Western Weekender July 17 2025

DECKHAND TO SKIPPER

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Photo: Melinda Jane.

NO BAIL FOR DRIVER

Man involved in fatal hit-and-run crash to remain behind bars until at least August

EMILY CHATE

The man accused of hitting and killing an elderly woman while driving unlicenced and in an unregistered car has been denied bail five weeks on from the incident.

At 5.30pm on Thursday, June 5, emergency services were called to Macquarie Avenue, Penrith, following reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle before it drove away from the scene without stopping.

The woman – named as Yaping Ren, believed to be aged in her 60s – was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics at the scene but was unable to be revived.

20-year-old Lasaro Tavai is alleged to have been behind the wheel when Ren was struck. He is also accused of failing to stop and render assistance.

Police will allege that Tavai was disqualified from driving as well as being behind the wheel of an unregistered car at the time of the incident.

Tavai was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged with

dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), fail to stop and assist after impact cause death, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and use an unregistered

registrable Class A motor vehicle on road and was remanded into custody.

Tavai fronted Penrith Local Court via Audio Visual Link (AVL) on Friday, July 11, to officially apply for bail after spending the last five weeks in custody at Parklea Correctional Centre.

The prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, outlining the fact that Tavai was on an Intensive Corrections Order (ICO) for other driving offences at the time of the incident.

An ICO is a sentencing option that allows offenders to serve their sentence in the community under supervision, as opposed to in a correctional centre.

Tavai’s defence informed Magistrate Stephen Corry that the Fijian national was “scared” at the time of the incident, which explained his actions after hitting Ren.

A clouded future

Western Sydney’s Super Netball franchise, Giants Netball, may have played its last game with confirmation the club could be sold this coming off-season.

Netball NSW confirmed late last week that they have been approached by a mystery buyer to purchase the Super Netball license, currently based out of Sydney Olympic Park.

“Netball NSW can confirm it has been approached by an external party regarding interest in the Suncorp Super Netball Team License, which Netball NSW holds in relation to Giants Netball and is exploring this proposal,” a spokesperson for Netball NSW said.

“Our commitment first

and foremost is to our Giants athletes, coaches, wider staff and commercial stakeholders while we explore this proposal so the club can remain focused on the remaining 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season and planning for the 2026 competition.”

Last weekend, the Giants wrapped up the 2025 season in sixth place, missing the Super Netball Finals for the third consecutive year.

Unlike Netball NSW’s other Super Netball team, the NSW Swifts, the Giants have struggled to reach the heights of their local rivals both on and off the court.

It’s been reported that Giants Netball may be struggling financially, with prospective buyers eager to pounce on NSW’s second team license for 2026.

This isn’t the first time a

The defence also implied they would be contesting the charge of dangerous driving as they believed the alleged offending to be better suited to the lesser charge of negligent driving, this will be contested at a later hearing date.

The defence offered to hand over Tavai’s passport, have his partner post a surety, have Tavai agree to a curfew and not occupy the driver’s seat of a car or drive a car if granted bail.

Magistrate Corry weighed up the submissions made by both the defence and the prosecution before denying Tavai bail.

Corry believed there is a “strong prosecution case” against the offender and believed “there is unacceptable risk to the community” should Tavai be granted bail.

Tavai will remain in custody at Parklea Correctional Centre until his next court hearing in August.

Super Netball franchise has fallen on its sword. In 2023, the Collingwood Magpies withdrew its license to focus on its AFL operations.

The following year the Melbourne Mavericks, owned by the Sports Entertainment Network, was born.

Unlike the situation in Victoria, Giants Netball is not owned or operated by the AFL club and is instead controlled by the state’s governing body, Netball NSW.

Giants Netball was formed with a strategic alliance only with the GWS Giants, which provided the AFL brand association and some shared resources, including facilities.

The ABC has reported that hospitality and leisure organisation Mounties Group has held discussions with Netball

NSW about acquiring a Super Netball license.

The NSW-based organisation already sponsors a range of sports including rugby league, rugby union and cricket. Its health and wellbeing division, Mounties Care, is also a joint owner of the South West Magic franchise, which participates in the Netball NSW Premier League.

The Giants’ final game of the season resulted in a huge win last Saturday, 74-59 over the Melbourne Mavericks. It was the perfect farewell gift for retiring Giants skipper Jo Harten, who leaves the club after nine seasons.

A decision on the future of Giants Netball is expected to be made in the coming months.

More sport: Back pages.

CCTV footage from the incident.

Giants captain Jo Harten before her final game last weekend. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Cutting the connection

An important free business advice program has been quietly cut by the State Government.

The recent State Budget revealed the Business Connect program had been axed in its entirety, leaving the program’s providers scratching their heads.

Executive Officer of Western Sydney Business Centre (WSBC) John Todd has been delivering the program in Penrith and its surrounds since its inception.

“We’ve delivered this program in one form or another for the State Government for over 35 years,” he said.

“During that time, we’ve seen over 50,000 people which has created between 10,000-11,000 new small businesses in the Penrith area.

“We’ve had a good rapport with government, and we still have a good rapport with government.

Service NSW, who controls the program, don’t want it gone but it was a decision from higher up.”

In just the last 12 months WSBC has delivered 836 face-to-face hours, 1,300 electronic delivery hours, 230 workshop hours and 2,854 webinar hours, achieving 101 per cent of their contract.

The program costs the Government $98 an hour, bringing the total cost of the program to $10 million a year to provide free specialised business advice.

“We can help a business in any space in regard to advice, but the problem is because we deal with people in start-ups, their budgets are low,” Todd explained.

“The program is most successful in bringing businesses from just an idea to where they could be but now there is nothing out there.

“So, there will be nothing to nurture businesses through or even have a free point of contact where if they are struggling with something, they can just call us and get an answer.

“We’ve got 10 advisors all specialising in different things, so we can take businesses through a step-bystep process of how to get them from

here to where they need to be.”

A spokesperson for the NSW Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin, who is responsible for the program, argued the State Government will still assist small businesses despite the program’s axing.

“The Service NSW Business Bureau will continue to support small businesses by offering free personalised support, including help with starting a business, and guidance on accessing government programs and services,” the spokesperson said.

“The Minns Labor Government is looking at ways to make it easier for businesses to operate, including by pushing for reform to workers compensation to help bring down for businesses.

“The NSW Government is committed to working with the small business community, and this commitment underpins the Charter for Small Business, which we released early last year. Guided by this charter, we have already made it easier for small businesses

to contract to government, and we are now looking at ways to ease pain points for businesses, such as red tape.”

Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure, has thrown his support behind the program, saying its “quiet axing” is not good enough.

“The sudden and quiet axing of this program in the Budget is characteristic of the Minns Labor Government’s approach, zero consultation and zero care for the

impact of their cuts,” he said.

“Business Connect was delivering real results, assisting tens of thousands to turn their dreams into reality. The expert advice provided by these business advisors helped entrepreneurs develop sustainable business plans and overcome challenges. Now, thanks to Labor’s cuts, it will be harder to do business in NSW.”

WSBC will continue advocating for the return of the Business Connect program.

Executive Officer of Western Sydney Business Centre John Todd.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

Rugby league’s State of Origin series is over, Queensland have pulled New South Wales’ pants down again and normality returns to the NRL schedule.

But while Origin may be behind us, debate over how it should be scheduled and its impact on the regular club competition will certainly not go away.

But I have the solution. And I’ll be emailing a copy of this column across to Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo with an invoice.

To that in a moment though.

Part of the issue I’ve always had with finding a solution to the Origin conundrum is that I’ve never been totally convinced there’s something to find a solution for.

While clubs do suffer during this period and lose some of their stars for big games, the best team invariably wins the Premiership at the end of the year.

But I’ll accept the standard of club football over the Origin period certainly dips, and our attention becomes too divided.

So, the solution – the schedule the NRL should adopt from 2027 when we have an even number of teams again (only to blow it all up of course when Papua New Guinea enter the comp, though I suspect this will be delayed a number of seasons).

Bear with me on the ride.

Right now we have 27 rounds, with all clubs receiving three byes.

Under my plan, to be further known as Dodds Ball, we move to a 24 round competition with no byes.

All 18 teams play each other once, taking in 17 games, with the remaining seven games in a team’s schedule reserved for marquee match-ups like club rivalries and the like.

We halt the competition for three weeks in July, allowing State of Origin to be played over three consecutive Tuesday nights.

No Origin player is forced to miss a club game because the NRL is not playing in the weekends before Origin I, II or III.

The only back-up comes with players

INDEX

coming out of Origin III and returning to their clubs the following weekend, but moving Origin to Tuesday means the back-up is less intensive.

Broadcasters still get their mid-week sugar hit of Origin football, with the ratings and crowds unlikely to significantly differ from a shift out of Wednesday nights.

This plan gives players not taking part in Origin the chance for a full refresh in the middle of the season, and time to address any niggling injury concerns.

It also gives each Origin game clear air in terms of media presence and build up.

But what, I hear you say, about those three weekends with no football?

Surely it’s a free kick to the AFL? Surely the broadcasters won’t cop it?

Here’s where the next element of the plan comes in.

more excitement around the competition.

The NRLW has increased enormously in popularity in recent years but the launch of the competition is mixed in with the NRL regular season plus Origin.

This would give the NRLW centre stage for three consecutive weekends, the biggest possible push we could give the game.

At a stretch, we could also schedule a mid-season Pacific test in that middle weekend, but I’ll leave that for Pete and Andy to sort out.

Keep in mind the broadcasters here are still getting the same number of games they were before (in fact, one extra game a weekend given the arrival of Perth). The removal of the byes means the number of games delivered is not impacted.

Now the Dodds Ball plan isn’t finished yet.

We take advantage of this three week period to also create a dedicated trade window.

Sort out all those player swaps that happen at random times, ensuring they can only happen during this three weeks.

Top-line Origin players are rarely involved in such swaps so the representative period won’t be impacted by that, and clubs and players alike will have time to sort out all the bits and pieces that go with transfers. It will stop the months of speculation we often deal with around player transfers and the wayward timing of some departures.

And there you have it.

Dodds Ball.

The season still starts the same way, and ends on the same weekend.

We launch the NRLW competition on the first weekend of July, giving it stand-alone status across marquee timeslots on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And we continue that for three consecutive weekends, giving the women’s game a huge push and dedicated rugby league eyeballs across the weekend.

On the third weekend we could even move forward the NRLW Magic Round, to add

Fans are not robbed of seeing their favourite players turn out for their teams, the competition is not fractured by odd weekends and a flurry of byes.

There’s a bit of structure around who you play twice, and both Origin and the NRLW win out of the situation in having more focus with the main club competition put on ice. Right, I’m off to solve the war in the Middle East. See you next week.

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

COPS “NOT BAD MEN”

BOLZA,

Two former police officers punched, kicked and pepper sprayed a naked schizophrenic woman were not “bad men” but were acting out of frustration, a judge has heard.

Nathan Black, 28, and Timothy John Trautsch, 30, were conducting a welfare check on a naked 48-year-old woman in an industrial cul-de-sac in Emu Plains on January 22, 2023.

They have pleaded guilty to assault and the unlawful use of their pepper spray after bodyworn video and CCTV captured them punching, kicking and spraying the woman in the face and on wounds on her back.

On Tuesday, their barrister Chris Micali admitted the attack had gone further than necessary.

However, he denied allegations by crown prosecutor Nicholas Marney that the duo were motivated by gratuitous cruelty.

“It’s born out of a frustration and a lack of success,” Micali said.

The woman had been lashing out at the police officers and being verbally aggressive.

Black and Trautsch had been “hyper-focused” on getting her into the waiting ambulance and made a grave misjudgment, Micali told Judge Graham Turnbull.

“I don’t say these are bad men. What I’m saying is these are men who’ve done a bad thing,” the barrister said.

The judge noted that their conduct had actually inflamed the woman, making her more agitated.

“Why didn’t they just give up and let her calm down for a moment?” the judge asked.

“That’s what they should have done,” Micali answered.

The defence barrister also denied claims that the woman did not pose a threat to the two police officers.

In footage shown to the court, she grabbed the handcuffs leading to Black dragging her along the road by her hair.

He did this to try get the handcuffs out of her grasp, Micali said.

Black was later diagnosed with a liver condition after being defecated on by the woman while Trautsch had his finger bitten during the incident, the court heard.

Earlier on Tuesday, Marney said spraying the woman’s open wounds with pepper spray was “gratuitously cruel”.

Some of the spray also got onto her vagina, the court heard.

The victim was “dehumanised” in the attack and should have been shown common decency and compassion, Marney said.

The pair knew what they were doing was wrong with Trautsch saying at one point there could be cameras nearby, Marney said.

The woman was also charged with assault after the incident.

These charges were dropped when Black’s bodyworn footage was viewed by other police officers.

Black pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, using a prohibited weapon without a permit and three counts of common assault.

He also admitted intentionally publishing protected information after sending snippets of the body-worn footage to another police officer.

Trautsch pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault and one count of using a prohibited weapon without a permit.

The sentence hearing is continuing.

Timothy Trautsch departs Penrith District Court. Photo: AAP.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Man arrested after jumping barrier at train station

At 5pm on Monday, July 14 police were patrolling St Marys Train Station. Police stopped a 45-year-old Merrylands man after seeing him jump over the barriers.

Police obtained the 45-year-old’s details and conducted checks which revealed the man had an outstanding warrant against him. Police arrested the 45-year-old.

The man was searched with police locating an ice pipe in his pocket as well as bank cards in his wallet that did not belong to the 45-year-old.

The man was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was formally charged. He was due to face court earlier this week.

Kingswood: Man caught driving without a licence

At 8.20 pm on Saturday, July 12 police attended a licenced premises on the Great Western Highway in Kingswood for a pro-active patrol.

When police parked at the premises, they saw a man enter a car at the rear of the hotel and drive away. Police then entered the premises and conducted their inspections.

When police left the premises, they saw the same man and car they had seen leaving return and park in one of the parking bays.

The man exited the car, and police had a conversation with him, an 18-year-old North St Marys man.

Police asked the man to produce his licence, but the 18-year-old told police he only had his digital licence on him, but his phone was flat.

Police asked for the man’s details and made checks on their police computer which told police the 18-year-old held only a provisional licence.

The 18-year-old was given the opportunity to tell police the truth and he admitted to never holding a driver’s licence.

The man was charged.

North St Marys: No licence, and full as a state school

At 1.40am on Saturday, July 12 police were

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

patrolling along Boronia Road in North St Marys. Police saw a car speeding and pulled it over.

Police had a conversation with the driver, a 26-year-old Dharruk man, where they asked him to produce his driver’s licence. The 26-year-old then told police that he did not have one.

Inquiries revealed that the 26-year-old held an expired NSW learner licence which had expired in August 2021.

Whilst speaking with the man, police could smell alcohol on his breath. The man was breath tested which returned a positive reading.

The man was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he underwent a further breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.145.

The man was charged with driving without a licence and middle range drink driving and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 21.

The 26-year-old was also issued an infringement notice for the speeding offence.

Jordan Springs: Man caught after multiple break-ins

Police have charged a man over a string of break-ins over a six month period.

Throughout the months of December 2024 to June 2025 there were several break and enters of storage cages in underground car parks of unit blocks across Jordan Springs.

Police commenced an investigation and identified a 40-year-old Cranebrook man as responsible for the crimes.

At 4pm on Tuesday, July 8 police attended the man’s address and arrested him in relation to an outstanding warrant. The 40-year-old was also arrested for the series of break and enters across Jordan Springs. A search warrant was also executed at his home address.

