Western Weekender July 10 2025

NURSES UNITE

Frustrated nurses say there is severe understaffing and resourcing in Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and they’re calling for an increase in funding and staff. They rallied for more support outside the hospital this week. Emily Chate reports on Page 5.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

PAPER’S FOUNDER DIES

Greg Evans, whose vision created The Western Weekender, loses battle with illness

Businessman Greg Evans, who founded this masthead, has passed away.

He had a significant impact on Penrith – serving as a Councillor, running a number of businesses and forming part of the ‘Footy Five’ in a dramatic period of Panthers’ rugby league history.

Evans was a key figure in ensuring the Panthers stood alone in the National Rugby League, fighting against a proposed merger with Parramatta in what was an at times bitter chapter for Panthers behind the scenes.

He founded The Western Weekender in 1991, believing the perception of Penrith being presented by major media organisations was unfair.

It is a legacy that remains today, with the Weekender – which has undergone several ownership changes since Evans’ departure from the business in 2008 – currently in its 34th year of publishing.

The Weekender defied expec-

tations and became a force as an independent publication, eventually outlasting its News Limited and Fairfax competitors to become Penrith’s market leading newspaper.

“We acknowledge the passing of Greg Evans and pay tribute to the legacy he has left in the shape of The Western Weekender – which looks vastly different today than it did when it launched in 1991, but still retains much of the intent and desire from those early days,” said Weekender Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

Evans founded Penrith local radio station Kick FM in 2007, luring Jason Bouman and Amanda Flynn to head up its breakfast show. The station proved short-lived, going off air at the end of 2008. Evans was also the owner of the Sydney Spirit basketball team.

“An incredibly loyal friend of 30 years,” Bouman said this week.

“Thank you for [the] best times ever and everything you did for me.”

Evans had long split his time between Thailand and his beloved Penrith, and had been battling illness for some time.

He died on Sunday evening in Penrith following a battle with illness.

His family is arranging a private cremation.

Evans’ life – both professionally and personally – was not without its controversies and missteps, but much of what he created in Penrith will remain as part of a legacy that will never be forgotten.

“Evo was one of life’s great characters, and certainly one of Penrith’s,” said long-time friend and current Councillor, John Thain.

“Evo had a great sense of humour and was good company.

“My condolences to his family and friends – we will miss him.”

Former Weekender Editor Bernard Bratusa said: “Greg will and should be remembered for all of the good things he did for both Penrith and the people he proudly called mates”.

‘Footy Five’ a key part of legacy

TROY DODDS

There are many different versions of what happened in the Boardroom of the Penrith Panthers in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

During what was a tumultuous period for the club, the fight to stand alone in a now united first grade rugby league competition following the Super League war was front and centre.

A group of Directors would emerge from that period with a permanent etch in Penrith’s history.

Dubbed ‘The Footy Five’, the group included Craig Terry, John Bateman, Dennis Coffey, Geoff James and Greg Evans, who founded The Western Weekender Evans passed away this week.

The dubbing of the group as ‘The Footy Five’ came after they refused to sign a non-binding letter of intent in 1999 that would have kept the possibility of a merger with arch rivals Parramatta on the table.

The group had the backing of the exceptionally influential Ron Mulock.

Then Chairman Roger Cowan had proposed the letter be signed to at least keep a merger on the table, given Penrith’s perilous position in the NRL’s famous criteria, which ultimately saw foundation club South Sydney dumped from the competition.

But The Footy Five believed signing that letter would result in a merger with the Eels, ending Penrith’s status as a stand-alone club.

“Mulock christened Bateman and Co the Footy Five, and those blokes made a great to-do about it, accused me of trying to do

secret deals of with Parramatta,” Cowan would later tell the Panthers: Men In Black book.

“It got so nasty. Especially when Mulock went around saying that the Footy Five had saved Penrith.

“They have never stopped claiming to be the saviours of the club.”

Evans would later say: “It seemed like a ridiculous scenario that the two largest junior leagues would wed together. There were a lot more sensible mergers outside of Penrith and Parramatta”.

The dramatic Boardroom drama saw huge conflict within the club and many friendships severed. The relationship between the Panthers and The Western Weekender broke down significantly, taking years to ultimately repair.

A 2002 front page, with the headline ‘Board Wars’, spoke of a dysfunctional Board ahead of that year’s Board election.

And the Temby inquiry, which investigated allegations of corruption and mismanagement within Panthers, would emerge as part of the rubble from The Footy Five’s involvement on the Board – with splits between Directors continuing well past Penrith’s survival in the reduced 14-team NRL.

Cowan was later cleared by the Temby inquiry of any wrongdoing, though the inquiry report was highly critical of Panthers and elements of its operations.

There remains two versions of the story of that period.

That of The Footy Five, which claims it was their actions that saved the club from a merger, and that of Cowan, who believes

The famous Weekender front page of September 2002.

he was operating in the best interests of the organisation in exploring all options.

The Footy Five would lose its majority and control of the Board in 2002, with the remaining members unsuccessful at the 2005 election – officially bringing their involvement

with the club’s Board to a conclusion after a dramatic period.

Cowan, who would step down in 2005, would later call the 2005 election a “personal vindication”. He passed away in 2017.

Greg Evans, who founded The Western Weekender in 1991.

Loss of “one of a kind” journalist

Terry Gallaway, the highly respected veteran journalist and television reporter, has passed away.

In recent years, Gallaway had revived his journalistic career by writing several pieces for The Western Weekender – his hometown paper.

Handwriting his own newspapers at 10-years-old before starting an apprenticeship at the Townsville Daily Bulletin at age 15, Gallaway’s interest in media started from a young age.

Gallaway had a varied career from local newspapers to radio, and television from Channel 7 to Sky News Australia where he worked for over 23 years as Chief Sub-Editor. He was 85-years-old and had been

battling illness in recent times. He passed away on Monday morning.

In 2022, Gallaway was honoured with the Order of the Medal of Australia (OAM), highlighting his commitment to media.

He told the Weekender at the time that he had loved informing the community of local and broader news.

“I’ve been to Timor twice, been in Canberra covering elections, bushfires and my favourites which is Council, cops and courts,” Gallaway said.

“Every day is different, and you meet interesting people but some stories like the murder of four-yearold Lauren Hickson in Emu Plains in 1989 is something that sticks with you.”

Last year, on the 35th anniversary of Lauren Hickson’s murder,

Gallaway re-visited the story with an extraordinary piece for the Weekender, interviewing Lauren’s mother Jurina as part of the story.

It would be one of the last stories filed in an extraordinary career that started in 1955.

His long-time friend and colleague Scott Richardson said Gallaway was “one of a kind”.

“They don’t make them like Terry anymore,” he said.

“He was old school. He was a real journalist.

“He not only reported the stories, he got involved as well. Many times he’s helped out victims of crime and done a lot of good for people.”

Sky News journalist Laura Jayes said journalism had “lost one of the greats”.

“The man knew how to live and thrive,” she said.

“He never stopped chasing a story. He never ceased to be curious. He never stopped loving and being loved.”

Gallaway had in recent times been detailing his life in journalism through a podcast.

For some time he had also been working on his memoirs.

“I can honestly say that not once in my life have I ever not wanted to go to work,” he told Sky News in 2022.

“Working in the media, in newspapers, radio and television is just the most exciting thing any person could wish for.”

Terry leaves behind his beloved wife Coral.

Tributes have been pouring in following Terry Gallaway’s passing.

TROY DODDS

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

He would always start a conversation the same way.

“G’day Troy, Gallaway here.”

That old school introduction from an old school journalist.

Terry Gallaway, the respected reporter and long-time local resident, passed away on Monday morning.

To be honest I’m surprised he didn’t send across his own obituary, such was Terry’s desire to file a story.

Terry Gallaway’s media career started in 1955, some 28 years before I was born.

But over the last few years, I had the great honour of getting to know Terry – first as a guest on our On The Record podcast series and then again as a writer, as he filed stories primarily giving big yarns of the past a fresh re-tell.

His work last year on a story around the 35th anniversary of the horrific murder of Lauren Hickson in Emu Plains was a particularly powerful piece of writing.

But Terry Gallaway had been doing that for some 70 years.

He was a journalist when it really meant something; when the information wasn’t a Google search away and when the old fashioned hunt for a yarn was real.

He worked for countless media organisations, and locally had a stint with the now defunct Penrith City Star

His journalism career took him all over the world but he loved Penrith. For almost 50 years, he lived in Colyton – in what he described to me as “a modest home”, but one that he adored.

He spoke so lovingly of his wife Coral, who was with him for so much of his long and varied career in media. Our thoughts are certainly with her this week.

I may have met Terry late in his career, and his life, but those conversations over the past few years will be forever treasured.

The yarns of a time gone by were something to behold.

He’d tell me he was chasing a story, desperately hunting down a contact from the past that was all-too-happy to help.

Terry always spoke about the fact he was writing his memoirs, recording the extraor-

INDEX

dinary stories he had worked on over the years. In recent months, he had started his own podcast detailing some of those stories.

Terry Gallaway was a journalist from another era.

But he remained well-connected, and so willing to share a good yarn when he came across one.

He was full of respect, and pride at the many careers that he had helped launch along the way.

To say Terry Gallaway was a legend of the media industry in his country would be an understatement.

We’re so glad at the Weekender that in his final years, we got to have our own little chapter of Gallaway.

I’ll miss those calls, the little bits of feedback he’d love to drip through, the story tips, and the always-stellar writing. Gone, but never forgotten.

Terry’s passing came just hours after the passing of another prominent local media figure in the shape of Western Weekender founder Greg Evans on Sunday evening.

Greg launched this paper in 1991, believing that Penrith deserved a publication that spoke about the city from the heart and with a positive bent.

For years, the Weekender rode the wave of being the ‘positive newspaper’ in town, developing a stellar reputation of telling stories of achievement that probably wouldn’t have got a run otherwise.

The paper changed over the years, as things do, but has always retained the spirit that Greg intended it to have back when he first

launched it. It has remained independently owned since its first day of operation.

I’m not sure even Greg would have imagined that the Weekender would have survived what it has over the years to outlast the likes of News Corp and Fairfax to remain Penrith’s paper of record.

Greg’s ownership of the Weekender ended in 2008.

It was a crazy time for yours truly, a young journo at the time who watched almost from the sideline as one the bigger Penrith media stories played out.

From radio stations to basketball teams and the little paper that could, it was a yarn that had a little bit of everything.

Like all stories of the type, it strained the odd friendship, too.

Greg certainly faced his challenges in Penrith over the years, but built a strong array of friendships and in starting the Weekender, created a network of connections – many of whom remained some of his closest friends until the end.

When we lose people like Terry and Greg, we not only lose friends and colleagues, but the impact they had on their community becomes only a memory.

Very few people who are veterans of the media industry wouldn’t have a Terry Gallaway story.

And very few people in Penrith’s business world wouldn’t have a Greg Evans yarn to share.

The thoughts of the Weekender team are with the family and friends of Terry and Greg; both of whom played a role in this publication’s story.

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Nurses rally for safe care

Calls for more staff and funding as concerns raised over pressure on NICU EMILY

Cries of “shame” were heard as nurses from the Nepean Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) rallied outside of the hospital this week, fighting for patient safety.

The nurses, members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) Nepean Hospital Branch, gathered on Monday, July 7 to voice their frustrations about the severe understaffing and resourcing in the NICU, with members reporting that the unit frequently exceeds capacity.

The rally at Nepean Hospital follows a similar rally held at Westmead Hospital a fortnight ago where NSWNMA members raised concerns about unsafe neonatal care including incidents of sick babies requiring 1:1 or 1:2 nursing care being double or triple parked.

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites addressed the nurses at the rally, saying funding for additional staffing is essential.

“We know that a big piece of the understaffing that we experience not only here at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit but across the Nepean Hospital is because of the inadequate wages that you receive for the work that you do,” Whaites said.

“There is a lot of work ahead for both the Local Health District and the Government of

New South Wales. The Local Health District must ensure that the occupancy rates at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit here match the staffing, and if it doesn’t match then they need to bring on additional staffing to ensure that safe patient care is delivered.

“The New South Wales Government has to play its role in ensuring that they lift the wages so that your local hospital can recruit the staff it needs.”

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Many of the nurses at the rally came in on their day off, while others had just finished a long shift, with NSWNMA Nepean Hospital Branch Secretary Alicia Rodgers thanking them for their support.

“We are constantly seeing our bed spaces overflowing, where we are above capacity,”

sive care beds and our overall bed capacity in our nursery.

“That stretches our staff so far and puts us at risk of not being able to provide the safest and most effective care to the most vulnerable in our health system, our tiny babies.”

Rodgers called on the Government to match the funding commitments to the NICU that it has made to other hospital departments.

“We’ve had commitments from the State Government for our Emergency Departments, our adult ICUs, our Maternity Units, our general wards, all very slow to roll out but one of the key areas that missed out on that commitment was Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care Nursery,” she said.

“These babies deserve the same level of safe staffing that their adult counterparts do.”

Nepean Hospital claims when there is increased demand, additional cots and other resources are made available, and staffing is increased to care for these babies.

“Nepean Hospital constantly monitors demand for services and has appropriate plans in place to ensure clinical staff are supported to deliver care for all patients,” a spokesperson said.

“The Hospital is funded for 38 cots in the Neonatal Unit. Of the 38 cots, 25 are Special Care Nursery cots and 13 are NICU cots. This

The rally outside Nepean Hospital on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Man brandishing star picket caught after foot pursuit

At 7.30am on Thursday, July 3 police were notified that there was a man walking in the middle of Forrester Road in St Marys, carrying a large star picket.

Members of the public called Triple Zero concerned about the man’s state and actions.

Police arrived and saw the man pacing and crossing the road. Police lowered the window of their car and instructed the man to stop and drop the star picket that he was carrying. The man was not compliant with the police request and began yelling and raised the star picket at the police car.

Police continued to tell the man to put down the star picket but without warning the man picked up a nearby rock and threatened to throw it at officers.

More police cars were called and as one of the additional police cars arrived the man threw the rock at the car, damaging the roof. All officers got out of their cars and again instructed the man to put down the star picket.

Four officers drew their tasers causing the man to drop the star picket and run across the road. Police chased after the man and once caught the man resisted arrest. He was eventually handcuffed and taken to a police car where they attempted to search him. The man resisted being searched.

The 18-year-old Willmot man was then taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged. He was bail refused and will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court on Monday, July 14.

North St Marys: Man caught with knife and drugs during RBT

At 2am on Friday, July 4 police were patrolling Debrincat Avenue in North St Marys. Police saw a car in front of them and stopped it for the purpose of a random breath test.

Police requested to see the driver’s licence and had a conversation with him, a 38-yearold Hebersham man. The man told police that he did not have a licence. Police made checks on his licence and found that the man’s licence had expired. Further checks revealed that the 38-year-old also had an outstanding warrant against him.

The man was removed from the driver’s seat and asked to sit on the side of the road. The man attempted to get back into the car before police quickly removed the keys from the ignition. The man climbed through the car and was apprehended and handcuffed on the other side after a short wrestle.

The car the 38-year-old was driving was

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

searched, with police finding a small knife in the footwell where the man had been sitting. A further search also revealed heroin in the car.

The man was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged. The 38-yearold was bail refused and is due to appear in Penrith Local Court today.

Penrith: Man begins pursuit after being encouraged by police lights

At 12am on Sunday, July 6 police were patrolling eastbound on the Great Western Highway using lights and sirens related to a different matter when a black Holden Cruze overtook them.

Police pulled behind the Holden, travelling at 100km/h before the Holden harshly accelerated away causing police to initiate a pursuit. Police pursued the Holden from the Great Western Highway onto to Gipps Street, Werrington and onto the M4 Motorway. While on the M4 the Holden reached speeds of 180km/h. Other police cars attended to assist including dog units, POLAIR and the Public Order and Riot Squad.

The Holden travelled down to Church Street, Granville where it exited the M4 and came to a stop.

Police approached the Holden and instructed the driver to exit the car, and he failed to do so. Police removed the 27-year-old Penrith man from the car before handcuffing him and placing him under arrest.

While in custody the 27-year-old told police that he saw the lights from the police car as “encouragement to complete his mission”.

The 27-year-old will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, July 17.

Penrith: Woman steals from store she is already banned from.

At 12pm on Sunday, July 6 a 24-year-old Penrith woman entered a major shopping centre in Penrith. While in the shopping centre, she went into a retail supermarket.

On Monday, June 23, 2025, the 24-year-old had been issued a banning notice from entering the supermarket for a period of two years.

After she entered the supermarket, the 24-year-old grabbed several cosmetic, hosiery and drink items and placed them in her bag. While she was in the store, Loss Prevention Officers had been watching her.

After 15 minutes, the 24-year-old left the store via the self-serve checkouts and failed to pay for any of the items she had put into her bag.

The 24-year-old was arrested and has since been charged.

WHAT HAPPENS TO COURT PROCEEDINGS IF A PARTY DIES DURING LITIGATION?

Sometimes parties to a court dispute die before the litigation is finalised. While it is not common, the law has developed to deal with such situations.

There is a combination of legislation that allows for litigation to continue even if a party dies in most cases.

Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1944 (NSW)

This piece of legislation sets out that most legal claims survive the death of a party meaning that the claim can usually be continued by or against the deceased person’s estate, except for certain actions that cannot be continued if a party dies (for example, defamation claims).

Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW)

The “UCPR” is a set of rules which governs how civil legal cases are run including what processes need to be followed – including what happens if a party to litigation dies.

Rule 6.30 sets out that if a party dies and the claim survives, the case does not automatically end.

This rule also allows the court to make orders to replace the deceased person, for example by putting an executor or administrator of their estate in their place so the court case can continue.

Rule 7.10 goes one step further, setting out that legal proceedings can continue even

if there is no formal representative of the estate (like an executor) and allows the court to appoint a representative of the deceased person’s estate strictly for the purposes of the proceedings.

Practical Considerations

1. If a party to proceedings dies, the court needs to be notified of the death and an application is made to substitute the deceased person with either their legal personal representative (executor) or other representative.

2. Once the above is done, the case can continue.

3. The death of party can result in delays in the case.

Some cases cannot continue if a party dies

There are some types of claims or cases that come to an automatic end if one of the parties to the case dies. These include:

• Defamation claims.

• Criminal proceedings (if the accused is the party that dies).

• Certain claims for loss of future earnings.

• Claims for exemplary damages. Exemplary damages (also known as punitive damages) are damages that can be awarded in civil cases that go beyond merely compensating a party who suffers loss but extend to punish a wrongdoer for particularly egregious conduct.

GOVERNMENT GETS AN EYE IN THE SKY

The State Government has launched new drone-in-a-box technology to get an eye in the sky faster in response to emergencies and traffic snarls on key road corridors – all controlled remotely with the push of a button from a central control room.

In an Australian first, Transport for NSW will be able to fly drones alongside and across highways for remotely piloted scheduled flights, without spotters, enabling them to rapidly respond to incidents near Greater Sydney traffic hotspots.

From the Transport Management Centre (TMC) nerve centre, accredited pilots will deploy and supervise drones housed more than 50km away, slashing the time it takes to get eyes on an incident.

Transport for NSW Executive Director of Operations Management, Craig Moran, said every flight is fully supervised by an accredited TMC pilot, and the drones are equipped with extra fail-safe measures, approved fight areas, and onboard diagnostics.

“This is the next step in a visionary program by our team to improve visibility and improve efficiency across our road network,” he said.

“Feedback from the TMC is, when a drone is in the air, we can clear hazards and facilitate a return to normal operation much faster.

“Remote flying means the TMC can keep a closer eye on known hotspots, and stream information to our Commanders and Emergency Patrollers before they arrive at the scene.”

Contact Us

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

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

Services 4732 7777

Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

Monday 21 July 2025 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via

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Council Briefs

● Don’t miss out on joining us on Friday 11 July for our Penrith NAIDOC event! We’re celebrating NAIDOC Week at Jamison Park from 9am–2pm — and we have an impressive program for you! We have a great morning planned of exploring artisan market stalls and First Nations food trucks and enjoying cultural performers, talks, games and so much more.

