Western Weekender May 21 2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026

CENTRE STAGE

Toby Chapman, who has already left an impressive mark on Penrith’s arts scene, has been announced as the new CEO and Artistic Director of Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, which oversees key local venues such as the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Q Theatre and Penrith Regional Gallery. Troy Dodds reports on Page 13

FATHER AND YOUNG SON KILLED IN HORROR CRASH AT KEMPS CREEK

A FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK

This Christmas photo taken at a local shopping centre last year should have been the first of many for a young family, but will instead be the only one ever taken.

25-year-old Jaiden Cuthbert and his 15-month-old son Malakai were killed in a horror crash at Kemps Creek on Monday

night, while Jaiden’s partner and Malakai’s mother Tori-Lee Black remains in hospital where she has been treated for critical injuries in recent days.

The head-on crash and its fatal result has broken the local community’s heart.

It has also sparked a number of online fundraisers to support the family, who are facing the prospect of two funerals and medical expenses.

“Losing them both at once is a pain I can barely put into words,” Jaiden’s brother Robert said.

Exactly what happened on Monday night is now the subject of an extensive police investigation.

Crash Investigation Unit specialists spent hours at the crash site this week.

Full story on » p. 5

Toby Chapman.

The family at Christmas last year.

TROY DODDS

Airport housing win, but Luddenham in dark

Adecision to reverse a ban on secondary dwellings near Western Sydney International Airport is likely to be welcomed, but it will again leave those waiting for an answer on nearby Luddenham’s future scratching their heads.

The Luddenham Progress Association has been calling on the NSW Government to make good on its election promise and implement the Luddenham Village Strategy as published by the State Government three years ago. Luddenham Village is the only area in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis that was excluded from the finalised rezoning plans released by the NSW Government in March 2022.

Residents waiting for answers about the area’s future have watched while the government made other housing announcements around the airport but continued to kick the Village Strategy down the road.

This week, State Labor announced it would unlock more housing choice with new planning changes allowing small secondary dwellings such as granny flats and studios in areas around Western Sydney International Airport least affected by aircraft noise.

The change will reverse the ban on second-

ary dwellings in key locations near the airport, allowing people to build secondary dwellings on their land.

“The new airport is creating jobs, investment and opportunity, and these changes will help more people live close to where those opportunities are emerging,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car.

Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said it was another boost for housing availability in Sydney.

“Allowing small secondary dwellings in suitable areas around the new airport is a commonsense approach that will help create more affordable and flexible housing options for families, while supporting the long-term

growth of western Sydney,” he said.

“Whether it’s young people trying to stay close to home, older parents wanting to live near family, or homeowners looking for greater flexibility, these reforms will help communities grow alongside the investment coming to western Sydney.”

Secondary dwellings will be capped at 85 square metres and required to include aircraft noise attenuation measures such as double-glazed windows.

The changes apply to eligible land in the Local Government Areas of Wollondilly, Camden, Fairfield, Liverpool and Penrith.

Secondary dwellings will not be permitted in areas expected to experience higher levels of aircraft noise.

The Weekender understands the Luddenham Progress Association wrote to the State Government this week, raising issues with inconsistencies around announcements like the one this week and the future of Luddenham.

It is seeking a definite timeframe for finalisation of the Luddenham plan, and the housing that will be permitted there.

Every indication is that any proposed housing sits outside of noise contours including the projected contours for 2063 when the airport is operating at full capacity.

Secondary dwellings will be allowed within the Australian Noise Exposure Concept (ANEC) 20-25 contour.

TROY DODDS

LOCALS OBJECT

Strong response to housing plan near Caddens Corner

Aproposed large-scale housing development in Caddens has drawn significant community backlash, with more than 150 objections lodged during the project’s recent public exhibition period.

Property developer Holdmark Property Group first submitted plans to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in 2023 to build multi-storey apartment blocks behind Caddens Corner, including on the site of the existing open-air car park.

The original development application was rejected in 2024. The developer later revised the proposal and resubmitted it.

The updated plans include townhouses, multi-storey residential buildings, retail space and a civic centre.

According to the application, the project would involve the construction of 17 buildings, including 11 residential flat buildings ranging from four to seven storeys, four shop-top housing buildings of similar

height, a retail building, new roads and public open spaces.

The proposal also features an indoor recreation facility, a public plaza and affordable housing units.

Planning documents submitted with the application state the development would deliver 482 new dwellings.

“The proposal will deliver 482 new dwellings in a well-located area, contributing to a significant portion of Penrith Council’s housing targets under the National Housing Accord,” the

EIS attached to the application read.

“The proposal will deliver 73 affordable housing units, providing critical infrastructure to support diverse communities and supply affordable housing within Penrith.”

The documents also estimate the project would generate a $341.7 million investment and create more than 3,400 square metres of employment-generating floor space within the Caddens precinct.

The proposed development

site sits between the Westwood Estate and Caddens Hill Quarter, making it the third major housing development in the immediate area surrounding Caddens Corner.

During the public exhibition period, 163 submissions were received, including 155 formal objections from concerned residents, business and stakeholders.

The most common concerns raised included increased traffic congestion, inadequate road infrastructure, limited public transport options, and the scale of the proposed buildings.

Residents also expressed concerns about privacy, overshadowing and the impact the development could have on the character and amenity of the area.

Submissions were also lodged by Penrith City Council, Sydney Water, the Department of Education, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, as well as Transport for NSW.

The application is now under assessment.

More nurses for NSW hospitals

The State Government says planning is underway to implement the next phase of health staffing reforms to increase the number of nurses in hospitals.

This phase of the Safe Staffing Levels rollout will introduce a minimum staffing level of one nurse to four patients for morning and afternoon shifts in general medical, surgical and specialty wards in NSW public hospitals.

“This is another major milestone in rebuilding our essential services and delivering the most significant workforce reform to the NSW health system,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“For too long, nurses have been asked to do more with less while our hospitals faced growing demand and increasingly complex patient needs. These reforms are about ensuring our healthcare workers have the support they need to continue delivering the highest standard of care.

“When households are under costof-living pressure, improving working conditions and strengthening job security for nurses is essential to supporting the workforce and the communities they care for.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association said after a decade of campaigning, it was happy to see things “move in the right direction”.

An artist’s impression of the Caddens State Significant Development.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

The one thing I don’t believe about

IIvan Cleary’s exit plan

fully respect Ivan Cleary’s decision to stand down as Penrith head coach at the end of the 2027 season.

He will go down as Penrith’s greatest ever coach. The man responsible for so many wonderful memories that will last forever in the minds of Panthers fans, sponsors, players and officials.

But now that last week’s shock announcement has settled in, there’s one element about this whole succession plan that I’m not buying.

I don’t believe for a second that Cleary will be at Penrith in any capacity in 2028.

I do believe that Chairman Peter Graham and the Board want him to be in the leadership role spoken about at last week’s press conference.

In fact I’d go as far as saying Ivan intends to be in such a role too.

I just don’t think it will happen.

Penrith have handled the announcement around Cleary’s departure almost perfectly.

When he made the definitive call early this month and broke the news to Chairman Peter Graham, it remained a tightly held secret between only a handful of people at the club.

But this is rugby league, and the story would have leaked eventually.