The 40-year-old was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with 18 offences. The man was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, August 1.

WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS?

Transitioning a business to new ownership is hard work.

The seller has usually poured their heart and soul into their business for many years, and it won’t just be the sale price that is important to them. They might place importance on their customers or clients being well looked after into the future or want to make sure their staff are taken care of if the purchaser is taking them on has employees.

For a serious buyer with long-term plans for a successful transition, they won’t only be focused on the commercial parts of the transaction either. They will want to understand the new business, get to know transferring staff and put strategies in place for everyone who is involved to have as little disruption as possible throughout the transition period.

We have spent many years helping clients navigate the business sale/acquisition process and things never go perfectly to plan.

If the parties have the right attitude however and stay focused on practical solutions to challenges that pop up with a commitment to the overall goal of entering the transaction in the first place, then speed bumps that pop-up in the transition process can be effectively managed.

While it is critically important to ensure that your legal documents are comprehensive and include details like the sale price, a list of everything that is included in the sale, details of which employees are transferring to the new owner, important deadlines and more, it’s just as important to think about the logistics of the transition.

For example, are there new employees joining the team? If so, have you planned for things like whether they will need a new workstation, work telephone number or email address?

If you are acquiring things like registered business names, telephone numbers, email addresses and domain names, have you consulted with an IT professional about what needs to happen to transfer these assets

to you? If the business is being run from a leased premises, you can’t just assume that the lease automatically transfers to you. You need to negotiate an assignment of the lease or a new lease in your favour as part of the transaction.

Then comes considerations like who has keys to the premises currently and do you need new keys or access cards for incoming staff?

If the business is reliant on certain software or a CRM system, have you thought about whether you are going to retain that system and if so, spoken to the provider of the system about getting the license transferred into your name?

If you are the buyer and this is your first time going into business, have you spoken with someone like an accountant about what kind of accounting software you should use to run the business?

Have you thought about the kind of message you want to send the marketplace about the transition? If the business you are purchasing has a great reputation and is well regarded in the community it might be beneficial to resist the urge to loudly proclaim that the business is “under new management”.

If the business is a little tired and you think it would benefit from a shake up, then maybe you need to think about how you’re going to market the acquisition and reposition the business in the marketplace.

For most businesses, their most important asset is their people. Have you taken time to understand what everybody’s role is in the business and how this might change once the transition is complete?

There is much more to buying or selling a business than the purchase price.

The legal documents are critical, and the logistics of the transition are equally as important.

We have always found however that the best transitions start and finish with a spirit of cooperation between buyer and seller.

TRIAL OF ALLEGED KILLER PAUL JASON SULTANA BEGINS IN SUPREME COURT

The man who allegedly murdered a 28-year-old woman in her Penrith apartment two-and-a-half-years ago continues to deny involvement in the crime.

The murder trial of Paul Jason Sultana has commenced in the NSW Supreme Court this week.

The 34-year-old is facing a judge-only trial, accused of murdering Dayna Isaac in the summer of 2023.

In her opening address, Crown Prosecutor Yvette Prowse said the court will hear Isaac died of strangulation, had blunt force injuries to her face and body, and was found with

two cords around her neck. The Crown will contend Sultana is responsible for the crime, and even brought his mother to the scene in the wake of the murder.

Sultana’s barrister, Gregory Woods KC, said his client did not kill Isaac and that someone else who “must have been on the premises”

must have done so, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Sultana was arrested in January 2023 by specialist police at his residence in Cranebrook.

The trial is expected to last 30 days, with a number of witnesses to be called.

Contact Us News

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8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777

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Meeting Dates

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Council Briefs

● 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 upcoming 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

● Funding Program grants close on Friday 25 July 2025.

The grants support projects that build a stronger, safer and more connected community through supporting support local organisations, groups and professionals to deliver initiatives that make a real difference in Penrith.

• Thriving communities grant

• Safe communities – domestic and family violence grant

• Local events grant

• Magnetic places grant

• Local creativity grant

Learn more and explore upcoming opportunities at:

● Give old clothes new life at our A Stitch in Time Clothing

Upcycle Workshops this August at Penrith Regional Gallery!

Learn embroidery, appliqué and Sashiko techniques to transform worn garments into one-of-a-kind pieces –

Saturday 2 August (Beginner)

Saturday 16 August (Intermediate)

10.30am–3.30pm | $30

Penrith Regional Gallery, Emu Plains

Materials provided by Trashy Penrith. Spots are limited –book now at

Funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, supported by Penrith City Council.

● If you’re keen to explore the Nepean River, or just need some help planning your next visit, Penrith City Council’s interactive

The map includes key locations such as picnic spots, playgrounds, walking paths, kayak launch decks, and toilets. You can also easily search for parking spaces around the precinct.

Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, a family picnic, a BBQ with friends or an afternoon paddle, the interactive map helps you plan your next visit to the Nepean River quickly and easily.

Start planning your visit today at

Public Notices

Local Government Act 1993

Under Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council intends to grant an easement as detailed below.

2773 Pty Ltd

Food and beverage kiosk and event space Part Lot 1 Deposited Plan 1294065, 34 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains Five years

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or , within 28 days of the date of this notice.

Ruma McCracken on 4732 7777 or

Public Notices

Notice of Public Hearing – Planning Proposal to Reclassify Three Sites in St Marys

Council invites you to an upcoming public hearing

of three sites in St Marys. The Planning Proposal seeks to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 to reclassify three Council-owned sites from ‘Community Land’ to ‘Operational Land’ and to remove the public reserve status for these properties.

The proposal relates to three sites that are currently

• Site 1 - 12A Champness Crescent, St Marys

• Site 2 - 32A Champness Crescent, St Marys

• Site 3 - 110A Dunheved Circuit, St Marys

The Planning Proposal was publicly exhibited from Thursday 5 June 2025 to Monday 7 July 2025.

In accordance with Section 29 of the Local Government Act 1993

requires an independently chaired public hearing to be held. The public hearing gives the community an opportunity to expand on written submissions and to discuss issues with an independent person in a public forum. The chair will prepare a report on the public hearing, which will be reported to Council and made public.

The public hearing will take place on Monday 18 August 2025 between 5pm–6pm. The meeting will be held in the Theatrette Room, which is located inside the Penrith City Library at 601 High Street, Penrith.

Information on the Planning Proposal and public hearing is available online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

For further enquiries: Owen Lay, Planner on 4732 7612 or owen.lay@penrith.city

Development Applications

The following Development Application has been

• Charlie Baini DA25/0428

44 Great Western Highway, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures, construction of a co-Living housing development comprising 16 double rooms, associated at grade parking and tree removal

Penrith City Council has received a Development

• The Trustee for Stockland Fife Kemps DA25/0360 Creek Trust

Lot 200 DP 1285691, 106–228 Aldington Road, Kemps Creek Road widening and road upgrade works to part of Aldington Road, incorporating multiple properties along the road – works include vegetation removal, earthworks, level changes, new intersections, new services, and part land dedication

In accordance with Section 2.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the development application will be referred to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel (SWCPP) for determination.

Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act), therefore requires an approval from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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

in the period from Monday 21 July 2025 to Thursday 17 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, submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0360.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Hannah Vousden on 4732 7646.

Integrated Developments

Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.

• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills DA25/0432 Unit Trust

Lot 21 DP 1304679, 25 Ulm Road, Orchard Hills Facilitating Torrens title subdivision of 1 lot into 3 residue lots (no works)

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ datracker, in the period from Monday 21 July 2025 to Sunday 3 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 submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0432.

For any queries relating to the proposal:

• Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust DA25/0483

Lot 9 DP 1344, Lot 33 DP 1344, Lot 34 DP 1344, Lot 35 DP 1344, Lot 36 DP 1344, Lot 37 DP 1344, Lot 38 DP 1344, Lot 39 DP 1344, Lot 2 DP 1302831, Lot 20 DP 1304679, Lot 21 DP 1304679, Lot 11 DP 1309130 and Lot 12 DP 1309130

Torrens title facilitating subdivision of six lots into 15 lots (to align with Stages 7, 8 and 9) and works including demolition, tree removal, bulk earthworks, dam dewatering, remediation works and stormwater works. sites includes 83-89, 91-97, 99-105, 107, 117-123, and 125-131 Castle Road, Orchard Hills; 106, 114, 146, 146A and 148 Caddens Road, Orchard Hills; and 25 Ulm Road, Orchard Hills

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The Service and Department of Climate Change, Energy, as nominated integrated development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ datracker, in the period from Monday 21 July 2025 to Sunday 17 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 submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0483.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.

• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills DA25/0482 Unit Trust

Lot 105 DP 825993, Lot 7 DP 857982, Lot 8 DP 857982, Lot 42 DP 879632, Lot 42 DP 881960, Lot 34 DP 1056800, Lot 101 DP 1302830 and Lot 52 DP 1317537

Torrens title facilitating subdivision of 6 lots into 15 lots (to align with Stages 7, 8 and 9) and works including demolition, tree removal, bulk earthworks,

dam dewatering, remediation works and stormwater works. sites includes 83-89, 91-97, 99-105, 107, 117-123, and 125-131 Castle Road, Orchard Hills; 106, 114, 146, 146A and 148 Caddens Road, Orchard Hills; and 25 Ulm Road, Orchard Hills

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The Service and Department of Climate Change, Energy, as nominated integrated development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ datracker, in the period from Monday 21 July 2025 to Sunday 17 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

submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0482.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.

Amended Application

The Applicant has lodged amended application documents and plans with respect to the development application referred to below. The Development

Land and Environment Court.

• Penrith

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 penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker 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 submission is to include Council’s reference number DA22/0213.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Development Services Administration on 4732 7991.

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker

Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

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

cupboard prize

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

Anew creative venture is shining a spotlight on Sydney’s suburbs – starting with two local favourites. Local Lines, a female-founded initiative, has launched its debut collection of hand-illustrated colouring books, with special editions dedicated to Penrith, Blacktown & Greater West and Parramatta & the Western Suburbs.

Lovingly crafted by locals who live in and love these neighbourhoods, the colouring books are a nostalgic, screen-free way for kids and grownups alike to explore their own backyards through art. From local landmarks to everyday street scenes, each page captures the spirit of the west with playful, detailed illustrations.

Emma, the founder of Local Lines and born and raised in the western suburbs, was inspired by a desire to celebrate the places we live while

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

Do you know where

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 small sandstone structure is located at the Nepean Family History Society on Lawson Street in Emu Plains.

creating something meaningful, nostalgic, and fun.

“We wanted to make something that feels personal. Every page is a window into the spirit of a suburb,” she said. Whether it’s a gift for a curious child or a keepsake for proud locals, Local Lines is a heartfelt tribute to the places we belong. Books are available for $14.99 at www.locallines.com.au.

Follow along on Instagram @ local_lines_colouring and tag #colouryourcommunity.

The Weekender has three Local Lines prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Local Lines’ 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!

This week’s lucky winners are: 0789, 0969, 0838.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Penrith local Bec Morris last week. Bec was loved by so many in the area. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.

Congratulations to all the winners at last night’s Local Business Awards in Penrith. Don’t miss the special feature detailing all the winners in next week’s paper!

Emu Plains’ role in new Harbour Tunnel build

Penrith has affirmed its place as “the engine room of the state” as the NSW Government this week opened a high-tech manufacturing facility in Emu Plains.

The new, purpose-built facility will help build the new Western Harbour Tunnel by precasting more than 13,000 concrete segments and nearly 1,400 culverts before being transported to the tunnel via the M4 and WestConnex.

The segments and culverts will then be put in place by the two largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere as they excavate under Sydney Harbour.

NSW Premier Chris Minns visited the facility in Emu Plains on Monday, and said it will help boost the state’s manufacturing ability.

“This is a city shaping project which is literally being manufactured piece by piece in western Sydney,” Minns said.

“We know that Sydney is growing, and we are working hard to

address the housing crisis and bring Sydney’s CBD back to life – the fact is we can’t do any of that if we don’t have the roads, we need to get people safely and quickly from A to B.”

Boral has leased 18 hectares of its Emu Plains site to Acciona, a global renewable energy and infrastruc-

ture solutions provider, to establish the precast facility adjacent to a purpose built concrete batching plant.

“The establishment of a precast facility at our Emu Plains site – a former quarry and now recycling operation – continues its proud history of providing construction

materials to landmark infrastructure projects in the Sydney region,” Boral CEO and Managing Director Vik Bansal said.

Boral will operate a wet mix concrete batch plant, capable of producing up to 120m3 of concrete per hour, adjacent to the precast facility.

The walls, roof and floor of the tunnel, which is the size of three Metro tunnels, will be fitted together from thousands of concreate pieces made by local workers at the new facility.

The Emu Plains site is an Australian-first and is expected to operate for up to three years for the project and has the potential to be used by other projects in the future.

The facility is expected to create over 700 quality manufacturing jobs with a target of 50 per cent to be filled by women.

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown welcomed the facility and acknowledged the pivotal role Penrith plays in the state’s economy.

“Emu Plains has a long and proud history of manufacturing quality infrastructure, and it’s great to see that continue with this new facility,” she said.

“700 quality, manufacturing jobs right here in western Sydney is a massive win and I’m proud of the Government’s work to promote gender equality in a historically male dominated industry.”

The Premier Chris Minns at the facility in Emu Plains. Photo: Penrith City Council.

From washing plates to skipper on Penrith icon

The Nepean Belle paddlewheeler has been a staple on the Nepean River for over four decades, now she officially has a new captain.

The Belle was first launched in October 1982 and was run by the Wakeling family for 32 years before local residents Chris and Carol Bennett took over the operations in 2013.

Chris had worked on the Belle since she had first started operating before becoming its beloved captain for the past 12 years.

Now, as Captain Chris takes a step back to spend more time with his family, 24-year-old Liam Carter has been handed the wheel as the new Captain of the Belle.

“It’s absolutely amazing to be given this opportunity,” Carter said.

“It’s a lot harder to get opportunities like this especially out west, there’s not many Captain-related jobs.

“They’re all on the coast, so I’m fortunate that I live out here and I’m lucky to have this position.”

Carter began his maritime career on the Belle in 2019 under the mentorship of Captain Chris.

“Originally, I was a Deckhand and washing the plates,” Carter said.

“Through the next six years I slowly worked my way up with Chris and Carol by my side. They offered me this opportunity, and I took it!”

Captain Chris has seen Carter grow over the past six years and has given him his complete trust to take over the Belle.

“When I first met him, he couldn’t tie his shoes laces together! He didn’t have his licence either, I used to drive him home because he lives near us,” Chris laughed.

“We had a few problems in the early days, and I tried to sack him five times! But by the time we got up to the car I’d say, ‘you’re not

sacked, come back tomorrow’. That showed me a lot about his character.”

“Liam has got better every year. He drives the boat really well; his customer service is great. He has certainly matured into a good young man.”

Carter reflected on his past six years aboard the Belle, thanking Captain Chris for his tough-love-style mentorship.

“He’s been really good as a mentor. He’s a rough one!” Carter said.

“If you do something wrong, you’ll know it but then that’s that, he’ll move on. If you do something good, you’ll know it as well.

“He’s old school.

“You know when you’ve screwed up and you know when you have done something right and I think it’s been good for me.”

For Captain Liam there is nothing like being out on his beloved Nepean River.

“I love being out on the river, it’s so beautiful,” he said.

“The average trip we go on, there is always something different, there’s always wildlife jumping around. It’s magical.”

Captain Chris will still be seen aboard the Belle, but Captain Liam has been given the wheel.