Find out more at

● Penrith City Council has launched MyPenrith, our new and improved online services platform. MyPenrith provides a single, secure account to access a growing range of services, starting with the Online Services Portal and soon the new Bookings and Venue Hire Portal.

factor authentication. If you’ve used our Customer Services Portal before, you’ll need to complete a one-time registration using your existing email.

To access MyPenrith and to learn more go to

● Couldn’t make it to Mini Makers in Penrith? Don’t miss out on the last Mini Makers for the July school holidays on Wednesday 16 July at Coachmans Park in St Marys. From 10am–1pm there will be free activities for kids to enjoy!

Come down and get your face painted, enjoy the arts and crafts, spend some time outside with games and live music. No bookings required and the activities are free!

Find out more at

Public Notice

Under Section 644 and Section 632A of the Local Government Act 1993, Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting on 30 June 2025 to re-establish Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas for a further four-year period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

For more information or to view all locations, please visit

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Luke Sleiman

Mod25/0093

townhouses including amendments to building footprints and uncovered car space

Contact: James Heathcote on 4732 8378

Closing Date: Sunday 27 July 2025

• NF Billyard Pty Ltd

193–195 Mulgoa Road, Jamisontown

Demolition of existing structures and construction of 14 x 2-storey townhouses including 2 affordable rental housing dwellings

Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568

Closing Date: Sunday 27 July 2025

• Sam Wilson DA25/0421

Construction works and use of private open space at 'The Yards' for a food and leisure precinct, comprising a café, recreation facility indoor (gym), outdoor recreation areas, a covered piazza area, an information and education facility, a sport court, 76 car parking spaces, and signage

Contact: Nick McMaster on 4732 8578

Closing Date: Sunday 27 July 2025

Integrated Development

Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith City Council.

• Joseph & Helen Vella DA25/0396

Integrated Development for Torrens title subdivision to create 7 new residential lots and retain 1 existing dwelling lot, with works including new utilities, street trees and driveway crossings

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below at any time

2025 to Sunday 27 July 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0396.

Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit

RBA surprises with call to leave rates on hold

TROY DODDS

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept interest rates on hold at 3.85 per cent.

It was widely tipped that the RBA would deliver an interest rate cut on Tuesday in what would have been a win for mortgage holders.

But instead, the central bank has opted for caution.

“The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate on hold, likely influenced by President Trump’s decision to extend his 90-day pause on “Liberation Day” tariffs until August 1,” said Nerida Conisbee, Ray White Group Chief Economist.

“With inflation now at 2.1 per cent and trimmed mean at 2.4 per cent, the RBA appears comfortable that price pressures are under control, while the extended tariff pause provides additional breathing room for monetary policy decisions.

“The extension of Trump’s tariff pause until August 1st gives the RBA more time to assess global trade dynamics before making significant policy adjustments.”

The RBA Board voted six to three in favour of leaving rates on hold.

“The Board continues to judge that the risks to inflation have become more balanced and the labour market remains

strong,” the Board said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Nevertheless it remains cautious about the outlook, particularly given the heightened level of uncertainty about both aggregate demand and supply. The Board judged that it could wait for a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5 per cent on a sustainable basis. It noted that monetary policy is well placed to respond decisively to international developments if they were to have material implications for activity and inflation in Australia.

“The Board will be attentive to the data and the evolving assessment of risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board is focused on its mandate to deliver price stability and full employment and will do what it considers necessary to achieve that outcome.”

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said Tuesday’s decision would not be popular.

“There is still a portion of homeowners who are in severe mortgage stress doing it tough. It’s soul-crushing when you think relief is coming only to find that you need to wait another couple months,” he said.

More EV chargers to be rolled out across Penrith

14 new Electric Vehicle chargers will be rolled out in Penrith.

It’s part of a statewide roll-out of 549 new kerbside chargers across 130 suburbs, costing the State Government $2.8 million.

The investment will see the installation of chargers ranging from seven kilowatts to 22 kilowatts and will include pole mounted and pedestal EV chargers. They will be installed on kerbsides and in public council car parks over the next 12 months.

Acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Paul Scully, said it was a positive step forward.

“Expanding our charging network gives drivers the confidence they need to go electric, knowing ample charging options are readily available, even if they don’t have a garage or off-street parking,” he said.

“EVs give people the chance to slash household transport costs and accelerate our journey to net-zero

Integrated Developments

The Applicants have lodged amended application documents and plans with respect to the development application referred to below. The development applications is the subject of an appeal in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

• Thornton North Penrith Pty Ltd DA22/0213

NSW Land and Environment Court Proceedings No. 2024/172243 Class 1 Appeal

The amended development application is for construction of a part 38 and part 19-storey mixed-use development including 2 basement car parking levels and a 6-storey podium with retail tenancies, a supermarket (4,524m² GFA), childcare centre, and medical facility. The two residential towers will provide a total of 433 dwellings and are supported by landscaped communal open spaces. The proposal includes community infrastructure, including a new 3,017m² public park. A new publicly accessible east–west through-site link, and public domain upgrades.

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Planning and Environment – Water.

The application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at in the period from Monday 14 July 2025 to Sunday 10 August 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA22/0213. Development Services Administration on 4732 7991.

• Thornton North Penrith Pty Ltd DA22/0214

NSW Land and Environment Court Proceedings No. 2024/00172376 Class 1 Appeal

The amended development application is for construction of a mixed-use development including 2 basement levels and 1,813m² of commercial and retail residential tower (Tower C) delivering 93 dwellings with associated landscaped communal open space. The proposal includes community infrastructure, including the completion of interface works to the southern extent of the new public park. The proposal also includes interface works to the publicly accessible east-west through site link, and public domain upgrades.

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Department of Planning and Environment – Water.

The application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at in the period from Monday 14 July 2025 to Sunday 10 August 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA22/0214. Development Services Administration on 4732 7991.

Nominated Integrated Development

Penrith City Council has received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.

• Mirvac Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd

DA25/0408

Proposed Torrens title subdivision into 100 residential lots, 9 rural-residential lots, 8 residue lots and public roads including road works, stormwater management works and Related Site Works (Stage 2, Glenmore Park Stage 3)

The proposed development is Integrated Development. The development application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW Rural Fire Service.

The development application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at in the period from Monday 14 July 2025 to Sunday 10 August 2025..

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the development application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be number DA25/0408.

Kathryn Saunders on 4732 8567.

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via will be able to assist with your enquiries.

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit

Ray White Group Chief Economist, Nerida Conisbee.

State Penrith MP Karen McKeown charges up.

cupboard prize

Haven Candles has launched its new Limited-Edition Winter 2025 Collection, with an inviting home fragrance range capturing everything we love about the season: cosy nights, comforting scents, and the soft glow of candlelight.

This collection also marks an exciting first for Haven, with the introduction of wood wick candles that burn with a relaxed crackling sound adding to the ambiance of a perfect winter evening at home.

Embrace the magic of winter nights with the Haven Luxe Night Lights Signature Soy Blend Candle (RRP $26). This calming floral blend

combines soft, exotic notes of ylang ylang with creamy musk to create a scent that is both unique and tranquil. Housed in an iridescent glass jar with a gold lid, this candle adds a touch of glow and sophistication to your room. Bring the outside in with the Haven Luxe Mountain Air Signature Soy Blend Candle (RRP $26), a crisp and refreshing scent reminiscent of brisk winter walks and fresh mountain breezes.

Cosy up with the Haven Luxe Movie Night Wood Wick Candle (RRP $19), a sweet and indulgent treat for the senses. Rich notes of salted caramel blend with smooth vanilla to recreate the comfort of your favourite winter dessert.

As part of the Winter 2025

paceway winners lucky

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

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 giant Tin Man is located on the corner of Cox Avenue and Phillip Street in Kingswood.

Collection, Haven proudly continues its collaboration with acclaimed First Nations artist Bobbi Lockyer, bringing together the beauty of home fragrance and expressive art.

Visit www.haveninspired. com.au or find the candles at Woolworths.

The Weekender has three Haven prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Haven’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, July 24 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!

The painful journey on Mulgoa Road this past week. We know the upgrades are crucial and it’ll be worth it in the end, but that won’t stop us having a whinge now.

The incredible atmosphere in and around Accor Stadium on Wednesday night. State of Origin is like nothing else in Australian sport. It’s on another level.

Solar car defies doubters

Two years of hard work, late nights and midnight coffees all paid off last week as Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Solar Car Team unveiled their most innovative and advanced solar car design yet, the UNLIMITED 6.0.

The WSU Solar Car Team launched the three-wheeled car at a special event at WSU’s Kingswood campus last Friday in front of proud faculty, family and friends.

The UNLIMITED 6.0 features design upgrades including a composite front roll hoop to protect the driver. The hoop can support the weight of a family car despite weighing just under two kilograms.

WSU’s Solar Car Team Manager, Ruairi Milligan was excited to launch the car, saying it marked an exciting chapter for the team.

“Hundreds of components on UNLIMITED 6.0 were uniquely engineered to help our solar car perform at its absolute best, despite predictions of up to 20 per cent less sunlight than previous events with the challenge being held in winter for the first time,” Milligan said.

“Our strategy focuses on integrat-

ing our most efficient silicon solar panels and completely redesigning the battery management system to adapt to the expected reduction in solar input.”

The car will compete in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in August, an international event where teams traverse over 3,000km from Darwin to Adelaide using solar powered vehicles, putting the cars

to the ultimate test to withstand the harsh Australian Outback.

The UNLIMITED 6.0’s top speed is 130km/h and can travel at highway speeds through the Australian Outback powered by the same amount of energy that a home kettle uses.

WSU Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams commended

the team on their innovation and advancements in clean, renewable energy.

“For over a decade, the Western Sydney Solar Car team has taken pride in designing, building and racing world-class solar powered vehicles with a commitment to sharing their passion and innovative ideas on the world stage,” Williams said.

“UNLIMITED 6.0 is an example of how Western Sydney University is showing the world the way by delivering community impact and safeguarding the planet for future generations.”

WSU Solar Car Team member Isabella Warland explained the innovative features of UNLIMITED 6.0 including a completely wireless steering wheel to improve efficiency while also reducing weight, sealed wheel covers and movable fairings to enhance performance.

“Our electrical system is something special with thousands of hours going into designing and manufacturing the complex circuitry required to power the vehicle. On the mechanical side, we’ve developed five brand-new devices,” Warland said.

“Building the best solar car in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge takes more than one great idea – it takes a combination of smart systems and strong teamwork, where strategy and even the smallest of details can make a difference.” Follow the team’s progress in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge via their website solarcar.scem. westernsydney.edu.au/events.

6.0. Photo: Sally Tsoutas.

Homemaker Centre flags second floor

EMILY CHATE

Penrith City Council has moved to forward a planning proposal to the State Government to increase the height of buildings at the Penrith Homemaker Centre.

A report was brought to Penrith Council at last Monday’s Ordinary Meeting seeking endorsement from Councillors to submit a planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a gateway determination.

A gateway determination is a checkpoint in the planning proposal process, which is usually issued by the NSW Minister for Planning, Paul Scully, that determines if a proposal should proceed to the next stage, often public exhibition.

The centre currently has a height

of 12 metres and Penrith Council is seeking to increase the height of part of the centre for a second-storey addition.

“It is proposed to amend the Penrith LEP 2010 Height of Building (HOB) control over part of the site to enable the extension of the existing Homemaker Centre to provide a second level of retail offering at the south-western boundary of the site,” the Council report said.

“The Planning Proposal initially proposed to increase the building height control from 12 metres to 15 metres.

“However, in response to advice received from the [Local Planning] Panel, the Planning Proposal was amended to increase the height from 12 metres to part 15 metres and part 19m to facilitate the extension.”

If approved, the only adverse

impact the proposal is expected to have is the loss of a number of parking spaces.

“The proposal will result in the loss of approximately 20 parking spaces to provide for appropriate service vehicle access infrastructure for the new floorspace,” the Council report said.

“While a small number of parking spaces will be removed, the site will retain an excess of the total parking required…”

Council unanimously voted to forward the planning proposal to the Minister for Planning with the request to issue a gateway determination, as well as a request to issue Council with delegation to plan making authority. If the Minister for Planning issues Council with a gateway determination, the proposal will then go on public exhibition.

The Penrith Homemaker Centre. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Christmas for accountants

It’s that time of year where everyone eagerly awaits their income statements and desperately tries to remember their myGov passwords – that’s right, it’s tax time!

From July to October every year, it’s probably best to leave your accountant friends alone as they work hard to ensure their clients’ tax returns are accurate and by-thebook.

“From an accountant’s perspective, tax time is exciting and stressful at the same time,” said Director and Owner of The Local Accountant, David Thomas.

“It’s stressful because we have many people that require assistance and there’s not always a lot of time in the day to get it done, but it’s exciting to speak with lots of new people.”

The local sports-loving father-offour has a tip for individual income tax employees.

“Sometimes it’s easier to jump online and do your tax return via myGov; you’re more likely to get a good result and not have to pay a tax agent to do it,” Thomas stated.

“But, if someone has investment

income such as rental properties or trust distributions or index funds or employee share schemes, then they should really see a tax agent in order to make sure that they’re recording those income items correctly and picking up all the related tax deductions like interest, rates, strata, depreciation – things that they may not know about on a day-to-day basis.”

From a business perspective, the June end of financial year was a crucial time for compliance.

“We’ve got to look at things like Single Touch Payroll, which needs to be lodged by July 14, taxable payments annual reports need to be lodged by August 28, June business activity statements are due by July 28, and there’s the annual accounts and tax compliance which can be due anywhere between January 31 to May 15 the following year,” Thomas explained

“There’s all these compliance activities that business clients need to be aware of and need to be on top of to make sure they don’t get in trouble with the tax office.”

If you need assistance with your tax return, contact The Local Accountant on 9054 4852.

David Thomas. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Don’t miss these exciting upcoming performances plus loads more! Book now at Panthers reception or via our website!

A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd

to Jimi Hendrix

Gardiner pleased with flood study progress

Like a dog with a bone, that’s how Penrith City Councillor Glenn Gardiner has described his fight for better flooding infrastructure and awareness across Penrith.

Last week, Penrith City Councillors voted to place the Draft Rickabys Creek Catchment Flood Study on public exhibition.

The flood study provides analysis of the local flood behaviours within the Rickabys Creek Catchment including detailed flood maps, sets floods levels and describes the Flood Planning area.

Since his election to Penrith City Council in 2021 Gardiner has been an outspoken advocate for increased flooding awareness and safety measures, recalling seeing a drowning as a child as the driving force behind his passion.

In 1986 as a seven-year-old child, Gardiner witnessed a woman and her child clinging to a tree after their car had been swept away by floodwater in Oxley Park.

Gardiner’s stepfather, an active member of the NSW Search and Rescue Association, waded into the water with a harness, rope and lifejackets attempting to rescue them before the police arrived and ordered him out of the water.

“Prior to an emergency services rescue being affected, the lady lost her grip and both she and her child drowned,” Gardiner explained.

In the 2021 major flood event Gardiner witnessed a five-month-old child rescued in the middle of the night from flood waters.

“In the 35 years between these events, we had not grown in our understanding or management of floods – we were still rescuing people from floodwater in the middle of the night, in fact we hadn’t grown our under-

standing or management of floods since the midnight rescue in 1912 of Charles Hackett and his family from their home near what is now known as Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys.”

Councillor Gardiner welcomes the Flood Study and is encouraged by its endorsement for public exhibition but acknowledges there is still more work to be done.

“I was elected to Council in December 2021 and joined the Floodplain

Risk Management Committee (FRMC). An outcome from my first FRMC meeting was the recommendation for a flood study for Rickabys Creek,” Gardiner said.

“I am pleased to see that this flood study has now been completed and is ready for public exhibition.

“Following public exhibition, a Risk Management Plan will be created and put to Council for adoption.

“I’m now the Chair of the FRMC and I will continue to drive the creation and sharing of knowledge, and the creation of risk management plans.

“I see a future that includes suitable warnings, flood mitigation, safety measures and adequate emergency responses so that another midnight rescue of children is not required.”

The Flood Study aims to set new flood levels of the catchment and define flood conditions, set new flood planning levels, be used for the future flood planning purposes within the catchment including development assessment and be provided to the NSW SES for their flood management purposes including flood evacuation.

To see the flood study visit www.penrithcity. nsw.gov.au/services/other-services/floodplain-management.

Penrith City Councillor, Glenn Gardiner.

EMILY CHATE

Council plans for future

Penrith City Council has adopted a suite of comprehensive planning documents that will shape the City’s future through to 2041 and beyond.

The documents have been created based on extensive community consultation and were endorsed following a four-week public exhibition period.

The documents include the Penrith 2041+ Community Strategic Plan, which is a 15-year vision reflecting the community’s aspiration; the 2025-29 Delivery Program including the 2025-26 Operational Plan, which is a four-year roadmap to implement the Community Strategic Plan with detailed actions; the 2025-35 Resourcing Strategy, which is a 10-year plan to ensure Council has the people, budget, technology, and infrastructure needed to meet its commitments; and the 2025-26 Fees and Charges, listing the fees and charges for Council services.

“These plans have been shaped by our community and will be our roadmap to follow”

The endorsed Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents align the community’s goals for Penrith with clear actions, projects and resources all laying the foundation for long-term, financially sustainable growth.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney thanked the community for their valuable input and insights throughout the development process of the documents and during the public exhibition period.

“These plans have been shaped by our community and will be our

roadmap to follow to ensure we can meet the needs of our growing population while staying true to our community’s vision for a liveable, inclusive and vibrant city,” Carney said.

Penrith City Council General Manager, Andrew Moore said the strategic plans reveal the scope of Council’s work, both planned and in the pipeline, and reflect Council’s commitment to responsible planning and transparency.

“This is a critical time for Penrith

and I’m proud to lead an organisation that is stepping up to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges that come with being in the centre of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions,” Moore said.

“This comprehensive suite of documents provides us with a clear understanding of our community’s aspirations and expectations for their City and outlines how Council will deliver on our commitments whilst managing our budget responsibly.”

Penrith is predicted to experience massive growth in the coming years, making it essential to implement the correct planning controls now.

“As Penrith undergoes transformational growth, Council aims to maintain and enhance the community’s quality of life,” a report to Council said.

“However, this growth presents challenges, including aging infrastructure, rising costs, and increased expectations for modern,

connected services. Council must make strategic decisions within limited resources, balancing current needs with long-term sustainability and intergenerational equity – ensuring current decisions don’t negatively impact on future generations and that today’s services are properly funded by the current generation.”

All adopted documents will be available on Council’s website. For more information, visit www.yoursaypenrith.com.au/penrith2041.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney pictured at Regatta Park with the endorsed Community Strategic Plan, and supporting documents.

Chance to showcase culture through sport

Around 45 local teenagers representing PCYC Penrith and the Darug Nation will participate in next week’s highly anticipated Nations of Origin, which is set to take western Sydney by storm with a jam-packed week of sport, culture and community events.

Now in its 11th year, the PCYC NSW event is expected to host more than 1000 young people at the PCYC state-of-the-art facility in Hawkesbury for basketball, netball, gymnastics, and the football fields at Whalan for rugby league.

Teams consist of a 70-30 split of First Nations and non-First Nations youth, with 24 Aboriginal communities from across the state represented.

All 188 teams are endorsed by local Elders; they’re also empowered to succeed in their studies – to participate they must maintain an 80 per cent or greater school attendance rate and have had no negative interactions with Police leading into

the tournament.

PCYC Penrith Club Manager, Tristan Summerhayes said he’s got a strong and proud team of teens taking part.

“I have a male and a female rugby league team, I’ve got two mixed netball teams, and I have some basketball teams as well. All up I have six teams with about 45 kids in total. 90 per cent are local Indigenous kids from the Penrith area,” he told the Weekender

Summerhayes, who is a proud Indigenous man himself, said Nations of Origins is important because it’s another opportunity for kids to learn about their culture.

“For some of these young kids growing up, they don’t really know too much about their culture because perhaps their family hasn’t really taught them,” he said.

“This program’s aim is to showcase their culture through sport and other activities. It’s exciting for the

kids because they get to represent their nation and family name with pride.”

The community impact spans beyond the four-day event, with six months of preparation beforehand fostering education, leadership, discipline and cultural pride through the guidance of Elders and PCYC employees.