So with Peter Wallace the obvious replacement given his links to the current playing squad and his long apprenticeship with Cleary, everything was in place for a seamless announcement.

And the club pretty much pulled it off too.

I have no doubt Cleary would have preferred not to do the big song and dance press conference, but there was no other way.

But so structured and planned was the announcement that I believe Penrith’s desired cherry on top didn’t quite land.

In an attempt to stop a media extravaganza to rival a Broadway musical, the club announced plans to have Cleary stay on in some capacity after 2027; and Cleary played along in his comments.

INDEX

“He will stay connected to the Panthers beyond 2027, with discussions ongoing around an advisory role in areas such as culture and leadership,” the club’s statement said.

But here’s the thing.

If you’d actually had serious discussions around a role in 2028, its exact nature would have been revealed.

The rest of the announcement was way too planned, thought out and structured for this element to simply be left as so wobbly in the details.

Penrith. It is incredibly unique and powerful, and it resulted in the club’s own community coming back to it in a big way after years in the wilderness.

Cleary understands the modern game and modern player better than anyone.

Therefore, you can expect any club in the market for a head coach to very quickly disrespect the boundaries and make a play for Cleary.

Coaching is something that gets in your blood. Cleary admitted as much when he said a representative role may be of interest, if one was to arise.

But I believe that the right club may just come calling at some stage too.

“Cleary understands the modern game and modern player better than anyone”

It was genius as a thought bubble but I’m not sure the execution delivered.

And the curtain has certainly gone up on that Broadway show, with the media speculation around Cleary’s future intense over the last week and only likely to grow in the months ahead.

Timing wise, holding the announcement around Magic Round and State of Origin was perhaps also a shrewd piece of planning, knowing the rugby league media cycle’s focus would move on quickly.

But Cleary is the best coach of the modern era, with four Premiership rings on his fingers.

Nobody, not even the likes of Craig Bellamy or Wayne Bennett, have succeeded in creating a culture like the one Cleary has at

A club not only with an impressive cheque book but one that may match the lifestyle desires Cleary obviously wants to focus on.

There’s another factor in Cleary not being at Penrith in 2028 too.

As respected as he is at the footy club, Peter Wallace can only feel properly in charge of the team without Cleary there.

It’s a harsh reality.

It happens in business all the time. An owner of a company he or she has just sold stays on to help guide the new era, only to leave very quickly afterwards.

Cleary knows all-too-well the challenges of having someone interfering where he’s not wanted, given his relationship with Phil Gould at Penrith.

A lot of water will flow under the bridge in the next 18 months.

But if it does indeed come to fruition that Cleary has a role at the club in 2028, I’ll be shocked and surprised.

In fact I’d be surprised that Cleary would want to leave himself vulnerable to any sort of frosty or awkward exit.

This time, he gets to leave on his terms, as it should be.

This wonderful chapter at Penrith is nearing its conclusion. Its head writer may be leaving, but I reckon he’s got a couple of pretty special final paragraphs to deliver.

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

LOST IN AN INSTANT

Family’s heartache after father, son killed in horror head-on crash at Kemps Creek

TROY DODDS

The community is rallying behind a family devastated by the loss of a young father and his 15-month-old baby killed in a horror crash earlier this week.

25-year-old Jaiden Cuthbert and his 15-month-old son Malakai were killed in the accident at Kemps Creek on Monday night.

The crash happened at about 10.40pm on Monday night at the intersection of Mamre and Abbott Roads when a small sedan and a van collided head-on.

Jaiden Cuthbert was travelling in the sedan’s front passenger seat and died at the scene, while a 25-year-old woman named as ToriLee Black and 15-month-old Malakai in the sedan’s rear were critically injured.

They were taken by road ambulance to Westmead Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, respectively, suffering multiple injuries.

Malakai died some hours after arriving at hospital.

A 21-year-old learner-licence holder driving the sedan, and the driver of the van, a 45-yearold man, escaped with relatively minor injuries. Both men were taken to Liverpool Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.

“Police have been told immediately before the major impact, the sedan and a ute had

collided, before the sedan continued and was involved in the crash with the van,” a Police spokesperson said.

The driver of the ute escaped unharmed.

Jaiden’s brother Robert has set up a GoFundMe page to help fund upcoming funeral expenses.

room made our world brighter. To lose them both so suddenly feels unreal, unfair, and unbearably heavy.”

A second fundraiser on GoFundMe has also been launched by Tori-Lee Black’s family as she continues to fight for life in hospital.

“Tori is one of the most loving, caring and selfless people you could ever meet. She is an incredible mother who absolutely adored her little boy and always put her family first,” organiser Charmaine Bullock said.

“Jaiden was an amazing partner and father who loved Tori and Malakai with his whole heart. He quickly became such a big part of our family and was loved by everyone who

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The family at Christmas last year.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

Penrith: Man arrested carrying weapon on High Street

At 7.30am on Saturday, May 16 police were conducting patrols along High Street in Penrith. Police saw a 43-year-old Penrith man that they knew was wanted for an outstanding warrant. Police stopped and arrested the 43-year-old. While searching the man, police found a set of knuckle dusters.

The 43-year-old was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged with the warrant as well as ‘possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit’. The 43-year-old was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, May 25.

Jordan Springs: Man charged with mid-range drink driving

At 10.15am on Saturday, May 16 police were conducting stationary random breath testing on Jordan Springs Boulevard in Jordan Springs. Police directed a car into the site and had a conversation with the driver, a 47-yearold Penrith man.

The 47-year-old was submitted to a breath test that proved positive. The 47-year-old was arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station. The man then underwent a secondary breath analysis which returned a positive result of 0.099.

The 47-year-old’s licence was suspended on the spot and he was charged. The man will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 18.

Penrith: Man bail refused after stealing alcohol

At 11.10am on Saturday, May 16 a 37-yearold Redfern man went into an alcohol store inside a shopping centre in Penrith. The 37-year-old placed three bottles of alcohol into his backpack and left the store without paying.

Police were called and located the 37-yearold on Station Street in Penrith. The 37-yearold was stopped and searched with police finding the stolen alcohol.

The 37-year-old was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged. He was bail refused and appeared in Penrith Local Court yesterday.

Penrith: Man found carrying large quantity of drugs

At 3.55pm on Saturday, May 16 police were at a large shopping centre in Penrith when they heard a man’s voice screaming offensively. Police approached and stopped the 25-year-old Denistone man who was on the phone and appeared to be highly agitated.

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

Police spoke to the 25-year-old, and he told them that he was having a bad day. The man appeared to be extremely nervous and was shaking. Police asked the 25-year-old for his identification and he gave it. Police then asked the 25-year-old to supply his phone number, but he told police his phone was flat.

The 25-year-old and the numerous bags he was carrying were then searched. Located in the bags was a large resealable bag containing methylamphetamines, a large clear resealable bag containing a large amount of green coloured tablets, and numerous blister packs containing Lyrica, a prescription drug.

The 25-year-old was arrested and taken to St Marys Police Station where he was charged. He was bail refused and appeared in Penrith Local Court yesterday.

Penrith: Drunk driver crashes into restaurant, later arrested

At 4.44am on Monday, May 18 police were called to a takeaway restaurant in Glenmore Park after a car had crashed into a wall and began yelling at staff.