To learn more about the Belle or to book a cruise, visit www.nepeanbelle.com.au.

Captain Chris Bennett and Captain Liam Carter in front of the Nepean Belle.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Digital upgrade

Council moves online services to new MyPenrith system

Penrith City Council has launched MyPenrith, a major upgrade to its online services platform, delivering a more secure way for the community to connect with Council services.

MyPenrith introduces a single sign-in that gives customers access to a growing range of Council services. The platform currently supports the Online Services Portal and will soon extend to include Council’s upcoming Bookings and Venue Hire Portal.

To improve security, MyPenrith includes multi-factor authentication, requiring users to enter a verification code sent via SMS or phone call when signing in.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney welcomed the introduction of MyPenrith.

“This upgrade to our services positions Council for the future, making it easier for our community to engage with us online, while also strengthening the protection of personal information,” he said.

“This upgrade reflects

our commitment to putting customers first by delivering simple, safe and accessible services for the people of Penrith.”

Customers who have used the Online Services Portal before July 1 2025 can register for MyPenrith using their existing email address for a seamless transition.

By re-registering with the same email address, previous records and service history will be retained in MyPenrith.

Registration onto the MyPenrith system is a one-time process and is required for all users, even if they’ve used the previous system.

Once logged in, customers can continue to access a wide range of Council services, including submitting requests related to waste management, community facilities, infrastructure and more.

For more information on how to register with MyPenrith, a how-to guide and video tutorial are available at my.penrith.city to assist with the transition.

Teens arrested over assault

Three teenagers have been arrested over an assault in Cambridge Park late last week.

Just after 10pm on Friday, July 11 police officers were called to a supermarket on Richmond Road.

Two men, aged 41 and 37, had been approached by a group of young people before they assaulted the 41-year-old and attempted to steal the 37-year-old’s mobile phone.

Both men were treated by paramedics before they were taken to hospital in a stable condition.

A short time later, police arrested three teenage boys, aged 14, 16 and 17-years-old, nearby.

The three teenagers were taken to Penrith Police Station where they were each charged with assault occasioning aggravated bodily harm in company of each other, aggravated robbery and inflict aggravated bodily harm cause wounding.

The teenagers were refused bail to appear at a Children’s Court on Saturday, July 12 where they were granted conditional bail to appear at the same court on Monday, July 28.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for public assistance to speak to two other teenage boys who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

One boy was described as wearing a black hooded jumper and black long pants and the other boy was wearing a black hooded jumper and black shorts.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident or have any dash cam or mobile phone footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

– Emily Chate

Talented locals encouraged to audition for national comp

Next generation of leaders visit NSW State Parliament

ALLY HALL ALLY HALL

Musically inclined Penrith students can apply to represent their city at a state and national level as part of the Oz Schools Instrumental Championships (OSIC).

Students that placed in the Penrith Eisteddfod in 2024 are eligible to enter the 2025 OSIC final at the University of New South Wales in August.

However, OSIC Director Joe Patrick said all is not lost for those that didn’t place.

“Any student without an eisteddfod result can send in a video of themselves playing a piece,” he said.

“The Penrith Eisteddfod happens after our event, so we’re encouraging students in Penrith who are preparing for their eisteddfod this year and didn’t place last year to send in an audition through our website.

“We’ve seen a number of students from Penrith send their auditions through this way, but we won’t know for a few weeks which of these students will be accepted.”

The competition welcomes drum, guitar, piano and strings students from kindergarten through to Year 12.

“We have narrow age groups; there are three age categories in primary school and two age categories in secondary school,” Patrick said.

“The instrument categories are quite broad to make it more accessible for students. For example, in the strings category, it’s any kind of string instrument. The same goes for guitar – it’s not just acoustic.”

The competition began in Melbourne last

year and has taken off.

“It was run by a small group of teachers including myself, and after last year we thought we’d give it a try at a national level to allow students to go a step further and compete against winners from other states,” Patrick recounted.

“Our idea was to encourage more students to get involved in local competitions and to give them something to aim for in the year.”

Organisers said they look forward to seeing young musicians from Penrith on stage in August. Entries close on July 27 and local students can apply online at https://www. osic.com.au/nsw.

This week, NSW Parliament filled with young Australians participating in Youth Parliament Sitting Week 2025.

Penrith local Aled Stephens was one of the 89 motivated young people taking part in the YMCA’s flagship youth leadership program.

“It’s been great to meet young people from all over New South Wales and understand their perspectives,” Aled told the Weekender

“There are lots of committees. I’m on the Mental Health Committee this year and last year I was on the Arts, Music and Culture committee.

“There are various topics and it’s interesting to hear about issues happening in New South Wales and Australia and how they affect young people.”

Aled stepped into the shoes of a Member of Parliament alongside students from 73 electorates to present Youth Bills.

Topics covered included education, mental health, women’s and Aboriginal affairs, disability inclusion, sustainability and youth justice.

“In the Mental Health Committee, we have a Youth Bill with three focuses. The first one is changing mental health approaches from a universal one-size-fits-all approach to a community-focused approach,” Aled explained.

“Another thing we want to focus on in the Mental Health Committee is mental health in education. We think there’s not enough wellbeing content and mental health education taking place in the curriculum.

“We also want to make a quota for mental

health practitioners and school counselors. You might find there’s one school counselor per school which often has 1,000 students.”

The 17-year-old Penrith representative passionately spoke about how to address mental health challenges in the state in front of the room of future leaders.

The Youth Parliament concept is now in its 24th year and participants spend months preparing and researching with their committees before bringing their bills to the floor.

“Youth Parliament offers young people the opportunity to be heard on the issues that matter in their lives and communities,” said Rob Kennaugh, CEO of the Y NSW.

“This year’s participants represent a diverse and passionate generation that’s politically engaged, community-minded and ready to lead.

“Their experience reflects the diversity of NSW, and their contributions deserve serious attention.”

PU BLIC EXHIB ITIO N Draft Rickabys Creek Catchment Flood Study

Penrith City Council invites residents to have their say on the Draft Rickabys Creek Catchment Flood Study, which is now on public exhibition until Thursday 14 August 2025.

This study covers parts of Agnes Banks, Londonderry, Castlereagh, the western side of Berkshire Park, the northern side of Cranebrook and a small part of Llandilo.

It aims to improve understanding including how it interacts with across the catchment.

You can provide feedback on the draft study through the following channels:

Online: Visit yoursaypenrith. com.au/RickabysCkfs

Email: council@penrith.city

Mail:

General Manager

Penrith City Council PO Box 60 Penrith NSW 2751

Please ensure your submission is titled ‘Rickabys Creek Catchment Flood Study - Public Comment’ Community Information Session

You’re invited to attend our community information session and viewing of the draft study from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday 30 July 2025 at the Andromeda Community Centre, 79-81 Andromeda Drive, Cranebrook. A presentation from the consultant will begin at 6.30pm. Council staff and consultants will be available to help with any questions and provide further information.

2024 Junior Strings Winner. Photo provided by OSIC.

Aled Stephens. Photo: The Y NSW.

Closing the generation gap

Both kids and aged care residents benefit from inspiring time together

ALLY HALL

Two local care services are doing their part to forge intergenerational relationships one playdate at a time.

Children from Wiggles and Giggles Preschool visited residents at Anglicare’s Lemongrove Gardens aged care home on Monday, July 14 for a lesson in empathy, community and friendship.

“Our residents love being a part of the community and helping the kids out,” explained Linda Morley, the lifestyle coordinator for Lemongrove Gardens.

“They like contributing to the kids’ social skills and stepping into the role of a grandparent for those who don’t have any.

“These visits create a happy environment, brings the place to life, and gets residents out of their rooms. It’s not just an activity; it’s a purpose and it’s very meaningful.”

Educator at Wiggles and Giggles, Brooke Hinchcliffe, told the Weekender that students gain a lot from these social activities.

“Having the children experience different parts of the community and who’s in it gives them an under-

standing of how to interact with others and that we all have different capabilities which we have to adjust to,” Hinchcliffe stated.

“When we’re interacting with the residents here, they’re learning to use softer voices or to speak up to be a bit louder to connect with them.

“It’s also just a bit of positivity for residents living here so they can see some new friendly faces and have some activity time and bring them a bit of joy.”

One resident who enjoyed the day was Pat, who we found colouring in with Mila.

“It brightens your day,” Pat said.

“I had a little girl paint me a picture in the last visit, and when someone came to collect it, she said, ‘No, that’s for Pat’.”

These unlikely friendships create wholesome conversations and valuable educational experiences.

“It’s interesting to listen to them, and it’s a lovely day,” Morley concluded as a child’s laugh rang in the background.

“They’re laughing and having a great time.

“There’s a lot of love and acceptance.”

Brooke and Linda. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Pat and Mila. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Recreation Precinct scores major national recognition Penrith to host Walk to Defeat MND event on July 27

Penrith City Council has received national recognition for its Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project, winning the Outdoor Sport and Leisure Facility Design Award at the 2025 Australian Sport, Recreation and Play Innovation Awards.

The awards recognise individuals, government, not-for-profits, the commercial sector, play sector, recreation and sports for their innovation to get more people active in the community.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the award was a testament to Council’s commitment to deliver high quality sport and recreation infrastructure for the community.

“This is Council’s second award for the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct, which was also recently named Community Facility of the Year at the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT 2025 Annual Regional Awards of Excellence,” Carney said.

“We always knew that the precinct would be a winner, and these awards are proof that Council achieved our vision for a high-quality facility for everyone in our community to enjoy.

“But we haven’t stopped there – Council has completed 106 projects across the local government area over the past five years in line with our Sport and Recreation Strategy.

“There’s also another 40 projects in the pipeline including plans to build a new indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows and central park in St Marys, plus upgrades at Cook Park, Bennett Park, Andromeda Drive Reserve and playspaces throughout the City.”

Gipps Street Recreation Precinct.

ALLY HALL

On average, two Australians are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) every day and two people die from MND every day.

The degenerative neurological condition is considered a life sentence, and MND NSW is taking steps (literally) to ease the disease’s burden.

Walk to Defeat MND Penrith will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on July 27 to raise funds for the 75 western Sydney families facing the disease right now.

“It’s one of nine events that we hold around New South Wales, the ACT and the Northern Territory,” explained MND NSW CEO, Graham Opie.

“Throughout the year, it brings together nearly 2,000 people to walk, remember and honour people with Motor Neurone Disease.

“It’s a large event and to date we’ve raised about $430,000 which goes directly to support people with Motor Neurone Disease.”

The Walk to Defeat MND event is an emotional but joyful day.

“There are a lot of people in wheelchairs, a lot of people with MND, and because of the nature of the disease they’re often misunderstood,” Opie stated.

Community Home Australia proudly announces the OPENING of ‘KORA HOUSE’ – an Apartment-Style Supported Living Community in Westmead, conveniently located opposite Westmead Hospital.

“But during the event, they’re with a group of likeminded people that understand, and that’s a relief for a lot of people.”

The Penrith fundraiser receives a lot of support, and the funds raised on the day improve the lives of families facing MND.

“Motor Neurone Disease NSW is here to provide quality of life for people. We put them in touch with other people with MND, work with them, provide equipment at no cost to the individual or family, and we keep them involved in the community and at home by doing what we can to keep them out of hospital.”

Join the not-for-profit organisation at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on Sunday, July 27 at 10am. Register for Walk to Defeat MND at www.walktodefeatmnd.org.au/penrith25.

“For those with Motor Neurone Disease, they’re given roughly 27 months from diagnosis to death,” Opie said.

KORA HOUSE represents a new chapter in supported living, designed to transform dementia, aged and disability care by o ering healthy, purposeful living and tailored support within the local community

Community Home Australia welcomes an er 65!

Our dedicated team is committed to deliv

e services in a warm, apartment-style living. We have Register eek, setting a new benchmark in dementia and disability support. KORA HOUSE enables independence, dignity, and personalised care— along with ensuring each guest r connected to their community

There will be a mix of joy and emotion at the Penrith event.

CENTRE’S FRESH LOOK

Feature wall at Nepean Cancer Care Centre a result of combined community effort

Nepean Cancer Care Centre has a new look thanks to a joint effort between Dry July Foundation, Inspirations Paint and Higgins Coating.

The treatment location now boasts a feature wall inspired by the Blue Mountains to uplift patients with extra warmth and colour.

CEO of Dry July Foundation, Gillian Odbert, hopes to make local cancer journeys easier.

“We’ve worked with Nepean Hospital since 2012, and we raise funds for people affected by cancer. We do a lot of practical, tangible projects,” Odbert stated.

“This project is the first one with Inspirations Paint, who is a new partner with us this year, and has come on board with Higgins to try and make this area look a little more pleasant and welcoming for patients who are coming in for treatment.”

Dry July has supported the Nepean Cancer Care Centre for close to 15 years, assisting to fund essential equipment, support programs and wellness initiatives.

Looking at the wall, Odbert expressed admiration.

“I love it, and I love coming to this centre,” the CEO said.

“Like a lot of people, I’ve been impacted by cancer myself. I’ve been to hospitals, I know what that experience is like, so to be able to come here and know that this will be more

welcoming for people is really meaningful.”

Head of Marketing for Inspirations Paint, Joel Goodsir, explained they got involved to activate their support of Dry July with a symbolic mural.

“Nepean Hospital put their hand up and said they were desperately in need of some help,” Goodsir recounted.

“They said there was a horribly cracked, peeling, blistered wall that looks terrible and

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Come along to Village Café Community and connection are at the core of Penrith City Council’s programs, services, activities and facilities. One of my favourite examples of connecting community is Village Café.

Held in three locations, Village Café is a monthly pop-up program that brings residents together and provides access to free health and other support services – all over a cup of free, barista-made coffee. Village Café started as a pilot project in North St Marys in 2017, responding to the community’s call for improved social and health outcomes for the area’s elderly population. It proved successful, with neighbours becoming friends while focusing on their wellbeing.

The program has grown, now offered in North St Marys, Kingswood and Llandilo.

Our City really felt the impact of Covid-19, particularly our elderly and socially isolated residents, and we saw attendee numbers increase when residents could connect again.

It’s been heartwarming and rewarding for Council to see Village Café evolve, continuing to provide the kind of interaction that makes people feel seen, heard and cared for. This creates cohesive communi-

asked if we could do something. We came up with this design inspired by the peaks of the Blue Mountains, liaised with the hospital and the painters, supplied the paint, and here we are.”

The painters were supplied by Higgins Coating.

“We’ve done a lot of work with Nepean Hospital over the past couple of years, and we donated our painters’ time to come and do this mural,” explained Higgins Coating Business Development Manager Danielle Jabbour.

“I had two guys here yesterday and they completed it in one day, so it was a quick job for them to do but it has a huge impact.”

Medical oncologist at Nepean Hospital Dr Deme Karikios said these changes make all the difference.

“In our region, the instance of cancer is terrible – particularly smoking-related cancers and other types of cancer – and the burden of patients’ care is high,” the doctor stated.

“We’re a service that does our best, but we always need more support.

“This is why we team up with Dry July to raise money within the community to make improvements at the cancer centre and make the experience of patients dealing with terrible diseases much better.”

To celebrate the unveiling of the mural, Outback Steakhouse Penrith contributed a barbecue at the Nepean Cancer Centre which raised $1,450 for Dry July.

ties and enables them to thrive.

Council is proud to share that more organisations are partnering with us to deliver Village Café. Mootang Tarimi, a free and mobile Aboriginal health outreach service, is the latest to join.

Village Café events are always bright and fun. We recently held drumming workshops after attendees told us they wanted to participate in tactile activities.