“As the competition follows the celebration of NAIDOC Week, it is especially significant to honour the

history, culture and achievements of young people, continuing our reconciliation journey that will benefit the rising generation,” PCYC NSW CEO, Ben Hobby said.

“Nations of Origin does not only positively impact participants, but it also strengthens community bonds through collaboration and shared cultural pride,” PCYC Programs Manager, Cassandra Ewens added.

“The future goal would be to make it an Australia-wide program, so that more young people can get involved.”

The PCYC NSW Nations of Origin will be held in western Sydney from July 14-17, with members of the Penrith PCYC team set to receive their jerseys this Saturday from one of Australia’s biggest Indigenous sporting stars.

“For the first time in club history we’ll be doing a jersey presentation with none other than Greg Inglis coming to Penrith,” Summerhayes revealed.

“Every kid will have their jersey presented to them by Greg, which is pretty exciting!”

Penrith PCYC at last year’s Nations of Origin. The Penrith PCYC boys rugby league team last year.

NATHAN TAYLOR

School upgrade will boost student learning

Apublic high school in Penrith will receive major upgrades to promote creative student learning.

The State Government has committed $100 million to upgrading 33 public schools across New South Wales to support the rollout of programs for thousands of high potential and gifted students, enabling schools to deliver High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) programs that extend student learning across a range of subjects.

Chosen as one of the 33 schools, Cranebrook High School will receive upgrades to the food technology and hospitality kitchens, drama spaces and stage, two woodwork rooms, two metal work rooms, storage to support the Vocational Education and Training program, and three performing arts rooms.

The upgrade will also deliver a refresh to the school entrance including improved wayfinding, lighting and landscaping.

State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, welcomed the funding, saying it will ensure students are able to reach their full potential at school.

“This investment in Cranebrook

High is about making sure every student, no matter where they live, has access to the opportunities and facilities they need to thrive,” McKeown said.

“By upgrading these schools and

expanding High Potential and Gifted Education programs, we are supporting our teachers and helping students reach their full potential.”

The investment will be split between Sydney and regional NSW, providing upgrades to school facilities to deliver advanced learning opportunities for high potential students.

Upgrades will include improvements to science and technology laboratories, creative and performing arts spaces, music workshops, sporting facilities and design and technology workshops.

Schools were selected based on student need and enrolment capacity.

The Department of Education will work closely with each school to identify the infrastructure improvements that will best support student development.

In addition to upgraded facilities, teachers at the 33 schools will receive dedicated professional learning to support the delivery of HPGE programs.

Acting Minister for Education and

Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the funding will help make parents confident their children are receiving the best education in public schools.

“We want every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential at school, with high expectations for achievement,” Houssos said.

“This Budget is a significant investment in upgrading classrooms and special facilities so that schools can deliver on the commitment made by the Education Minister Prue Car to expand access to High Potential and Gifted Education.

“Parents can be confident that their local public school will bring out the best in their child.

“NSW public schools already offer a free, world-class education – and these new programs will only enhance that offering.

“The investment in science labs, creative spaces, and performance areas will help students explore and develop their talents in a supportive and enriched learning environment.”

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Penrith must grow up

About time someone broached this subject (Editor’s Desk, Weekender July 3). As an ex Penrith resident for 40 years and who has now moved interstate and visits regularly, this has been a bug bear of mine. Penrith needs modern development, High Street is basically a bargain basement strip from Woodriff Street to Station Street that looks tired. It needs medium density high class apartments built right down the street with cafes and restaurants and nice shops. Penrith is in danger of becoming a worn down second class city if it doesn’t start development. The whole city CBD looks very aged and tired.

ANDREW DUNCAN, VIA FACEBOOK

Wrong take on high rise

I usually read your column, this time I thought I’d comment. I think you speak for a minority when you say you would like Penrith to incorporate more high rise buildings and increase the population, and if you disagree maybe Penrith isn’t for you, maybe move somewhere else, not sure where but just go. Not sure what roads you drive on but the traffic is becoming intolerable already. I’d prefer as a Weekender reader that you’d have a more balanced view.

NATHAN TONACIA, VIA EMAIL

Getting in the way of itself

A great column from the editor of Penrith’s newspaper of record. Penrith has so much potential, and always has. Yet is stuck in its old ways, trying to protect something that I’m not sure is even worth protecting. High Street, Henry Street and the other major

Penrith CBD streets have not become the way they are through protection. They’ve become that way because of lack of thought and progress, and developers being turned off by height and flooding restrictions. This in turn results in the same old stores. Good on the hospitality businesses that have given things a go but it’s very hard to survive if you’re relying on people having a “night out” and not living within a kilometre or two and therefore using your services regularly. Penrith is in the way of itself and needs to untangle the mess.

BOB THORNBERRY, VIA EMAIL

Loss of a legend

Terry Gallaway was the ‘real deal’ in radio and had one of the greatest radio voices second to none. I remember listening to this man on the wireless years ago… such an inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to forge their experiences in radio broadcasting and live at the scene radio journalism – classic radio journalist who will be sadly missed but fondly remembered with reverence and respect.

STEVEN LEWIS, VIA FACEBOOK

When will Albo meet Trump?

The fact there appears to be no rush from Donald Trump to meet Anthony Albanese is concerning for Australia. Surely if America values Australia as a strategic partner in various realms, a meeting would be critical. If Albanese cannot form a strong relationship with the world’s most powerful leader, then it is a major sign of weakness. Watch this space.

STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

Cranebrook High School Principal Craig Dunne, student Sienna Santi-Tarrant and Member for Penrith Karen McKeown.

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Shaking up the dog treat landscape

EMILY CHATE

With dog treats good enough for humans, K9 Sweet Treats is taking the dog treat world by a storm.

Founded earlier this year by western Sydney resident Emma Wailes, K9 Sweet Treats offers healthy, natural and preservative free treats to keep your dog’s tail wagging for more.

“I was inspired to start the business out of love for my own dogs, wanting better options for their health,” Wailes explained.

“I was always trying to find treats that were healthy, natural and made with real ingredients, but everything I found had additives and preservatives.

“I started to bake my own and saw how quickly my dogs love the

treats and wanted to give all dog owners that opportunity to provide a healthy alternative.”

A range of treats are on offer at K9 Sweet Treats including baked treats with the best seller being the ‘Simply Cheese Biscuits’ and beef treats including hooves, ears, tracheas, livers and jerky.

Also on offer are fish products including green lipped mussels, tuna fillet jerky, shark tails, cartilage and tracheas and mackerel platted skin as well as kangaroo tails, ears and jerky.

Other offerings include novel proteins like crocodile and goat, as well as pork ears and snouts, lamb jerky, chicken jerky, necks, hearts and feet and duck jerky.

All treats are prepared and baked fresh from the HQ of this local business who ship Australia wide, with

a range of options available for dogs with any dietary requirements.

“We have grain-free options for those that have sensitivities or allergies to grains,” Wailes said.

“We have a wide variety of dried treats, these can be used as a reward, training treats or simply just a tasty treat.”

Given the abundance of processed treats available for dogs in pet stores and supermarkets, Wailes took it upon herself to provide an alternative option to keep everyone’s furry friends healthy using locally sourced ingredients.

“My business is about creating healthy, natural treats for dogs so owners can feel good about what they give their dogs,” Wailes said.

“K9 Sweet Treats is Australia owned; all treats are healthy, natural and preservative free.

“We use high quality, human grade, locally sourced ingredients.”

Despite their healthy and natural production the treats are without a doubt loved by all the dogs who have tried them, with Wailes’ own pups loving the baked cheese biscuits.

Learn

“The big goal is to become the go to name for natural, Aussie made dog treats!” Wailes said.

Visit www.k9sweettreats.com.au and use the code TREATS10 for 10% off first orders with free standard shipping on orders over $120.

While they are new to the game, K9 Sweet Treats are hoping to become a leader in providing natural, healthy treats for dogs.

A pup enjoying some K9 treats.

Roaring with joy at a

Journalist

Like most sane people, I absolutely love animals! I mean, I went to a wildlife park for my 21st birthday instead of a cocktail bar.

This adoration for fauna has made me uniquely qualified to say that ZAMBI Wildlife Retreat is a sanctuary that every animal lover from Penrith and beyond needs to visit.

Tucked away in Wallacia down an unassuming street is the home of lions, tigers, meerkats, marmosets, exotic birds, baboons, a leopard, and a red panda.

These animals find their way to ZAMBI for many reasons. Some are retired from the circus or the film and TV industry, and others come

from private zoo collections.

“This place is like a retirement village for animals,” said zookeeper Izzy Ambrose as she walked my tour group through the gates. As though in agreement, a lion roared from somewhere deeper in the sanctuary.

To begin the tour, we were introduced to some incredible birds. We said hello to some sun conures – beautiful bright orange parakeets given to ZAMBI as unwanted pets –before moving on to an inseparable pair of macaws.

After watching the macaws play, we ventured over to the cutest animals I’ve ever seen – a family of common marmosets.

These little monkeys were addicting to watch. The tufts of white fur growing from either side of their heads made them look like mad scientists as they bounced around their enclosure. The energetic monkeys moved as though their legs were made of springs and it wasn’t until they stopped you could see how long their stripey tails were.

On the other end of the pattern spectrum was spotty Sri Lankan leopard, Phoenix. Phoenix was born at Darling Downs Zoo as part of a global conservation initiative. The nimble leopard showed off some agility exercises from his tropical enclosure before we visited more big cats including Nika the Siberian tiger; ex-circus African lioness’ Kiara and Maisie; lion pride Kibulu, Mali, Zambi and Sukari; tiger family Zoran, Mischa and their six-year-old cub Xena; and tiger

Ally Hall takes in the Big Cat Experience. Photo: Tayler Filbin.

A meerkat. Photo: Tayler Filbin.

ALLY HALL

Common marmosets. Photo: Tayler Filbin.

treasure close to home

for animal lovers and a little-known five-star experience

sisters Melah and Maliah. Also on the agenda were some cheeky meerkats, screeching baboons, more stunning birds, and the newest member of the ZAMBI family – a red panda named Phinju. Throughout the tour, I was

overwhelmed with happiness. I couldn’t stop remarking about how this incredible sanctuary is only 15 minutes away from home. I also couldn’t believe how sociable every animal was towards Izzy and the group.

I got a good impression of every animal’s personality – from goofy to aloof to grumpy to playful – and that’s not an experience you can replicate at a zoo.

I almost forgot that these were wild animals until I did the Big Cat Experience.

Through the bars of the enclosures for the lions and tigers, I hand-fed them chicken. I watched as they gracefully approached the barrier, marveled at their size as they took the food from my hand, and listened as bones broke between their powerful

Spending a Saturday morning at ZAMBI Wildlife Retreat is one of the best experiences I’ve had in Penrith. The care given to the animals is evident, their personalities are prevalent, and the zookeepers have so much knowledge to share.

Please do yourself a huge favour and book a tour at www.zambiwildliferetreat.org today.

Feeding baboons. Photo: Tayler Filbin.

Phoenix. Photo: Ally Hall.

Kids spread their wings into STEM

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) and technology partner Amadeus have joined forces to deliver the ‘Come Fly with Me’ program that supports young women in Western Sydney to consider future careers in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the full-day program at Amadeus’ lab in Sydney was an excellent opportunity to give young people interesting insights into the depth and breadth of career opportunities enabled through STEM that will be critical to the industries of tomorrow.

“Western Sydney International has created thousands of jobs during construction and it will continue to be a jobs creator and catalyst for investment for decades to come, and that’s the key for students coming through high school today who are beginning to consider tertiary studies and career opportunities,” he said.

‘Come Fly with Me’ was delivered on Monday, June 30 and saw 35 students in years 10 and 11 from high schools complete a number of workshops and exercises to raise awareness about different elements of STEM in the professional environment.

The students learned about 3D printing and robotics as well as technology applications in the aviation industry and examples of ‘lean manufacturing’ – throughout which they benefited from demonstrations led by Amadeus lab members. Students were also given brainstorming and problem-solving exercises to apply the knowledge they’d gained in the workshops to real-world problems.

Memories last forever

ALLY HALL

Grandparent’s Day at Penrith Christian School on July 4 was a memory-making experience for the school community.

Principal Geraldine Paynter explained the day was all about connection.

“Some of our grandparents live a distance away, so to be able to bring them in, share time and share learning is such a blessing for our kids and families. It’s one of our biggest community days,” Paynter stated.

Each year, the event gets bigger.

“There’s an amazing energy that our kids get from the grandparents coming in, and that the grandparents get from the kids. We have some grandparents who adopt others which is really lovely as well,” the principal pointed out.

“Intergenerational connections are really important, and we want to look for ways to do that more as a school.”

There were smiles all-round at the school, including from Year 9 student Luca’s doting grandmothers, Debra and Rita.

“We’re proud to be here today,” Debra said.

“It brings us all together and we see what a wonderful job everyone does. The school is so supportive, and as a grandparent, we just love watching them grow.”

Rita shared that perspective.

“This day means a lot because our grandchildren are here and to see them develop and to see how they’re going in school makes us so proud,” Rita continued.

“I’ve got seven grandchildren, and they all go here. Days like this are what it’s all about.”

Alongside Grandparent’s Day, senior school students simultaneously ran a Biggest Morning Tea bake sale to raise money for cancer research.

“They’ve all baked, they’re serving, they’re responsible for cleaning up as well, and that’s

a sense of accomplishment for them,” Paynter said.

“We’ve got service as one of our school values, and this is one of

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Penrith celebrates NAIDOC Week

Penrith is a proud multicultural community that celebrates NAIDOC Week, acknowledging the wonderful First Nations people and culture that enriches our City.

the ways that we can serve our community.”

Grandparent’s Day will of course return next year.

From 9am to 2pm, there will be artisan market stalls, cultural workshops and performances, a free barbecue, sporting activities, access to health services, and delicious food and dessert trucks. Every year, Council welcomes more community members and visitors to this vibrant and heartfelt event. Thank you to many local organisations and sponsors who make this important event possible.

Marking the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week (July 6-13), this year’s theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’. It recognises First Nations achievements of the past while honouring young leaders who shape the future.

Beanies, scarfs, gloves, instant heat packs (not electrical), socks and jackets and drop off at the following locations:

• Office Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith - 510 High St Penrith

Contribute to The Creative Fringe’s “TOTS Blanket Challenge” More details at www.thecreativefringe.com.au Community Kitchen provide www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au

We talk a lot about the transformation of our City and the opportunities ahead, and it’s critical to remember that the story of Penrith is built on more than 60,000 years of First Nations cultural heritage.

Five per cent of our population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and our City is fortunate to have passionate elders and knowledge holders, who share their stories and experience with us all.

Our next generation of leaders will join Penrith City Council and the rest of our community for our popular NAIDOC Event at Jamison Park tomorrow – Friday, July 11. Council has worked closely with our NAIDOC Planning Committee to deliver an exciting program for this free community event.

Beyond NAIDOC Week, we continue to embrace our City’s diversity in line with the Penrith Multicultural Action Plan 20242027, which details Council’s commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive and cohesive community.

On Thursday, July 17, Penrith City Library is hosting the Bungarribee Wildlife Workshop by Sydney Zoo – a hands-on experience with native animals that teaches children how to care for Country. And until Sunday, July 20, Penrith Regional Gallery is exhibiting Blak Douglas: The Halfway Line, a presentation of works by the Archibald prize-winning Aboriginal artist. Visit penrith.city/events for more information.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

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Grandparent’s Day at Penrith Christian School. Photo: Melinda Jane.

New Tasman impresses

Kingswood hosts launch of new Kia as company’s exciting new chapter begins

The Kia Tasman has officially landed in Australia, with an exclusive event at Great Western Kia marking the occasion.

The launch event in Kingswood unveiled four models of the new dual cab Ute for attendees to get up close with, giving them the first chance to see the 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine in person.

Dealer Principal at Penrith City Automotive Garth Butler introduced the Ute, saying it was built to last in Australian conditions.

“Today marks more than just the Ute launch, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Kia: a chapter of capability, innovation and performance,” Butler said.

“The Tasman’s been built to tackle the toughest conditions, with the kind of reliability that speaks of both work and lifestyle…

“This building is a testament to how powerful the symbol of the investment and commitment of everyone involved to ensure the continued growth of Kia into the future, but most importantly in Penrith.”

Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith attended the event last week and thanked Butler for his dedicated work at Great Western Kia.

“It’s a really important night for Kia and an extra important night for Great Western Kia,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the relationship we have with Great Western Kia and Kia Australia.

“Garth is also our National Chair of the Dealer Council, and he works very hard on a lot of things but the most important thing that he does, and we know this from all the data that we get, he looks after his customers, he’s got a great team, he’s got great customers.”

The Tasman has state-of-the-art 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen technology giving the driver and passenger access to vehicle controls and advanced infotainment options.

A key feature of the Ute’s interior is the large air vents featuring a honeycomb pattern emphasising the functionality of the ventilation, also included is a multi-function steering wheel, a modern, minimalist lower centre dashboard and tunnel sections

with buttons provide intuitive control.

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh congratulated Great Western Kia for their work bringing the Tasman to Penrith, saying the community is ready to embrace the Ute.

“I think Penrith will really embrace having the Kia Tasman,” McIntosh said.

“Penrith, as you know, is growing. We’ve got an international airport about to open its doors next year and we have a lot of investment and innovation coming into this area.

“There will be new opportunities because Penrith is still very much just a big country town.”

The Kia Tasman is available in nine colours including Clear White, Snow Pearl White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl and new hues Tan Beige and Denim Blue.

The single and dual-cab chas sis models of the Kia Tasman will be released later in the year. For more information visit Great Western Kia.

Miss World is more than a beauty contest

ALLY HALL

The Miss World Australia beauty pageant is about more than a pretty face.

The competition values authenticity, integrity, empowerment, respect and community – morals exemplified by local 19-year-old Sophia Meehan.

Meehan is a NSW National Finalist in the competition, switching her netball uniform for a ball gown to represent her state.

“I play for the Penrith Panthers Under 23’s Premier League team and I got into Miss World Australia because I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone,” Meehan explained.

“It’s been such a wonder-

ful journey, and I’ve met so many beautiful people.”

An important part of Miss World Australia is an initiative called Beauty with a Purpose which raises funds for various causes.

“My beauty with a purpose is raising awareness for ovarian cancer,” Meehan said.

“I lost my Oma – which means grandmother in Dutch – in 2017 from ovarian cancer and she was like a second mother to me. I am now an ambassador for ovarian cancer’s upcoming national fitness fundraiser –‘Workout 4 Women’.”

The Miss World competition has also partnered with Variety, The Children’s Charity for many years, and Meehan hopes to fundraise for the organisation soon.

Sophia Meehan on the court.

“After uni exams, I’m hoping to organise a netball clinic for children with disabilities,” Meehan told the Weekender

The Western Sydney University student hopes to use the Miss World Australia platform as a tool for positive change, showing others how to turn setbacks into opportunities and honouring her Oma’s memory.

Dealer Principal Garth Butler with Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh at the launch of the Kia Tasman. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Sophia Meehan is a finalist in Miss World Australia.

Fun and rivalry in Penrith

PDNR to host Winter Champs across three days this weekend

NATHAN TAYLOR

One of Penrith’s longest running annual sporting events will return to the P3 car park of the Sydney International Regatta Centre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Penrith District Nitro Racing (PDNR) will once again host their popular Winter Champs event, which will see more than 180 people, including Australia’s best RC drivers, take part.

The Winter Champs has been an annual event since 1997, with PDNR enjoying the hosting duties for the past 17 years.

Speaking with the Weekender, PDNR Competition Secretary Tony Firth said the 2025 Winter Champs will be a “nice balance” of fun and competition.

“The Winter Champs is one of the longest running RC events in the country and has grown to be the pinnacle non-sanctioned RC event,” he said.

“We have a whopping 13 race classes on offer this weekend, so a whole variety of RC people are invited to take part no matter if they’re racing Electric or Nitro cars.”

Starting in the late 1990s, the Winter Champs has a rich history and legacy in Australia and is widely considered the “big daddy” of radio control events.