Police arrived and spoke with the driver, a 34-year-old Glenmore Park man. He was submitted to a breath test that returned positive.

The 34-year-old was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station for the purpose of a secondary breath analysis which returned a result of 0.095.

His licence was suspended on the spot and he was charged.

The 34-year-old will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 4.

Penrith: Teenage girl charged following assault

At 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 28, a 16-yearold girl and an 18-year-old man were travelling on a bus in Penrith, when they were approached by a group of teenagers, who assaulted them. The group of teenagers left the scene when the bus driver stopped the bus.

The 16-year-old girl suffered swelling and injuries to the left side of her face while the 18-year-old man had no visible injuries.

Following inquiries, at 3.40pm on Thursday, May 14 officers attached to the Police Transport Command were on a foot patrol in Penrith when they located a 17-year-old girl, who had assaulted the 16-year-old.

After a short foot pursuit, the 17-year-old was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where she was charged. She was refused bail and appeared before a Children’s Court on Friday, May 15.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE ADMIN OF A SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE?

The rapid rise of social media in the last two decades has meant that things like online bullying and the consequences of other online conduct has been bought into the spotlight requiring a response from the law.

In Australia, the law is continually evolving in this space. Currently however, administrators of Facebook pages, groups and other interactive social media pages must treat third-party comments as a legal risk, not merely user-generated material. The central principle is that a page administrator may be a “publisher” of comments posted by others where the administrator creates or operates the page, posts content and thereby facilitates or encourages public comments.

Defamation liability

The High Court in Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd v Voller confirmed that administrators of public Facebook pages can be publishers of third-party comments for defamation purposes, even if they did not write the comments and did not know they were defamatory when posted. The majority of judges in that case found that operating a public page and posting material that allowed comments was sufficient participation in the communication of those comments.

This principle is not confined to media companies. It is relevant to businesses, organisations, community pages and other public social media forums, and potentially to platforms beyond Facebook where public comments are enabled.

A business may therefore be sued if a third party posts a defamatory comment about an individual or corporation on the business’s page.

A claimant will still have to establish the usual elements of defamation, including publication, identification, defamatory meaning, and – under the reformed uniform defamation laws –serious harm. In NSW, a prospective plaintiff must generally issue a concerns notice before commencing proceedings, giving the publisher an opportunity to make amends.

Defences and recent reforms

Being a “publisher” does not automatically mean liability. Defences may be available,

including innocent dissemination, truth, honest opinion, privilege or public interest, depending on the facts.

Since 2024, NSW and other jurisdictions have introduced further digital intermediary reforms.

These may assist some administrators or online forum operators in defined circumstances, particularly where complaint-handling and prompt removal/access-prevention mechanisms are used. However, those protections do not remove the practical need for active moderation.

Other legal risks

Social media administrators may also face exposure under other laws. For example, misleading customer comments or testimonials left on a business page may create risk under the Australian Consumer Law if the business becomes aware of them and leaves them online. Offensive, discriminatory, vilifying, threatening or unlawful material may also attract regulatory, employment, platform or criminal consequences depending on the content.

As you can see, most of these types of behaviour are not social media or internet risks.

The risky conduct can and does occur just as frequently in “real-life”.

The law is adapting however to remove the veil of anonymity historically made possible by the internet.

Administrators should:

• monitor comments regularly;

• remove, hide or restrict defamatory, misleading or unlawful comments promptly;

• disable comments on high-risk posts where appropriate;

• maintain clear house rules and moderation policies;

• train staff with page access;

• preserve records of complaints, moderation decisions and removals.

In practical terms, a social media page cannot be treated as “set and forget”. Businesses obtain commercial benefit from public engagement and may bear legal consequences for content they facilitate.

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

Find

“Assault on aspiration:” Taylor goes on the attack

Rotten, shocker, fraud.

Three words used by a Federal Opposition well and truly on the attack in response to last week’s Federal Budget.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor along with his Deputy Leader Jane Hume and Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh congregated in Penrith on Tuesday morning to speak with a local couple, Ethan and Chrissi Sorensen, to hear firsthand the struggles they are facing in the housing market.

“They are Penrith renters and the house is up for sale, this house here which is a red brick three-bedroom home in South Penrith is on the market for over $1 million,” McIntosh said.

“Families like Chrissi and Ethan just can’t afford that. Ethan said himself that every time they try to get ahead, they hit another roadblock and their rent is about to go up even more.

“They are representative of every young couple across the country that just want to get ahead but under the Albanese Labor Government they are getting knocked at every step of the way.”

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the Budget last week with major changes to capital gains and negative gearing, leaving many worse off.

“Whether it’s increases to taxes or negative gearing, whether it is increases of the capital gains tax, whether it’s on family trusts –Australian families and small businesses are going to find themselves left behind,” Hume said.

“The pushback has been incredible, from the startup community, from small businesses, from families, and from people that are trying to save to get ahead. Everybody is being left behind by Labor’s intergenerational fraud.”

Taylor slammed the Budget, calling it “rotten” and saying it has taken away basic expectations of Australians.

“Owning a home has always been a centrepiece of this country, reward for effort has always been a centre of our economy, aspiration has always been the heart of the Australian story but what we are hearing, what I heard earlier today, is the assault on aspiration happening right now from Labor is undermining our way of life,” he said.

“We will not stand by and let this happen. We will be fighting it every inch of the way through the parliament and through to the next election because this cannot go on.”

Taylor invited the Prime Minister into western Sydney to hear from locals.

“The Prime Minister should be talking to small business people, to young families like Ethan and Chrissi and others like them all around this area,” Taylor said.

“He’s welcome to come to my electorate and hear the same stories, he’ll hear them. He’ll hear them wherever he goes because Australians are losing hope. Australians think the country is moving in the wrong direction.

“This is a Prime Minister with a tin ear, he hasn’t been listening, his budget is failing Australians. It is an absolute shocker of a budget...”

After meeting with Chrissi and Ethan, the trio chaired a business roundtable with 20 local business people.

EMILY CHATE

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jane Hume, Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh, Chrissi and Ethan Sorensen, and Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh, Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Jane Hume in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Services 4732 7777

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

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Monday 25 May – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via

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Council Briefs

Loved Penrith After Dark We are keeping the party going with delicious food every Thursday night in May at exciting venues in the Penrith CBD.

Get your thinking caps on for trivia at Mr Watkins, brush up on with live music at Theo’s Rooftop Bar.

Last chance to help shape Council’s plans for the year ahead

There’s still time for the community to have their say on Penrith City Council’s draft plans and fees and charges for the coming year, with the public exhibition closing Monday 25 May 2026. The exhibition includes the Draft 2025–29 Delivery Program, Draft 2026–27 Operational Plan and Draft 2026–27 Fees and Charges. These documents outline Council’s long-term commitments, as ahead and how they will be funded. These draft documents have been shaped by community feedback to date. This is your chance to review what’s proposed

You can view the documents online at Your Say Penrith or in or any Penrith City Library. Feedback can be submitted by:

• Email:

• Post: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2750 Learn more and have your say at:

Lunchtime Tunes is back!

your lunch break. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, listen to great music and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant public space. Grab takeaway from a nearby café or restaurant or bring your own lunch and unwind with a side of relaxing tunes.