Our Children’s Services Mobile Playvan will be at Village Café for the school holidays, along with face painting and a weaving workshop. Council staff will also stop by to discuss important waste and recycling practices for the community.

Village Café is held from 9.30am to 11.30am – at Wainwright Park in Kingswood on the second Thursday of each month; Wattle Park in North St Marys on the third Thursday of every month; and at Wilson Park, Llandilo on the fourth Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome – join us!

Visit penrith.city/villagecafe for more information.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.

Gillian Ogbert, Dr Deme Karikios, Bridget Bennett, Clair Meyers, Tania Ball, Scott Semionovas, Natalie Coburn and Tony Ma.

Ready to Relay: Local event gets stronger

Get on track to end cancer with Penrith Relay for Life.

The event raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services while recognising local survivors, patients and carers.

Penrith Relay for Life Chairperson and cancer survivor Chris Planer said registrations are open now.

“It’s about getting the community together to work towards a cause that’s dear to most people’s hearts,” Planer explained.

“Most people have been affected by cancer, whether it’s themselves or a family member or a friend.

“It’s important we all get together and remember those who we’ve lost, celebrate those who survived, and think about the carers and people who support those going through cancer.”

The annual event will be held at a new location this year.

“We’re expecting to see more people from the surrounding areas engage and it’ll mean a bigger turnout than last year.”

The 12-hour event will run from 9am to 9pm with no shortage of activities to do.

“We’re expecting anywhere between 500 to 1,000 people, and it’ll be our first year at Harold Corr Oval at Werrington,” Planer said.

“We’re going to have lots of fun, there are heaps of activities, food trucks, and we’ll have bands and dance groups performing on stage,” Planer stated.

“We’ll also have featured laps where people dress up in different themes.”

The Chairman is eager to see what

Penrith locals can achieve this year.

“We’re always after more donations and support, and people in Penrith always dig deep,” he said.

“We get a lot of people from schools; St Dominic’s for example has been a great supporter for many years and we’d love to get more schools involved.

“But in general, people do dig deep. They donate on the day and help with setting up stalls and registering teams.”

Get relay ready for the event on September 13 at 32 Herbert Street, Cambridge Park by registering online at www.relayforlife.org.au/ event/penrith-2025/home.

Relay for Life is returning. Photo: Relay for Life NSW.

There’s always great fun at Relay for Life. Photo: Relay for Life NSW.

ALLY HALL

Δ Surprise treat: Bring iconic Disney characters to life with Kinder Surprise’s exciting new collection: Disney Princesses and Minions! The new Disney Princess range features eight charming character bracelets to put together and show off, while the Minions range features eight unique figurines with a stick-on surface appeal to encourage playtime no matter the location. This latest release from Kinder Surprise excites and inspires playtime, all while offering the delicious taste

of Kinder chocolate and ensuring the world of make-believe continues to live in the hearts of young children. Available at grocery stores nationally for $2.50.

Δ Nostalgic pizza range drops: Domino’s has launched three pizzas under the new Italiano range. The menu includes pizza flavours such as spicy Diavola, creamy Carbonara and Bolognese. The Diavola comes in crispy pepperoni, olives, cheddar, stretchy mozzarella and oregano on a garlic and tomato base, finished with chilli flakes. Meanwhile, the Bolognese is a seasoned beef, mozzarella

and oregano pizza, topped with layers of rich cheese and pizza sauce. The Carbonara comes with a crème fraiche base with crispy bacon and mushrooms, topped with three types of cheese and sprinkled with spring onion.

Δ Gami closes: Gami Chicken & Beer has closed its Nepean Village location in Penrith.

Δ Lamington shake-up: In the lead-up to National Lamington Day on July 21, Woolworths is celebrating early by giving the iconic Aussie treat a modern twist. Recently, the new Caramelised Biscuit Lamington landed in stores. The new creation features a soft vanilla sponge, dipped in a rich caramel-flavoured chocolate coating, and rolled in caramelised biscuit crumbs.

Δ New burger joint: Batty's Burgers will be opening at Wallacia in the coming weeks. Located as part of the Ampol service station complex on Silverdale Road, they're currently on the hunt for staff.

Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about store openings, closings, new menus and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

Δ Disney Discs: Woolworths Group and Disney are partnering once again to launch a first-of-its kind, two-in-one collectible celebrating 70 years of Disneyland Resort in California called Disney Discs. Starting this week and running until August 26, this nostalgia-inducing anniversary collectible will feature 40 unique Disney Discs to collect from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, alongside designs inspired by Disneyland Resort in California, each paired with a matching card. For the first time the $12 Disney Discs collectors album will also feature a foldable game board with 3D buildable replicas of some of Disneyland Resort in California's most iconic attractions and experiences – bringing the magic of Disneyland right into the home. Each Disney Discs pack will include one collectible disc and card, with every $30 spent in-store and online at Woolworths Supermarkets, BIG W, Metro and MILKRUN.

READ ALL ABOUT

US

AUSTRALIA’S BEST DRIP IS COMING TO ST MARYS

Get ready, North St Marys! We’re o cially opening the doors to ABRA’S BB Q HOUSE on Friday July 25, at 43 Glossop Street—and we’ll be ring up the grill from 11AM to 11PM. But that’s just the beginning. On Saturday, July 26, join us for our GRAND OPENING PARTY, a massive celebration featuring jumping castles, face painting, desserts, and fun for the whole family

serving up juicy, avourpacked favourites all day long Come and try our unbeatable range of burgers, wraps, HSPs, cutlets, and wings—made fresh, served hot, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Whether you’re craving a classic feed or something a little bold, we’ve got you covered.

serving from 11AM to 11PM both days, giving you plenty of time to drop in, chill out, and experience the BB Q ever yone’s talking about.

ABRA’S BBQ HOUSE is proud to be known as the home of Australia’s best drip,

is is more than just an opening—it’s a full weekend of good food, great vibes, and community fun. So bring the kids, rally your mates, and come hungry! We’ll be

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement— ABRA’S BBQ HOUSE is here, and we’re ready to ser ve up some serious avour Come for the food, stay for the fun… and nd out what the hype is really about!

This photograph shows the Starline Drive-in Theatre.

It was located on the site of what is now the Caddens Corner shopping centre in Caddens, near Kingswood.

The drive-in opened in 1966, sitting on 16 acres and accommodating 250 cars.

The drive-in had its own DJ that would play current hits before the movie.

Go-go girls performed on the terrace outside the snack bar while cartoons ran to entertain the audience.

A different era? You bet. It closed in August 1984 after several ownership changes.

For years it was used as a site for market stalls, never returning to the glory days of film.

These days we’re grabbing groceries from the site where classic movies once entertained a generation of locals.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

Trusted name in fresh pet food

Perhaps the best solution for your pet is in your own backyard.

“We have a world’s best, state-of-the-art facility right here in Penrith,” CEO of Paringa Pet Foods, Paul Meyer said.

“It is practically right in people’s backyard.”

Paringa Pet Foods has been in their new export registered facility in Penrith for almost four years after converting and refitting the old Sake Factory in Cassola Place.

“We have been manufactur ing, packing and distributing food for dogs and cats for over 50 years,” Meyer said.

“No one has more experi ence than us.

“We purchase locally and have over 40 Penrith-based employees ensuring quality and consistency with every batch.”

In addition to offering home delivery, Paringa supplies their high-quality products to Petbarn, Coles, Woolworths, and markets across Asia.

Importantly, they are members of the PFIAA and

are audited to SQF and Export standards.

When asked what he feeds his pets, Meyer confirmed he gives his animals a mostly raw diet.

“Either high quality raw or lightly cooked,” he explained.

“We cook pet rolls and meatballs right here. They are so easy to use. Mixing in a bit of raw is also essential for your dog.

“It has been proven again and again that this increases energy levels, nutrient levels, coat condition and overall health in your dog or cat. Some people don’t like the blood which is why we have both.

“I also think dry food should be only used as a treat. It is the equivalent of you only eating packs of crisps for every meal.

“It is salty, can cause kidney problems, hair loss, dental issues, urinary tract infections

WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Apopular marketing tool among business owners is wrapping their vehicles with branded designs to promote who they are. For some they wrap the whole car, while others may juts get the back window done which is prime real estate when stuck in Sydney traffic. A large amount of this look amazing. However, every now and then you come across one that is, let’s just say wrong.

This was the case of the car I was following the other day. The rear window consisted of their what I assume was the business address, a mobile number, web address and email address in not very big, white font towards the side of the window. But there was no business name, no products or service references, just their location and contact details. While the email and address gave me a hint of what they did I was left with lots of unanswered questions about their busi-

ness. Even if for some reason they did not want to mention the business name, they still could have said what they actually do, whether it be “we sell… , we fix…, we do….”. Or more importantly, what do they do to help solve customers’ problems and fulfil dreams or desires that no one else does?

A couple of days later I pulled up behind a bus with an ad on the back of it for a Tradie. The ad consisted of big bold colours that stood out (tick). It included the name of the business (tick) and a list of things they did and fixed (tick). But again, the key promise they make and also fulfil to their customers each and every time you deal with them was missing. I know what a plumber or electrician does. But why am I going to choose you over all the other plumbers or electricians when you all say you do the same thing. What sets you apart?

Let me give you an example, my all time favourite

customer promise is still by Domino Pizza. No not the box with dots catch phrase. It is this one.

“We will deliver your pizza in 30 minutes or it’s free!”

Dominos made pizza just like other pizza shops did. This set them apart as everybody instantly understood what it was and how it worked. More importantly, all of Dominos’ systems and procedures where designed so this promise was fulfilled each and every time you ordered.

So ask yourself, what is your customer promise and use it. Especially on bus and incorporated in car wrap or back window designs.

Western Weekender

BLAIZE TALAGI POSTER INSIDE

RABBIT HUNTERS

PANTHERS LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING RUN IN A FRIDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN WITH SOUTHS EASY-TO-READ TEAM LIST AND MATCH PREVIEW: PAGES 30-31

Paul Alamoti.

Photo: NRL Photos.

the finalword

There were a few moments out of last Sunday’s game against Parramatta that should instil every Penrith fan with hope, and every other rugby league supporter with a tinge of fear.

And it has nothing to do with some scintillating tries, good individual form or defence that has improved remarkably since the start of the season.

It was all about one thing: having fun.

For the first time this season, I noticed the side looked like they were enjoying themselves again – the type of fun that had them labelled as being arrogant at different times during their Premiership run.

The type of fun that even Ivan and Nathan Cleary partook in, both in the post-match press conference when they produced something of a comedy act that could get a run at the EVAN Theatre, or during the game when the latter

took a harsh reaction from the crowd in his stride.

Penrith having fun is dangerous for the rest of the NRL.

Slowly, bit by bit, the Panthers are piecing together the components of success they’ve had over the past four years for a tilt at this year’s Premiership – and it might just happen to come at the perfect time.

As suggested last week, Ivan Cleary will carefully manage this run to the Finals now that the State of Origin period is over. With no byes left, the Panthers must ensure their big stars aren’t completely wiped out by the time the big games arrive.

Loads will be managed, players will miss games. Trust the process.

Hence the decision to rest Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo this week, perfectly timed and well deserved.

The Panthers take on South Sydney at CommBank Stadium this Friday night on a short back-up from Sunday’s clash with the Eels. The Panthers wouldn’t have been pushed all that much this week – not with that kind of workload.

They’ll roll into this match off the back of the win over the Eels looking for the same kind of game plan. They were happy to go with the Eels for the first half and then put the foot down in the second. It almost put Parramatta into a false sense of security.

The Rabbitohs have had no luck this year. They’ve hardly had their best side on the field at all and injuries to key players, often for extended periods, has hampered their run.

It’s at this time of year when the mountain just feels too hard to climb for many sides, and the Bunnies would be feeling that at the moment. In fact there’s every chance this could be the

white flag game where it all just falls apart and those September holidays start to feel closer. Souths are sitting 16th on the competition ladder – it’s been a woeful season, and while any Wayne Bennett side deserves respect, the trajectory of these two sides on Friday night couldn’t be any more different.

It was good to see the likes of Lindsay Smith and Izack Tago up their games last weekend –they’ve been a little underwhelming at times this year but they both stood up and produced probably their best games of the season. Unfortunately, Penrith’s unfortunate record with the Match Review Committee has continued and Tago will be miss this Friday night’s game.

A tougher task with some key personnel missing, but Penrith should still have too much class. Comfortable, but not a blow-out.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

Graphic by Kacey Wilson

GERARD SUTTON | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER

panther rumblings

PRINCESS TO’O ON THE WAY

! Baby two for To’o: Panthers and New South Wales winger Brian To’o is expecting a baby daughter with his wife Moesha. To’o made the happy announcement after the Origin decider last Wednesday night, sparking a flurry of congratulatory texts and social media comments from fellow players and friends alike.

! Spotted: Isaah Yeo and his family enjoying breakfast at Henri Marc in Penrith last week.

! Spotted: Mitch Kenny becoming a spectator and enjoying State of Origin III from the crowd at Accor Stadium last Wednesday night – complete with a Blatchy’s Blues wig (and good mate Zac Hosking).

! Reporter raises eyebrows: One has to wonder if former Fox Sports sideline commentator Tiffany Salmond is doing herself any favours by her incessant posting on social media regarding why she’s not on air. Salmond was clearly popular, but any suggestion fans are giving this more than a second thought or are preparing to march the streets is a bit over the top.

! Spotted: Paul Alamoti and Izack Tago catching up with former Panther and current Eels flyer Isaiah Iongi following last Sunday’s game at CommBank Stadium.

! NRL’s photo blunder: The NRL’s main media photo website, NRL Imagery, has been down for weeks. The website provides images to media outlets across the country to help promote the game, and features an exceptional array of content from the NRL’s hard working photographers. Unfortunately fixing the broken website is proving a challenge, frustrating both picture editors and those within the NRL’s photographic team alike.

! Cleary on speaking circuit: The success of Penrith in recent years under Ivan Cleary means the four-time Premiership-winning coach is now in demand on the speaking circuit. Cleary is due to give a talk on resilience, leadership and building champion teams at a breakfast being put together by global commercial real estate giant JLL later this month.

! Beer blunder: The State Government acted like they were doing us all a favour when announcing full strength beer was being served at venues like Accor Stadium. But at last Wednesday’s Origin, fans were restricted

to buying two drinks at a time. On paper, those making these decisions must think they are geniuses – slowing down people’s drinking. But in reality it just causes longer queues and issues as ‘shouts’ become problematic and the experience is soured. It’s also worth noting that no such restrictions applied in corporate areas or even the Centreline Lounge.

! Spotted: Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas holding court in the media box at State of Origin III last Wednesday night, clearly still king of the castle after his recent run-in with Phil Gould and a string of big yarns.

! Private moments: In the darkness of the result of last Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider, there were some beautiful private moments for champion halfback Nathan Cleary

(who has unfairly copped a lot of the criticism following the defeat). I spotted him having in depth off-camera conversations with former Blues captain Paul Gallen, as well as legend and Immortal Andrew Johns. He also spent plenty of time with his parents as the reality of the defeat set in.

! Cleary fronts up: You’ve got to give credit where it’s due to Nathan Cleary and his professionalism and willingness to front up. With the heat still on after the Origin decider flop, he was more than happy to stick around post-game after the Eels game last Sunday to take selfies with fans. He then fronted the post-match press conference – a duty he could have easily handed off to co-captain Isaah Yeo. Cleary is in a great headspace and with so many years ahead of him, will tick off those unfinished boxes along the way.