This year’s Winter Champs is expected to be no different with plenty on offer for both participants and spectators to enjoy.

“This year’s event will be like past years. The world’s best commentator and announcer, Scotty Ernst from the USA will once again be there, as will Australia’s best RC commentator, Perth’s Chris Mitchell,” Firth said.

“Saturday will be Family Fun Day with plenty happening including a display from Little Big Rigs Sydney, who specialise in radio control semi-trailer trucks and excavators.

“We’ll also have a massive raffle that people can enter with over $8000 in prizes up for grabs thanks to our amazing sponsors.”

Firth has been involved at PDNR since 1999 and loves every aspect of the sport including the mental challenge of building and tinkering with the cars as well as the thrill of racing and competing.

“When you race, you get an absolute adrenaline rush! Your hands

start to shake with adrenaline and sometimes your leg starts to shake as well. You physically feel the same things as if you were in a go-kart or a proper race car – you’re both exhilarated and exhausted,” Firth said.

“I also love doing it with my son, and my kids have been involved. The family side and bonding with your kids is another special part for me.”

The 2025 PDNR Winter Champs will be held from 8am-5pm on July 11-13 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. Entry is free for spectators.

For more information, visit www. pdnr.org.au/winterchamps.

RC cars are loads of fun.

The track people will compete on.

Plenty of people will participate in this weekend’s Winter Champs.

Students armed with knowledge on threats

In response to growing concerns regarding online safety, Optus welcomed over 200 Year 9 students from across Sydney to its campus last week for an in depth information session about AI.

Students from Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High School and Erskine Park High School were invited to attend the workshop.

Designed to unpack online threats including extortion, scams and deepfakes, the workshop is part of the Optus Digital Thumbprint program aiming to give young Australians the knowledge to navigate the risks online.

The students participated in a Gen AI workshop, aimed at tackling the increasing challenges young people are facing online, while a further 1,100 primary students attended the event virtually.

Students also heard from a youth-led panel featuring eSafety Youth Council representative Aditi Kamath, Westfield Sports High School student Rozlinda, and Optus

AI Product Manager Honre Young, on young people’s experiences with digital threats.

Rozlinda shared the biggest challenges she and her peers face online.

“Cyber bullying is an issue because people feel more confident behind a screen saying mean things,” she explained.

“And this cyber bullying can

escalate when AI is brought into the discussion.”

Students also designed their own emojis and trained an AI image classifier to recognise and recreate them.

In addition to the on-campus event, Optus’ Digital Thumbprint program has surveyed more than 3,500 students who have completed a workshop since 2023.

They were asked about the online challenges they’re facing with 41 per cent of students saying they wanted more information on how to recognise fake news and misinformation, 31 per cent said they couldn’t tell if content was made with GenAI, 19 per cent said they have experienced deepfakes and chatbots online, and 27 per cent revealed the biggest challenge they face online is

protecting their personal information from AI scams and extortion.

Chief Corporate Affairs and Marketing Officer at Optus, Felicity Ross, is encouraging teachers and parents to also educate themselves using Optus’ toolkit.

“Young people today face a more challenging digital environment than ever before,” she said.

“As parents, carers and educators, it’s essential we stay informed and support young people to use their digital literacy skills to think critically about what they see online.

“From recognising scam tactics and spotting deepfakes to understanding how to support digital wellbeing, we all have a role to play in helping our youth to navigate this complex digital world safely.”

Since 2013, the Optus Digital Thumbprint Program has delivered free educational workshops to 1140 schools reaching 670,000 students across Australia.

Schools can sign up for a free Digital Thumbprint workshop session at www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/ genai-online-safety.

The AI workshop was attended by a number of local students.

Δ New breakfast treat: Macca’s McGriddles (pictured above) have entered the Breakfast Menu chat and they’re here to stay, available nationally from this week. There’s four McGriddles in the range including the Plain McGriddle; Sausage and Cheese McGriddle; Bacon, egg and cheese McGriddle; and the Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddle. The best part about every McGriddle? The warm maple infused pancakes that hold it all together.

Δ Wingboy is coming: Popular restaurant Wingboy – which lays claim to serving up the best chicken wings in Sydney – is opening a Penrith location. Wingboy already has locations in Parramatta, Newtown, Darling Square and Randwick. Its Penrith spot will open in August. It is taking over the famous church building on Henry Street, famously occupied by King Henry’s Court for years

and most recently Henry’s Bar and Grill. The Wingboy menu boasts chicken wings, corn ribs, loaded fries and the like – as well as an extensive cocktail offering.

Δ ECQ retailers confirmed: The first big brands have been confirmed for the ECQ Outlet (artist’s impression above), which is the third stage of Eastern Creek Quarter. The biggest ASICS store in Australia will open at the site, it has been confirmed. Joining ASICS will be Adidas, Fila, Puma, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Tarocash, Connor, yd., Johnny Bigg, Rockwear and Strand. The Outlet retail mix will feature a curated selection of beloved international and Australian brands, offering everything from athleisure and adventure wear to footwear and fashion favourites.

Δ Top chef joins Blaq: Popular Blackheath dining destination, Blaq Restaurant at Kyah Hotel, has announced the appointment of

celebrated chef Alejandro Huerta (pictured bottom left) as its new Executive Chef. This moment will mark a new chapter for the restaurant, with a transformed globally-influenced menu that highlights beautiful local produce and a new style of restaurant that is equal parts urban-foodie and Mountain beauty. Blaq’s refreshed concept will officially relaunch in late July 2025, offering guests a more relaxed, approachable dining experience – all while preserving its signature fire-lit atmosphere and views of Blackheath’s lush greenery.

Δ Superhero doughnut range: Krispy Kreme and Warner Bros. have teamed up to launch the all-new ‘Hungry for Heroes’ collection. Available now at participating stores, the new collection includes three doughnuts featuring DC Superheroes: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. The DC Superhero doughnuts are available individually, in-shop, and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s website.

St Marys Home Improvement Service sold venetian blinds, screen doors, flyscreens, carports and awnings.

The store was located on the western side of Queen Street, between the Great Western Highway and Carsons Lane.

It was listed as 239 Queen Street, St Marys – which has been home to various retailers over the years, including a design shop recently.

This photo was taken in 1971.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Dan Murphy's

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen

(Penrith Homemaker)

Patt y’s Place

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo IGA

Londonderr y Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Little Bottler

MFC Food Stores

Old Mt Druitt

RM Newsagency

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Ampol Coreen Avenue

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hogs Bre ath C afe

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Ta s tify

Tattersalls Hotel

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

CHOICE Pharmacy

Mobil Ser vice Station

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys All Good Newsagency

Andrew s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St . Mar ys

McDonald's St Mar ys South

After working hard all your life, the last thing you need is a stressful retirement.

That’s where Feel Good Financial Planning steps in with seamless solutions.

For the past 20 years, Senior Financial Planner David Murphy has been helping retirees in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains navigate the start of their next chapter.

“I make the process simple, easy and stress-free by handling all the paperwork and compliance so my clients can enjoy the things that matter most,” David stated.

Retirement is an exciting time, but it’s also a period of great uncertainty.

The help of a trusted advisor makes all the difference.

“I inform my clients about what to expect, the government benefits they can access, and how to manage their financial resources,” David explained.

“I ensure this is done in an easy-to-understand way because the decisions made while planning for retirement have a huge impact on the outcome.”

The expert financial planner has helped people from all walks of life

– from teachers to nurses to train drivers and engineers – and has seen them all enter a comfortable retirement.

“I hold my clients’ hand to guide them through a smooth transition and help them accomplish their dreams,” David said.

“Whether they want to increase their retirement nest egg, understand superannuation, or pay down their mortgage before retirement, I can show them how to do that tax effectively to achieve their goals while staying compliant with the latest legislation.”

As the Baby Boomer generation start looking towards retirement, David encourages them to seek out financial advice for guaranteed peace of mind and to ensure all their hard work has paid off.

“Let’s meet for a coffee or have a chat over the phone to talk about what matters most to you,” David finished.

You can reach out to David at 9477 7447 or via email at contactus@ feelgoodfp.com.au.

Find out more about Feel Good Financial Planning online at www. feelgoodfinancialplanning.com.au.

Feel good and get your financial affairs sorted today.

Whether you like it, love it, or hate it, AI has begun to infiltrate our everyday lives, including our business operations. While many may still be uncertain about its safety, one thing we can all agree on is the importance of understanding AI as business owners.

Understanding AI can offer numerous advantages for your business. Firstly, it can aid in planning by providing an endless collection of ideas and encouraging innovative thinking. There are many AI tools available, but today I want to focus on two that I have personally found to be particularly beneficial.

1. NOTEBOOK LM

According to Wikipedia, NotebookLM (Google NotebookLM) is a research and note-taking tool developed by Google Labs that utilises artificial intelligence (AI), specifically Google Gemini, to help users interact with their documents. With NotebookLM, you can

upload various materials, including PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, audio files, Google Docs, and Google Slides. The tool will summarise these documents and highlight interesting connections between topics. Additionally, I discovered another feature: when I upload a blog post or article that I have written, NotebookLM can transform it into an audio podcast. It features at least one AI-generated voice (which sounds quite human-like and not robotic) that engages in discussions by asking each other questions.

2. Runway Ai

If you are someone who is comfortable with faceto-face meetings but feels nervous when a camera is involved, you might find

Runway AI to be a gamechanger.

Runway AI allows you to transform a photo, along with some written scripts, into a video. You can select from various voice types or even upload your own voice to narrate the video. Now, if you want to create short videos about yourself or your business, you can do so without the need to spend time filming. The truth is, it’s not that AI will come in and replace you. What really matters is that the people who know how to use AI effectively will be the ones who succeed. So, it’s more about getting the hang of AI.

We know that as a small busines you just want to be productive and not have to worry about all that “business stuff”.

Or sit in on one of our many tailored webinars or workshops.

Get

Western Weekender

Geographical Names Act 1966

The Geographical Names Board is seeking public comment on a proposal from Western Sydney International Airport to create a new address locality of Cabrogal and amend the existing boundaries of Badgerys Creek, Bringelly, Luddenham and Greendale in the Liverpool and Penrith Local Government Areas as shown on map GNB 3573-8.

The map GNB 3573-8 can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board website at https://w ww.nsw.gov.au/departmentsand-agencies/geographical-names -board from 11 July until 11 August 2025.

Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795.

In accordance with Section 9 of the Geographical Names Act 1966, all submissions lodged may be subject to a Government Information (Public Access) application and may be viewed by a third party to assist the Board in considering this proposal.

Narelle Underwood Chair

Notice of intention to consider listing on the State Heritage Register

The Heritage Council of NSW is

ISAIAH PAPALI’I POSTER INSIDE

RISE OF CASEY

SOME CALLED FOR CASEY MCLEAN TO BE DROPPED. HE’S ANSWERED THEM IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE LANG ON LEAGUE: PAGE 49

Casey McLean.

Photo: NRL Photos.

Tthe finalword

wo clubs in the midst of two very different revivals meet in a western Sydney showdown on Sunday afternoon.

Penrith’s revival is very much confined to the 2025 season – a campaign that seemed dead and buried at one stage, now back on track and bound for a Finals finish and a defence of their title.

Parramatta’s revival is more long-term, and while they sit in 15th spot on the ladder and a Finals finish in 2025 is probably beyond them, there’s been some definite green shoots under Jason Ryles and a vision for what the future looks like.

The Eels have looked a far better side this year than their five wins suggests, and they’ve certainly come a long way from the opening month of the competition when they were pounded by the likes of Melbourne, Wests Tigers and Manly.

Penrith and Parramatta met back in early June, with the Panthers prevailing 18-10. For Ivan Cleary’s side, it was the start of what has now become a four-match winning streak. With two byes thrown in, Penrith haven’t lost since that diabolical performance against Newcastle in Bathurst in late May.

After their final bye last weekend, Penrith now commence their Finals quest with a packed schedule ahead of them. How Ivan Cleary manages his team’s workload, particularly those who have just come off a State of Origin series, will be a key part of the strategy for the back end of the season.

While Cleary does not have the same luxury to rest players as he has in previous years, he may find the opportunity to give key players a breather in this period that includes a host of matches against the bottom eight. It may well be a week-to-week proposition depending on

how his side is going and where the rest of the competition is falling.

It’s worth noting Cleary didn’t name any of his Origin players in the starting side when the teams were named on Tuesday, but that will certainly change.

Ryles has Parramatta on a course correction and can easily spring upset results, so this game is far closer than the betting odds and predictions may suggest.

Despite some of their injury woes through the season, the Eels still have plenty to offer in attack and Penrith’s defence will need to be on point from the word go.

Parramatta’s best performances this year have come when they’ve been able to set the tempo from the early stages, so Penrith will be keen to get a good start and then hopefully rely on Nathan Cleary’s kicking game to guide them home.

Both sides have made just as many errors as each other this season (Penrith 174, Parramatta 172) so discipline will play a factor here too –give the opposition too much ball and you’ve opened the door to have the momentum shifted on you, and you may not get it back.

I’d have some doubts Brian To’o will play in this one given his recent injury woes.

Given Penrith have plenty of adequate replacements, don’t be surprised if Paul Alamoti plays on Sunday.

On a fast track on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I’m expecting plenty of points to be scored in this one. I think a repeat of the 18-10 scoreline we saw when the sides last met is unlikely. Penrith should be too good here – but it’s these type of games that the Panthers dropped earlier in the season, much to their detriment. We may just see what they’ve learned since then in this one. Tip: Panthers by 12.

panther rumblings

MITCH’S POWER RANKINGS

! Kenny’s Shapes power rankings: I was lurking around Panthers HQ on Wednesday and spotted Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny filming some content for Shapes, and road testing the new Shapes Spicy Fried Chicken. So I asked him what flavours he enjoyed most. “You can’t go past the Big 3 – BBQ, Pizza and Chicken Crimpy,” he said. “Chicken Crimpy is first – it’s the best palate cleanser out of all of them. It depends on the season which one comes next out of BBQ and Pizza.” He also said he does enjoy dipping his Chicken Crimpy in French Onion dip… but wouldn’t do it for the others as “there’s too much going on if you do that”. Fascinating, I know.

! Politis in enemy territory: Roosters supremo Nick Politis was spotted in Penrith last week. But don’t worry – he wasn’t recruiting on behalf of his Bondi-based club. Politis was at Penrith City Automotive in Kingswood for the launch of the new Kia Tasman.

! Palmer’s regret: Legendary strength and conditioning coach Ron Palmer came within an inch of being part of Penrith’s incredible four-time Premiership run. Palmer has revealed he was asked by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary to re-join the club mid-way through the 2021 season, but opted to stay with the Wests Tigers – out of loyalty and integrity.

! Roberts cleared: Former Panthers winger James Roberts has been cleared of possessing drugs and suspected stolen cash after police withdrew charges against him at the last minute. The 32-year-old, who played for five clubs including Penrith across his 160-game NRL

career, was facing charges after being pulled over by police back in July 2024. On Monday, the charges were withdrawn.

! Go behind the scenes: The Western Weekender and Nectr are giving a local legend the chance to attend a Penrith Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the Panthers Rugby League Academy. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them, or yourself, for a chance to attend a Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the training academy. Head to https://nectr.com.au/meet-the-panthers to nominate.

! Spotted: Panthers forward Liam Henry enjoying a round at Leonay Golf Club.

! Can’t keep Levy down: There is no question 2GB’s Mark Levy is following the work ethic of his predecessor in Ray Hadley. Levy is on holidays from his Mornings program this week, but came off leave to call State of Origin III at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.

! Rare book pops up: Back in 1992, Greg Prichard and Gary Lester released Bound For Glory, the first detailed book looking at the history of the Penrith Panthers. At the time, 400 leather bound limited editions signed by

the Panthers 1991 Premiership team were released. Most of them are probably sitting in the collection of die-hard fans, or collecting dust on book shelves. One of them – number 370 – popped up on eBay this week. The seller is looking for $800.

! Message menace: Which young Panther should probably be careful of who he is obsessively messaging on Instagram? Time to move on, young fella.

! Game time: We’re only a week away from the release of ‘Rugby League 26’ on PlayStation and Xbox. Gamers can expect a range of different modes including Career Mode and Pro Team. You can also create, train and evolve your own player across various seasons. The early signs are good – and of course, the one and only Nathan Cleary is on the cover.

! Stadium on track: It may feel like slow progress but NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey told a business gathering last week that the new Penrith Stadium is on track and will open as planned in 2027. Let’s hope the weather Gods are kind in the coming year or so.

Mitch Kenny. Photo: NRL Photos.

footy

BREAKOUT STAR SIGNS NEW DEAL

One of the breakout players of the NRL competition this year will be remaining a Panther until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Penrith’s leading try scorer after 18 rounds, Thomas Jenkins, has confirmed he’s sticking around next year after being upgraded from a development player to the Top 30 squad.

It’s been a remarkable and well-documented rise for the 24-year-old winger, who began the year in Ron Massey Cup with St Marys after coach Ivan Cleary gave him a lifeline following his early exit from the Newcastle Knights.

Returning to his hometown of Boorawa in country NSW during the recent bye round, the humble Panther said he was welcomed back home with open arms.

“I went back home to the country to see family and a few mates. I try and get back there a few times a year, but it’s hard when you have a life and a partner back here,” Jenkins told Extra Time

“My family are super proud of me and the town rallies around me, which is good. There’re not many people back home that get to have this opportunity in the NRL, so it’s cool to just go back and give other kids an insight into what it’s like.”

Another opportunity that Jenkins was afforded recently was the chance of training with the NSW Blues team prior to Origin II in Perth. The youngster was called into Blues camp in the Blue Mountains as a training partner and loved every minute of it.

“That was definitely a surprise,” Jenkins admitted.

“I didn’t find out until after the Tigers game when ‘Spud’ (Shane Elford) asked me how I was feeling and if I wanted to go in and train with the Blues that week. I said, ‘of course’, and so I headed up to Leura for a few days.

“It was such a cool experience! Laurie (Daley) and the team up there were all welcoming and looked after me. It was sick!”

Jenkins returned from his time with the Blues with an extra spring in his step and that was evident during Penrith’s most recent wins against the highly fancied Bulldogs and Warriors.

Jenkins said he can’t stop pinching himself at how his 2025 season is panning out.

“I’m definitely enjoying my footy. This year has been one of my favourite years so far,” he said.

“The goal is to be a regular first grader and I’ve strived for that as such. I spoke earlier in the year that getting the opportunity was so good and I’ve enjoyed it so much, but now it’s more about playing consistent footy – selections will take care of itself.”

Tom Jenkins is having a year dreams are made of. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

DOGS WIN A CATALYST FOR FINALS PUSH

Penrith will return to CommBank Stadium this Sunday afternoon for the first time since their memorable 8-6 win over the then competition leading Canterbury Bulldogs.

After a roller coaster season so far, it was victory that Panthers supporters and the players themselves will look back on as one of the club’s most pivotal regular season victories in years.

“It was one we really wanted to celebrate because it had a real Finals-like feel about it… it felt like a Grand Final,” Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny told Extra Time

“The Dogs are at the top of the table for a reason, they’ve been the most consistent team all year. They have a great coach, who we know really well, and some star-studded players, some of which we know really well also.

“Whether that adds a little bit more fuel to the fire or not, I’m not sure but it was always going to be a massive game going up against a team that was coming first.”

But while the Panthers were close to their best against Cameron Ciraldo’s men a fortnight ago, Kenny knows there’s plenty more they need to work on if they are to face the Bulldogs again come September.

“We’re really happy that we went in there, dug

our heels in and were able to showcase some of the stuff that we’ve been working on,” Kenny

“We were heaps more resilient and heaps more steely than we have been at stages this year. We just can’t go backwards from there. We’ve got to keep chasing it.”

Bottom of the ladder six weeks ago, the Panthers have well and truly turned their fortunes around and are now back in the hunt for a fifth consecutive premiership.

Kenny said despite a shocking performance in Bathurst against the Knights, the Panthers have handled this year’s State of Origin period beautifully.

“We’ve learned some tough lessons especially out in Bathurst, but I’d like to think we’ve grown a lot in this period,” he said.

“I always had the belief – even when things were shaky for us at the start of the year – that we’d turn it around if we kept turning up and putting the work in. But it’s one thing to believe and another thing to go out and do it.