For more information, visit

Rance Oval new storage facility is under construction Construction has begun on the new storage facility at Rance Oval. The work involves the demolition and removal of the existing building and constructing the new storage facility. Work is expected to be completed by September 2026, weather permitting.

Penrith City Council.

For more information, visit

cupboard prize

do you know where this picture was taken?

Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

WEEK’S ANSWER Ellison Reserve on John Oxley Avenue, Werrington.

amous for premium steaks and succulent ribs, Hurricane’s Grill & Bar is Australia’s favourite restaurant and bar for big, delicious eats, bringing satisfied (sometimes saucy!) smiles to diners across five different locations, including Narellan and Ryde.

While steaks and ribs are the go-to for most, the menu also features sensational seafood, bursting burgers, moreish pastas, colourful salads, and delightful desserts, along with great beers, wines and creative cocktails.

The concept was born when Pauline and Tony Teixeira opened the first Hurricane’s at Bondi Beach in 1995. Their dream was to create an inviting dining experience with a signature grilling style inspired by Tony’s traditional Portuguese heritage.

Hurricane’s Grill & Bar Top Ryde is a welcoming, contemporary steakhouse located in the Top Ryde City Shopping Centre’s outdoor dining precinct, ‘La Piazza’. With easy parking and an all-new leafy alfresco dining space and cosy indoors, it’s a great option for lunch and dinner yearround.

Address: Shop R 3006, Ground Level, Blaxland Road &, Devlin St, Ryde NSW 2112.

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 12pm-3pm/5pm-9pm. Friday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm/5pm10pm. Sunday: 12pm-9pm.

Hurricane’s Grill & Bar Narellan, located in Narellan Town Centre, is a popular spot for everything from casual drinks and lunch, to date nights and special occasions. With a spacious bar area, covered outdoor area, open kitchen, and an exclusive 30-guest private

dining room, it sets the scene for memorable dining with family and friends.

Address: 326 Camden Valley Way, Narellan NSW 2567. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm. Friday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm/5pm-10pm. Sunday: 12pm-9pm.

For more information or to book your next lunch or dinner, visit https://www.hurricanesgrillandbar.com.au. And make sure you come hungry!

The Weekender has five $500 vouchers to Hurricane’s to give away. For your chance to win one, visit https://bit.ly/win-hurricanes. Entries close Friday, June 5 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

my name: Piccolo my proud owner: Lynsey Mackay i live in: Jordan Springs

a bit about me: I’m a five-year-old Miniature Dachshund with two cat siblings and a turtle. I’m obsessed with food and I love to visit the beach. I’m also a bit of a celebrity; I’ve taken part in theatre shows at the Penrith Christmas Tree Lighting and at the Sydney Fringe Festival.

Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

I told you so, says defiant Councillor

Just two weeks after advocating to ease restrictions on roadside maintenance in Penrith, Councillor Glenn Gardiner stands amid the scorched earth of a ‘purple pole’ area.

Purple poles are placed around Penrith in areas that are considered to have a high-conservation value.

If a marker is placed somewhere then maintenance of the area must stop inclusive of mowing, spraying pesticides, or weeding.

At a recent Ordinary Meeting of Penrith City Council, Gardiner proposed changes for how purple poles are installed across the Penrith Local Government Area.

Currently, the markers are placed on a merit basis, guided by Council’s Roadside Vegetation Management

Plan (RVMP) and supported by a site-specific Review of Environmental Factors.

Gardiner proposed to re-evaluate the balance of conserving the natural environment and limiting the impact on the human environment by the RVMP only being implemented where the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has declared the area to be of high biodiversity value and included in the Biodiversity Values Map.

The proposed changes were not supported in chambers leaving Gardiner concerned for the risk unmaintained vegetation has in the area, particularly rural areas.

“I don’t think it’s understood well enough how easily fires spread,” he reflected.

“The simplest thing that can be

done is keep the grass short and maintain the vegetation.”

On Wednesday, May 6 more than 30 firefighters responded to a crash in Londonderry at the intersection of Carrington and Bowman Roads where an LPG tanker had caught alight.

A grass fire also ignited as a result of the crash.

“To see the fire the day after the story was published and a [few] weeks after I was in Council advocating for safety provisions to be included [was disappointing],” Gardiner said.

“The outcome could have been very different.”

Standing amid the ash left from the fire, Gardiner warned that the fire would not be the last or the least devastating one.

“We need to be careful about

striking the right balance between conserving nature and creating an environment that’s safe and suitable for humans,” Gardiner said.

“I think we’ve crossed the line

where we’re now putting sections of environmental conservation that may or may not have a big impact in front of human safety. I don’t think that’s a wise thing to do.”

Penrith City Councillor Glenn Gardiner. Photo: Melinda Jane.

New airport could open door for new player in the skies

Could Zinc be Australia’s newest airline?

Aproposed new low budget airline would bring ticket prices down across Australia’s busiest aviation routes, but faces immense challenges from existing players, experts say.

Former Qantas executive, Peter Kelly is hoping to bring to bear his decades of experience to turn planned new airline, Zinc into a much cheaper alternative for passengers.

Modelled on British ultra low budget carrier Ryanair, Zinc is proposing to offer the cheapest domestic tickets, initially between the “Golden Triangle” of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and later adding Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Despite the inevitable challenges, Kelly

says the new Western Sydney International Airport presents the opportunity for a high enough volume of flights to be viable.

The domestic market was previously impeded by a limited number of “slots” available for flights through Sydney’s existing Kingsford Smith Airport, which he said were largely taken up by the incumbent airlines.

Professor Rico Merkert, an aviation industry expert from Sydney University, said an ultra-low budget airline like Zinc has the potential to bring ticket prices down.

“For customers it would be great. More competition means lower prices,” Merkert told AAP.

He said low-budget subsidiary of Kelly’s former employer, Jetstar, will push back against another competitor in the market.

puzzle

Wilson Parking Australia will oversee car park management at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

Wilson will manage all four of WSI’s car parks and associated holding areas, helping deliver a smooth, integrated parking experience for passengers, visitors and airport staff from day one of operations later this year.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the appointment reflects the airport’s commitment to delivering a customer-focused experience across every stage of the passenger journey.

“From the moment passengers arrive at Western

Sydney International, we want their experience to be simple, stress-free and efficient,” he said.

“Wilson Parking’s long track record of managing airport parking across Australia and New Zealand makes them a strong and experienced partner that we’re pleased to welcome to WSI as we prepare to launch our inaugural passenger services, later this year.”

Stephan Wuffli, CEO of Wilson Parking Australia, said the business was delighted to join Western Sydney International, Australia’s newest airport.

“We’re proud to partner with Western Sydney International. Leveraging our

market-leading operational and management capabilities, we look forward to delivering a seamless parking and ground transport experience that supports the airport’s long-term growth and creates a world-class passenger journey,” Wuffli said.

“This appointment is a significant milestone for Wilson Parking and reflects our deep airport experience and operational capability. We’re excited to help passengers start and end their travel journey with a smooth parking experience from day one.”

WSI has more than 6,000 car spaces encompassing long and short-term parking.

Wilson Parking will manage parking at the new airport.