! Panther reunion: How’s this for a Panthers reunion? Former Penrith NRL stars James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Sunia Turuva and Panthers junior Terrell May caught up for a priceless photo following the clash between the Warriors and Tigers last Sunday.

! Spill the tea: I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. If you’ve got something to share, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Brian To’o shares his baby news.

SCHNEIDER PROVES HE’S MR VERSATILE

Not many players can say they filled in for both Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo in the one game, but ‘Mr Versatile’ Brad Schneider can lay claim to just that.

The 24-year-old had a game he’ll never forget last Sunday against Parramatta – starting the match at halfback while Nathan Cleary was on the bench before switching to play lock while captain Isaah Yeo was having a breather.

“It was a pretty big ask to fill in for those two big players, but it was good fun though,” Schneider told Extra Time this week.

“That was my first time plating lock. I’ve played hooker a fair few times but lock nowadays feels like another half out there – you’re just in the middle of the field.”

Since arriving at the foot of the Mountains from the UK Super League last season, Schneider has often played multiple positions. His versatility and willingness to take on big challenges

is exactly why four-time Premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary trusts him whenever he is needed.

“It’s definitely challenging to be able to cover a lot of positions,” Schneider admitted.

“I enjoy it a lot though! It’s pretty fun because I get to go out and just play footy because I never know where I’m going to play.

“I get to really enjoy it and just go out there and just do what I do. It was tough at the start, but now I’m really enjoying it.”

Another thing Schneider also enjoyed of late was seeing the Queensland Maroons shock the rugby league world by winning the 2025 State of Origin series.

A proud Queenslander, who hails from Townsville, Schneider said it was hard cheering against NSW when so many of his current Panthers teammates play in the team.

“It is hard because when you’re watching, you want the [Penrith] boys to do well and you’re cheering for them, but you’re also a Queenslander, so you want them to win also,” he said.

“There’s not many Queenslanders

here at Penrith, so I’m outnumbered. It was a really good series. The last game was really good to watch!”

Schneider will reunite with Blues stars Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o this Friday night when the Panthers battle South Sydney at CommBank Stadium. The former Canberra Raiders playmaker is expected to play the entire game at halfback with Nathan Cleary rested.

“Souths have got a lot of strike and some very talented players. You can’t go out there thinking you’re going to win,” Schneider said.

“You have to turn up or they’ll pull your pants down. It’s going to be a big game on Friday night.”

Schneider will play just his 10th game of the season tomorrow night, hoping to put in a strong performance for the Premiers. The talented half is off-contract at season’s end and is on the lookout for a new deal.

“I’d love to stay here… it’s such a great club. But I’ll leave that to my manager to sort that stuff out,” he said.

“I love the club, and I’d love to stay, I’ll just see whatever pops up.”

Brad Schneider last Sunday against the Eels. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SMITH PRIMED FOR PENRITH’S RUN HOME

Panthers prop Lindsay Smith has admitted his recent stint in NSW Blues camp has given him a confi dence boost heading into the back end of the season.

The 25-year-old was called up to be part of Laurie Daley’s squad for Origin II in Perth as well as the decider in Sydney. And while he was 19th man on both occasions, Smith said it was a “cool experience” rubbing shoulders with the game’s best.

“That’s where you want to be at the end of the day – in and around those camps,” he told Extra Time on Wednesday.

“To be around the calibre of players and learning off them was pretty special and nothing I’ll take for granted.

“Being in those camps, I guess, does give you a confidence boost because it’s recognising what you’ve done week in, week out. But it’s about bringing that back to Clubland and putting your best forward.”

Smith’s first game back from State of Origin duty was a banger, with the likeable St Marys junior scoring his first try of the season against the Parramatta Eels last Sunday evening.

“That try definitely felt good,” he said.

“It was a little bit of a selfish play, but it was good to get the ball down that’s for sure.”

The Kangaroos forward was one of six try scorers in Penrith’s monster 32-10 win over their western Sydney neighbours. Smith said his side’s attack has been moving in the right

“We were definitely better in the second half than in the first,” he said.

“It was good to get a bit of ball and string some of our attack together, which I think is moving in the right direction. But we still have a long way to go.”

Another boost the Panthers received before kick-off last Sunday was the inclusion of co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary into the side.

The pair – bitterly disappointed from the Origin decider –managed to shrug off their demons to produce solid performances.

“It was pretty special having them both out there,” Smith said.

“I think they both played 80 in Origin and to back up a few days later, especially after the defeat, gave us all a boost because we know how much that loss would have drained them physically and mentally.

“For them to put their hand up and want to back up definitely gave us a boost. If they’re doing that, you want to be putting your best foot forward that’s for sure.”

While Penrith will welcome back Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o, both Cleary and Yeo will sit out this Friday night’s clash against the struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium.

The last time the two teams met was back in Round 4 when the Bunnies put on a clinic in the first half to lead 28-0.

Smith said he’s wary of the Rabbitohs despite their lowly position on the ladder.

“Souths haven’t got the results they’ve wanted lately, but they are a side that has strike across the park and they have a pretty good coach, so it’s definitely a team to be wary of,” he said.

“You know on their day when they put their best foot forward they are hard to beat. It’s about recognising that and understanding we need to bring our best on the weekend.”

Lindsay Smith scores against the Eels. Photo: NRL Images.

Lindsay Smith. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Tries: T Jenkins, L Garner, I Tago, P Alamoti, N Cleary, L Smith Goals: P Alamoti 4/7

Tries: M Hunter, J Samrani, J Lussick, R Penisini,

Tries: K Kautoga, Z Lomax Goals: Z Lomax 1/2

Tries: P Riki, B Phillips, A Kepaoa, N Murphy J Cole 2/4

player of the year

BYE: BRONCOS

panther memories

Barry Harris (pictured) is not a name that sits in Penrith folklore, though an incident in the last game of the 1975 season certainly is.

Harris was coach for part of the 1975 campaign, and for 1976 .

Prized English recruit Mike Stephenson was captaincoach for the start of the 1975 season, but gave up the coaching duties to Harris about six weeks into the season.

Harris removed Stephenson as captain during the year, only to reinstate him, before huge drama engulfed the final game of the year against St George at Penrith Park.

Harris sacked Stephenson as captain just 15 minutes before the game – giving Bill Ashurst the leadership role. It rattled Penrith, who needed to win to avoid the wooden spoon. Somehow, the Panthers came from 19-0 down to win 25-19. And to top it all off –Stephenson was carried off unconscious during the game!

There was no love lost between Harris and Stephenson. Harris would depart as coach at the end of 1976.

He died in 2006, aged 67.

LOSS WILL MAKE CLEARY STRONGER

There were two responses Nathan Cleary made in the post-match press conference following the Panthers win over the Eels last Sunday night which showed why he will one day go down as the greatest halfback the game has ever seen.

When asked why he played off the bench for the first time in his first grade career, Cleary replied with a cheeky grin.

“Dad said, ‘because of your performance on Wednesday night, you’re starting off the bench’.”

The room erupted with laughter before Ivan added: “Yes, and I was going to make him play hooker too.”

Both men smiled.

However, I bet that Ivan as a father must’ve felt protective of his eldest son, listening to all the scathing criticism that Nathan couldn’t close out an Origin series.

Despite the smiles you could see that Nathan Cleary was still thinking about his performance in game three of Origin.

“I didn’t want to say this to Dad but I woke up still thinking about it this morning,” he admitted.

“I don’t know if you fully get over it, to be honest. But I came to the conclusion that the Origin performance was only going to help me grow as a person and a player. Playing today gave me the opportunity to test my character and I think that’s the important thing.

“You can only kick stones and feel sorry for yourself for so long.”

Right there, that response speaks volumes to Cleary’s character and why he is the best halfback, if not the best player in the game.

Process it, deal with it and move on. Become an even better version of yourself, become an even better player. Which he will.

The way Cleary also handled the booing from Parramatta fans whenever his face came up on the big screen at the stadium was also all class.

He listened and smiled but booing Nathan Cleary is tantamount to booing Santa Claus.

As Immortal Andrew Johns said on the Channel Nine commentary: “How can you boo Nathan Cleary? World’s nicest bloke!”

But people boo because the player is so good that they want to put him off his game. Rattle him a little in the hope it plays on his mind and affects his performance on the field.

It backfired on Eels supporters big time!

Cleary is too composed for those sort of silly mind games and he showed it by guiding the Panthers to a hard-fought 32-10 victory after only playing a total of 50 minutes of the

did it until they were well into their 30s. Even Cooper Cronk was in his late 20s before he ‘dominated’ the Origin arena.

Over the week, plenty of media scribes were questioning whether he should even be picked for Origin next year, while the trolls on social media had a field day.

I’ve never heard so much tripe said or written about a player in my whole life.

Nathan Cleary is not just a nice bloke. He’s also one bloody good rugby league player.

But I’ll let the final word go to his father and coach Ivan Cleary.

“I’m sure it will be easier for him to sleep after this game [beating the Eels] then it was on Wednesday night,” he said.

“He’s [bounced back] so many times over

with Peter Lang

Nathan Cleary on Sunday afternoon during the clash with Parrmatta. Photo: NRL Images.

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES TIGERS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS DRAGONS SEA EAGLES TITANS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS

STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS DRAGONS STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS DRAGONS SEA EAGLES TITANS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

DOLPHINS ROOSTERS PANTHERS RAIDERS BULLDOGS STORM TIGERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS DRAGONS SEA EAGLES TITANS WARRIORS

4 TURELLA S TREET, GLENBROOK

5 3 4 6408 M2 FOR SALE VIA EXPRESSIONS OF INTERES T

Hidden from view yet only minutes from Glenbrook village, this extraordinary residence is a triumph of design, scale and seclusion. 4 Tu rella Street is unlike anything ever brought to market in the area Set on an expansive, useable landholding and framed by native bushland, the home offers the feeling of acre age living while being just 3 minutes to cafés, 20 minutes to the new Western S ydney Airpor t and 45 minutes to the S ydney CBD.

Some of the features of this proper ty include:

- Sun drenched, nor th facing bedrooms and living zones, Slow combustion wood fireplace

- Spacious home office with garden outlooks, C omprehensive CC TV security system

- Generous off-street parking accommodating up to ten vehicles

- Landscaped with ornamental and native Austr alian gardens, thoughtfully cur a ted

- Fully automated irrigation system servicing lawns and gardens

- Solar heated mineral swimming pool with gas heated integra ted spa

- Versatile lower level with options for, self contained living, gym, teen retrea t

FINDING HER VOICE

Being fearless and believing in yourself sets the foundation for a successful career in the arts, and after a period of doubt, ‘The Voice UK’ finalist Naomi Johnson has done just that.

“I was scouted for ‘The Voice UK’ a few years ago and I went to the audition to see how it would go, and I just kept getting through the rounds,” Johnson recounted.

“At every stage I thought it could be my last one and I would try to not get my hopes up,

but I ended up in the final.

“I didn’t win in the end, but I was so pleased that I even got through the first round.”

Now, the talented singer is approached by fans in the street, she’s graced the stages of Glastonbury and Royal Albert Hall, and she’s about to travel to Australia to perform the stunning tribute show, ‘One Night of Adele’.

“We’ve been lucky to be quite successful with the show in the UK, and we’ve branched out to Europe and beyond,” Johnson explained.

dreamed of doing years ago.”

The butter-voiced singer with a strong stage presence described Adele as an icon.

“With some songs I feel super connected to her,” Johnson stated.

“It sometimes feels as though there are songs that she’s written where the words could have been about specific periods of my life.

“It’s an interesting feeling as a tribute artist, but I think it makes it more authentic. I can really lean into it and step into it naturally in

tor’ and I sang Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ and I didn’t get in and I was mortified,” Johnson reminisced.

“I could barely speak to my mum on the way home because I was so upset. At the time I remember thinking I would never be like Adele.” Now she’s belting iconic tracks like ‘Easy On Me’, ‘Rolling in the Deep’, ‘Hello’, and many more across the globe in intimate and epic performances. Experience Adele through Naomi Johnson

ALLY HALL

COUNTRY AT SUNSET

ALLY HALL

As country music-loving locals prepare to boot-scoot their way to The Backyard at Penrith Panthers for Sunset Bash 2025, the line-up of artists is getting excited too.

Six-time Golden Guitar winner and 2023 Female Artist of the Year Amber Lawrence is part of the star-studded line-up for the festival on September 20.

“This will be a great festival with a great Australian line-up!” Lawrence exclaimed.

“My act will have a full band, and I’ll sing all my songs that people have known and loved over the years along with a few surprises.

“It’ll be high energy because we want to get people dancing, singing along and having a lot of fun. I’ve got my new song ‘Comeback Queens’, which has got a really fun dance that goes with it.”

The festival will be a celebration of

the resurging musical genre that is country music.

“It’s awesome to celebrate the amazing depth of Australian country music,” Lawrence stated.

“Penrith is that nice, sweet spot between the city and the country and so many people are loving country music these days, so we expect a lot of people from the suburbs to come and celebrate their love of country music with us.

“I think people are starting to connect with the lyrics and the emotion that country music has. It’s sending them back to the simple things.”

Also in the line-up is headliner Brad Cox, rising star Jeremy Turner, powerful vocalist Tori Darke, heartfelt singer Linc Phelps, country-rock artist Abbie Ferris, and storyteller Felicity Kircher. The event will include line dancing, food trucks, fashion stalls, a roving fashion reporter with prizes, and much more.

Sunset Bash is at Panthers on September 20 from 2pm to 10.30pm. Book tickets through Panthers.

THINGS TO DO

These school holidays, EVAN Theatre at Penrith Panthers is hosting a free screening of ‘Moana 2’ on July 18 at 10.30am. The movie is the sequel to ‘Moana’ and follows the story of a strong-willed girl who journeys into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. Find out more about the event online at penrith.panthers.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

Penrith CBD Corporation

Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

From Donna Summer to the Bee Gees to KC & the Sunshine Band, experience the magic as DISCO REVOLUTION takes you on a mesmerising journey to reignite your passion for the groovy genre. The evening at The Joan will be filled with music and memories for $65. Book a ticket online at www.thejoan. com.au/whats-on/disco-revolution-night-fever-tour. Dance to disco at The Joan

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 0421 414 012.

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday

Cousens and Friends

The Joan will welcome back award-winning actor and singer Peter Cousens for a musical feast filled with classic and contemporary songs on July 23. Peter has worked for most of the major theatre and opera companies in Australia, starring in plays and musicals including ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Aspects of Love’, ‘West Side Story’, and more. Visit www.thejoan.com.au.

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, Fri 8am-4pm.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing

Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.

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

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

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

Kids movie at Panthers

Peter

At the movies...

Jurassic World Rebirth

After watching the newest instalment in the ‘Jurassic’ franchise one thing became abundantly clear: nothing will ever capture the magic of the original trilogy. While I was yet to be born when ‘Jurassic Park’ first hit movie screens in 1993, I remember fondly seeing it for the first time as a child and being in awe at the extinct animal being brought to life, experiencing it with the characters.

The franchise was first rebooted in 2015 with ‘Jurassic World’, led by Chris Pratt. It has now been rebooted again, this time led by Scarlett Johansson as ex-military covert operative Zora Bennett. ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ is better

than the Chirs Pratt trilogy, but this movie still missed the mark for me.

I found it to be lacking the magic of the dinosaurs. Think back to how you felt watching that first ‘Jurassic Park’ movie and being in awe at the dinosaurs. In this movie, from the second scene dinosaurs have become just another part of life, people are more annoyed than excited, and I think that rubs off on the viewer.

