double fried potatoes. This was the best food I ever had, in fact, I would make the six hour return trip just for the food.

After one of the best night’s sleeps I have ever had, I was treated to a breakfast hamper

in my villa. The hamper included freshly baked house made sourdough, juice, fruit and yoghurt. I made some breakfast and sat on the private balcony to take in the tranquil views.

Cupitt’s is about making wine an experience even for the causal partaker and they certainly deliver. The food is decadent and the accommodation is luxurious in every way. If you are after a romantic getaway or a solo trip to refresh your body, my suggestion is Cupitt’s Estate.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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Co nn ec t W ith Us O nl

ACROSS DOWN 1. Unattractive 1. Fertiliser ingredient 4. Sweet biscuits 2. Beer 8. Sudden attack 3. Oscar winner, ...

Brynner 11. Of hearing 4. Round loaves 13. Fly around (globe) 5. English university 15. Winged predator 6. Recite (prayer) 17. Chubby 7. Traded for money 18. Unforeseen outcome 8. Lacerate 20. ... we there yet?

9. Bewildered (2,3) 21. Cowboy’s rope 10. Spots 24. Sequence 12. Pry 27. Extended play recordings (1,2) 14. Donkey 28. Charity appeal 16. Cosmetics house, Elizabeth ...

30. Trim (bush) 19. Famed UK racecourse 31. Regions 22. TV reception pole 33. Joined (traffic) 23. Squanders, ...

34. Inventor, Thomas ... wastefully 35. Rebuff 25.

Ruddier 36. Female title 26.

Slacken (4,2) 39. East African land 29.

Suffusing 42. Satirical performance 32.

Finish 44. Pickle flavouring 35.

Neck garments 45. Scrub 37.

Malicious fire-setting 46. Walks with muffled 38. Tomb inscription tread 40. Melancholy 48. Heavy horned animal 41. Throw a tantrum 49. Perch (3,2) 50. Very eager 42. Ladder steps 52. Midriff swelling 43. Soil 54. Knock out 44. Beef dish, steak ...

55. Confusion (3-2) 47. Drenching 56. Slow-moving 51. Kept man mammals 52. Conceals 57. Apple pip 53. Weather feature (2,4) 60. Imperial unit 54. Trouble 62. Culturally revered 58. Variety bill presenter 65. Inspiring dream 59. Hullabaloo 67. Channel 61. Spiteful 69. Rock/pop singer, ...

John 63. Sedates 70. Struggle 64. Launders 72. Spider’s lair 65. Single book in series 73. Baggy 66. Hog’s grunts 75. Actress, Sophia ...

68. Shocked, taken ...

77. His, hers & ...

71. Brahma follower 79. Get more guns 72. Enfold 81. UAE state, ... Dhabi 74. Milky gem 82. Nairobi’s republic 76. Wheels’ outer edges 84. Nation, ... Rica 78. In no peril Previous solution80.

- Easy 85. Ruminated Crustacean eggs 86. Stick (out) 5 6 883. 7Moray ...3 87. Diminishes 6 3 4 5 2 9 8 7 88. Ancient guitar

edium

6 1

2

4 5 8 9 6 7 5 6 8 7 4 2 6 7 5 1 3 9 8 7 4 3 2 1 Last 8week’s solution 7 3 4 4 3 2 6 5 7 2 1 5 6

© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

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r8ts.com

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28

22

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Sudoku brought to you by Penrith News penrithnews.au

SUDOKU No. 775

2 5 7 4

Very Hard

1 7 9 7 4 3 8

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

1 6 2 9 6 3 2 3 1 6 4 9 8 3

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

Previous solution - Tough

7 5 2 8 9 6 4 1 3

5 2 4

61

66

69

72

1 2

6 5 7

3

© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

Crossword

1

in e!

8 3 6 1 4 5 2 9 7

9 1 4 2 3 7 5 8 6

5 4 3 9 1 2 6 7 8

1 6 8 5 7 3 9 4 2

2 7 9 4 6 8 1 3 5

6 9 5 3 8 1 7 2 4

3 2 1 7 5 4 8 6 9

4 8 7 6 2 9 3 5 1

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

78

Wordsearch brought to you by Penrith Jobs www.penrithjobs.com.au

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

THEME: LIBRARIES ACCESS ACQUISITIONS ARCHITECTURE BODLEIAN CARDS CIRCULATION CLASSIFICATION INDEX INFORMATION INSTITUTION INTERNET LENDING LIBRARIANS MAPS MOBILE PERIODICALS READING ROOM REFERENCE RESOURCES SCHOLARS STACKS TECHNICAL THEOLOGICAL Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about Christmas traditions in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. Where was baby Jesus born?