DUNCAN MURRAY, AAP

Arts future in safe hands with new CEO

Toby Chapman has been locked in to lead Penrith’s burgeoning arts scene, confirmed as the CEO and Artistic Director of Penrith Performing & Visual Arts (PP&VA).

The PPVA Board confirmed his appointment on Wednesday. He had been serving as interim CEO.

“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO, with the addition of Artistic Director to the title,” Chapman said.

“It signals that our business decisions and our artistic programming are integral to one another, not separate.”

Chapman has been an integral member of PP&VA since 2020, most notably as Director of Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery, where

mostly recently he led the team to great acclaim presenting landmark exhibitions including the ‘25th Biennale of Sydney: Rememory’, ‘The Pool Show’ and ‘Blak Douglas: The Halfway Line’.

The PP&VA oversees the Penrith Regional Gallery, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the Q Theatre.

Chapman will now lead the programming and development of those venues as Penrith continues to find its feet in the arts world.

“Penrith and western Sydney are on the cusp of a major transformation, and I am committed to ensuring that arts and culture are central to it,” Chapman said.

“My time as Director of Lewers was defined by our team’s efforts to ensure that all visitors and communities felt welcome and

engaged with the arts. It was vitally important to us that they could see themselves reflected in what they saw and participated in at the Gallery.

“This new role offers an opportunity to apply that same principle organisation-wide. To ensure that every time someone walks through our doors, they encounter something that is genuinely for them.”

While Penrith may be on the map as a result of sporting success over the years, it has a strong arts scene that has always played an integral role in the city.

PP&VA Chairperson Dale Maxwell-Smith said the appointment of Chapman would ensure that presence continues to grow.

“The Board is looking forward to working closely with Toby on this exciting new chapter for the organ-

isation,” Maxwell-Smith said.

“We are focused on providing opportunities for high quality artistic engagement and participation that reflects the diversity of our community. We are thrilled to

y: Unit 4, 88 Batt St, Jamisontown: 8am - 4:30pm Sat: 9am -1pm (Winter hours)

appoint Toby to lead the talented and dedicated staff across all our art forms at Penrith Performing & Visual Arts.”

The appointment is with immediate effect.

TROY DODDS

Toby Chapman is the new CEO and Artistic Director PP&VA.

BUILDING MORE TRADIES

Kingswood TAFE to become Centre of Excellence with focus on construction

The Institute of Applied Technology – Construction at Kingswood TAFE will become a TAFE Centre of Excellence after an $11 million investment by the Federal and State Governments.

The centre will work with industry and universities to develop a firstof-its-kind Higher Apprenticeship in Construction, creating a new pathway that combines hands-on training with higher-level qualifications.

“Our government committed to rebuilding TAFE, and I think the delivery of this centre of excellence just builds on that,” Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said.

“It’s so good that we’ve got such a young population of booming tradies being able to access the skills and the education that they need locally to grow our own tradies.”

The centre will skill and upskill workers in construction by delivering hands-on construction training, support the National Housing Accord through upskilling and reskilling, collaborate with the NSW Building Commission to deliver

tailored industry training, and will address net zero and sustainable building practices through training in modern methods of construction.

From yesterday, workers across the industry can also access two new fee-free micro skills which are short, practical online courses.

The micro skills will give tradies and supervisors across Australia access to training in leadership and workplace culture, joining a growing suite of fee-free micro skills covering areas such as digital capability, sustainability, project management and Building Information Modelling.

“This facility will help us to not only train the new people coming into the industry and giving them opportunities but also to help people who might be able to transition into the industry, get recognition for their skills or who have been in the

industry for a while and who will get additional skills in things like modern methods of construction, or new techniques that are developing in the industry,” NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said.

This centre marks the establishment of the 20th and final nationally networked TAFE Centre of Excellence under the National Skills Agreement, a five-year agreement between the Commonwealth and the states focused on building the skilled workforce.

Over the next two years, the centre is expected to deliver over 20,000 enrolments across micro skills and micro credentials via online and in-person training.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles was proud to deliver the final centre.

“We can’t build more homes without more construction workers. That’s why we’re improving training capability to support growing the workforce,” Giles said.

“This TAFE Centre of Excellence will offer students and apprentices cutting-edge skills and align with industry needs for workers to more easily access opportunities.”

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, Senator Tony Sheldon, Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan and Penrith City Councillor Hollie McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Bikers join international fundraiser

Last Saturday, non-profit organisation Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) participated in the 100 Mile Ride, starting at Harley-Heaven Penrith and finishing at Grey Gums Café.

The New South Wales Chapter President told the Weekender the ride is an annual major fundraising event.

“It cost $25 to be part of the ride and participants got a raffle ticket. We had about 10 donated prizes to hand out at Grey Gums,” Preacher said, using his road name. “90 per cent of the money we raise

goes towards our children. The chapter has to take a little bit to keep afloat and pay for flyers and equipment that we need, but no one gets paid, we’re all in volunteer positions and we all have Working with Children Checks.”

36 people participated in the fundraiser last weekend – joining motorbike riders around the world.

“The ride is an international event.

100 per cent of chapters around the world used to ride on the same day, but certain countries had difficulties with weather. It’s a bit hard for some of the American or European countries to ride in the snow,” Preacher explained.

“So, if you can ride on May 16 then you ride on May 16, but if you can’t, then just make sure you ride in that calendar year to raise awareness in your area.”

This event ensures the organisation can continue supporting vulnerable children.

“If we get a phone call from a guardian or a carer requiring assistance for a young person in an abuse case or abuse situation that has been notified to an authority –whether it’s through the police, the

courts or counsellors – we will take that young person on as long as they tick the boxes that we have to abide by,” he explained.

“From there, we ask them to come into the family, which we class as Level One. If they agree, the young person will get a little vest with some patches on it and a teddy bear which we all give a loving hug to before passing it to them.

“If they need to go to court, we will escort them and attend court with them. We will either sit with them or sit outside and wait.”

Children are also provided with two primary carers within the organisation who act as contact people.

“I’ve been in BACA for over 16 years, and I’ve been president on and off within those 16 years,” Preacher said.

“We are not a social club; we have a single narrow focus and that is to empower a child to not feel afraid. We live by our mission, and our mission statement hasn’t changed in 30 years.”

The hero on a Harley said members never make promises to children that they cannot keep.

“When they first meet you, they are a bit fearful and standoffish, but within a couple of meetings and rides, you see how much these kids have opened up because they feel safe and secure,” Preacher said.

The group currently meets in Campbelltown on the second Sunday of every month, but are considering moving towards Penrith in the next couple of months.

Lifetime of volunteering

Kevin Douglass was giving back to the Penrith community right up until his final days. The loving father and husband, avid Panthers fan, and enthusiastic volunteer passed away on May 8, leaving a lifetime of impact in his wake.

“He passed away at the age of 83, but for the last 57 years he’s been part of the Lions Club,” said his daughter Sharon Hubble.

The Lions Club is a volunteer organisation that raises funds for worthy causes in the community.

“He started with the St Marys Lions Club, and when that folded about seven or eight years ago, he amalgamated with Penrith Lions Club. He’s been the treasurer for the whole 57 years,” she said.

“He started when he was around 25 to 30-years-old while he was working for the local bank, and from that he developed a love of doing charity work and community work.

The father of two and grandfather of seven was also involved in his local church.