“I’m glad we’ve turned things around, but we’re definitely not getting ahead of ourselves. There’s plenty of improvement in this team and we have to get better. We have to get better, otherwise it’s not going to be enough.”

After losing five games on the trot earlier this season, the Panthers will chase a fifth straight win this Sunday when they take on the Eels for the second time this year.

Penrith are overwhelming favourites heading into Sunday afternoon’s clash, but Kenny says that means nothing when versing Parramatta.

“They are awesome clashes and have been since I’ve been playing for Penrith,” he said.

“They seem to turn up and give us their best every time we play them. They’ve enjoyed a few good wins over us in recent years.

“We love playing Parra – it’s a real Finals-like feel every time we do it and I’m sure this Sunday will be no different. They’ll be wanting to get one back on us and we know we’ve got to be better than we were last time.”

The Panthers wrapped up their third and final bye of the year last week and will now play every weekend until the Finals. Kenny said it’s exciting that the NRL season is so close this year and that he can’t wait to see where the Panthers end up come September.

“It’s anyone’s guess how the competition is going to finish and that’s exciting as a player and as a fan,” he said.

“But, to be honest, we’re not looking at the ladder too much. We’re of the opinion that we’ll finish wherever we deserve to finish and that’s going to be on us.”

Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Mitch Kenny. Photo: NRL Photos. NATHAN TAYLOR

footy club

footy club

Know a tradie, café owner or small business operator who keeps Western Sydney buzzing, or maybe that’s

Nominate

Tries: H Hassett, L Sommerton, A Kepaoa, R Price, D Fale Goals: J Cole 5/6

D Casey 2, A Ward, S Mitchell, T

A Ward 3/5

J Liddiard 3, T Patea 3, H Bell, J Tuaoi Goals: Z Clarke 7/8

Tries: Y Ayache 2, D Wright Goals: C Poynton 3/3 Tries: T Ekepati 2, I Hei Goals: L Fletcher 1/3 Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...

Tries: V Masun-Feleti, C Bush, D Talitonu, A Sekitoga Goals: C Bush 3/4

Tries:

Tries:

Fakaosi

panther memories

The Pantherettes have been part of the game day experience at Penrith Park since 1978, when they were introduced by then promotions boss, Ian Maurice.

A number of officials had visited America in 1976, sparking a range of ideas for game day –the Pantherettes among them.

Penrith has had a cheer squad ever since –adding to the game day experience. This photograph shows the cheer squad in the 1980s.

The Pantherettes have had countless uniforms and changes over the years, but they remain

WHY I WAS WRONG ABOUT CASEY analysis

The Panthers had just held on to register a gripping 8-6 win over the then table-topping Bulldogs team when co-captain Nathan Cleary made a bee-line straight towards one player, 19-year-old Casey McLean.

The TV cameras captured the moment when Cleary wrapped his arms around the youngster’s shoulders and shouted some words of praise to McLean, who just had the game of his life.

Cleary pretty much revealed as much when asked about it in the post-match media conference.

“I thought Casey was outstanding tonight against a world-class player,” said Cleary.

“I was super proud of him.”

And so were we all.

Against arguably the best centre in the world in Stephen Crichton, McLean more than held his own.

He made 15 runs, four tackle breaks and ran for 133 metres.

The softly spoken teenager from Blacktown was so fired up that night that he even dared to ‘chirp’ at Crichton in an attempt to put the Bulldogs captain off his game. In fact he let him know on more than one occasion that he wasn’t going to best him, not this week anyway.

On that night, in his 19th first grade game, Casey McLean finally announced to the rugby league

His popularity with Penrith supporters went through the roof that night on social media. Posts praising the kid garnered thousands of ‘likes’ and the comments were flattering to say the least. However, this wasn’t always the case.

few games later the calls for dropping him became louder. He had gone from Wonder Boy to ‘Wonder why he’s still in first grade’.

I won’t speak for anyone else but personally, I was a bloody idiot for thinking McLean should have been dropped. I owe the kid an apology.

Only a few months earlier, McLean was bashed from pillar to post for not passing to an unmarked Thomas Jenkins in a game against the Cowboys in round five. And I admit, I was one of them. When he did something similar a

overall game. He knew what he needed to do to

oric his rise has been over the last 18 months.

The coaching staff at Panthers knew they had something special when at 18 years-of age, they made him play a NSW Cup trial game against the Roosters in oppressive conditions at the start of 2024.

McLean then played the first two games of the season in Jersey Flegg before being fast-tracked into NSW Cup for a few months.

He made his first-grade debut in round 17 against the Cowboys then for good measure, scored four tries for the New Zealand Kiwis in his International debut match.

We all forget sometimes that he’s still only 19 years-of-age.

I’ve heard that the Panthers coaching staff believe in terms of his physical development and rugby league skills, that he is already tracking ahead of where Stephen Crichton was at the same age.

Now he’s going to have some tough games, games where he does make mistakes or doesn’t always pass the ball to an unmarked player.

But I for one am not going to criticise or doubt this future champion again.

I’m also looking forward to the Panthers taking on the Bulldogs again in round 26.

McLean admitted in an interview with the Western Weekender only a few weeks ago that he was working on his passing and

Casey McLean and Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

with Peter Lang

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS

SHARKS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

SHARKS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS WARRIORS EELS BRONCOS

SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS

SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS

SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS

SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS

DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS TITANS

MOUNT DRUITT ST MARYS LOCAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Winners accepting awards at last year’s Local Business Awards.

There are only a few weeks left until the winners of the Mount Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards are announced at a gala presentation evening to be held on Tuesday, July 22 at Rooty Hill RSL.

The competition is close, according to Precedent Productions Managing Director and Awards founder Steve Loe.

“Our judges are always impressed by the high standard of the Mount Druitt St Marys Local Business Awards finalists,” he said.

“This year is no exception, and our judges have said it has been a challenging task to separate this year’s awards finalists and determine the winners in each category.”

Loe said that the high quality of the Mount Druitt St Marys finalists came as no surprise.

“After more than 30 years of running the Local Business Awards, I know that businesses in Mount Druitt St Marys are adaptable and hard-working,” he said.

“They always put their best foot forward and ensure that their customers receive outstanding products and service.”

Loe extends his gratitude to the Mount Druitt St Marys Major Parterns:

Blacktown City Council and NOVA Employment and Support Partners, Nepean Regional Security, St Clair Shopping Centre, St Marys Village, and White Key Marketing.

“Without their support and generosity, this program simply would not be possible,” he said.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s Awards presentation evening to be held on Tuesday, July 22 at Rooty Hill RSL.

“The presentation evening is a celebration not to be missed, showcasing fantastic entertainment, and attended by local dignitaries. However, it is the finalists and winners who are the true stars of the show,” Loe said.

“While there can only be one winner in each category, as far as I am concerned, every finalist is a winner.”

As always, The Western Weekender will cover the event, with a special feature published the following week, listing all the winners and showcasing photos from the night.

Today, we present a special feature dedicated to the finalists.

For more information, call Precedent Productions on 8363 3333 or visit www. thebusinessawards.com.au.

Winners accepting awards at last year’s Local Business Awards.

MOUNT DRUITT / ST MAR YS

Automotive Services

ANZCO Automotive

Formula O road

Freedom Motors Australia Wheelchair Accessible

Vehicles

K1 Automotive Mechanic and Tyres

New Image Automotive Repairs

Plumpton Autos Tyre & Auto Service

The Handsome Mechanic - Andre Automotive

Yaks Motorsport

Bakery/Cake Business

Baked Perfection

Bakers Delight - Plumpton Marketplace

Bakers Delight - St Marys Village

Bec’s Biscuits

Delicious Afghan Sweets

Don Juan Sydney

Donut King - St Marys Village

Sergio’s Cake Shop - Mount Druitt

St Clair Bread, Cakes and Pies

Sydney Street Patisserie

Barber Shop

All Stars Barber

All The Time Barbershop

Barber Box

Fleek Cuts Hair & Beauty

Gentleman’s Barber Shop

The Don Kuts

Beauty Services

Alyse & Co

Aqua Skin Clinic - Plumpton Marketplace

Brownz Beauty & Ink

Cosmetic Beauty and Laser

Cosmetiva Aesthetics

Detailed Lashes

House Of Beauty By Janabeth

Jennica Nails and Beauty

La Perla Nails and Beauty

The Artistry. Lash and Brow Co.

Vanity Lash Room

Cafe

Ca e & Co. Mt Druitt

Ca e Cherry Beans - St Marys Village

Cup Of Eden Cafe

Gloria Jeans Co ees - St Marys Village

Leaf Cafe & Co - St Clair Shopping Centre

The Shed Cafe - St Clair Shopping Centre

The Shed CafeECQ

TNB Cafe

XS Espresso - Minchinbury

XS Espresso - Plumpton Marketplace

Early Childhood Centre

Angels Preschool

Children First - Plumpton Long Day Care &

Preschool

Children’s World Learning & Development Centre

Evergreen Early Education Centre

Goodstart Early Learning Hassell Grove

Green Garden Childcare Marsden Park

Kiddiwinks Play Laugh & Learn - Eastern Creek

Kids Early Learning Blacktown City

Kids Early Learning Seven Hills East

Kinda-Mindi Early Learning Centre - Glendenning

Little Graces Childcare Centre

Little Smarties Early Learning Centre

Next Chapter Early Learning

Smart Potatoes Childcare Centre

St Marys Children’s Centre

Education Service

A & B First Aid Training

Be RIGHT 2 DRIVE

Einstein Kidz Abacus - Ropes Crossing

GAME - Gymnastics And Movement Education

INT College

Mim Driving School

Fashion

Ally Fashion - Westfield Mount Druitt

Calidi Co.

Custom Teez

Finders Keepers Boutique St Marys Store

Hipster - Westfield Mount Druitt

Lowes - St Marys Village

Plot Clothing Mount Druitt

Rita’s Fashion

Scent Labz

Soranz Fashion

Fast Food/Takeaway

Atlantic Fish and Chips - Westfield Mount Druitt

Char d Chicken Eastern Creek

Donut Tempt Me Minchinbury

El Jannah Plumpton

Honk Kong Village - St Marys Village

Kota Sushi - St Marys Marketplace

St Marys Fish & Chips - St Marys Village

Tasty Manoush and Pizza

THAITORY Plumpton

Wild Flamez

Fitness Services

Anytime Fitness - Minchinbury

Anytime Fitness - Westfield Mount Druitt

Anytime Fitness - Emerton

Charlie Lowels Leisure Centre - Emerton

Fitness Fanatics Movement & Recovery Centre

Grappling Bros Plumpton

Hustled Pilates

NXTSET Health & Fitness

Omni Fitness

One55 Health & Fitness

Snap Fitness - St Clair Shopping Centre

Train With Me - St Clair

Fresh Food

Luxurious Lashes and Beauty

Skin Essentials

Steez Studio

Wasim’s Hair Salon - St Marys Village

Beauty Services - Brows & Lashes

Brow House Syd

Cella Artistry

Lashed Ko.

Onroad Driving Education - St Clair

Ready 2 Swim

Sharmin Driving School

Entertainment / Recreation Business

Big Boyz Poker

Kidz Blitz Holiday Program - Emerton

Perfect Pics Photobooth Entertainment

The Trivia People

Vegas Nights

Chop Butchery - St Marys Village

Fruitopia Westfield Mount Druitt

Mathews Quality Meats - St Clair Shopping Centre

Minchinbury Fruit Market

Plumpton Fruitworld

Red Lea Chickens - St Marys Village

St Marys Fresh Fruit Market - St Marys Village

Trims Fresh - St Clair Shopping Centre

Hairdresser

Elias George Hair - St Clair Shopping Centre

LB A FINALISTS 2025

Exquisite Hair and Beauty

Hair Action By Rosie

Hair By Chloe Lee

Hair By Kristina Bacci

Skye s The Limit For Hair

The Hair Shack

The Scissors Bar

Health Improvement Services

Convenant Medical Hub

Erskine Park Dental

Have A Chat Speech Pathology - Minchinbury

Community Hospital

Move 2 Thrive Clinic

NADO Disability & Aged Care

National Care Providers

Pearl Dental Care

Specsavers Optometrists - St Marys Village

St Clair Medical Practice - St Clair Shopping Centre

St Marys Dental & Periodontics

SummitCare - St Marys

Jewellery Store

Doves Jewellers - St Marys Village

Matai Watches

Michael Hill Jewellers - Westfield Mount Druitt

Pandora - Westfield Mount Druitt

Prouds The Jewellers - Plumpton Marketplace

Most Inclusive Employer

Abu Salim Supermarket

ITI Australia

Metallum Heavy Industries

Product of Italy - Minchinbury

Ray White United Group

St Marys Rugby League Club

New Business

Absolute Co ee & Co

Club Air

Newsagency

Minchinbury Newsagency

Mount Druitt Newsagency - Westfield Mount Druitt

Plumpton Marketplace Newsagency

St Clair Newsagency - St Clair Shopping Centre

Village Centre Newsagent

Performing Arts

Centre Stage Academy of Performing Arts

Dance Industrie

Dance Nation

SK Bollywood Dance Company

Static Dance Studios - Glendenning

Pet Care

Bubbles Doggy Wash

Pretty Paws Pert Spa Mobile Grooming

Rooty Hill Veterinary Surgery

Spoiled Rotten Dog Grooming

St Clair Dog Grooming

St Marys Vet Hospital

Pharmacy

Choice Pharmacy - Colebee

Choice Pharmacy - Eastern Creek

Cincotta Discount Chemist - Westfield Mount Druitt

Emerton Amcal+ Pharmacy

Priceline Pharmacy - St Clair Shopping Centre

Priceline Pharmacy- St Marys Village

Whalan Compounding Pharmacy

Professional Services

A27 Finance & Mortgage

ADADA Digital

Best Financial Consultations

Expose Me Marketing

KRM & Co

Mortgage Choice - St Marys

Your One Hub Solutions

Restaurant

Service & Trade

AJ Labour Hire

AK Lawns & Landscaping

Blanch Plumbing Services

Di Bella Cleaning Services

GN Cleaning Group

Kat Clean

Metallum Laser Cutting and Manufacturing

SamWise Plumbing

Super Landscapes

The Wright Way Pest Management

Total Bathroom Renovations Sydney

Sole Operator

Abby’s Way Celebrations

Aussie Lawn Enforcement

Bout The Pout

Elevate Career Services

Gemini Creative Studio

Katherine Sharpe Photography

Love My Way Celebrancy

MDC Creations - Custom Personalised Fondant

Cookies

Non Stop Landscapes

St Marys Village Dry Cleaners

Sydney Wedding Photography

The Bath Bakery

Cosmetic Clinic & Co.

Defyn Digital

Dry Shield Waterproof

Gorilla Frozen Bar - St Clair Shopping Centre

HeartCare Health Services

Inspire and Rise for All Abilities

JWEST Photography

Marama Allied Health

Streamflow Plumbing

CHU Restaurant by China Doll

Hot Duck

Product of Italy - Minchinbury

Silver Palace Chinese Restaurant

Stonecuttters Ridge Golf Club

Thai Ri c - St Clair Shopping Centre

The Birdhouse

The Blue Cattle Dog Hotel

Trattoria Italiana

Waterstone Grill

Westy’s Lawn & Garden Services

Specialised Business

Blue Rose Disability Services

BMS Brands Australia

Family First Mediation and Dispute Resolution

First Choice Party Hire

Graceades Community Cottage

KMA ST Marys

Peasy Plan Management

SS Equine

Wondiverse

Specialised Retail Business

Andrew s Corner Store

Bedding King

BWS - St Marys Village

EB Games - St Marys Village

Elite Supps Westfield Mount Druitt

Home Body & Beyond

Imperial Hotel Rooty Hill

Mrs D’s Plant’s & More

Sensory Store

ANZCO AU T OMO TIVE

2025 FINALIST

AU T OMO TIVE SER

Tr o y has been a mechanic f or 18 y spent the last thr ee and a half running ANZCO Au t omotiv e in Mt Druitt. He’s built a str ong r eput ation f or quality, af fo r dable ser vice, dr awing cust omers fr om acr oss Sydne y.

Since opening in 2022, he’s been h umbled t o be a f ourtime f inalist in the L ocal Business Aw ar ds Having w ork ed tir elessly without a holiday, T ro y looks f orw ar d t o gr o wing ANZCO , w elcoming mor e cust omers and st a ff, and possibly expanding t o mor e w orkshops in the futur e.

A: 12/101 KURRAJONG AVENUE, MT DRUITT

P: 9625 0009 | W: ANZCO AU T OMO TIVE.COM

PLUMPT ON AU TO S

2025 FINALIST

AU T OMO TIVE SER VICES

Plumpt on Au t os is independently o wned and oper at ed, with mor e than 30 y ears of experience. Co nv eniently locat ed in Glendenning just do wn the r oad fr om the Plumpt on Mark etplace, our friendly t eam ar e committ ed t o pr o viding quality ser vice and w orkmanship t o all of our clients

T he ser vices our w orkshop of f er include, but ar e not limit ed t o: L ogbook ser vicing, st eering & suspension r epairs , clutch r epairs , engine light diagnosis & r epairs , tyr es & tyr e r epairs cooling syst em r epairs wheel alignment & balancing and br ak e r epairs

A: 1 ENTERPRISE DRIVE, GLENDENNING

P: 9832 0058 | W: PLUMPT ONA UT OS .COM.A U

SMART PO TAT OES CHILDC ARE CENTRE

2025 FINALIST

EARL Y CHILDHOOD CENTRE

W e ar e a f amily-based childcar e centr e with a pr ogr essiv e and holistic early education philosoph y, that underst ands each child has unique needs , int er ests , and str engths

W e pr o vide the en vir onment and t ools childr en need t o thriv e t o the best of their abilities fr om lit er acy dev elopment t o cr eativ e expr ession.

Our mission is t o pr o vide a stim ulating en vir onment f illed with v arious learning experiences , f or childr en t o think, r eason, question and experiment with the w orld ar ound them.

Once they leav e Smar t P ot at oes Childcar e Centr e, they’r e fully pr epar ed f or the next st age of their y oung liv es!

A: 35 D AY ST, COLYT ON P: 8605 7158 | W: SMARTPOTATOESCCC.COM

ONE55 HEAL TH & FITNESS

2025 FINALIST FITNESS SER VICES

At ONE55 Health & Fitness , we ’r e mor e than just a gym - w e’r e a fullser vice health club committ ed t o suppor ting y our w ellbeing journe y. L ocat ed in Rooty Hill within the W est HQ pr ecinct, ONE55 is a leading f itness destination in W est ern Sydne y. W e of f er cutting-edge equipment, exper t personal tr aining, a dedicat ed Ref ormer Pilat es studio , and ov er 80 gr oup f itness classes each w eek - including all y our Les Mills f av ourit es

What truly sets us apar t is our people. Our passionat e t eam and vibr ant, w elcoming comm unity kno wn as the ONE55 T ribe, who ar e her e t o inspir e and suppor t y ou e ve r y st ep of the w ay . We ’r e pr oud t o be a f inalist in the Mt Druitt/St Mar ys L ocal Business Aw ar ds - an achiev ement w e shar e with e ve r y member who mak es ONE55 such a positiv e and ener gising space. Whether y ou’r e just getting st ar t ed or chasing y our next f itness goal, come and experience the ONE55 dif fe r ence f or y ourself

A: 33 RAI LWAY ST, ROO TY HILL P: 9677 4903 | W: ONE55.COM.A U FB: ONE55 HEAL TH & FITNESS | IG: ONE55FITNESS

Rit a’s F ashion Sydne y, a pr oud f amily-o wned business is honour ed t o be named a f inalist – an achiev ement that deeply r esonat es with our P acif ic comm unity Fr om h umble beginnings as a home-based v entur e, w e’ ve gr o wn int o a bel ov ed r et ail st or e in St Mar ys , W est ern

Sydne y. Specialising in tr aditional and modern island attir e, w e of f er Pulet asi, ie f ait aga, couple and f amily sets , island f abrics , and accessories Our mission is t o help cust omers f eel conf ident and connect ed t o their r oots . T his milest one r ef lects our v alues – f aith, f amily, ser vice and cultur al pride . T hank y ou t o our l oya l cust omers and comm unity f or y our contin ued suppor t.