2.

What do people traditionally put on top of a Christmas tree?

3. What country did eggnog come from?

4.

Which Christmas song was recorded by Jose Feliciano in 1970?

5. What do children get from Santa if they’re on the naughty list?

6.

What are you supposed to do when you are caught under the mistletoe?

7. Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?

8.

Which fairy tale inspired the first gingerbread houses?

9. What year was the first Christmas card sent?

ANSWERS 1. Bethlehem 2. An angel 3. England 4. Feliz Navidad 5. A lump of coal 6. Kiss 7. Germany 8. Hansel and Gretel 9. 1843

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TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 775

Medium

1

Str8ts

5 4 2

5 6 6 3 4 5 4 5 8 9 5 6 8 2 6 7 9 8 7 4 8 7 3 4 3 2 7 2 1

8 7 8

1

5 4

7 6 1

7 6 8

© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

5 2 4 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

No. 775

Previous solution - Easy

2 6 7 5 3 4

3 8 7 9 8 7 7 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 5 6 6 5 6 5 8 7 5 6

2 5 7 4

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be p see how ‘straights’ are formed.

1 6

3 1 8

Name the Movie

Hexwords

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles.

We’ve given you a head start.

DSMARIBISD E Previous solution:

Previous solution: THE REVENANT

Who Am I?

30 Second Challenge

Plus 12½ %

www.30secondchallenge.com

of ThIs

of IT

4. My cousin-in-law can be very annoying.

of ThIs

of IT

of ThIs

of ThIs

douBle IT

of IT

ansWeR

5. I live in the suburbs of Chicago.

of ThIs

of ThIs

of ThIs

Last week’s answer: 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 164 - BEGINNER - 49, INTERMEDIATE - 4.5, ADVANCED - 42.

Last week’s answer: EBENEEZER SCROOGE

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 165 - BEGINNER - 72, INTERMEDIATE - 35, ADVANCED - 147.

of IT

25%

x100 Plus 20% x15/6 douBle IT 7% of ThIs -29 87½% of ThIs

÷10 ÷4 x9 +2 +2 ÷3 +3 4/9 1/6 +19 x10 3/5 -60 5% of IT

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of ThIs

half of IT

ansWeR

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

www.30secondchallenge.com

of IT

ITself

ansWeR

72

douBle IT

96

ansWeR

douBle IT

80

adVanced

3. I love decorating my house at Christmas.

douBle IT

14

TIMes By ITself

+8 ÷8 x10 +4 ÷12 x6 +4 x10 75% 1/2 10% 1/3 +24 5/7 5/12 7/9 x4 17½ % x20 75% 20% douBle IT

ansWeR

InTeRMedIaTe

InTeRMedIaTe

x6

2. I have two kids - a boy and a girl.

39

4

1. My wife's name is Ellen.

adVanced

BegInneR

intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.

1000 1/100 of IT

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HINTS

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the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

AUTO

Ranger gets a refresh Ford confirms new additions to Ranger line-up in 2026, with orders now open

F

ord Australia has announced a significant expansion to the Ranger Super Duty line-up for the MY26.5 model, introducing the highly anticipated Pick-Up body style and a new premium XLT series.

Arriving in mid-2026, these updates bring greater flexibility and comfort to the Ranger Super Duty, combining its class-leading 4500kg towing capacity, 4500kg GVM2, and 8000kg GCM2, with the utility of a factory tub and the refinement required for long-distance touring.

“The Ranger Super Duty was born from a direct need to do more for our customers, and the reaction since our initial announcement has been extraordinary,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia.

“By introducing the Pick-Up body style and the XLT series, we’re taking that massive towing and hauling capability of Ranger Super Duty and making it even more versatile for Australian drivers.

“We know that for many customers – especially those touring our great, vast nation – comfort is just as important as capability.

The XLT grade, combined with the flexibility of a factory-fitted tub or cab-chassis, opens up the Super Duty to recreational users who want a vehicle that can tow just about anything, anywhere, without sacrificing the refinement needed for long-distance touring.