“He has been going to St Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church since he was around 25,” Hubble said.

“We live down in Wollongong, and

“He continued right up until we were sitting in his bed while he was not well writing the report that was due on the Monday for the Lions Club administration account.”

there were a few times when he was down at the beach and would say,

‘I’ve got to go and close the windows, collect the money, collect the plates and deliver that to Father Joe’.

“He would take off and make sure he got back to Penrith for his commitment to the church.”

Kevin bought a house in Penrith

with his wife Lorraine when he was 21-years-old.

“His parents weren’t able to own their own home, and one of the main things he wanted to do as a husband and father was provide a beautiful family home in Penrith for us,” Hubble explained.

“We grew up on Jamison Road in

Penrith and then they built their South Penrith house 45 years ago.

“He was dedicated to making sure we had food on the table and an annual holiday up to Forster for four weeks of every year. He always made sure we had a good life.”

Kevin Douglass is remembered as funny, dedicated and reliable.

The 100 Mile Ride went smoothly last weekend.

The group’s logo.

ALLY HALL

Kevin was presented his 50 Years Service Medal in 2021 for his 52 years of service to Lions Club.

Kevin began volunteering in his 20s. Kevin and his wife Lorraine.

ALLY HALL

Is a text worth risking your life?

In the middle of National Road Safety Week (NRSW), new data is showing that despite drivers acknowledging the dangers of mobile phone use, they continue to check notifications at red lights.

Ahead of NRSW, a National Driving Behaviour report was commissioned which revealed 92 per cent of Australian drivers agree mobile phone use while driving is dangerous.

Also revealed in the report was that 50 per cent of Gen Z drivers and 40 per cent of Millennials admitted to taking photos or videos while driving and 63 per cent of Gen Z drivers and 52 per cent of Millennials read texts at red lights.

These statistics inform the theme for National Road Safety Week –

Distraction – with President of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and Founder of National Road Safety Week Peter Frazer saying it is about more than just avoiding mobile phone use.

“This research shows that awareness campaigns alone aren’t working for younger drivers,” Frazer explained.

“We are asking all drivers to choose to put down their phones, clear their minds, and give the road the full attention it demands.

“Distraction costs lives, and our only job at the wheel is to actively protect everyone on the road ahead. That is a choice we can all make, because everyone has a right to get home safe, every day, with no exceptions.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, joined Frazer

on the Great Western Highway to talk about new research commissioned for National Road Safety Week.

“This important research shows that distractions can come from a range of sources, including eating, having arguments with passengers, singing and dancing along to music,” Templeman said.

“But I was shocked at how many of those surveyed knew that mobile phone use was dangerous yet admitted to checking their notifications or reading texts at traffic lights, especially younger drivers.”

This National Road Safety Week iconic landmarks, bridges and roads across Australia will light up in yellow to remember those lost on the roads, and to serve as an awareness message.

DIGITAL

Federal MP for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, at the Great Western Highway with National Road Safety Week Founder, Peter Frazer.

PUTTING SAFETY FIRST

Local students to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday

ALLY HALL

Primary school students across Penrith will be practicing healthy habits and learning road safety rules tomorrow as part of National Walk Safely to School Day.

One of the participating schools will be Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in St Marys.

“We promoted Walk Safely to School Day at our assembly at the start of the week and sent out a message to encourage parents to be part of it,” said teacher Teresa Wakeling.

“Parents can park a block or two away so they can walk with their child to school.

“We’re trying to promote the importance of road rules and the important role that walking to school plays in fitness and mental health – especially before children start school.”

When it comes to road safety, one of the main messages is ‘STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. THINK.’

“We want students to understand the importance of road safety, including holding an adult’s hand,” Wakeling explained.

“That is especially important for children under the age of 10 because they don’t have the cognitive ability to safely judge traffic on their own.

“We have a busy road nearby, so it’s important that children are aware of that,” she said, regarding Mamre Road.

Year 4 student Rowan is excited for National Walk Safely to School Day.

“Mum parks across the road in the afternoons and we walk across the road,” he said about his family’s existing efforts to get their steps in.

Year 5 student Jacob is also eager to get involved.

“I walked to school one time,” Jacob said.

The two students already know a lot about road safety.

“Even if the man on the light across the road is green, if a car is still going, you don’t cross just in case,” Rowan advised.

“You have to wait for the lollipop lady to stop the cars so you can cross the road,” Jacob shared.

Keep an eye out for foot traffic on Friday as students, parents and teachers across the region switch their cars for their walking shoes.

DEAR WEEKENDER

NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Thanks to hospital

I would like to publicly express my sincere thanks to the Nepean Hospital ICU medical team who cared for my brother, Terry, on Thursday, May 7 2026. Sadly, the outcome was not to have a happy ending as the shining light of our family passed away early Friday morning. Dr Ben and his team performed above and beyond in their attempts to keep Terry with us. Their professionalism, dedication and the compassion shown to us in the most heartbreaking of circumstances is so appreciated by my family. We felt so supported by Dr Ben and his team and can’t think them enough for the care Terry received.

WENDY CIRCOSTA, VIA EMAIL

Ivan calls it quits

So much in life to enjoy before time catches up (It’s time, Weekender May 14). Wise move from a bloke that has nothing to prove. Family time is the most important thing in life. Enjoy life and thank you for the memories.

AYE MARSHY, VIA FACEBOOK

Budget blues

There’s not much in the Budget other than increases to taxes. Yes there is increases to infrastructure but there will be less houses built, risks less rental due to CGT changes. I query the assumption that rents will only increase by $2… can we trust the govt? Will the Budget savings reduce pressure on the RBA to raise rates – unlikely – that will put more pressure on households At least there

is more money being spent on putting more medicines on the PBS.

ANDREW COMPTON, VIA FACEBOOK

Labor pains

No politician or party is perfect but Labor will always be second last on my card followed by the Greens. I don’t know what frustrates me more – Labor or the people that actually vote for them. Never has a party showing the level of arrogance that the current government has. Now that they have the power, their agenda is first and Australians are dead last.

BRAD CAMPBELL, VIA FACEBOOK

Cancel culture alive and well Brilliantly written column this week from the Editor (Weekender May 14). Cancel culture is only getting worse now that celebrities or anyone with a profile is aware of how careful they need to be. Everything is too curated. I didn’t give a second thought to who my favourite movie and TV stars of the 1990s voted for or what their political views were. Now it’s almost like they are pressured to follow what is seen as the “correct” issues of the modern woke world.

STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

Naughty dog owners

I have taken up walking lately for my health and am shocked at the number of people who walk their dogs without leads. How idiotic and dangerous.

BILL STUBBS, PENRITH

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

Constable L. Buttigieg and teacher Teresa Wakeling teach students about National Walk Safely to School Day.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Blaxland

McDonald's

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

Plus Pharmacy

Raygal Landscape & Nursery Supplies

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 lenbrook

Glenbrook Newsagency

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's Glenmore Park

McDonald’s Mulgoa Rise

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Abel Street C afé

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Takeaway

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen –

(Penrith Homemaker)

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

Taproom On Tench

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t

IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Little Bottler

MFC Food Stores

Old Mt Druitt

RM Newsagency

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Atmosphere Gym

Ca fé Fre d

Au stralian Arms

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hog's Bre ath C afé

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 Hotel

Penrith Markets (Thursdays)

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

Wingsto p

World Gym

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

Students find the true meaning of family

TAILA WARD

To mark International Day of Families on May 15, Cambridge Gardens Public School hosted a special celebration.