A: 73 QUEEN STREET, ST MAR YS P: 0434 998 774 | W: RITASF ASHION.COM.A U

LB A 2025

SCENT LABZ

2025 FINALIST F ASHION

Being nominat ed as a f inalist in the L ocal Business Aw ar ds marks a signif icant milest one in the Scent Labz journe y.

Born fr om a passion t o mak e e xceptional fr agr ances mor e accessible, our gr o wth has been fuelled b y a comm unity that shar es our vision.

W e ar e sincer ely thankful f or this r ecognition and the contin ued suppor t behind it.

A: SHALVEY

P: 0477 146 492 | W: SCENTLABZ.COM.A U

A 2025

We ’r e so pr oud and gr at eful t o be nominat ed f or the L ocal Business Aw ar ds!

T hank y ou t o our amazing clients our beautiful comm unity, and the S kye ’s T he Limit F or Hair t eam.

Your suppor t, l oy alty and l ov e mean e ve r ything

T his nomination is a h uge honour and r eminder of wh y w e do what w e do Whether its a trim, colour, or a whole new look, w e’r e her e because of y ou.

T hank y ou f or believing in us

A: 149 QUEEN STREET, ST MAR YS

P: 9673 0090 | W: SKYESTHELIMITFORHAIR.COM.A U

NADO DISABILITY & A GED C ARE

2025 FINALIST

HEAL TH IMPRO VEMENT SER VICES

NADO Disability & Aged Car e is a not f or pr of it, comm unitybased charity that is committ ed t o pr o viding ser vices and suppor ts that r espond t o the needs and personal goals of people with disability the fr ail and aged, their f amilies and car ers W e f ocus on underst anding each individual’s aspir ations and t ailoring suppor t t o ensur e dignity independence, and gen uine connection.

Our r ange of ser vices include suppor t ed living, comm unity day pr ogr ams suppor t coor dination, social gr oups individual suppor t, childr en’s pr ogr ams , CHSP pr o vider and m uch mor e. Being named a Finalist in this y ear’s L ocal Business Aw ar ds is a gr eat honour and w e ext end our sincer e thanks t o the comm unity f or their ongoing suppor t, thank y ou!

A: 28 GIDLEY STREET, ST MAR YS P: 1300 738 229| W: NADO .ORG .A U

LB

MO VE 2 THRIVE CLINIC

2025

HEAL TH IMPRO VEMENT SER VICES

FINALIST Honestly being nominat ed especially in our f irst y ear ent ering is pr etty special.

It’ s a h uge honour and a r eal wow moment f or us

I’m so pr oud of the t eam and gr at eful t o be par t of a comm unity that gen uinely lifts each other up M ov e 2 Thrive has always been about real car e, r eal r esults , and sho wing up f or our clients and t o hav e that r ecognised lik e this means the w orld.

Big thanks t o e ve ry one who’ s suppor t ed us on the journey so f ar It’ s only the beginning, and w e’re excit ed t o k and doing things a little dif

A: L O T 28/40 STERLING RO

P: 0405 210 225 |

ST MAR Y S DENT AL & PERIODONTICS

TH IMPRO VEMENT SER VICES

We ’r e incr edibly gr at eful t o our amazing comm unity f or v oting us as a f inalist in the L ocal Business Aw ar ds 2025. Your suppor t means the w orld t o us

St Mar ys Dent al & P eriodontics has pr oudly ser ve d the comm unity since 1977, and it’s an honour t o be r ecognised f or the car e w e l ov e pr o viding

Being named a f inalist is a r ef lection of the trust y ou place in us ev er y day and we don’ t ta ke that f or gr ant ed.

T hank y ou f or being par t of our journey — w e look f orw ar d t o contin uing t o car e f or y our smiles f or man y y ears t o come.

A: 197A QUEEN STREET, ST MAR YS

P: 9623 3908 | W: STMAR Y SDENTALSURGER Y.COM.A U

Tw o y ears ago I st ar t ed K and a whole lot of elbo

I nev er imagined w or an aw ar d and suppor edible comm unity

To our l ever y bit of f e passed our name on t o a friend d of mouth mean ever ything

To m y amazing t eam: y ou sho w up y ou w ork har d, and y ou car e — I couldn’ t do this without y ou.

It’s been a wild ride so f ar, and I’m so gr at eful f or e ve ry moment.

A: ST MAR YS

P: 0473 750 458| IG: @KA T.CLEAN KA

BLUE ROSE DISABILITY SER VICES

BUSINESS

We ’r e thrilled t o be named f inalists in the L ocal Business Aw ar ds and w ant t o say a hear tf elt thank y ou t o our amazing comm unity f or the nomination and suppor t.

At Blue Rose Disability Ser vices we ’r e all about emp ow ering people with disabilities to liv e full, meaningful liv es – and being r ecognised f or the w ork w e l ov e doing ever y day is such an honour. T his w ouldn’ t be possible without the trust and encour agement y ou’ v e sho wn us

We ’r e so pr oud to be par t of a comm unity that truly v alues inclusion, car e and connection . T hank y ou f or being par t of our journey!

A: 6 ALL AW AH COURT, ERSKINE PARK

P: 0408 779 660 | W: BLUEROSEDISABILITY.COM.A U

2025 FINALIST SPECIALISED BUSINESS

Navigating the NDIS can be an ything but easy Man y people shar e ho w confusing and ov erwhelming it f eels unsur e wher e t o st ar t when it comes t o managing their funds Frustr ation with the syst em is common - and that’s ex actly wh y w e cr eat ed our business - P easy Plan Management. As a specialised business , w e don’ t confuse y ou with jar gon or dr o wn y ou in paperw ork. Inst ead, w e f ocus on making the management of y our NDIS Plan Easy P easy! Our commitment t o our clients is t o pr o vide them with clarity peace of mind and complet e tr anspar enc y. A s a Finalist in this y ear’s L ocal Business Aw ar ds and with our w elcoming, do wn-t o-ear th appr oach, y ou can f eel conf ident kno wing y our NDIS Plan Management is in r eliable, trustw or th y hands

A: 28 GIDLEY STREET, ST MAR YS (INSIDE THE NADO B UILDING)

P: 1300 866 121| W: PEASYPM.COM.A U

MRS D’S PLANTS & MORE

2025 FINALIST SPECIALISED RET AIL BUSINESS

I’m truly h umbled t o be named a f inalist in this y ear’s L ocal Business Aw ar ds

Mrs D’s began as a little dr eam in m y bac kya rd and thanks t o the l ov e and suppor t of our amazing comm unity it’s gr o wn int o something r eally special. I’m so gr at eful f or e ve r y kind w or d, or der and cheer fr om the sidelines

T his nomination isn’ t just about me; it’s a celebr ation of connection, kindness , and the jo y that comes fr om gr o wing something beautiful t ogether

A: ERSKINE PARK

P: 0430 023 114 | W: MRSDSPLANTSANDMORE.COM.A U

SENSOR Y ST ORE

At the Sensor y St or e, w e’r e all about helping people of all ages and abilities disc ov er the jo y of sensor y play and learning Whether y ou shop with us in-st or e or online, y ou’ ll f ind a gr eat r ange of quality sensor y t oy s, ther ap y it ems , suppor t t ools , f idgets , chews , w eight ed pr oducts and educational goodies designed t o suppor t inclusion, independence and fun!

Based in St Mar ys we ’r e pr oud t o be par t of our local comm unity and w e l ov e w orking with f amilies , schools , health pr of essionals hospit als and businesses right acr oss A ustr alia. As a small business we ’r e super excit ed t o be named a Finalist in this y ear’s L ocal Business Aw ar ds – thank y ou so m uch f or all y our suppor t!

A: 28 GIDLEY STREET, ST MAR YS (INSIDE THE NADO B UILDING) P: (02) 8331 9977 | W: SENSOR YS T ORE.A U

CONGRATULATIONS

Y OUR ONE HUB SOLUTION

We ’r e incr edibly pr oud t o be named f inalists in the L ocal Business Aw ar ds!

A h uge thank y ou t o our amazing comm unity f or y our suppor t and nominations

At Your One Hub Solution, w e’r e passionat e about pr o viding compr ehensiv e ser vices—fr om administr ation and accounting t o construction management and mark eting—t o help y our business thriv e.

T his r ecognition r ef lects the trust y ou’ v e placed in us and w e’r e committ ed t o contin uing our journey with y ou . T hank y ou f or being par t of our st or y!

A: 155 GLENDENNING RO AD , GLENDENNING

P: 0415 738 409 | W: Y OURONEHUB .COM

NA TIONAL C ARE PRO VIDERS

2025 FINALIST

SPEECH THERAPY | OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (O T) PHY SIO THERAPY | PSYCHOL OGY | BEHAVIOUR THERAPY SUPPORT W ORK | COMMUNITY A CCESS | ASSISTANCE WITH SELF C ARE | SIL A CCOMOD ATION

At National Car e Pr o viders we ’r e mor e than just a ser vice pr o vider — w e’r e par t of y our local comm unity W e w ork closely with f amilies and schools acr oss W est ern Sydne y t o mak e a r eal dif fe r ence in the liv es of people with disabilities One w ay w e giv e back is thr ough our fr ee school assessment driv e, suppor ting childr en whose f amilies may not be able t o af fo r d early dev elopment al assessments It’s about ensuring e ve r y child has access t o the right suppor t at the right time.

As leaders in the NDIS space, our experienced t eam deliv ers high-quality ta r get ed ther ap y f or both adults and childr en. W e of f er both in-clinic appointments at our purpose-built centr e in Minchinbur y and a fully equipped mobile f leet, so w e can meet people wher e they ar e — at home, school, or in the comm unity W ith a holistic appr oach and complet e assistiv e t echnology ser vices — fr om assessment t o deliv er y — w e mak e sur e no one is left behind.

W ith countless success st ories behind us , we ’r e her e t o help y ou and y our l ov ed ones achiev e y our goals and liv e mor e independently

A: UNIT 15/38 MINCHIN DRIVE, MINCHINB UR Y

P: 1800 627 6347 OR 047744333 3

E: INFO@NATIONALC AREPRO VIDERS .COM.A U

RETURNING TO THEIR ROOTS

thers with around 1,000 people in the room is just insane. When you put the progression into perspective, it’s quite staggering.”

Metalcore band Northlane will return to where it all began as part of their All Over Australia Tour.

The band formed in Blacktown in 2009, and guitarist and manager Josh Smith explained it was humble beginnings in Sydney’s west.

“We played our first ever show in the back of a Chinese restaurant in Blacktown, and we first played in Penrith at the PCYC in 2010. There were probably more people on the stage than there were in the crowd,” Smith started.

“To come back and play at a place like Pan-

The band’s hard work paid off, and they have three ARIA awards, two number one albums, and a huge fanbase to show for it.

“The band was formed by our original bass player Alex Milovic and our other guitar player Jon Deiley,” Smith described the band’s origin.

“Jon was dating someone who used to date Alex, and she knew they both wrote music, so she introduced them, and they started working on music together.

“I found them on the internet because they were looking for a guitar player. I sound like a dinosaur saying this, but that was on MySpace.”

Josh and Jon are the two remaining original members, and they can’t wait to play in western Sydney again.

“We’re from western Sydney. Jon was a bit further out in the Blue Mountains past Penrith, and I was in the Hills district,” Smith explained.

“Before the band, I was studying at Macquarie University, and I was working parttime as a barista. I wasn’t that far out of high school, so I’ve basically been doing this my whole adult life.”

Now, in addition to rocking on stage surrounded by chaotic flashing lights, Smith runs a management business and trains for triathlons.

“I’ve got a very patient and understanding

wife and I don’t have any kids – that’s how I have time,” Smith laughed.

“Northlane is a full-time band – everyone in the band only does that – and my management business is growing pretty rapidly, so it’s all hands on deck at the moment.”

The busy guitarist gets a chance to reset when he’s training for multisport races.

“I can’t answer phone calls if I’ve got my head underwater,” Smith remarked.

Experience the heavy music trailblazers at Penrith Panthers’ EVAN Theatre on August 8. Tickets to the electrifying show are $59.90, and Northlane will be joined on stage by Ocean Grove, Mirrors, and Heists. Find out more online at https://penrith. panthers.com.au/event/northlane-2/.

ALLY HALL

THINGS TO DO

Bring Back my Wives comes to Panthers

Reality clashes with fantasy in this fierce fusion of the Real Housewives and RuPaul’s Drag Race on July 11 at EVAN Theatre. ‘Bring Back My Wives’ is an all-star, no-holds-barred live theatrical experience that serves up unfiltered interviews, outrageous lip-syncs, explosive confessions, and jaw-dropping performances. Book through Panthers.

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. (02) 9713 9038.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club

Holiday highlight as The Dinomaniacs lands

An award-winning, interactive, high-energy dinosaur adventure that’s fun for the whole family will be at Panthers on July 16. The unmissable show includes plenty of surprises, laughter, and chances to meet six incredible dinosaurs up close – including Razor the Raptor, Trixi Triceratops, and Aussie favourites, Ozzi and Oi!. Book through Panthers.

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the fourth Monday of the 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.

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.

Penrith Lions Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Trish on

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.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Nepean Food Services

Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

Free food shop

9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

JP service

Located in Western Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown. Mon-Wed 9am-5pm, Thu 9am-3pm,

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.

If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry, so cry with laughter at Teacher Comedy Night with comedian and former teacher Daniel Delby at The Joan on July 12. Don’t miss an unforgettable night with interactive games, relatable video sketches on the big screen, side-splitting student work samples, and hilarious teacher stories! Tickets from The Joan.

Teacher Comedy Night at The Joan

At the movies...

‘28 Years Later’, the long awaited direct sequel to cult horror phenomenon ‘28 Days Later’ has been released, with some already pinning it as their favourite movie of the year. With the original’s impact on the horror world leaving big shoes to fill, I am happy to say that ‘28 Years Later’ didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them.

The story continues 28 years after the Rage Virus infected the UK and left either crazed, bloodthirsty attackers or desperate survivors in its wake. We meet a group of survivors who have formed a community on a nearby island connected to the mainland by a

causeway, with visitation dictated by the tides. When one of these survivors enters the mainland in search of help, the reality of life ravaged by the Rage Virus yields mysteries and horrors that have altered the world forever.

Never has a film taken me on such an emotional rollercoaster. The majority of the film was spent feeling extremely anxious, with some particularly tense scenes causing me to squeeze my partner’s hand in desperation. Being a big fan of the original, I was eager to see this new instalment, but had forgotten just how intense and gut wrenching Danny Boyle’s directing style can be.

Interestingly, ‘28 Years Later’ was shot completely on iPhones, to give the film a real and raw feel, and transport the viewer into the film (somewhere I desperately do not want to be).

Of course, between helping the infected give birth and people having their heads and spines ripped from their bodies, the film

finds time to strike a tender chord in the hearts of the audience. The relationship between our main character Spike and his mother Isla is explored, leaving audiences questioning their own mortality and understandably sobbing in the theatre (just me?).

‘28 Years Later’ is a perfect example of a sequel. Despite the

original film being released over two decades ago, it retains its cult following as one of the best modern dystopian films. ‘28 Years Later’ is no exception, and follows on from its predecessor seamlessly. This film is raw, gruesome, heart-stopping and emotional, and I can’t wait to see it again.

– Madeline Dantier

www.hoyts.com.au

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION

The classic 80s film, ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ is now 40-years-old and last week the Hayden Orpheum played it for one night only, and naturally, I had to attend. If you don’t know the film it starred Rosanna Arquette, Aiden Quinn and Madonna, in her first major film role. It follows the story of a bored New Jersey housewife who likes to follow the antics of Susan, a free spirit who’s boyfriend contacts her through the newspaper personal ads. It’s all about mistaken identities, stolen Egyptian artefacts and a beautiful New York landscape.

The screening was such a fun event, there was such an excited buzz in the cinema. Everyone cheered when Madonna first appeared on the screen (clearly, she was the reason so many attended) and when ‘Into the Groove’ started playing in

a nightclub scene and then clapped as the film ended. It was a really magical experience in one of Sydney’s most beautiful cinemas.

The film has aged incredibly well, some of those 80s favourites don’t stand up to viewing today, whereas ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ was still very fresh. My best friend, Charlene, who had never seen the film before,

described the storyline as Shakespearean with all the mistaken identities and a fun conclusion where everyone ended up at the same venue.

Rosanna Arquette is a likeable lead actor who brought an endearing innocence to the role of Roberta. Aiden Quinn is a handsome and appealing leading man and Laurie Metcalf stole all her scenes as Roberta’s neurotic sister-in-law. A lot of people have criticised Madonna’s acting over the years, but she is perfect in the role of rebellious Susan. She has a commanding presence in all her scenes and so likeable in this role. Plus, the fashion is on point – the stylist on this film deserved every cent of their paycheck.

I really enjoyed going back in time to experience this film. I definitely want to see more of these 80s cult classics on the big screen.

COUNTRY CORNER

Aldean heads down under in 2026

One of American country music’s biggest stars is heading down under.

Jason Aldean’s ‘Full Throttle World Tour’ will head to Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park on February 26.

It’s Aldean’s first appearance in Australia in almost a decade.

Aldean’s headlines dates including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, along with an inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra.

Corey Kent and Brad Cox join as 2026 Full Throttle Tour openers – Corey Kent across all shows and Brad Cox joining the Sunburnt Country dates.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.

fallen headfirst for someone who treated me like an option,” she said.

Fahim drops powerful track

Australian country

artist Rachael Fahim has unleashed her powerful new single ‘Who You Are’.

The rising artist channels heartbreak into strength on the soul-baring ‘Who You Are’, delivering a bold confessional sequel to her previous single, ‘Good Luck’; that claimed the #1 spot on the CMT Chart last month.

“‘Who You Are’ was born in my situationship era. I had

“It’s about the aftermath of a toxic relationship, when you stop excusing the bad behaviour and start realising your worth. This song isn’t just about mourning love lost, it’s about mourning the version of myself that I lost, because I stayed too long.”

‘Who You Are’ is produced by Liam Quinn who has worked with Ruel, Rita Ora, Vera Blue, and mixed by Robby De Sa. The single is accompanied by a cinematic video, embodying freedom and reclaiming one’s sense of self. The video was shot in Las Vegas and the Nevada desert with acclaimed Australian Director Maddy King, making it the third music video the pair have collaborated on together. It’s out now on all streaming services.

CMC returns Country music channel CMC is back on Foxtel, replacing CMT. It’s primarily clip-based, with no sign of other programming at this point. You can find it on Channel 805.