In this re-telling the world’s climate has also become inhospitable to the dinosaurs meaning they can only reside in areas around the equator.

Bennett joins up with Palaeontologist Dr Henry Loomis (Jonathan

Bailey), and experienced mission team leader Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), all recruited by pharmaceutical businessman Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) who is looking to extract DNA from the three largest remaining dinosaurs which hold the key to development of a new heart disease treatment.

Also included in the story is the shipwrecked Delgado family who is rescued by the team after a run in with an aquatic dinosaur. Chaos, of course, ensues.

My major gripe is that the story was very predictable and at times really just not engaging. If it becomes noticeable how long I have been sitting in the cinema for,

that’s not a good sign. Another thing that I didn’t think was necessary was the inclusion of the Delgado family. The movie should have only followed the DNA mission, made the stakes higher, and explored their connection with the creatures in greater depth. The Delgados were likeable, but I found myself thinking, why am I seeing this? Instead of one

really well told story we got two half baked ones. What I did really like about the movie was the acting. Jonathan Bailey, Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali were all incredible and were the saving graces of this movie. If you like dinosaurs, odds are you will like this movie but don’t expect any real magic.

– Emily Chate

See these movies at... PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

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

Today it’s really easy to discover song lyrics, they’ll often appear on your Spotify screen, on the YouTube video or a quick Google search will find you singing the right words. It wasn’t always that easy in the ‘80s. If you bought an album, you may be lucky to unfold the lyrics in your cassette, or you may just have found yourself guessing what was being sung.

There are some very funny examples of misheard lyrics. It was with great amusement that I discovered my old My88 colleague Leona thought Boom Crash Opera were singing, ‘Oh-oh Onion Skin, walking around with your head caved in’, when Dale Ryder was talking about hearts being caved in.

In Australia, the most misheard lyric of the ‘80s definitely belonged to the GoGos classic tune, ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’, which

many Aussies thought was ‘Alex the Seal’. It was a big Aussie phenomenon, only happening here, but at least we can always poke fun at ourselves and named a seal hanging around the Opera House, Alex, and even Spiderbait covered the song, instead singing the misheard lyric.

Another favourite of mine is from Paul Young, people thought he was singing, ‘Every time you go away, you take a piece of meat with you’. Hilarious. Why would she take a piece of meat with her? I guess we will never know. Then there’s Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’, where people thought he was singing, ‘No one wants to beat up Eden’. Really, let’s leave Eden alone. The misheard lyric from Duran Duran’s ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ is, ‘I smell like a clown’. And what do clowns smell like? And I’m sure there were people who thought that the Eurythmics really did think that ‘Sweet Dreams’ features the lyrics, ‘Who am I to diss a brie?’ Cause, brie is awesome and I would never diss it.

I’m sure we’ve all sung the wrong lyrics, only to have a friend laugh and correct us. I can’t be alone in this, right?

Jess is back Platinum-certified, JUNO and CCMA Award-winning country powerhouse Jess Moskaluke is back with a brand-new anthem, and she’s not holding anything back. ‘I Ain’t Country’ is a bold, spirited track that pushes past the boundaries of genre stereotypes while firmly planting its roots in Moskaluke’s signature sound and honest storytelling.

‘I Ain’t Country’ offers fans an unfiltered look into Moskaluke’s journey through the expectations and assumptions that have shadowed her as a modern

country artist. With a strong message of self-definition, the track breaks away from the question of what should sound “country” and instead embraces the artist’s deeply personal truth.

“‘I Ain’t Country’ is a song about feeling misunderstood’,” said Moskaluke.

“Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges about whether I’m ‘country enough.’ I’ve even added banjos to songs that didn’t need them just to meet other people’s expectations. I wrote this song in the hopes that people will understand that country music is more than just music – it’s a lifestyle. I’m happy with my wheat field backyard and red barn front yard right here in small-town Canada, writing songs that feel true to me. And if that ain’t country, then I don’t know what is.”

The song is out now on all streaming services.

Jelly Roll coming down under?

The rumours are getting stronger that Jelly Roll is about to announce an Australian tour.

The powerful vocalist has taken the country world by

storm in recent years and over the past year has opened a new bar in Nashville, which Country Corner visited in March.

Rumour has it the shows could happen in Australia quicker than we think –maybe even November.

Lanie’s new record

Lanie Gardner has confirmed she will drop her sophomore album ‘Faded Polaroids’ in September.

“I created the idea of ‘Faded Polaroids’ using actual polaroids,” Gardner said in a release.

“Some brand new, others nicotine-stained, withered, torn and worn from being passed down through the years. It felt like zooming out on my whole life and finally seeing the bigger picture. These snapshots –these songs – are the most beautiful parts of me. They tell the story of where I come from, who I come from, what I’ve learned and who I’m becoming. I hope these songs encourage people to take the time to make their own version of that, too. I think it’s important that we all do.”

The album will be out on September 5.

TV Guide: July 18 – 24

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

(PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:30 AFL: Round 19: Brisbane v Western Bulldogs *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game

3:40 Black-ish (PG) 4:10 Jabba’s Movies (PG) 4:40 Movie: “The Emoji Movie” (PG) (’17) Stars: TJ Miller 6:30 Movie: “Nim’s Island” (PG) (’08) Stars: Abigail Breslin 8:30 Movie: “Tower Heist” (M l,s) (’11) Stars: Alan Alda

July

6:30 Back Roads (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Grantchester (M v) 8:20 Midsomer Murders (M v) 9:50 Bay Of Fires (M l,v) 6:00 NBC

Creatures Great And

(PG) 2:55

Night Of The Proms (2024) 4:20 Spicks

Specks (PG) 4:55 Dr Ann’s

5:25 Landline 5:55 Australian

Jones 6:00 Every Bite Takes You Home (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The

3:00 Play School 3:30

4:35 Waabiny Time 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Crackers” (PG) (’98) Stars: Warren Mitchell 9:20 Movie: “Nacho Libre” (PG)

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 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 8:05 Would I Lie To You? (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 Britain’s Poshest Farm Shops 8:30 Hairy Bikers Go Local 9:35 Come Dine With Me: UK 10:00 Legends Of The Fork

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Roads Less Travelled 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 v)

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: “War Of The Worlds” (M v) (’05) Stars: Tom Cruise

4:00 NITV News Update 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) 2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Jingle All The Way” (PG) (’96) Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger 2:00

7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Flemington/ Eagle Farm *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Great Outdoors (PG) 7:30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Da Vinci Code” (M v) (’06) Stars: Tom Hanks 11:30 Tabloids On Trial (M l) 1:00 The Disappearance (M v) 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 Eels *Live* 2:30 NRLW Wrap (PG) 3:15 NRL Women’s: Bulldogs v Dragons *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 Rugby Union: Wallabies v British & Irish Lions *Live* 10:00 Rugby Union: Post-Match 10:15

Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Teeing Off (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Nitro Funny Cars 4:00 AFL: Round 19: Sydney v North Melbourne *Live* 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 9:30 American Pickers (PG) 1:00 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 2:20 My Ireland With Colin 3:20 America’s Got Talent (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Pixels” (PG) (’15) Stars: Adam Sandler 7:30 Movie: “Bridesmaids” (MA15+) (’11) Stars: Kristen Wiig

Story 5:00 ABC

3:10 First Australians (PG) 4:10 Movie: “Boomerang Today” (AKA ‘Karli Jalangu’) (PG) (’04) Stars: Trent Carter 4:30 The Big Wet (PG) 5:30 Acting Good 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Big Backyard Quiz

5:30 ABC News: Tasmania Votes 6:00 Tasmania Votes: Election Night *Live* 7:30 Tasmania Votes: Election Results *Live* 1:50 ER (PG) 2:35 Doctor Who (PG) 3:25 A Bite To Eat With Alice 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 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:35 QI (PG) 5:30 Toast The Host: How To Entertain At Home 6:00 Island Echoes With Nornie Bero 6:30 Jamie’s Kitchen 7:30 Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:35 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 Griff’s Great American South 3:15 Nigella Bites 3:45 Martin Clunes - Islands Of America (PG) 4:40 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 6:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Sunday Footy Feast 2:30 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 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: Pilot’s Miracle And The Dark Side Of Dating Apps (PG) 9:20 Crime Investigation Australia (M) 10:40 The Crow Girl (M)

(M v) (’12) Stars: Famke Janssen

10:00 Behave Yourself (PG) 11:00 America’s Got Talent (PG) 1:15 Home And Away (PG) 4:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:30 Extreme Animal Transport (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M)

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) 11:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 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 (M) 2:00

4:30 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 (PG) 10:30 UFOs: Investigating The Unknown (M) 2:45 Jeopardy! Australia (PG) 3:45 Movie: “The War With Grandpa” (PG) (’20) Stars: Robert De Niro 5:45 Movie: “Doctor Dolittle 2” (PG) (’01) Stars: Eddie Murphy 7:30 Movie: “Elf” (G) (’03) Stars: Will Ferrell 9:30 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M)

12:50 Movie: “Piccadilly Incident” (G) (’46) Stars: Anna Neagle 3:00 Rugby Union: Shute Shield: Round 15: Randwick v Gordon *Live* 5:00 NRL Women’s: Sharks v Cowboys *Live* 7:00 Keeping Up Appearances (PG)

3:35 Movie: “The Last Ice Hunters” (M l) (’17) Stars: Bendt Bendtsen 4:55 Black As 5:10 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders (PG) 7:30 Larapinta 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) 1:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:15 Ambulance (M l) 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 8:00 Frasier (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

7:30 Memory Bites With Matt Moran 8:00 Chris Cooks Cymru 8:30 Rick Stein: From Venice To Istanbul 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 10:30 Mind Of A Chef 4:25 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 4:50 Kars & Stars (PG) 5:40 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs (PG) 6:35 Engineering Reborn (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters (PG) 10:15 Vikings (M)

3:00 Cards And Collectables Australia 3:30 Movie: “Flight Of The Navigator” (G) (’86) Stars: Joey Cramer 5:25 Movie: “Three Amigos” (PG) (’86) Stars: Steve Martin 7:30 Movie: “Dr No” (PG) (’62) Stars: Sean Connery

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

2:30 Movie: “Revolt At Fort Laramie” (PG) (’57) Stars: John Dehner 4:00 Movie: “The War Wagon” (PG) (’67) Stars: John Wayne 6:00 NRL Women’s: Knights v Warriors *Live* 8:00 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Arrival” (M l) (’16) Stars: Amy Adams

Get Macca’s® delivered.

4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 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 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:00

Lingo (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)

Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

(G) (’67) Stars: Charlie Drake 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 Media Watch 2:00 Parliament Question Time

7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 8:45

(M v) 10:45 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 4:00 Black-ish (PG) 4:30 Lopez Vs. Lopez (PG) 4:55 First Dates Australia (PG) 6:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 House (PG) 5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:30 The Casketeers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Piano” (MA15+) (’93)

4:25 Mecha Builders 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins

3:10 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Car S.O.S (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games (PG) 7:35 QI (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 (PG) 11:15 A Million Little Things 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)

The World (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Thunderball” (PG) (’65) Stars: Sean Connery 11:15 Seinfeld (PG)

7:30

9:30

10:30 Unsellable

8:30

5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By: White Hunter (PG) 8:50 Midsomer Murders (M v) 10:50 The Closer (M v)

Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK (PG) 8:30 Homicide With Ron Iddles (M v) 12:00 Movie: “Sister Dating Swap” (PG) (’23) Stars: Megan Hutchings 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Roosters v Storm *Live* 9:45 NRL: Post-Match 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Outback Opal Hunters (PG) 12:00 Everyday Gourmet 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 10 News Plus 7:00 Deal Or No

(PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (PG) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 2:55 Love Your Garden (PG) 3:45 Fake Or Fortune? 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Back Roads (PG) 8:30 Griff’s Great American South (PG) 9:15 Culture By Design 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Movie: “Top Of The Class” (AKA ‘Killer Competition’) (M) (’20) Stars: Jacqueline Scislowski 3:00 The

Ê The 21st season of Nine’s ‘The Block’ will premiere on Sunday, July 27 at 7pm. For the first time in the show’s history, the teams this year will build homes from scratch that are exactly the same in layout and size. The homes will be located in the Victorian country town of Daylesford, which is about 80 minutes from Melbourne. Also new this year, all-nighters are outlawed, and the building site will be locked every night, impacting time-management skills. Host Scott Cam is back for his 19th season, joined by co-host Shelley Craft in her 18th season. Also returning are Dan Reilly as foreman, plus Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer as judges. Strangely, no couples from NSW will feature!

Ê The secret is out! Gordon Ramsay is coming to 10! Premiering on Wednesday, July 30 at 7.30pm, ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service’ follows Chef Ramsay as he goes undercover to rescue restaurants on the brink of collapse, using surveillance, undercover diners and an insider to gather intel on struggling restaurants. He’ll take drastic measures to help transform not only the restaurant and the major issues it’s facing, but also the staff. Ramsay is also currently on Seven, starring in another season of ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. The man sure is busy!

Ê New episodes of Tom Gleeson’s ‘Hard Quiz’ will drop on the ABC on Wednesday, July 23 at 8pm.

Ê Six-part suburban mystery drama series ‘The Family Next Door’ will premiere on the ABC on Sunday, August 10 at 8pm. It’s peak holiday season in the popular seaside town of Osprey Point when an enigmatic stranger, Isabelle (Teresa Palmer) rents a family home in a quiet cul-de-sac. As Isabelle charms her way into her neighbours’ homes and lives, she quickly discovers that everyone at Pleasant Court has something to hide. How far will her obsessive drive to solve a mystery push her to expose the truth? If you’re not into watching week to week, you can binge all six episodes on ABC iview from August 10.

Ê Sad news over at Netflix with lovable series ‘Queer Eye’ set to wrap up with a 10th and final season later this year. The farewell

Ê HBO Max has announced it will stream upcoming ‘The Big Bang Theory’ spin-off ‘Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’, starring Kevin Sussman as Stuart. In the series comic bookstore owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist/ all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke. Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from ‘The Big Bang Theory’. The new series hails from Chuck Lorre Productions, the original creators of ‘Big Bang’.

Ê Hit UK spy drama ‘Slow Horses’, starring Sir Gary Oldman, has been renewed for a seventh season by Apple TV+. In season seven, Lamb and his Slow Horses are on the hunt to find and neutralise a mole at the heart of the

$50 MILLION PLAN FOR 24/7 FREIGHT FACILITY

Anew 24/7 sensitive freight facility, expected to cost over $50 million, has been proposed in Orchard Hills, with its Development Application (DA) placed onto public exhibition.

The DA is for the construction of a COPE Sensitive Freight facility within the Alspec Industrial Business Park (AIBP) at 211-227 Luddenham Road in Orchard Hills and is expected to cost a whopping $52,211,656.

The warehouse is one of the first facilities planned for the AIBP and is proposing to operate as a storage facility for sensitive and bulky freight.

The proposal is seeking consent for the construction and operation of a purpose-built warehouse and distribution facility, to be primarily used for the storage of bulky products and sensitive/ fragile products.

“The proposed development is

designed to handle the intricate logistics of sensitive equipment, ranging from MRI machines to gaming devices,” the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the DA said.

“The facility serves as a comprehensive hub, accommodating the delivery, storage, testing and subsequent on-delivery of these and other specialised items.

“The site is designed to meet the unique requirements of its clients, ensuring the safe and secure handling of sensitive equipment from arrival to final distribution and set up.

“COPE Sensitive Freight will store materials classified as Dangerous Goods (DGs). The DGs that will be stored at the site revolve around the sensitive equipment that is stored at the site, which involve Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines.”