“The Ranger Super Duty has already captured the imagination of Australians who need serious capability. With the arrival of the

2026 Ranger Super Duty Double Cab Chassis XLT in Command Grey.

Pick-Up body style and the XLT series, we’re making that capability even more accessible for everyday life.”

For the first time, the Ranger Super Duty will be available in a Pick-Up body style. This

addition offers customers the same heavyduty capability as the cab-chassis variants but with the added versatility of a factory-fitted tub, making it an ideal solution for both retail customers and fleet operators.

Crucially, the Pick-Up body style retains the core heavy-duty specifications that define the Super Duty badge.

The Pick-Up variant will also feature the existing Ranger Super Duty’s widened track width of 1710mm, and 850mm wading depth, ensuring it remains capable in the toughest Australian conditions.

“This is the truck for the customer who needs to tow a heavy work trailer or carry a massive payload during the week, but wants to load up the tub and head off-road with the family on the weekend,” said Ambrose Henderson, Marketing Director, Ford Australia.

“It effectively bridges the gap between a dedicated workhorse and a premium touring vehicle, giving owners the freedom to work hard and play harder without compromise.”

More details around weights and dimensions (including payload and ground clearance) for Ranger Super Duty Pick-Up and XLT models will be available closer to arrival.

The MY26.5 Ranger Super Duty update also heralds the arrival of the XLT series to the range. Available on Double Cab Cab-Chassis and Double Cab Pick-Up variants, the XLT is designed for customers who demand rugged durability without compromising on comfort.

Tailored for recreational off-roaders and extended touring, the XLT series adds premium features.

Order books for the MY26.5 Ranger Super Duty are now open, with vehicles expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2026.

Keep local news thriving.

DONATE TODAY Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

75

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Gary’s verdict: C10 is not a great Leap forward A

s one of the new breed of Chinese manufacturers, with the resources of the Stellantis group (owners of FIAT and Chrysler) to draw on, hopes were high when Leapmotor announced it was designing a new SUV range.

Christened the C10, the new car is a mid-sized wagon featuring generic styling, that while not unpleasant, has a ‘sameness’ to other vehicles in the class.

Following current EV design trends, the front is blunt, a solid piece with integrated bumper and a slimline air intake mounted low, providing air to the cooling system.

Twin vertical scoops direct air through the wheel wells, however the front still looks like a discarded Apollo-era heat shield.

“ALTHOUGH BOOSTED

BY GOOD BUILD QUALITY, THE C10 SUFFERS FROM POOR DRIVER INTERACTIVITY”

The generic nature of the design is the biggest flaw, there is no ‘signature’ element to declare a design ethos, instead it has the feel of a car that has assimilated multiple cues from those around it.

The upsides are a decent flat roof, allowing roof racks to carry additional load, as well as wide opening doors for easy access.

Our test car was the ‘Design’ variant, which added 20” spoked alloy wheels to the external package.

Inside, the story was the same, it was pleasant, but with the same air of generic fitout, instead of claiming a specific design feature.

There is plenty of fruit, including a 14.6” central touchscreen and a 10.25” digital instrument display for the driver, along with dual zone climate control and multiple

76

The C10 is impressive inside, but nothing particularly unique.

USB charging ports. While there was DAB/AM/FM and Bluetooth connectivity, interestingly for a new car there was no Apple or Android functionality, a retrograde step for those used to connecting their phone to the vehicle.

Also odd was the lack of an auto-dimming rear view mirror, while the passenger door mirror gave an unrealistic view of approaching traffic, giving the impression of more space between vehicles, but without a warning message to the driver.

The powered and heated front seats (four-way adjustable for the passenger and 10-way for the driver) were comfortable, with all seats finished in silicone leather, with a ‘TechnoLeather’-wrapped steer-

ing wheel.

While there was the usual array of buttons and switches on the wheel face, none were labelled, making me wary of randomly flicking switches with no idea of what was about to happen.

Similarly, the door-mounted window switches were reversed, pull for up and push for down, but with no explanatory markings.

While these are not fatal flaws, it is the accumulation of minor issues that made the car feel wrong and counter-intuitive for those transferring from other cars.

The biggest challenge was the need to download and activate the Leapmotor app to my smartphone to fully access the C10’s controls.

The Leapmotor C10 is a disappointment overall.

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

After more than 90 minutes of trying and failing to connect the app, we decided to use the ‘smart card’ to operate the C10.