TV Guide: July 11 – 17

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:30 AFL: Round 18: Gold Coast v Collingwood *Live* From People First Stadium

1:25 Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 2:25 First Dates UK (M) 3:30 Black-ish (PG) 4:00 America’s Got Talent (PG) 6:00 Movie: “Phenomenon” (PG) (’96) Stars: John Travolta 8:30 Movie: “The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty” (PG) (’13) Stars: Kristen Wiig

Doctor Who (PG) 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 Down Under 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games

3:25 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Waabiny Time 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Storm Boy” (PG) (’76) Stars: Greg Rowe

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Pooches At Play 8:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 9:30 Numb3rs (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Numb3rs (PG) 1:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 So Help Me Todd 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Core” (M l) (’03) Stars: Hilary Swank

Hairy Bikers Go Local 9:35 Come Dine With Me: UK 4:05 BBC News At Ten 4:35 France 24 International News 5:00 PBS News Hour 6:00 If You Are The One (PG) (In Mandarin) 7:00 Jeopardy! 7:25 NITV News Update 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Man Of Steel” (PG) (’13) Stars: Henry Cavill

9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 The Assembly (PG) 1:10 Patience 2:05 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 2:50 Last Night Of The Proms (2024) 4:25 Spicks And Specks (PG) 4:55 QI (PG) 6:00 Landline 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Grantchester (M v) 8:20 Midsomer Murders (M v) 9:50 Bay Of Fires (M l,v) 10:45 Little Disasters (M l) 11:30 Whale Wisdom 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 12:00 Repco Supercars Championship: Qualifying & Supports/ Pre-Race And Race *Live* From The Reid Park Street Circuit 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border SecurityAustralia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Great Outdoors (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Titanic” (M n,s,v) (’97) Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio 11:35 TBA 12:55 Repco Supercars Highlights 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday 12:00 Great Australian Detour 12:30 NRL Women’s: Raiders v Sharks *Live* 2:30 NRLW Wrap (PG) 3:15 NRL Women’s: Dragons v Roosters *Live* 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Castle” (M l) (’97) Stars: Eric Bana 9:20 Movie: “Muriel’s Wedding” (M l,s) (’94) 12:10 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 The Brighter Side 1:00 Buy To Build 1:30 The Yes Experiment 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures (PG) 3:00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 3:30 Farm To Fork

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 5:00 Slow Train Through Africa With Griff Rhys Jones 6:00 Every Bite Takes You Home (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

3:00 Play

12:30 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 My Road To Adventure (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Top Fuel Championship 4:00 AFL: Round 18: GWS v Geelong *Live* 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 1:00 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 2:30 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings (PG) 3:30 America’s Got Talent (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Jumanji” (PG) (’95) Stars: Robin Williams 7:30 Movie: “Uncle Buck” (PG) (’89) Stars: John Candy

3:30 First Australians (PG) 4:30 Movie: “Vote Yes For Aborigines” (PG) (’11) Director: Frances Peters-Little 5:30 Acting Good 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Big Backyard Quiz 8:30 Movie: “The Darkside” (M) (’13) Stars: Bryan Brown

2:20 Not Going Out (PG) 3:05 Doctor Who (PG) 3:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:35 QI (PG) 6:30 Jamie’s Kitchen 7:30 Hidden Restaurants With Michel Roux Jr 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:35 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:30 Mind Of A Chef 11:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations 11:30 Duff: Ace Of Taste

6:00 Home Shopping 9:00 What’s Up Down Under 10:00 On The Fly 10:30 Navigating The World 11:30 Judge Judy (PG) 12:00 So Help Me Todd (PG) 1:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

4:00 NITV News Update 4:05 BBC News At Ten 4:35 France 24 International News 5:00 PBS News Hour 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life (PG) 7:30 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Cracking The Code (M)

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) 11:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 12:00 South Park (PG) 2:00 Building

3:30 Movie: “Curse Of The Pink Panther” (PG) (’83) Stars: David Niven 5:45 Movie: “Doctor Dolittle” (PG) (’98) Stars: Eddie Murphy 7:30 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2” (PG) (’10) Stars: Alan Rickman

3:00 Rugby Union: Shute Shield: Round 14: Teams TBA *Live* 5:00 NRL Women’s: Cowboys v Knights *Live* 7:00 To The Manor Born (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Intern” 9:55 Movie: “Analyze This” (M l,s) (’99) Stars: Billy Crystal

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Joanna Lumley’s Danube (PG) 3:15 Nigella Bites 3:40 Martin Clunes - Islands Of America (PG) 4:40 Walking With Dinosaurs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Bay Of Fires (M l,v) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Repco Supercars Championship: Qualifying & Supports/ Pre-Race And Race *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 8:20 7News Spotlight: Mushroom Murders (PG) 9:20 The Crow Girl: She Sees Herself From Above/ The Egg She Wishes To Crack (MA15+) 11:25 Stranded On Honeymoon Island (PG) 6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) 11:45 NRL Women’s: Warriors v Eels *Live* 1:30 Fishing Australia 2:00 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 3:00 NRL: Eels v Panthers *Live* 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Travel Guides (PG) 8:10 60 Minutes (PG)

Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Taken” (MA15+) (’08) Stars: Liam Neeson

1:00 Home And Away (PG) 4:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special (PG) 4:30 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 6:00 Extreme Animal Transport (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 2:35 Movie: “The Final Quarter” (PG) (’19) Stars: Adam Goodes 4:05 The Point 5:05 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties 6:35 NITV News Update 6:45 Africa’s Underwater Wonders 7:35 The First Inventors (PG) 6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 9:00 Reel Action 9:30 What’s Up Down Under 10:00 Tough Tested (PG) 11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 Roads Less Travelled 12:00 Judge Judy (PG) 12:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 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)

7:30 Memory Bites With Matt Moran 8:00 My Greatest Dishes 8:30 Rick Stein: From Venice To Istanbul 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:35 Mind Of A Chef 4:00 France 24 International News 4:25 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 4:50 Jeopardy! 5:15 Alone: The Skills Challenge (PG) 5:50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs (PG) 6:35 Engineering Reborn (PG) 7:30 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 3:30 Movie: “Benny & Joon” (PG) (’93) Stars: Johnny Depp 5:30 Movie: “Super Pets” (AKA ‘DC League Of Super-Pets’) (PG) (’22) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 7:30 Movie: “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Ben Affleck

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

1:00 The Baron (PG) 2:00 Movie: “Apache” (G) (’54) Stars: Burt Lancaster 4:00 NRL Women’s: Titans v Broncos *Live* 6:00 Dad’s Army (PG) 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Terminator” (M l,v) (’84) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG) 8:30 Endeavour (M v) 10:30 What The Killer Did Next (M v) 11:30 Doc Martin (PG)

4:30 Seven’s Motorsport Classic 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG)

3:30 Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 6:00 10 News Plus 7:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M l,s)

3:25 Lopez Vs. Lopez (PG) 3:55 Declassified: The Royal Scandals (PG) 4:55 First Dates Australia (PG) 6:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 The 77 Percent 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Numb3rs (PG) 1:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 So Help Me Todd 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:10 Super Monsters 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:00 Supertato 7:30 Do Not Watch This Show 8:00 Junior Vets

8:30 Alone (M)

(PG) 1:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 FBI

(M v)

The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:00 Building Roots (PG) 5:00 Bargain

The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

Movie: “Not Now, Comrade” (PG) (’76) Stars: Lewis Fiander 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M l,s,v) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35

(PG) 11:45 Bargain Hunt 4:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG)

3:55 Declassified: The Royal Scandals (PG) 4:55 First Dates Australia (PG) 6:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 House (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:30 The Casketeers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Empire Of The Sun” (PG) (’87) Stars: Christian Bale 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Numb3rs (PG) 1:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer:

7:30

5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins 7:30 Do Not Watch This Show 8:00 Junior Vets 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00

Agent 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 5:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s Spices Made Simple 6:15 The Food That Built The World (PG) 7:05

The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

7:30 AFL: Round 19: Essendon v GWS *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:00 Kick Ons 11:30 Evil By Design (M l,v) 12:00 Movie: “May The Best Wedding Win” (PG) (’23)

8:30

3:30 Movie: “Carry On Cabby” (PG) (’63) Stars: Sid James 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG)

Nathan Taylor

Ê 10 is still on the hunt for a new host for ‘Australian Survivor’ after Jonathan LaPaglia was stupidly given the boot last week. LaPaglia confirmed the news that 10 had “blindsided” him when they axed him from the hit reality series after nearly 10 years in the role. Now a petition is doing the rounds to help reinstate the man everyone calls “JLP”, but it seems it would take a miracle for 10 to backflip on their decision. Reality TV icon and former ‘Survivor’ winner David Genat is the hot favourite to replace JLP. While the “Golden God” is a quality talent, he’s no JLP and I fear ratings will suffer when the show returns next year. Thankfully fans will get the opportunity to see JLP one last time when he fronts ‘Australian Survivor: Australia vs The World’ later this year.

Ê More huge news last week with Nine acquiring the exclusive Australian rights from Optus Sport to broadcast the English Premier League and FA Cup. All matches will stream live and on-demand on Stan Sport starting from the 2025/26 season, with the Premier League also for the first time now available in 4K. As part of the expanded deal, Japan’s J.League and America’s National Women’s Soccer League will also be available on Stan Sport. While Nine has invested hundreds of millions of dollars picking up the rights, it means Stan Sport now costs subscribers a little more to have. From this month, Stan Sport will rise from $15 per month to $20 per month. So, if you have a regular Stan subscription ($12 per month) plus Stan Sport ($20), you’ll soon be forking out a whopping $32 per month. Ouch!

Ê Well-known Nine presenter Deb Knight is returning to television full-time from Monday, July 21. Following her recent departure from her ‘Money News’ gig on 2GB, Knight will become presenter of the ‘Nine News Morning’ bulletin at 11.30am each weekday and will also present ‘Nine News Afternoon’ each weekday in Sydney. She will continue to host ‘A Current Affair’ on Saturday nights.

Ê Netflix has axed US whodunnit series ‘The Residence’ after one season. Also given the bullet was failed medical drama ‘Pulse’. RIP.

Ê To mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Katrina tragedy, National Geographic will screen ‘Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time’, a groundbreaking five-part documentary series that offers an unprecedented, heart-pounding look at the disaster directly from those who lived through it. Through unprecedented access to archival footage and gut-wrenching eyewitness testimony, ‘Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time’ is a gripping historical record of the storm and its aftermath. With un-

flinching urgency, the series exposes how a natural disaster became a national tragedy. It streams on Disney+ from Monday, July 28.

Ê Exciting news for the many fans of ‘The Bear’ on Disney+, with the award-winning dramedy renewed for a fifth season. Season four just dropped on the streaming service, and it’s still top-notch viewing! Can’t wait for the next round!

Ê HBO Max dropped some news from leftfield last week with ‘The Comeback’, starring Lisa Kudrow, returning for a third and final season next year. The reason the news is so bizarre is because it’s been 10 years since season two landed and 20 years since the comedy first premiered in 2005.

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RAINE & HORNE PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith celebrated statewide success and reaffirmed its status as an industry leader after taking out top honours at the Raine & Horne NSW/ACT State Awards.

Two major accolades achieved included first place for ‘Top Commercial Office (Number of Sales Transactions)’ and being named a Finalist for ‘Outstanding Property Management Office –Commercial (Large)’.

Head of the Sales and Leasing Department at Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith Liz Prasad said their team has worked hard to put Penrith on the map.

“We had a lot of staff changes

which left us without admin and we were working all the time,” Prasad recounted.

“But, during that time, we didn’t allow the quality of our service to

“IT WAS REALLY REWARDING TO BE RECOGNISED”

drop. So, to be recognised for all that hard work felt really good.

“When you compare our office to the Macarthur region or inner

west or Newcastle or Parramatta, they do some big numbers. To be on a level playing field with them is pretty special.”

Prasad also received an individual honour, named ‘#1 Commercial Salesperson – Number of Sales Transactions’.

“Receiving that award was a big surprise because I don’t think a female has ever received that award in Raine & Horne as a network,” Prasad stated.

“The wins go hand in hand. It was really rewarding to be recognised for the hard work after the changes in our department.”

Managing Director of Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith Colin Henry couldn’t speak highly

enough about his award-winning employee who began working at the local office as a receptionist straight out of high school.

“She’s put together a sales team from scratch,” Henry raved.

“The team started off as herself and a support person and now there are six team members.

“She’s doing an amazing job and achieving great things at such a young age.”

Other individual honours went to Michelle Caddell and Lindy Johnson who were Finalists for ‘Outstanding Property Manager of the Year’ and Karen Bigay who was nominated for ‘Outstanding Office Support, Commercial’.

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DIABETES AND FOOT CARE

Foot health is a critical and sometimes overlooked part of managing diabetes. Even small foot issues can become serious if not treated early, due to the effects diabetes can have on circulation, nerve function, and the body’s ability to heal.

One of the most common concerns is reduced sensation in the feet, known as peripheral neuropathy. This can make it difficult to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure spots. When unnoticed, these minor issues can worsen, potentially leading to infections or ulcers. Poor circulation, another complication of diabetes, can make healing slower and increase the risk of serious complications, including the need for hospitalization. Fortunately, with daily attention and smart prevention, many of these risks can be managed effectively. Start with a daily foot inspection. Look at the bottoms of your feet, between the toes, and

around the heels for any changes in redness, swelling, blisters, or sores. If you have trouble seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask for help. Catching issues early is one of the best ways to prevent complications.

Proper hygiene is also essential. Wash your feet daily in warm (not hot) water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply moisturiser to keep the skin supple and reduce the chance of cracking, but avoid putting lotion between the toes, where excess moisture can promote fungal growth.

Footwear plays a big role, too. Choose shoes that fit well and provide support without rubbing or pinching. Avoid walking barefoot,

HEALTH

The Experts

TRYSTAN SINGH One Point Health 4732 5188

even at home, to protect against cuts and injuries. Diabetic socks or orthotic insoles can offer additional support and protection.

Toenail care should be done carefully, trim nails straight across and avoid cutting into the corners to prevent ingrown nails. If you’re unsure or have difficulty, a podiatrist can help with routine nail care. Lastly, make foot checks part of your regular medical visits. Let your healthcare provider or podiatrist know about any changes or concerns, no matter how minor they seem.

Healthy feet are absolutely within reach and they’re a key part of living well with diabetes.

DRIVERLESS CARS ARE HERE

Late last year, I was in Phoenix, Arizona, in the US for a conference. This was my first introduction to driverless cars.

Large banners advertised Waymo’s driverless vehicles throughout the airport. So, of course, I had to try one. Driverless cars are vehicles equipped with technology that allows them to navigate and operate without human input. These cars use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, LiDAR, GPS, and artificial intelligence to perceive their surroundings and make driving decisions.

Autonomous driving is categorized into levels from 0 to 5: The Waymo cars were Level 4 and could operate within a Geofenced area.

• Level 0–2: Driver assistance (e.g., cruise control, lane keeping)

• Level 3: Conditional automation (driver must be ready to take over)

• Level 4: High automation (no driver needed in specific conditions)

• Level 5: Full automation

(no driver needed at all)

In the end, I used Waymo on three occasions: trips to and from the airport and one trip to a tourist attraction. I must admit that it was a thrill being in one of these cars, and I did feel safe. Although the car would brake a little later than I usually would. The vehicle did encounter an issue when pulling into a busy car park.

There were orange cones to direct traffic; it did not know how to deal with these and just stopped. A parking guide came over, moved the cones a few metres further back, and waved the car forward. That worked.

Will we see these cars in Australia soon? There have already been some trials, the most notable one being ZOE.2 in Mount Isa, which has been operating since 2023. ZOE.2

is a Level 4

vehicle. The trial has been a success, with residents of Mt. Isa responding positively and experiencing widespread usage.

Australia is cautiously exploring autonomous vehicle technology. While Level 2 and 3 features (such as adaptive cruise control) are already available in many cars, Level 4 and 5 autonomy are not yet legal for widespread use. However, progress is being made. The government is working on a national safety framework, which is expected to be completed by 2026. Although full deployment is at least a decade away due to infrastructure, legal, and public trust challenges.

Monday - Friday 9-5pm, Saturday 9-430pm, Sunday 10-4pm

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard

ANAL GLANDS IN DOGS: A PAIN IN THE BUTT!

Anal glands, also known as anal sacs, are small scent-producing glands located at the four and eight o’clock positions just inside a dog’s anus. While they serve a natural role in canine communication, problems with anal glands are a frequent source of discomfort and can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

What do anal glands do?

These glands secrete a strong-smelling fluid used for scent marking, which is naturally expressed during bowel movements when the stool is firm enough to apply pressure on the glands. This is part of why dogs sniff each other’s rear ends – it’s a form of identification and communication.

Common anal gland issues

Impaction – Anal gland impaction occurs when the glands fail to empty properly. The fluid inside thickens and

builds up, causing discomfort. Affected dogs may scoot their bottom along the ground, lick or chew at the area, or show signs of irritation. Manual expression by a veterinary professional usually resolves this issue, and dietary adjustments to increase fibre may help prevent recurrence.

Infection – When impacted glands become inflamed, bacteria can proliferate, leading to infection. Signs include redness, swelling, a foul odour, and pain around the anus. Treatment often involves expressing the glands, cleansing the area, and administering antibiotics.

Abscess – If an infection progresses without treatment, it can result in an abscess. This is a painful, swollen, and often ruptured gland that may discharge blood or pus. Anal gland abscesses require prompt veterinary intervention, including drainage, pain management, and a course of antibiotics.

Recognising the signs

Early recognition is key to preventing complications. Signs of anal gland problems include:

• Scooting or dragging the rear

• Persistent licking or biting at the anus

• A strong, fishy odour

• Pain or difficulty when passing stool

• Swelling near the anus

• Presence of discharge or blood

Preventative care

• Some dogs are more predisposed to anal gland issues, particularly smaller breeds. Preventive strategies include:

• Feeding a high-fibre diet (such as the addition of carrots, psyllium husk, or specially formulated diets) to promote firm stools

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the glands

• Routine anal gland expression in dogs with a history of recurrent problems

• Regular monitoring during grooming or vet visits

If your dog is showing any signs of anal gland discomfort, prompt veterinary attention can make all the difference. Our team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital is here to help with gentle, effective treatment and ongoing management plans tailored to your pet’s needs. For further advice or to book an appointment, please contact us on 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

There’s disruptive energy around, as Mercury starts reversing through your relationship zone (on Friday). Communication with a lover, relative, friend, neighbour or work colleague could veer off in a confusing direction. Or something you say, text or post on social media could receive a disappointing response. So think before you speak and pause before you post! You’ll find the more supportive and generous you are at work, the better the week will be.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Mercury starts reversing through your home zone on Friday (until August 11).

So – over the next few weeks – expect some domestic dramas, household hiccups and/or family frustrations. Extra patience and a wider perspective will get you through. Your motto for the moment comes from birthday great Nelson Mandela (who was born on July 18, 1919), “If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important.”

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Consider reviewing your diet and/or revising your fitness routine, as Mercury reverses through your health and wellbeing zone (from Friday). It’s important to choose nutritious food and regular exercise that you enjoy, so you can maintain healthy habits in the future. Your daily work schedule could also be disrupted (and feel like it’s going backwards) or you could find yourself out of step with a colleague or client. Patience and persistence will see you through.

GEMINI

22 TO JUNE 21

Your ruler Mercury turns retrograde (from Friday until August 11). Mercury is the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, cars, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the internet. So – when it turns retrograde –it’s not a good time to sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on a business trip or embark on an expensive holiday.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

On Friday, Mercury starts reversing through your love, children and friendship zone. So a problem with a child could return, a romantic complication could resurface, or a controversial new friend could stir up your established peer group. Try to be extra understanding and (uncharacteristically) patient until August 11, when Mercury goes direct. An emotional wound could be healed on the weekend, but not without some bruises along the way.

22 TO JULY 22

Retrograde Mercury stirs up your self-esteem zone (from Friday through until August 11) when your confidence levels may be low, a loved one could let you down or an old resentment could resurface. If you don’t feel comfortable asking someone for help, then don’t. You also need to manage finances extra carefully, otherwise a large bill, unexpected expense or spontaneous purchase could derail your budget and see you dipping into savings.

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

Mercury starts reversing through your sign (from Friday until August 11) so expect some self-doubt, personal project glitches and/or communication hitches. Avoid over-committing and promising more than you can realistically deliver. The more cooperative and consultative you are, the better. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, Nelson Mandela (who was born on July 18, 1919), “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

With Mercury reversing through your career zone (from Friday) the next few weeks could be tricky at work. Some possible scenarios? Your boss gives you extra work with short (and stressful) deadlines; a colleague becomes very difficult to work with; or some staff are sick or take holiday leave, which increases your workload. Also, if you’re looking for employment (or want to change jobs) then don’t start sending applications out until after August 11.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

This week – with dynamic Mars visiting your sign and Mercury (your patron planet) turning retrograde – it’s time to be proactive about doing things with an ‘re’ in front. Revise, rehearse, remember, return, recover, reconnect, recommit –especially in areas involving personal projects and professional goals. Energy, confidence, enthusiasm and motivation will take you far, but you also need to relax, review old dreams and practice plenty of patience!

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Have you been questioning your aspirations? Or does it seem as if you’ve got the worries of the world on your shoulders? This week, take a step back and view things from a wider perspective. Doing good deeds will leave you with a warm inner glow, so think up some dynamic ways you can help those who are less fortunate. Your motto is from birthday great, Nelson Mandela, “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others.”