The proposal is also seeking

approval for the installation of an in-ground weighbridge, construction of a separate car and truck entry/exit locations to the car park, a car park comprising 222 parking spaces and for the site to operate 24/7.

“THE PROPOSAL WILL NOT RESULT IN ANY ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS”

The SEE proposes the facility will have a positive impact on the surrounding area, including boosting job availability.

“The proposal will not result in any adverse environmental impacts. The supporting technical reports assess how the proposed development will not

result in any unacceptable amenity impacts in terms of noise, air pollution, dust, or other issues to nearby land uses,” the SEE said.

“The proposal will result in positive social and economic impacts: the proposal will deliver a high-quality warehouse facility that will unlock employment opportunities and industrial services for both the locality and broader region.”

Attached to the proposal was a Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, which conceded that there will be additional road noise generated from the proposal, but it is in line with expected growth of the area.

“…Increased road traffic noise would be realised over a number of years and should be considered in the planned growth of the area (i.e. major transport infrastructure, industrial, retail, commercial and high density residential).”

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

LAND FOR SALE FROM $1,050,000

OPEN FOR INSPECTION By

Urban Real Estate

Nahro Hasan • 0449 722 323 sales@caddensmeadow.com.au www.caddensmeadow.com.au

What is so great about this property?

• Only $15,000 deposit required (conditions apply).

• Delayed settlement, mid 2026.

• Spacious 540m2–608m2 blocks.

• Wide 15 metre – 32 metre frontages.

Who does this property suit?

All buyer types. Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Perfectly positioned for growth, Caddens Meadow is within close proximity to local schools and Western Sydney University.

Only 1.7km from the future Orchard Hills Metro Station (planned 2027).

The entry/exit to the M4 Motorway is within easy access and with the future Western Sydney International Airport set to open in 2026, this location is primed for long-term value.

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.

Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

Civic Collection - Typical example of Oran Park townhomesB anksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

The ResidencesTypical example of Oran Park townhomes

GIZZELLE

0428 934 618

The Experts

THE POWER OF EXERCISE BIG CHANGE TO SOCIAL MEDIA HEALTH

This National Diabetes Week, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on one of the most effective and underutilised tools in diabetes management: exercise.

Whether you’re living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, regular physical activity plays a vital role in improving blood glucose control, increasing insulin sensitivity, managing weight, and reducing the risk of complications such as heart disease and neuropathy. The benefits go well beyond blood sugar levels — exercise also improves mental wellbeing, energy levels, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

For people with Type 2 diabetes, exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Even a single bout of moderate activity — such as a brisk 30-minute walk — can lower blood glucose levels for up to 24 hours. Over time, regular activity can lead to reductions in HbA1c, blood pressure, and

cholesterol.

For those with Type 1 diabetes, exercise still offers substantial benefits. However, it requires a little more planning to prevent hypoglycaemia.

That’s where the guidance of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) becomes incredibly valuable. We work closely with individuals to understand how different types of exercise — from aerobic training to resistance work — affect their blood sugar levels and help tailor safe, effective programs.

What’s most important is finding a type of movement

BEN TUCKER

OnePointHealth 4732 5188

you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity or involve a gym. Gardening, swimming, dancing, or even walking the dog all count as beneficial physical activity. The goal is to build consistency and make it a regular part of your lifestyle.

If you’re unsure where to start or have other medical conditions to consider, consulting an Exercise Physiologist is a great first step. At OnePointHealth, we’re passionate about empowering individuals with diabetes to take control of their health through movement.

This National Diabetes Week, let’s move with purpose — your body will thank you.

Starting this December 2025, social media in Australia is undergoing a significant change aimed at protecting our kids online. As a parent, you should be aware of this, especially if you have children under 16 who already have access to social media. A new Act is coming into effect, so social media platforms will begin to lock out users under 16.

The Act is the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 Its purpose is to restrict platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and others from allowing children under 16 years of age access. They will now need to verify that account holders are at least 16-yearsold before they can create or maintain an account.

This act is in response to growing concerns from parents, educators and health experts about the effects of social media on young people’s mental health, privacy and safety. A national survey revealed that 90 per

cent of adults support age checks. Social media platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent them from signing up or continuing to use their account.

Importantly, parents and children will not face penalties if underage access occurs; the responsibility lies solely with the platforms. Even existing accounts will be age-verified and may have their accounts suspended or deleted.

The law allows platforms some flexibility in implementing age verification, but they must demonstrate adequate compliance with the requirements. The eSafety Commissioner will oversee the rollout and has the authority to adjust the rules as needed.

If you’re a parent:

• Discuss the upcoming changes with your kids. Let them know they will lose access to social media.

• Stay informed about which platforms are affected.

• Keep an eye out for new age checks appearing in the apps your kids use, such as ID uploads or facial recognition, which may soon become part of the sign-up process. There will undoubtedly be some challenging conversations. Children will be upset, especially if they’ve been using these platforms for years. Parents might feel tempted to bend the rules or represent their child’s age to maintain peace. However, this is a valuable opportunity to discuss online safety, digital boundaries, and the importance of these changes. This new law represents a significant step toward making the online world a safer place for children.

SELF-MANAGED SUPER FUNDS AND DIVORCE

Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) have a lot of complexities that are often overlooked when established. One such area that is virtually never considered upfront is, what happens to the SMSF in the event of divorce?

For most SMSFs, the husband and wife are both members of the fund. The trustees are usually either the husband and wife, or a

arrangements for their own superannuation. Both parties are required to agree to this course of action and, in most cases, they are usually in agreeance to wind up the fund. The mechanics in doing so can, unfortunately,

assets). If the SMSF pools assets, it means that the fund itself owns the assets, not any one member. This is necessary if the fund holds single large assets such a property. As no member owns any particular assets, the trustees

an asset the other would like to retain. If the couple would like financial advice in relation to the fund, the financial advisor must provide advice to the individual as well as the trustees of the fund on the impact of the advice. The insurance can be even more complicated. Given that it is compulsory to have an insurance strategy for an SMSF, it is typical for the SMSF to own insurance

ALEX MCKENZIE

The Experts

RAT BAIT POISONING IN PETS – WHAT TO KNOW

Recent reports from pest control operators suggest a noticeable increase in mouse activity across parts of Sydney, including areas close to home. Urban development, unpredictable weather patterns, and easily accessible food sources all contribute to this surge. As a result, many households are reaching for rat and mouse baits to manage infestations – but these products pose a serious threat to the health of our pets.

Why are rodents on the move?

Construction and urban sprawl are displacing mice and rats from their natural habitats, forcing them into homes, sheds and garages in search of food and shelter. Weather changes – such as heavy rains or prolonged dry spells – can also drive rodents indoors. Good sanitation practices, securing food sources, and sealing entry points are essential for preventing infestations.

The hidden danger of rodent baits

While rat baits can be effective at controlling rodent populations, they also present a high risk of poisoning for curious cats and dogs. Pets can be affected either by directly ingesting the bait or by eating rodents that have consumed it.

There are two major types of rodent baits:

• First-generation anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin in Ratblitz) require repeated ingestion over several days to be fatal.

• Second-generation anticoagulants (e.g., Brodifacoum in Talon and Ratsak) are much more potent and can be deadly with just one dose.

These poisons work by depleting the body’s vitamin K reserves, which are essential for blood clotting. It can take one to five days for symptoms to appear, making early detection and treatment vital.

Signs of rat bait poisoning

• Pale gums or small red spots on the gums

• Lethargy

• Unexplained bruising

• Blood in urine or stools

• Bleeding from the nose or prolonged bleeding from wounds

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Laboured breathing

• Seizures or muscle tremors

If you suspect your pet has eaten bait – or even if you find a damaged bait box

– it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately. Bring the packaging with you, as knowing the active ingredient helps deter mine treatment.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment depends on the timing and severity of ingestion. Your vet may run blood clotting tests and prescribe vitamin K therapy for up to 30 days. In severe cases, pets may need hospitalisation or blood transfusions. To protect your pets, avoid loose bait pellets. Always use tamper-proof bait stations placed well out of reach of animals and children. If you’re concerned your pet may have come into contact with rodent bait, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 for prompt advice and care.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week you’ll be reliably unpredictable and consistently inconsistent! Love, loyalty and compromise are the New Moon buzz words. But one half of you wants to snuggle up close with someone special – while the other half longs to be footloose, fancy-free and spontaneously solo. Try to find the sweet spot between cosy companionship and invigorating independence. And resist the urge to be an Aquarian provocateur who is deliberately controversial.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Venus squares Mars on Wednesday, when a financial matter takes an unexpected turn or a family member could hit you with some surprising news. Talking things through with a sympathetic friend may be the healing balm you need. Then the New Moon (on Thursday night/Friday morning) is a good time for a domestic reboot as you clean and de-clutter your living space, and make it more beautiful via re-decorating, playing music or a fresh lick of paint.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Calling all Cats! With the Sun and New Moon in Leo, it’s your time to shine – to display your numerous creative talents, and dazzle others with your fiery enthusiasm and abundant Leo charm. It’s also the best week of the year to try a new hairstyle, update your wardrobe or start an exciting personal project. But remember Mercury is reversing through your sign, so be careful you don’t upset others by behaving in an inconsistent, confusing or selfish way.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

There’s no denying you’re a smart Scorpio but are you making the most of your professional talents? With the Sun and New Moon in your career zone, put on your thinking cap, connect with colleagues and keep them up to date with your work plans. But retrograde Mercury is also there, so – unless you communicate clearly and concisely – expect timetable chaos, missed meetings and/ or misunderstandings. Diplomacy and patience will see you through.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

New Moon week is the ideal time to ditch bad daily habits and start afresh. Work, health, fitness and food choices are the main areas you need to revise and then make some long overdue changes and adjustments. The sooner the better. Try to release pent up Piscean frustrations via a chat with a close confidante or a trusted family member. Spending some quality time with your favourite four-legged friend (in the great outdoors) will also help to lift your spirits.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Family relationships and close friendships look complicated, as loved ones debate a wide range of controversial topics or a relative makes an unpredictable move. If you have a problem that’s bothering you, avoid making a rash decision. Slow down and let your intuition be your guide. The New Moon (on Thursday night/Friday morning) is the perfect time to begin a course of study, start a neighbourhood project, join a community group or make a new friend.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury is retrograde which can make you feel restless, stressed, disorganised and/or overwhelmed. Plus – with the Sun and New Moon also in your solitude zone – you’ll feel like being on your own. Privacy and self-reflection are paramount, so activities like meditation, contemplation, chanting and/or yoga are recommended. Your mantra comes from birthday great, psychoanalyst Carl June, “Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Are you feeling restless Sagittarius?

The Sun, New Moon and Mercury stir your gypsy gene and find you dreaming of airplane tickets, greener pastures and foreign adventures. You’re also longing for closer connections with your international friends. But Mercury is retro (until August 11) so travel plans could be delayed or cancelled, and a friendship could be turned upside down. Less haste and closer attention to details with make the week less frustrating.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Prepare for a topsy-turvy week! The Sun and New Moon are both visiting fellow fire sign Leo, so you’ll feel like powering ahead with creative projects. But remember Mercury is retrograde (in Leo, until August 11) so rushing around impulsively could backfire – especially involving family and friends. To reduce stress levels (and the likelihood of making mistakes) enthusiasm must be balanced with caution, and fiery haste tempered with plenty of patience.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

You’ve been talking about saving for something big (like a car, holiday, house deposit or home renovation) for a while. With the Sun, New Moon and retrograde Mercury visiting your finance zone, resist the urge to be extravagant with cash and careless with credit. In an uncertain economic climate, aim to be a canny Crab who is cautious with money. Plus do an inventory on your inner wealth, as you nurture your self-esteem and consolidate your core values.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The Sun and fiery New Moon stimulate your hopes and wishes zone and reignite a special dream or aspiration that’s been languishing on the sidelines. But retrograde Mercury is also there so – if you are stuck in a friendship slump or a relationship rut – don’t dwell on the past. It’s time to reboot your peer group as you reacquaint yourself with a creative new crowd. Thursday favours disciplined work, ticking the to-do list and tidying up loose ends.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Do you have a frustrating problem that needs fixing? Have you asked other people for advice but still can’t find a solution? This week the Sun, New Moon and retrograde Mercury activate your trust and wisdom zone. So listen to your inner voice and pay attention to symbolic messages and intuitive insights. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Carl Jung, “The person who looks outward dreams, the person who looks inward awakens.”

and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

THEME: THE MOON

ARISTARCHUS

ARMSTRONG CRATERS

CRISIUM

CRUST

DORSA ESCARPMENTS

GIBBOUS IMBRIUM LANDING

LOW DENSITY

LUNAR MOUNTAINS

NEAR SIDE

ORIENTALE

PROMONTORIUM

RILLES

RIMA

ROCKY RUBBLE

SERENITATIS

TERRA TIDES

WANE

WAX

WINDING VALLEYS

any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5].

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

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Nissan e-Powering into the future: Time to take notice

Like them or not, thanks to government regulation, electric and hybrid vehicles are here to stay, with manufacturers facing ever-tighter rules on what can be sold in Australia.

Nissan met the rules head-on, and developed what is possibly the best solution for Australia, with the e-Power QASHQAI, an electric vehicle with an on-board generator.

The revised QASHQAI is a funky looking small medium SUV, combining a sharply angled and sloped trapezoidal front with a traditional curved roof cabin and rear section into an easily recognised profile, aiding carpark visibility.

While the ridged door and bonnet lines give an aggressively aerodynamic appearance, pushing air over the 3-D prism-style door pressings, the turret section, above the doors, narrows noticeably, reducing passenger shoulder room.

Our test car was the top spec N-Design version, with all the fruit, including leather/alcantara trimmed, power-adjustable, front seats, dash, door trims and centre

console knee pads, 10-speaker BOSE audio system and a motion-sensing, powered, tailgate.

Despite the panoramic glass roof, there is plenty of headroom, the narrowed turret can have you bumping the B-Pillar trims, but leg room is good, even for tall drivers, the general position is good, with multi-adjustable steering column

and variable height seatbelts. While well-padded, the thigh bolsters narrow the seat base, bigger drivers will sit on them, but they remain comfortable, even on long journeys, especially using the three-function massage option.

The driving position is cockpit-like, with a mouse-style gear selector in the flat centre console,

the flattish-bottomed steering wheel is thickly padded, with thumb buttons for audio, cruise and display functions.

Regardless of the steering column height setting, the multi-colour instrument cluster is easy to read, aided by the floating Heads Up Display projected onto the windscreen, the driver gets speed and navigation information without looking away from the road.

Luggage space was reasonable, the tailgate opens high, tall users don’t feel crowded, loading the weekly groceries was a simple chore, although bulky items will fill the area quickly.

Driving the e-Power is a simple, yet intriguing, task, a start button brings the system to life silently, like other EVs, engage Drive, release the park brake and the N-Design glides away, with a decent kick from the 140kW/330Nm electric driveline.

The petrol engine is a generator only, charging the batteries as well as providing power to the electric motor, with no direct link to the driveline.

Under heavy acceleration, or if the

battery is low on charge, the petrol engine works to the driver’s throttle inputs, the harder you push, the more it revs, giving the feel it is driving the car, despite no direct link to the driveline.

The e-Power unit can be locked in EV mode for silent running, or if you are in a low- or zero-emission zone, using battery power and regenera-

“THE ONBOARD GENERATOR ELIMINATES EV RANGE ANXIETY, WITH NO PLUG-IN CHARGING”

tive braking only, the petrol motor restarting after exiting EV mode. There is no transmission, with direct drive from the electric motor to the front wheels, the harder you push the throttle, the faster you go, using e-Pedal mode negates the use of the brake, push the throttle to go, release it to brake.