At this point, I acknowledge owners should not face the same challenges we did, unfortunately this is what we have to judge the car on.

To unlock the car, the card has to be placed on the driver’s door mirror, contacting an embedded chip reader.

Not only does this unlock the car, and relock it once you exit the vehicle, it also starts the electric drive motor.

While it is nice to have the air conditioning operating when you enter the car, it means you are immediately drawing power from the battery pack, in the same way an ICE power unit will consume fuel while idling.

This means the unwary can exit the car, leaving everything running, and return later to discover the energy levels depleted.

With a projected range of around 400 kilometres, our test included runs at 100km/h, as well as urban and suburban travel at 40, 50 and 60km/h, the Leapmotor delivered around 350 kilometres before needing a recharge.

This total included energy harvested by the regenerative braking system, as I used the ‘one pedal’ option, where the accelerator became a rheostat, push to go, lift to stop.

This allowed the generator to

brake the C10 and convert driveshaft rotation into electrical energy, adding to the overall driving range.

The 360 degree camera also impressed, while not industry leading, it gave a good view of the general surroundings and made for accurate manoeuvring in tight spaces.

The frustration with the C10 was a feeling the designers tried to be too clever, as though conceding they could not build a better car, they would build a technical masterpiece.

This means every driver aid and convenience item was added to the standard list, but without considering how they would be integrated into the driving experience.

I fully support the use of advanced technology to enhance the vehicle’s abilities, but in the C10 it frustrates the driver through a combination of overly aggressive interventions and a poorly thought out interaction between car and driver.

Examples include opening the tailgate, with no external button and a non-functioning smartphone app, this required the car to be unlocked, the driver then has to navigate multiple screens on the central display, before activating the switch.

The lane keep assist, including a separate ‘lane centring’ function, had to be disabled every time the car was driven, to avoid constant and aggressive steering interventions, the lane centring gave only a few centimetres before audible alerts were sounding through the car.

At this point, the safety aspect of the technology is overridden by the need to constantly counteract the sudden lurches of the steering wheel, and the driver is left feeling on edge, waiting for the next uninvited intervention.

Add the lack of smartphone operability, via the non-functioning app, to these distractions and the C10 was a disappointment.

Other new arrivals faced similar challenges, and have found ways to improve their offerings, it remains to be seen if Leapmotor can make the necessary gains.

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

KIA prepares new Seltos for 2026 A n updated version of KIA’s Seltos small SUV will launch here in 2026, with an Australian suspension tuning program one of the last tasks before the new model is released.

Built on the K3 platform, the Seltos will offer a range of powertrains, including two versions of the 1.6-litre petrol turbo four cylinder and a 2-litre non turbo four cylinder petrol, with up to 190 horsepower.

There will also be a choice

of a 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic or 7-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission, with frontand all-wheel-drive options, complete with multiple drive modes for different terrain conditions.

With dimensions confirmed at 4,430 mm (L) × 1,830 mm (W) × 1,600 mm (H) and a wheelbase of 2,690mm, the new version is expected to provide more interior space over the current model.

While full Australian specifications will be released closer to launch date, KIA says the car will include a 12-inch Heads-Up Display, as well as two 12.3” widescreen units for the infotainment and driver display.

THE NEW MODEL IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2026

The Seltos will also use a ‘shift by wire’ steering column-mounted gear shift, freeing up space on the centre console and improving cabin ergonomics.

The new model is expected to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026, after launching into other markets including India, North America and China.

KIA is updating the Seltos.

New distance record for Geely

Record breaker: The Geely Starray EM-i.

I

n a drive of marathon proportions, a Geely Starray EM-i set a new record, verified by the Guiness Book of Records, for most efficient hybrid on the Sydney-Melbourne coastal drive.

Travelling a distance of 1,056 kilometres over December 9-10, the Geely returned an average fuel consumption of 3.83 litres/100 kilometres, better even than its official NEDC test figure of 4.4 litres/100 kilometres.

Using the EM-i’s standard ‘Super Hybrid Technol-

ogy’, the model features a high-efficiency 1.5L internal combustion engine paired with an 11-in-1 E-Drive System, allowing the vehicle to switch between pure electric, pure engine, and hybrid modes, balancing low energy consumption with extended range.