Assistant Principal Casey Hetherington told the Weekender the day was all about creating a sense of unity.

“International Family Day is about recognising the value in belonging and the potential to learn from one another,” Hetherington said.

“It’s not only about celebrating the diversity of families in our local community, but it’s also about the community we have in our school and coming together as one.”

In recent years, Cambridge Gardens Public School has moved away from traditional events like Mother’s Day to create a more inclusive environment and recognise diverse family structures.

“Families come in all different dynamics. For us as teaching staff, it’s important that we understand where our kids are coming from and that we know their families because

each child has different needs,” Hetherington explained.

“There are many families that are still new to the area and still trying to find a sense of belonging in the community.

“Events like this bring everyone

together and foster that connection.”

The celebration featured a range of activities designed to bring families together, including a LEGO play area, bracelet making, yarning circles, and a collaborative art

project.

Families also had the chance to connect with representatives from Penrith City Council, Llandilo’s Rural Fire Service, Big Bash League team the Sydney Thunder, and KARI Australia.

The school’s P&C President Belinda Adams said the event offered families valuable time to spend with their children.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to be able to show their families what they do at school. The staff put in a lot of effort for us and we really appreciate it,” Adams noted.

“We have a lot of students from our school that don’t necessarily have mums or dads, so it’s great for everyone to be included.”

Year 6 student Florence said the best part of her day was spending time with her mum.

“I’ve learned that family is about togetherness, protection, and feeling safe,” the student said.

With many more celebrations of International Day of Families to come, Assistant Principal Casey Hetherington hopes that all participants left with a clear sense of belonging.

“I think our community is so beautiful and accepting of difference. Today it’s just about strengthening that message,” she said.

P&C President Belinda Adams with her son Jack. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Siobhan and Florence. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Giving history a voice

One creative local is encouraging people to take a walk through time and experience the day in the life of a woman from history.

Longtime Leonay resident Cathy Krimmer has recently launched a podcast, ‘Walks in time’, which aims to bring overlooked women from history into the spotlight.

“It’s about putting yourself in the shoes of women who lived at a time point in history and really immersing yourself in a day in their life,” Krimmer explained.

“You start from when they first woke up, the first things they saw, what clothes they put on, what food they had for breakfast, when they stepped outside, what the architecture was like, and then the things that filled their day, and also the barriers they faced.

“I found when researching these women, it was really interesting to see what their life was like and what challenges that they needed to conquer.”

Of the seven episodes currently available, listeners can immerse themselves in the life of an ancient Egyptian doctor; a woman during the Great Depression; a mother awaiting news of her son during WWI; the wife of a trans-Atlantic salve trade abolitionist William Wilberforce; Elizabeth Blackwell, who was the first woman to be admitted into medical school in America; sister of the Wright brothers Katharine; as well as 19th century pianist and composer Clara Schumann.

“Clara Schumann is this amazing female

composer and pianist, I’ve known about her for years because I’m also a musician, so it was really interesting reading into her story,” Krimmer said.

“For her, I looked at a whole lot of primary sources. She kept all these diaries with her husband for the first three years of their marriage, every day they would write in this diary… I was able to really hear her voice

when I was reading through them.”

The podcast began as a creative side project for Krimmer, but she said it has become a way to promote empathy and understanding for others.

“It’s interesting to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to have that empathy,”

Krimmer explained.

“I think a lot of people, particularly women,

are so in their own headspace and their own bubble and they may feel like life is getting them down but to actually think about what women in previous generations have gone through to have what we have today [is helpful].

“I think that’s something that they can benefit from thinking about and changing their perspective a little bit.”

Cathy Krimmer working on the latest episode of her podcast. EMILY

MKR FEEDS THE NEED

Leftovers with love: How a reality TV show is cooking up kindness in Penrith

ALLY HALL

Reality TV show ‘My Kitchen Rules’ (MKR) not only entertains Australians and Penrith locals through their television screens – it also fills the pantry at Mama Lana’s Community Foundation and the fridges in disadvantaged homes across the Nepean region for two weeks.

The Weekender walked into Mama Lana’s kitchen last week while volunteers were preparing vegetable pasta with the donated produce.

“They have been donating their leftovers to us for about four or five years now,” said Lana Borg, the director of Mama Lana’s.

“They do the filming at the studio before the episodes go to air, and once they finish filming, they have so much food leftover – vegetables, salad, dairy, and some meat as well. We get to pick up the leftovers over two weeks.”

After their first round of MKR leftovers for 2026, Lana told the Weekender the quality of the food was fantastic.

“We picked up food on Friday, May 8, and until the next Tuesday night, the whole back was full of salad and

veggies for people to take,” Lana said.

“We kept enough to cook meals for Mama Lana’s which we will use over two weeks. All the dairy that comes in the next pickup will go as giveaways.”

Food is not the only form of left-

overs that makes its way to local charity.

“They even donate their saucepans, frypans, and deep fryers,” she said.

“The number of frypans we got last year was incredible. We got to use what we needed for Mama

“The people there are so lovely,” Lana said.

Lana’s, and we gave the rest away to people.”

The partnership began when a crew member on the set of MKR reached out to a volunteer.

Since then, the relationship between the TV show and the charity has blossomed.

“There are a couple of them who live out this way, and they can’t wait to come in here and see what we do with the donated produce – and even what we do on a regular basis.

“At the end of filming, the team at ‘My Kitchen Rules’ has a copy of our QR code, and all the staff that work on the show use it to donate to us.”

Chris Smith Across Australia 9am - 12 Noon

Mama Lana’s team of volunteers cooked up a storm with MKR leftovers. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Mama Lana’s team of volunteers cooked up a storm with MKR leftovers. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Tea, treats and a good cause

On May 29, a group of ladies will turn the inside of Penrith Baptist Church into a fundraising hotspot with the Craft Circle’s Biggest Morning Tea.

The Craft Circle began around 15 years ago as a way for women to socialise and pursue creative hobbies.

“People can bring their own knitting or crochet or whatever they want to do,” explained Shirley Jenkins, one of the group’s leaders.

Many of the women join forces to do charity work to help those doing it tough.

“At the beginning of the year, we made 300 library bags for disadvantaged kids in our schools. That was to help the Our Community Cares group who were putting a backpack

together with all sorts of school needs,” Jenkins said.

“Some of the ladies’ crochet beanies for the homeless in winter and make blankets for the neonatal emergency transport services.”

The group also create patchwork quilts to auction at their Biggest Morning Tea – an annual fundraiser to raise money for cancer research.

“We’ll also have a lovely morning tea, as well as games and competitions where people can win prizes,” she said.

“Some of the guessing games will be ‘Guess the weight of the pumpkin’, ‘Guess the value of the hamper’, and ‘Guess the number of lollies in the jar’. It’s $5 to get into our Biggest Morning Tea, but we hope people will bring lots of gold coins to use for these guessing games so that we can raise money.

“We’ve been doing this for nine years now, and each year we get more people attending and we raise more money.”