It takes getting used to, but maximising energy capture by regenerative braking extends the period between using engine power, improving fuel economy, especially in stop-start traffic.

Otherwise, the N-Design drives ‘normally’, while the 20” rims and low profile tyres stiffen the ride, the suspension is relaxed without being overly soft, with responsive steering and predictable handling, even with the elevated SUV-style ride height.

The e-Power driveline’s big advantage is being an EV for low emissions, the onboard generator eliminates ‘range anxiety’, never needing to be plugged in to charge, you drive until the tank is empty, so long as there is fuel, the car can be driven.

With recharging infrastructure playing catch-up, especially in regional areas, this is a huge boost for potential EV owners, removing the concern of being stranded with no power, still a genuine worry for drivers without access to a charge point on their journey.

Inside the impressive new Nissan QASHQAI.

It’s hard to fault the impressive Nissan QASHQAI.

Suzuki electrifies its SUV range

The first fully-electric Vitara is one of the headline acts as Suzuki introduces a range of electrified SUVs, including the all-new Fronx hybrid coupe-crossover model.

Drawing its name from ‘Frontier Crossover’, the Fronx is a high-riding four-door hatch, offering enhanced ground clearance in a small-medium sloping rear body style.

While Suzuki is not releasing full details of the driveline or other key specifications until closer to the September 1 on-sale date, the Fronx is not expected to

be a plug-in hybrid, meaning it will use regenerative braking to capture power for the drive battery.

With Suzuki pitching the Fronx as a ‘stepping stone’ between small hatches and an SUV, giving a clue to sizing, between the current Swift and Vitara.

Also joining the line-up are two new Vitara models, a hybrid and Suzuki’s first full EV, the e Vitara, with both expected to arrive in 2026.

Already a popular fixture in the small SUV/4WD category, the Vitara has a long history in Australia, with a mix of three- and five-door

versions, combining light weight with good off-road ability.

The e Vitara will debut Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD driveline, which the

“SUZUKI

CLAIMS RELIABILITY, TECHNOLOGY AND CUTTING EDGE DESIGN FOR THE NEW MODELS”

company says will combine off-road capability with ‘powerful performance on any surface’.

Suzuki is similarly tightlipped on the Vitara Hybrid’s specifications, however given the company’s experience with the Swift Hybrid, the petrol engine will likely be under 1.6-litres, with a choice of a traditional manual or Continuously Variable Transmissions with all-wheel-drive.

How tech keeps the pressure up

As new car technology continues to expand, with the introduction of new features to control and monitor what is happening around the vehicle, tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are hiding in plain sight.

Like many technologies, TPMS is not a new idea, heavy trucks have used the systems for many years, allowing drivers to keep an eye on multiple tyres, especially on trailers, without leaving the cab.

TPMS offers an economic benefit as well as improved safety, with properly inflated tyres improving fuel efficiency and extending tyre life, as well as keeping the car in full contact with the road surface.

The system works by incorporating a wireless unit in the tyre valve, looking for any change in the tyre’s internal pressure and sending an alert to the instrument cluster if it drops below a preset value.

While it cannot prevent a sudden decompression, such as a tyre blow-out, it can warn of a slow leak, for example if the preset level is 28psi, if the tyre drops to 26psi, the driver will get a warning to check the tyre.

Some systems, such as off-road units, allow the driver to adjust the alert level, so that deliberately lowering pressures for beach driving will not flag a warning, with the pressure able to be reset when tyres are re-inflated.

Although nothing replaces proper vehicle

maintenance and inspection, TPMS can give early warning of low pressure, allowing drivers to check for leaks or damage and helping prevent tyre failure.

The Suzuki Fronx is all-new to the market.

Tyre pressure checks are advancing.

HONOUR COMES WITH PRESSURE

Story continued from » p.72

“This year NSW has a really strong chance of coming away with the overall title. We have 16 players heading up –eight men and eight women. The depth we have this year is the strongest it’s been in years.”

Scarfe is set to play every day of the week-long tournament, but he is slightly concerned how his mind and body will hold up over the course of the high-pressure event.

“Mentally and physically, darts can be really taxing on you,” Scarfe revealed.

“In the lead up, I work on my game during League nights and sometimes practice on my board in the garage.

“As far as getting mentally prepped, I have a couple of games that I play on my tablet to just keep my mind focused.”

Whatever happens over the coming week, Scarfe is just grateful to be back where he belongs – representing his state and the people of Penrith.

“The support I’ve received from the darts community has been astronomical. The crew at Penrith Premier Darts is like an extended family,” he said.

“My motivation levels are very high right now. I’m looking forward to it.”

Inclusion celebrated

Penrith Giants to hold free Gala Day

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Penrith Giants will hold a very special Kickability Gala Day next weekend to celebrate a decade of inclusion at the local junior AFL club.

The free event will take place next Sunday, July 27 at Greygums Oval in Cranebrook from 11am to 12.30pm.

It’s open to young people aged 5-16 who identify living with disability, or may need some additional support playing Aussie Rules. No diagnoses is needed.

Kickability Coordinator Julie Chard said the day will be about celebration and recognising how far the inclusion program at the Penrith Giants has come.

“It’s been 10 years since we started this little group alongside the Luke Priddis Foundation. We initially had four kids and now we have 30 people participating,” she said.

“Next Sunday will be a fun day full of activities and games that everyone can partake in, including the parents!

“We just want to get the word out there that we’re a small club out the back of Penrith and look what we’ve been able to achieve.”

Chard, who won the 2023 AFL NSW/ ACT Volunteer of the Year Award, first got involved in the inclusion space after her non-verbal son Zach wasn’t afforded the same opportunities to play sport like kids without a disability, so she took it upon herself to seek change.

“I believe it’s important that every child should be able to play sport. If a child wants to play sport, then it’s important that we find a way for them to play,” Chard said.

“My little boy Zach just loves sport! 10 years ago we tried different sports for him, and he was encouraged to play alongside mainstream kids but not with them – that’s why we started all of this.”

With modified rules like allowing players to run more than 10 metres with the ball, or letting their parents be on the field with them, Kickability has certainly given many young kids a platform to play the great game of AFL in a safe and non-contact manner.

Chard said she is proud of the Penrith Giants Kickability program.

“It makes me really proud especially when parents approach me smiling to say, ‘thank you’,” she said.

“They’ll say things like, ‘I didn’t know my son could do this’.

“That’s what makes me really happy because years ago I was that parent, I had a five-year-old that wanted to play and struggled.

“To have this available to parents like me is what it’s all about.”

The free Penrith Giants Kickability Gala Day will be held next Sunday, July 27 at Greygums Oval from 11-12.30pm.

For more information about this month’s free Gala Day, email penrithkickability@ gmail.com.

Oh so close for Penrith

NATHAN TAYLOR

Following an unforgettable weekend on the court, the Penrith District Netball Association have finished runners-up by the slimmest of margins at the 2025 Netball NSW Junior State Titles.

Across three intense days of netball, Penrith’s U12 Division 1 team played a total of 19 games – notching up 16 dominant wins, two hard-fought draws, and narrowly dropping just one game.

“Coming away as runners-up in one of the most competitive age divisions is a massive achievement, and one that speaks volumes about the heart, talent and resilience of this amazing group of girls,” coaches Amanda Moloney and Tegan Dunn said.

“This team didn’t just play for points on the ladder – they played for each other. They dug deep in tough moments, showed immense work ethic in every half and constantly back

each other on and off the court.”

Despite Lakeside Netball Association taking out the U12 Division 1 competition, Moloney and Dunn said they were proud of their side following many months of preparation.

“To finish second in the state is a reflection

of the commitment they’ve shown all season through late night training sessions, weekend games and countless hours of preparation,” the duo said.

“Each player brought something unique to the court, and together they created some-

thing truly special.”

With a record-breaking 240 teams from every corner of the state, this year’s Junior State Titles saw more than 2500 young athletes descend on the courts at Jamison Park and Baulkham Hills, cementing the event as the largest junior netball tournament ever held in NSW.

“This is the biggest weekend on our junior netball calendar, and this year, it’s bigger than ever,” Netball NSW General Manager of Competitions, Stacy Harding said.

“We’re incredibly proud to have brought together so many communities from across the state in one place to celebrate sport.”

The Junior State Titles is the pinnacle event for netballers aged 12-14, uniting players, coaches, umpires and officials for a showcase of talent, teamwork and state pride.

2206 games were played, nearly 50,000 goals were scored, and over 6000 spectators across both venues were in attendance.

Kickability has grown over the decade.

Penrith finished runners-up at the Junior State Titles last week.

SPORTS SHORTS

Mayors

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have taken out the coveted Mayors Cup, defeating the GWS Fury 56-53 in Round 17 of the Netball NSW Premier League Opens competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers U23s team have hit a snag, losing back-to-back games for the first time this season. Their latest loss came against the Fury 58-56. Panthers will take on Central Coast Heart in Round 18.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the departures of Milly Cassar, Gemma Ferris, Paige Haywood, Talia Kapetanellis, Maya Lobo, Sienna Saveska, Aya Seino, Keely Segavcic and Bronte Trew following the conclusion of their A-League Women contracts. The Wanderers thanked all nine players for their contributions during their time at the club and wished them all the best in the future.

TENNIS: 18 players from Nepean District Tennis Association travelled to Forster last week to compete in the NSW Country Championships, with over 500 players registered across both the Open and Junior Championships. Jaiden Coombs came away with a win in the U8 Red Ball competition, while Kimi Yiheng Zhu and Charlie Christie came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the U11 Boys Singles Tier 2 competition. Coach Kalebb Kalcher was a semi-finalist in the Open Mixed Doubles. He also paired up with Jean-Paul Taliai in the Men’s Open Doubles Tier 2 competition where they were finalists. Coach Max Thripp paired up with Jacob Gardner in the Men’s Open Doubles Tier 2 competition where they were semi-finalists. Jacob also had success winning the Men’s Open Singles Tier 2 competition and was also a semi-finalist in the Open Mixed Doubles Tier 2 competition. Coco Purcell had a very successful week, she was a finalist in the U18 Girls Singles, winner of the U15 Girls Singles, finalist in both the U16 Girls Singles and U16 Girls Doubles competitions, and was also a winner in the 17/18 Mixed Doubles competition with Springwood local Brydan McLeod.

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have notched up three straight wins, defeating Sydney Harbour 35-26 in Round 10 of the Meldrum Cup. The Emus, who remain in fifth position, will return to Nepean Rugby Park this Saturday afternoon to battle Oatley.

HARNESS RACING: Don’t miss the running of the Western Weekender Pace at the Penrith Paceway tonight. The 1720 metre race gets underway at 9.49pm.

SPORT: The latest stage of work to upgrade the sport and recreation facilities in Andromeda Drive Reserve, Cranebrook, is complete. Additional storage space in the amenities building and drainage improvements on the eastern field have been undertaken, as part of an upgrade funded by the NSW Government through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program ($1.7 million) and the Australian Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program ($450,000), in partnership with Council. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said there are more improvements to come later in the year. “The next stage of work will include more car parking, and resurfacing and line marking the sports courts,” he said. “Council is also going to construct new pathways, install seating and plant trees throughout the reserve to boost our city’s green canopy. This project will provide those who use Andromeda Drive Reserve with the infrastructure they need for training and game days, while also giving residents more opportunities to get outside and enjoy recreation.” Member for Penrith Karen

McKeown said that this is a much-needed upgrade for Cranebrook and the wider Penrith community. “It is funding dedicated to improving facilities that deliver sports and recreation,” she said. “I look forward to seeing local sporting clubs and Penrith residents enjoy the improved recreational and sporting facilities.”

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers men’s and women’s teams continued their losing ways in Round 14 of the NBL1 East competition. Up against the Albury-Wodonga Bandits last Saturday at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, Penrith’s men’s team suffered a narrow 86-82 loss. Penrith skipper Ben Kearins scored a team-high 17 points to go along with his six assists and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Penrith’s women’s team were demolished 104-63 by the Bandits. Penrith’s top point scorer was Jordan Vasquez with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Panthers will play their final game of the regular season this Saturday against the Norths Bears at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre in Cambridge Park

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

AFL: The GWS Giants have blown away Geelong 111-85 in Round 18 of the AFL competition. There was little to separate the two teams during the opening half before 21-year-old Aaron Cadman turned the game with four goals in the third term to set up the Giants win. GWS, who are now in seventh, will battle Essendon on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have bounced back from last week’s loss to defeat the East Coast Eagles 118-37 in Round 13 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. Played at Bruce Purser Reserve, the Rams lead by a whopping 49 points at half-time and didn’t look back. Rams star Mitch Stevens booted five goals in the huge win. The Rams will go up against the North Shore Bombers this Saturday afternoon at Greygums Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes also enjoyed a win over the East Coast Eagles 35-26 in Round 13 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes will play the Manly-Warringah Wolves this Saturday morning at Greygums.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 15 of NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys defeated Mounties 36-24, while Penrith Brothers went down to the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 42-14. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys were beaten by Mounties 26-22, while Penrith Brothers got the victory over the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 19-12.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers have had a hard-fought 22-22 draw with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 2 of the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership. The Panthers will look to remain undefeated to start the season when they take on Cronulla this Saturday afternoon at Sharks Stadium.

Panthers Netball won the Mayors Cup last weekend in Blacktown.

Andromeda Fields in Cranebrook have been upgraded.

Panthers Women are undefeated.

SPORT RIGHT ON TARGET

Werrington County’s Craig Scarfe will end a 21-year drought this weekend when he represents New South Wales at the 44th Australian Darts Championships in Brisbane.

The 55-year-old local father is currently the number one men’s dart player in the state, but this will be the first time he’ll play for NSW in more than two decades.

“It’s been 21 years since I’ve had the privilege of wearing the NSW uniform. I’ve always been proud to wear that uniform and I always give 100 per cent,” Scarfe told the Weekender

“I’m looking forward to getting into camp on Thursday afternoon before the Opening Ceremony on Friday night. I have the honour of carrying the State flag alongside my Mixed Doubles partner Andrea Hendley. Together, we’ll lead the team out before the Pacific Masters event on Saturday.”

It’s been a long journey to the top for Scarfe, who began playing darts in 1984 with a friend from high school.

It wasn’t until the mid-90s however that Scarfe began taking the sport seriously, aiming to make his first-ever NSW team.

“From 1996 to 1998, I was a reserve player for the NSW side – I just couldn’t crack the

actual team because the talent back then was incredible,” Scarfe said.

“In 1999 I was named a reserve again, however the team captain was forced to pull out due to health reasons and I got the call up to make my debut at the Australian Darts Championships in Tassie.”

Scarfe would go on to represent NSW numerous times before giving the sport a break in 2005 to focus on family and other interests. After a long layoff from serious competition, he returned in 2019 with the growing Penrith Premier Darts League.

Scarfe has taken his game to another level in the past couple of seasons, rising up the ranks to become the number one

men’s darts player in the state last year, a huge achievement.

“That was a real surreal moment for me,” he admitted.

“I ended up backing it up again this year and held onto that number one spot.”

After more than two decades away, Scarfe said he was encouraged by many of his peers to try out for the NSW team again, but he admitted he had his reservations at first.

“I was 50-50 to say the least, but I’m glad I made the decision to return… I made the right choice,” he said.

Story continues on » p. 70

NATHAN TAYLOR

Craig Scarfe. Photo: Melinda Jane.