The journey represents a ‘metropolitan travel route’, taking place along the iconic coastal route from Sydney to Melbourne that covers a total distance of approximately 1,000 kilometres, specifically chosen to reflect real-world driving scenarios

rather than a closed-road test.

“The primary purpose of this challenge is to demonstrate the practical user benefits of EM-i Super Hybrid technology,” said Dong Wan, Director of the Energy Control Department from Geely Research Institute.

“We selected this route to test the vehicle’s performance in everyday user scenarios. The result proves that Geely Auto’s EM-i Super Hybrid Engine achieves world-record-level energy efficiency.”

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77

SPORT HAINES REFLECTS ON LONG CAREER Story continued from » p.80

Haines said he’s proud of many things that the Association achieved during his time involved, but giving back to the next generation sits at the very top.

“The biggest thing for me, and what I love doing the most, is coaching the young referees,” he said.

“We’ve got an enormous talent pool of young referees and we’ve got to keep them interested for the next 10 years because that’s how long it takes to get to the NRL. “Last year we recruited 135 new referees and our total number was 251, which is unheard of anywhere! Already for next season we’ve had more than 50 expressions of interest from people that want to become a referee.”

Former NRL touch judge and Penrith Referees’ Association junior Rohan Best has succeeded Haines as Chairman for the upcoming 2026 junior rugby league season.

Haines said Best, who he’s known since he was a teenager, will be a great replacement as Chairman.

“Rohan is a well-qualified person, and he’ll do a great job in that role,” Haines said.

“If he needs any help he’s got plenty of people on the Board to turn to, or he can give me a call anytime he wants.”

In the meantime, Haines will be spending more time travelling with his wife, pottering around in the garden, and watching plenty of rugby league.

Ducks’ three-peat Quacking fantastic! Nepean takes home gridiron trophy NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he Nepean Ducks have quacked their way to another gridiron title, winning their third straight Kookaburra Bowl in a thriller last weekend.

Nepean’s U19’s Colts team were chasing the club’s first-ever three-peat last Saturday afternoon at Brookvale Oval and they delivered, defeating the Wollongong Mustangs 38-32.

The game lived up to the hype, with the Ducks enjoying an early lead before the Mustangs clawed their way back into the contest.

“It was pretty tense the whole game,” Ducks Vice President, Darren White said.

“We got off to an early lead 24-8 and then the Mustangs came back before half-time.

“The whole second half we weren’t sure whether we’d win or we would lose.”

It was a massive result for the Ducks who have dominated the Colts division for three consecutive years. White said he’s not shocked to see his side win another Gridiron NSW title because of the hard work of the players and coaching staff.

“You go in hoping, but you never go in expecting this is going to be the outcome,” he said.

“The coaches prepare the guys the best they can every year and the results start stacking up during the season and you feel that this

The Nepean Ducks celebrate an historic three-peat. Photo: Jim Walker Photography.

could happen again. The preparation that the guys put in during the pre-season and during the year all leads to this moment.”

For his strong effort in both offence and defence, Moape “Tuks” Kawa was crowned the Kookaburra Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.

“Tuks was a beast on both sides of the ball.

He got a couple of touchdowns, got two or three sacks during the game, forced fumbles – he was everywhere,” White said.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the perfect weekend for the Ducks franchise with their U15’s Flag Football team succumbing to Wollongong 20-12 in the Harbour Bowl.

White said despite the loss it was a fabulous debut season for the Ducks in Flag Football.

“The kids played their hearts out and shouldn’t be disappointed, they should be proud,” he said.

“The coaches Emma Lawton and Tim Miller built this team over the course of the year. Over half the team had never played Flag Football before, but they just kept getting better and better every single week.”

The Ducks hope to keep building the club in 2026, hoping to strengthen their women’s and men’s sides in particular.

Sienna promises to bounce back after injury blow NATHAN TAYLOR

J

amisontown teenager Sienna Knowles will look back on her 2025 year in sport with mixed emotions. Not only did she succeed in three different sports, but she also suffered a devastating injury in one of them, ruling her out for a year.

While playing in her rugby league Grand Final a few months ago, the 14-year-old injured her ACL which required surgery.

With a major outdoor hockey tournament representing NSW on the horizon, the Year 9 Caroline Chisholm College student was crushed.

“I was playing my footy Grand Final with Windsor when I got knocked down once and my knee was a little unstable. I then went to dodge, and my knee just went the wrong way. As soon as I did it, I knew the injury was bad,” Sienna recalled on Monday.