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Mercury starts reversing through your networking/peer group zone on Friday. So do your best to surround yourself with dependable, sensible, unflappable family members and close friends. And make sure you double-check all texts (before you press send) and all appointment times (before you leave home). It’s also a good idea to reset boundaries and expectations in a romantic, platonic or business relationship. Keep flexible because things are constantly changing!

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The Sun and Jupiter are in your partnership zone, which is good news for an important relationship of the romantic, platonic or business variety. But Mercury turns retrograde on Friday (until August 11) so financial partnerships, tax matters and deep, dark secrets must be handled with extra tact and care. Double-check everything twice! On the weekend, someone tells you something in the strictest of confidence. But are they telling the truth – and can they be trusted?

A VERY DIFFERENT SIDE

Bali has been a playground for Aussies for decades.

If you’re after an affordable holiday, you visit Bali.

If you want some sun, surf and a side of culture, you visit Bali.

If you want to get inked, drink beer and cruise around on a motorbike, you visit Bali.

I’ve visited over 20 countries in my lifetime, but this Indonesian paradise has never been high on my list because of its proximity and the fact that bloody everyone goes to Bali!

I also had a preconceived notion of what Bali would be like through chatting with mates and seeing things online and in the media, and the Bali scene just didn’t appeal to me.

“IT WAS MY OWN PRIVATE TROPICAL OASIS”

But little did I know that there was a slice of Bali where it’s not overrun by Aussie tourists and suspect bars, and where you’re not going to be pestered by people trying to sell you fake football jerseys or temporary tattoos out of a raggedy A4 display folder.

Recently, I had the unbelievable opportunity to spend a few nights at Umana Bali, a luxurious 5-star resort perched atop the magnificent limestone cliffs of Ungasan amidst the verdant landscape on the southernmost tip of the island.

I popped my Bali cherry at the ripe old age of 38, and boy was it worth the wait!

Originally opened in 2010, the property underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation and rebranded as Umana Bali in November 2023, becoming the first LXR Hotels & Resorts property in south-east Asia, managed by Hilton.

The resort spans 10 hectares

and is designed to reflect Bali’s cultural heritage, particularly the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasises harmony among humans, nature and the divine.

The resort’s design draws inspiration from Bali’s traditional rice paddy fields, with its luxurious villas arranged in cascading terraces to maximise panoramic ocean or garden views.

Umana Bali offers 72 expansive villas, each with a private infinity-edge pool, outdoor hot tub, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and a marble sunken bath.

Villas come in one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations, catering to couples, families or

multigenerational groups.

I’ll never forget the moment when I walked into my huge ocean view villa. Never had I stayed in something so epic and so luxurious. It was my own private tropical oasis.

The inside of the villa combined modern elegance with Balinese touches, and it had its mod cons too including a pair of Smart TVs, a coffee machine, wine cabinet, temperature control, mood lighting and toilets (yes, toilets) that had more features than my brand-new car!

This villa was what I would imagine the rich and famous stay in whenever they head abroad.

Umana Bali is more than a hotel,

it’s a destination. There’s really no reason for you to leave the property if you don’t have to because everything is at your fingertips. The resort has various dining options: Commune, an all-day restaurant offering international and south-east Asian cuisine; Oliverra, a romantic cliffside restaurant serving Mediterranean specialties with local Balinese produce; Pad Pool Bar, a semi outdoor venue with light bites and cocktails; MER Lounge, which offers expertly crafted coffee, grab-and-go items and wine tasting; and the trendy Uma Beach House, a surfside beach club at nearby Melasti Beach for guests to enjoy day and night.

But if you prefer to stay in your lavish villa and dine, Umana Bali has an extensive room service menu and serves a delicious and impressive Floating Breakfast, which will make your friends on Instagram very jealous.

Umana Bali also has your wellness activities covered. The Lohma Spa – where I enjoyed a much-needed full body Balinese massage – has a sauna, steam room, and hot and cold tubs. Plus, the property’s state-of-theart fitness centre was easily the best hotel gymnasium I’ve ever worked out in, and I was even able to partake in my first-ever yoga class!

If you’re wondering how you get around this hilly property, wonder no more! All you have to do is dial reception and a buggy

The lobby at night.

The main pool.

Balinese Cooking Class.

Uma Beach House.

OF POPULAR DESTINATION

will arrive at your door to take you wherever you want.

The bespoke service at Umana Bali is second to none and it’s the friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating people that work here that make this place what it is.

Each guest is assigned a Curator of Guest Experiences to personalise their stay, ensuring authentic and tailored activities. My curator was named Bisma and he was contactable via WhatsApp whenever I needed something during my stay – no matter how big or small.

Umana Bali stands out for its

curated experiences that connect guests with Balinese culture and some of the things they were able to organise for me were a Balinese Cooking Class with Commune’s experienced (and very patient) chef, Widia; the lovely Sri took me on a guided Village Walk to some local temples and markets; and I also received a Soul Blessing inside a cliffside cave temple by a Balinese priest in what was truly one of the most memorable and spiritual experiences of my life.

If you’re keen on checking out the more touristy side of Bali and

leave the resort for the afternoon, your curator can organise that as well with an affordable private car service.

My outstanding driver named Nova took me to Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Nusa Dua, Jimbaren Bay and the spectacular Uluwatu Temple – all fine and fascinating places to visit, but let me tell you, I couldn’t wait to return to the comforts of the resort after just a few hours out in the wild.

The next time you have Bali on your mind for a quick getaway or perhaps a special occasion such as a

destination wedding or honeymoon, consider this luxurious and untapped piece of paradise.

No, Umana Bali isn’t in everyone’s price range, but believe me when I say, it’s worth every single penny and you will be looked after like an A-lister from the moment you land at Denpasar to the moment you take-off.

Umana Bali IS Bali, but not as you know it! For more information or to book your stay, visit www. umanabali.com or @umanabali on Instagram.

Before our Soul Blessing.

Inside one of the incredible bedrooms.

Our delicious floating breakfast.

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and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our

PUBLIC ENEMIES

SEX APPEAL

SMALL STORES

Indy Performance is an independent, high-tech automotive workshop in Emu Plains. Their mission is to get any vehicle performing at its best every day.

Indy Performance has been taking care of cars from Emu Plains, Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains for over 35 years.

These days you need someone who can diagnose and work with the latest technology – that’s what Indy Performance does.

The team has diagnostic equipment for all cars, this allows them to zero in on the things to fix, so they can get straight on to sorting them out for you.

Indy Performance takes care of general repairs, auto electrical work, fuel injection, brakes, clutches and tuning. They also repair and change tyres, perform rego checks as well as service and repair air

conditioners. They have a loan car available through booking only. They can service cars still under warranty.

The team provides quality repairs for most makes and models of vehicles – 4WDs, light commercials, vans, utes and family cars –including European models. Have a hybrid?

The team at Indy Performance are also qualified in servicing hybrid motor vehicles.

For your convenience, they are open six days a week, which includes Saturday mornings, and provide an early drop-off facility.

Indy Performance is located close to public transport. They also pick up and drop customers home in the Emu Plains area.

Indy Performance has worked hard to keep their Green accreditation and take pride in having one of the area’s cleanest and most well-maintained workshops.

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Why Tucson is still a top drive

Hyundai’s Tucson nameplate, in Australia for more than 20 years, remains one of the company’s popular offerings, especially after a recent upgrade.

The body remains curvy, with rounded rear quarters, while the flanks are more muscular, with pumped guards and accentuated, hard-edged, hip lines providing a clearly defined side aspect, combined with blade-style lower sills.

Personally, I love this look, reminiscent of a flared-guard 1970s Group 5 sports-racer, giving the Tucson a sense of dynamic intent, even when stopped.

“THE TUCSON IS SOLID, COMFORTABLE AND WELL-EQUIPPED”

The dark chrome grille includes wing-like quadruple daytime running lights (DRLs), cascading down the nose, blending functionality and style, arching over the outboard-mounted LD headlights.

Although slightly larger, the Tucson remains well-proportioned and good looking, the curved roof

ensures plenty of internal space, without looking bulbous.

The cabin is similarly familiar, the majority of switches and buttons are unchanged, except the gear selector is a steering column stalk with a twist knob – a nod to 1970s columnshift autos! – creating a flat centre console, with an induction charger for mobile phones.

Ergonomically, this helps, after a few days it became routine, longterm owners shouldn’t struggle, a bonus is easy access to the twin cupholders and your butterscotch

latte. Steering wheel thumb buttons control audio, telephone, cruise and driver-selectable display options for the instrument cluster, framed by the height- and reach-adjustable wheel.

Our test car was the mid-spec Elite, with leather trim, heated front seats, including power adjustment for the driver, auto-lift tailgate and auto-dimming rear vision mirror.

Despite the curved roof, luggage space is good, with room for tall items behind the seats, while head

and shoulder space, even with a sunroof, is good for tall and broad drivers.

Although shorter than I would like, the seat base is broad, accommodating wide hips, with good legroom for tall drivers, the seat back is both accommodating and supportive, appreciated on long drives.

Hyundai’s build quality has improved exponentially since 1985, the Tucson is the latest in a long line of comfortable and well-built models, it feels solid, not tinny,

insulating and isolating you from the outside world.

The Tucson is an easy drive, although weighing around 1,800kg it doesn’t feel bulky, there is no objection to some twisty roads, but an extended session will cause body roll as the higher centre of gravity kicks in.

Electric power steering is further refined, it retains a solid feel, without being heavy, assistance is speed-dependent, with more help at low speed, reducing as road speed climbs, while still being precise, allowing for predictable cornering.

Our car was the hybrid 1.6 petrol turbo with an electric motor, producing a combined 172kW and 367nm, the separate outputs are ‘blended’ to deliver maximum power with inputs shared between the two power units.

Power regeneration, while effective, felt underdone, as though programmed to allow the car to roll on, even with no accelerator input, you had to actively brake more than I expected, rather than using the generator for stopping as well as charging.

That said, the brakes are efficient, easily stopping the Tucson from 100km/h, although brutal, ‘panic’ stops saw no loss of control, the car able to retain grip at all four wheels even while nose-standing.

The 6-speed auto is smooth, providing full-power acceleration with precise, rapid shifts, there was no clunkiness, even on downshifts, engaging first gear when stopped was the most noticeable, with paddle shifters for manual control. There is an extensive safety suite, too much to list, highlights include Brakeforce Assist, Electric Brakeforce Distribution, Smart Cruise Control and High Beam Assist and plenty more.

The ride is soft, without being mushy, bump absorption was generally good, those big, unavoidable, potholes were still heard and felt, but the suspension damped out the majority of hits without disturbing the ride.

A downside to the hybrid system’s battery is the loss of the full-size spare, instead it is a ‘space saver’, better a slow drive at 80km/h than a long walk in the dark.

Overall, the Tucson is solid, comfortable and well-equipped, as happy on the highway as it is in city traffic.

Inside the comfortable Tucson.

The Tucson remains a reliable, comfortable drive.

Bumpy ride for new vehicle market

The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux continued to dominate new vehicle sales nationally, with Toyota again Australia’s favourite brand, but it was not all good news on the sales front in June.

The heavy vehicle market, long seen as an indicator of the strength of the economy, continued to shrink after two years of record sales, despite the passenger and light commercial segments enjoying a boom month.

Despite a sales boost compared to June 2024, the overall passenger market is down by 3.7 per cent for the first six months of the year, against the six-monthly result for 2024, illustrating the topsy-turvy state of new vehicle sales.

Tony Weber, CEO of the

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), said the country’s love affair with Utes continued in strength, with under

one percent of available models making up more than 15 per cent of total sales.

“In a market of more than 400 models, the top four utes made up 15.2 per cent of all sales during June. The rest of the top 10 was made up of

Toyota product dominated the top 10 vehicle sales, with HiLux (2nd), RAV4 (8th) and LandCruiser (10th) contributing to Toyota’s market leadership, supported by Yaris, Corolla and Camry.

Kenworth and Isuzu retained

the January-June period, compared to 2024.

Tony McMullan, CEO of the Truck Industry Council, said the June result typified sales for the first half of the year, and cited a number of factors as contributing to the result, including consecutive years of record sales.

“FORD AND TOYOTA SHARED TOP PASSENGER VEHICLE HONOURS, WHILE THE COMMERCIAL MARKET CONTINUES TO SHRINK”

“Last year the sales market for trucks was strong, in fact, it was a record year representing the third

Toyota was the top selling brand in Australia during June.

Thunder set to strike this summer

Last season’s BBL runners-up the Sydney Thunder will enjoy a strong home pres ence this summer, with seven of 10 regular season matches to be played in ‘home’ markets.

ENGIE Stadium will again host four matches, offering Thunder fans in western Sydney the chance to enjoy world-class cricket and elevated match-day entertainment, enhanced by the ground’s LED light capabilities.

Those matches at Sydney Olympic Park – Sydney Sixers (December 20), Perth Scorchers (December 30), Hobart Hurricanes (January 3) and Melbourne Renegades (January 12) – headline a blockbuster summer of cricket in western Sydney.

The Thunder will also play two matches at Manuka Oval in Canberra – their home away from home – as well as the traditional Sydney Smash against crosstown rival Sixers at the SCG, providing members and fans access to 70 per cent of the regular season.

The quest for the Thunder’s BBL|15 redemption begins with a Grand Final rematch against the Hurricanes at Hobart’s Ninja Stadium on Monday, December 16, before returning home for a blockbuster Sydney Smash at ENGIE Stadium four nights later.

In addition to the season-opening trip to Hobart, the Thunder’s away schedule includes clashes with the Strikers at Adelaide Oval on January 6 and the Heat at The Gabba on January 10.

Sydney Thunder General Manager, Trent Copeland, said the fixture presented a prime opportunity for the Thunder team, members and fans that few others in the league could match.

“We’re very excited about the BBL|15 schedule. Seven games in ‘home’ markets provide great opportunities for our members and fans to engage with the club on and off the field and for us to push one further and lift that trophy,” he said.

“As a club, we eagerly anticipate the chance to reconnect with our passionate Thunder family in western Sydney and Canberra and

continue the strong home ground form we showed last season.

“The game that immediately stands out is our Sydney Smash at ENGIE Stadium.

“David Warner versus Moises Henriques, Shadab Khan against Babar Azam, lime green against pink, or is it magenta? Anyways, it’s going to be massive, and we’re so ready to give western Sydney a night to remember.

“We want to see and hear our Thunder Nation live and loud at every home match. With your support we can go one better this season.”

The Sydney Thunder schedule has been released.

Thunder fans are in for a treat.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SPORTS SHORTS

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have notched up their third win in four games and are knocking on the door of a spot in the Finals in their very first season of Subbies Rugby. Their latest victory came last Saturday afternoon when they defeated Georges River 27-12 in Round 9 of the Meldrum Cup. The Emus ran in three tries to two, with Byron Lee, Niklaas Soutman and Filimoni Temumunasau crossing the line. Temumunasau was particularly impressive according to coach John Wickenden. The fifth-placed Emus will shoot for three wins in a row when they battle second-placed Sydney Harbour this Saturday afternoon at Nepean Rugby Park.

RUGBY LEAGUE: History was made on the Central Coast last weekend when the inaugural Penrith Panthers women’s team enjoyed their first-ever win in the opening round of the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership. The Panthers, flush with young and emerging local talent, were too good for the Central Coast Roosters 22-14. Try scorers for the Panthers included: Vaitafao-Gisele Masun-Feleti, Claudia Bush, Danica Talitonu and Abigayle Sekitoga. Bush kicked three from four. The Panthers will face-off with the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Sunday afternoon at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub in Rooty Hill.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 14 of NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys were hammered 38-16 by the Wenty Magpies, while Penrith Brothers had the bye. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys went down to the Magpies 38-30, while Penrith Brothers had the bye. Both Penrith and St Marys will be back in action this weekend.

NETBALL: Giants Netball have been destroyed by the competition-leader West Coast Fever by 17 goals in Round 13 of the Super Netball competition. The 73-56 thrashing at

RAC Arena in Perth was the home side’s 11th on the trot and also sealed them the coveted Minor Premiership. It was a complete performance from the Fever, who absorbed early pressure from the Giants before pulling away for a dominant win. The Giants will finish up their season this Saturday when they play the Melbourne Mavericks at Ken Rosewall Arena.

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have had a terrible night of results in Round 16 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Up against the Sutherland Stingrays, the Panthers Opens team went down 59-50. The news was much worse for the Panthers U23s team, who lost their first game of the season, 57-48. Panthers will head to the Blacktown Leisure

Centre in Round 17 to battle crosstown rivals the GWS Fury for the Mayors Cup

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers men’s and women’s teams suffered back-to-back defeats in Round 13 of the NBL1 East competition. Up against the Bankstown Bruins last Saturday, Penrith’s men’s team were blown away 88-62. Jonah Pares was Penrith’s top scorer with 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Meanwhile, Penrith’s women’s team were also no match for the Bruins, mauled 87-75. Penrith captain Mia Heide notched up 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in a spectacular individual performance. The Panthers will take on the Albury-Wodonga Bandits this Saturday

AFL: The Giants have re-signed one of their most promising young talents, with western Sydney local Josaia Delana putting pen to paper on a new one-year deal. The new contract will see the talented youngster remain in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2026 AFL season. A product of the Giants Academy, Delana joined the club as a Category B Rookie in last year’s draft and after several standout performances for the Giants’ VFL side earlier this season was rewarded with an AFL debut in the Sydney Derby against the Swans at the

SCG in Round 8. The talented teenager, who turned 19 last week, has featured in three AFL games so far in his debut season. With his selection in last year’s draft, Delana became the Giants’ fourth player to be drafted from western Sydney. “I’m very excited for the journey ahead. I was very fortunate to get drafted by the club and to get another year here is a dream,” Delana said following his new deal. “It’s a great culture at the club. Theres no other club I’d want to go to. The culture, the community, the fans, to the people in-house with the coaches and the playing group – I love it all.” Giants Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Delana is the embodiment of what the club aims to build in western Sydney. “It’s really exciting for Joey, his family, and the club to have re-signed him for another season.” he said. “Joey is exactly the kind of player we want representing this club – local, hardworking and exciting to watch.”

AFL: The GWS Giants have belted the West Coast Eagles 111-52 in Round 17 of the AFL competition. The Giants emerged from their bye fresh and ready to run, blitzing the Eagles early and building their lead through the first three quarters to win by 59 points. The Giants, who are back in the top eight, will return to ENGIE Stadium this Saturday afternoon to take on fourth-placed Geelong.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have suffered a rare loss to the ladder-leading Manly Warringah Wolves 65-53 in Round 12 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. Played at Weldon Oval, scores were level at three quarter time before the Wolves surged in the fourth to take the win. The second-placed Rams will hope to bounce back when they verse the East Coast Eagles this Saturday afternoon at Bruce Purser Reserve. Meanwhile the Penrith Ramettes were flogged by Southern Power 57-8 in Round 12 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. Penrith will battle the East Coast Eagles this Saturday.

The Penrith Emus celebrate their third win of the season last weekend.

The history making Panthers women’s team.

The Giants went down by 17 goals.

Joey Delana has re-signed with GWS.

LIGHTNING STRIKES FOR ELLA

PPanthers basketball junior Ella Tofaeono has joined the Adelaide Lightning ahead of the upcoming WNBL season.

Born in New Zealand and raised in western Sydney with proud Samoan heritage, Tofae ono said she’s excited to be a part of shaping the next chapter of the Lightning.

“I’m so excited to join the Adelaide Light ning,” she said.

“Playing alongside Sharne [Robati] and with coach Kerryn Mitchell was a truly special moment and a career highlight to date. Bringing this NZ pride to Adelaide and the WNBL is truly a privilege.”

The 6-foot-3 centre has experience across the WNBL starting off as Townsville Fire’s development player in 2023/34 and was part of the UC Capitals squad in 2024/25.

After high school, Tofaeono took on the USA, playing at Midland College for three years resulting in landing a spot on the NJCAA Division 1 All-American third team.

A young and talented Tofaeono moved from strength to strength, playing in the NCAA Division 1 with Texas A&M University, then the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

“Playing in the States at such a young age made me the player I am today,” she admit ted.

“I said yes to the opportunities that came along, I work hard, trained harder and it was such an incredible experience playing abroad.”

enrith

NATHAN TAYLOR

Ella Tofaeono.