To help ease the pain of missing out on representing NSW at Nationals, Sienna and her family made the trip up to Brisbane anyway to support her teammates.

“It helped to be with my team and still be a part of the experience. I

78

then returned home for my surgery and laid in bed for a while because I couldn’t move,” Sienna said.

“Once I could start using my crutches, I went back to school.”

Doctors said that Sienna wouldn’t be able to play any competitive sport for nine to 12 months while her knee healed.

To help aid her recovery, Sienna’s parents entered her into a knee rehabilitation program in Blacktown.

“I go there every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday to help with my progression. It gives me something to do so I’m not at home all day. A couple of my friends have also done their ACL too, so I’m with them in the program.”

Not happy to be without sport for a whole year, Sienna said she would still like to be involved somehow in 2026, possibly in the way of officiating.

“I might start umpiring because I know all the rules for hockey and OzTag, just to be involved,” she said.

Prior to her terrible injury, Sienna was enjoying a sensational year in her various sports.

In January, she represented the NSW U14’s State Indoor Hockey Team

the western weekender » Thursday, December 18, 2025

in Canberra, winning the National title.

She also played in the OzTag State Cup for Nepean, and competed at the OzTag Australian Championships in Coffs Harbour. While on the rugby league field, Sienna reached the Grand Final with the Windsor Wolves.

The latest Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star winner said she’s looking forward to having some time off after a rollercoaster year.

“It’s really hectic going from sport to sport but it’s fun because I’m up and moving all the time,” Sienna said.

“I’m going away this summer holidays with my family, I’m really looking forward to that!”

Sienna’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 $250 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.

Sienna Knowles is the latest PVSF Sports Star. Photo: Melinda Jane.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Panthers reveal flashback jersey RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers have unveiled their Heritage jersey for the upcoming 2026 NRL season. Emblazoned with the official 60th-season logo, the Heritage jersey draws inspiration from the Home jersey worn between 2004 and 2007. The Panthers first wore the design as NRL Premiers in 2004, that season Amos Roberts was the NRL's top try scorer with 23 as the Panthers won 15 games to finish inside the top four. The jersey features teal green and white, which do not feature on Penrith’s current main playing strip. The Heritage jersey will make its debut when the Panthers run onto CommBank Stadium for the Battle of the West against arch rivals the Parramatta Eels in Round 4. The 2026 Penrith Panthers Heritage jersey is now available to pre-order via the Panther Shop.

CRICKET: Penrith have finally snapped their long losing streak, prevailing over Gordon in the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a One-Day match at Shore School Grounds,

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar were unable to be separated in Round 8 of the A-League Men’s competition.

Played last Saturday evening at CommBank Stadium, both sides were unable to get one past the keeper, with the match ending in a 0-0 draw. Western Sydney will return to CommBank Stadium this Friday night to play last year’s Premiers Auckland FC. The Wanderers currently sit in seventh on the ladder, while Auckland FC are second.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have suffered a 2-1 loss to the Central Coast Mariners in Round 7 of the A-League Women’s competition.

Played last Sunday night at Wanderers Football Park, the Wanderers were down 2-0 for most of the match before Talia Younis scored for the home side in the 90th minute. The Wanderers will have this weekend off before returning to the pitch against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on December 27.

Paul Lederer has been re-appointed as Chairman of the club. Lederer temporarily stepped away from the position in June 2024 due to personal family matters and other commitments. The Club and Board says it welcomes Lederer’s return in the Chairman role and his continued leadership as the Wanderers continue to strengthen on and off the pitch.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have announced their Opens and U23s team to contest next year’s Netball NSW Premier League competition.

The Opens team: Carissa Cook, Charniah Shepherd-Harris, Chloe Baker, Eleanor Alatini, Hannah Selby, Hinemoa Boylan, Kayla Nakhoul, Kyla Thompson, Laura Cook, Lucy Tonkin, Robyn Towson, Sophia Meehan and Sophie Elliott.

The U23s team is: Ally Etherington, Breha Pearson, Charli Lobsey, Cheyanne Vaitusi, Eliza Baker, Eve Vaitusi, Indigo Kelly, Isabella Hall, Marene Greyvenstein, Montana Vaitusi, Sally Werfel and Sydney Robins.

Mitch Kenny and Jack Cogger model the new Panthers Heritage kit.

The Penrith RSL Skittles.

Gordon won the toss and elected to bat. The home side posted 9/216 after 50 overs. Isaac Nicholls took 4/25 in a spectacular bowling display. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they reached Gordon’s target with six wickets and just 14 balls in hand.

Skipper Ryan Gibson led the way for Penrith with a team-high 105 runs. Penrith will hit the road this Saturday to play their final game of the year against Hawkesbury at Bensons Lane Oval.

NORMAN’S

CRICKET: Penrith’s first grade

women’s team have lost their first game of the year, going down to Manly Warringah in Round 3 of the Ruth Preddy Cup. Playing in a One-Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bowl. Manly Warringah scored 9/128 after the 50 overs. Elise Noble and Bethany Lane took three wickets apiece. When Penrith hit the crease, they fell 23 runs short of victory.

Noble top scored for her side with

Chairman Paul Lederer.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced that

SCRAP

NETBALL: Congratulations to the Skittles from Penrith RSL Netball Club who were crowned U11 Division 2 Champions of the Penrith Netball Spring competition last week. For many players, this was their first-ever Grand Final victory after many previous attempts. Penrith RSL dominated the match, defeating their opponents from St Nicholas Netball Club in very warm conditions 19-4 at Jamison Park.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025 « the western weekender

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Premiership-winning forward Liam Henry will leave the Penrith Panthers at the end of the 2026 season. Henry has signed a four-year deal with the Perth Bears and will join the club for its inaugural season in 2027.

“This is another proud day for the Perth Bears,” Bears Head Coach Mal Meninga said. “Liam is one of the most exciting middle forward prospects in the NRL and I am ecstatic to have him as part of our inaugural roster.” Henry has played 50 first grade games for Penrith and was a member of the club’s 2024 Grand Final team. He had been linked with a move to the Bears for some time. “I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of history and continue my career with the Perth Bears from 2027,” Henry said.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to be a part of a new team in a new city and it’s that opportunity that excites me the most.” Henry will see out the final year of his contract with Penrith in 2026 before heading west.

25 runs. The Lady Cats will look to bounce back after Christmas when they face-off against Gordon on January 11.

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FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS Gary Haines.

THE FINAL WHISTLE NATHAN TAYLOR

R

ecently retired Penrith Referees’ Association Chairman Gary Haines can’t remember how many rugby league games he’s officiated during his many decades with the whistle, but one game and one player in particular will always stick in his mind.

“I remember refereeing Brad Fittler when he was playing in the Harold Matthews Cup with Penrith. I was told to keep an eye on him, so I did,” Haines reminisced.

“It was a knockout competition over at Whalan Reserve and this thunderstorm rolled in and no one wanted to referee, so they asked me to do it.

“It was pouring down with rain, and I recall Brad did a chip kick from the 20m line over the top of me and scooped the ball up and ran 70m to score under the posts.

“Someone said to me, ‘That’s Brad Fittler!’. I said, ‘Yeah, I know!’.”

The 1991 Panthers Premiership winner and rugby league icon wasn’t the only future NRL star Haines got to witness running around as a kid on the local playing fields, with current Panthers assistant coach and former player Peter Wallace another.

As he winds up his role as Penrith Referees’ Chairman after 10 years, Haines has an abundance of stories from his time in the “best junior rugby league competition in the world”.

The 68-year-old first took up refereeing in 1971 when he was just 13 after one of his schoolmates suggested he give refereeing a crack after he decided to give up playing the game.

“I started refereeing in the Convent competition, which involved all the Convent Catholic schools around the district,” Haines said.

“I went to Patrician Brothers in Blacktown, and I refereed there for three years.”

Haines went on to full-time employment and have a family before, in 1980, he decided to dip his toe back into officiating after hearing a radio commercial by the late great Frank Ley on 2KA advertising for rugby league referees in the Penrith District.

“My wife said to me, ‘You used to do that… why don’t you ring up?’. And the rest is history, I’ve remained with the Penrith Referees’ Association ever since,” Haines told the Weekender.

On top of his two stints as Chairman, Haines has held many roles at the Association including Assistant Secretary, Secretary, Vice President, Treasurer and Referee Coordinator.

He became a Life Member of the Association in 1991.

Haines stopped refereeing competitively in the late 1990s after officiating five A-Grade Division 1 Grand Finals, including four of them consecutively.

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