Last year the Craft Circle raised over $3,000 – a proud achievement for a group of women who have all been touched by cancer.

“I had malignant melanoma removed about 35 years ago, and I also had breast cancer,” Jenkins shared.

“Not only that, but I lost my mum to leukemia, and two of my brothers died from leukemia as well. I’ll be busy on the day of the fundraiser, but I’ll certainly think of them beforehand.

“We’ve also had a few ladies from our Craft Circle die from cancer. So, we really feel that we need to do something – whatever little thing we can do, we will.”

Visit Penrith Baptist Church on Friday, May 29 from 10am to 12pm to take part in the Craft Circle’s

Biggest Morning Tea and help raise funds that bring the world closer to a cancer-free future.

ALLY HALL

Ruth Marshall and Shirley Jenkins. Photo: Melinda Jane.

STARS OF OUR CITY

We celebrate local volunteers and their contribution to the community

Thousands of volunteers across Penrith are ensuring locals in need are supported.

This National Volunteer Week, the Weekender spoke with five local volunteers about why they choose to spend their spare time helping others.

“I volunteer because it’s healthy to get out there and do things that make a difference,” said Rose McGovern, a volunteer at Vinnies’ Penrith Mega Store.

“Before I started volunteering, I looked at all the things that Vinnies does – the amount of help they provide and how easily accessible they are. When I started volunteering here, I wanted to see how it goes, and I noticed the way volunteers communicate with people –no one looks down at anyone.”

One memorable moment for the volunteer occurred while the local Vinnies was still at Kingswood.

“A gentleman came in with a worker from another organisation and he needed food. Being a retail organisation, we couldn’t help him, but I gave him the details for where he needed to go,” she recounted.

“He was really grateful, and he came back a few days later to say thank you.”

Another vital service is Penrith Community Kitchen, where Cathy Craig has been volunteering for over 30 years.

“My youngest son went off to high school 33 years ago, and I realised I needed to do something with myself,” Craig said.

“The Community Kitchen had a note in the paper, so that’s where I started, and I ended up being a coordinator and I’ve been here ever since.

“It’s about caring and giving, but it’s also about receiving. I receive by working with these great ladies.”

In addition to feeling fulfilled for providing hot meals to community members and school students, Craig said volunteering is also good for self-esteem.

community in a range of ways for 49 years,” said director Andrew Paech.

“Since 1977, we’ve been a volunteer driven local charity. We simply would not exist without volunteers.

“By being others-focused, serving the community, and helping people in need, volunteers benefit with the knowledge that they help people who are less fortunate than themselves.”

One of those volunteers is Randolph West, who said volunteering gives him a good feeling.

“I know at the end of the day, I’ve done something good for someone else,” he said.

“When I left work, that was the first thing I thought about, and since then, I’ve volunteered for 19 years and enjoyed every bit of it.”

Donna Veenendaal also began volunteering after she stopped working.

“Years ago, I had to stop working because I got sick, but I didn’t like just staying home. Then I found out about WestCare,” she said.

“I get a disability pension, and now I feel like I’m actually working for it.”

Fellow volunteer Brian Allanson has been volunteering for over 20 years and has seen a lot in his time.

“Some of the things I see breaks my heart – but also opens my heart. When I see ladies who have experienced domestic violence and their faces are battered, knowing that I can do something small to help them is so rewarding,” he said.

“I’ve met a lot of ladies that start volunteering here with low self-esteem; two in particular were young single mums,” she said.

“After getting employment, they came back to say thank you and that working in this team environment with this bunch of girls gave them the confidence to move into employment.”

Also giving volunteers confidence is WestCare Community Services, a well known charity in Penrith.

“WestCare has been servicing the Penrith

“We’re also tied up with so many different organisations. At the hospital, they can’t afford to buy toothpaste for their patients, and that’s where WestCare comes in with simple Care Kit packs.

“It’s all an expense to us, but we do it because we want to be there and we want to help everybody as much as we can.”

The Weekender would like to issue a huge thank you to volunteers across Penrith this National Volunteer Week. And if you can, why not join them?

Penrith Community Kitchen. Photo: Melinda Jane.

WestCare has been helping locals since the 1970s. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Rose McGovern. Photo: Melinda Jane.

ALLY HALL

Panthers reveal tribute to icon

Event

The design honours Farragher’s enduring legacy, proudly displaying his name and Panther number on the chest.

The Panthers team will wear this jersey in Round 27 during the club’s final home game at CommBank Stadium.

The club will invite all former players to the game as part of the 60th season celebrations for the clash against Wests Tigers on Sunday, September 6. Farragher became confined to a wheelchair following an on-field accident in 1978, and would go on to become an icon of Penrith, and a beloved local character.

TAKING THE CAKE

Community gets behind VIEW Club’s annual fundraiser

The local community has showed its generous support for Nepean Evening VIEW Club’s annual Mother’s Day Cake Stall.

Over $1000 was raised on Saturday, May 9 at Bunnings North Penrith.

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a leading women’s organisation with over 13,000 members in close to 260 communities across Australia, all dedicated to supporting children in need with their education through The Smith Family.

VIEW Clubs are the largest community sponsors of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life students. VIEW supports the educational outcomes of more than 1840 disadvantaged Australian children and young people.

Nepean-Evening VIEW Club President, Fran McDaid, said volunteering through the VIEW organisation is immensely satisfying but it is made more fulfilling when so many members of the community join in the group’s fundraising efforts.

“We are always looking for

women to join us in supporting The Smith Family and we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch and come along to our next meeting to learn more about VIEW,” she said.

“We help The Smith Family

make tremendous change by giving children the best start in life through a quality education.

“Last year alone, the charity’s educational and mentoring programs reached over 186,499

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Road safety a priority in Penrith

This week is National Road Safety Week – an annual campaign to raise road safety awareness and encourage safe behaviours for all road users.

Crashes and road trauma results in around 1,300 lives lost and more than 40,000 people seriously injured in Australia every year. In Penrith, the most recent Transport for NSW data shows we tragically had 26 fatalities and 449 serious injuries between July 2020 and June 2025.

Behind these numbers, I feel for the families and friends forever impacted by the loss and injury of loved ones.

We all play a part in keeping Penrith’s roads safe and Council is supporting this nationwide campaign in different ways. Awareness and education are key so this week we’ve turned the Civic Centre yellow for the cause, while 20 of our waste collection trucks are sporting yellow ribbons to raise awareness and encourage road safety champions.

Early education underpins change and our Penrith Library branches are all holding Story Time sessions focused on road safety for our youngest residents this week.

Council is committed to improving road safety year-round and we continue to deliver road upgrades across the City.

children and young people across the country.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Nepean-Evening VIEW Club, email nepeanview@ gmail.com or visit www.view. org.au.

Priorities are informed by evidence and our own investigations and monitoring as well as community concerns.

We continue to strongly advocate to other levels of government for better infrastructure for our growing City. Earlier this year, we secured nearly $2.4 million under the Australian Government Black Spot Funding Program.

This is a win for Penrith as the money will fully fund significant safety upgrades at five intersections across the City, in Oxley Park, Penrith, Llandilo, Cranebrook and Werrington.

The upgrades include traffic calming measures, lighting and other safety features.

Council recently completed an important upgrade along Christie Street in St Marys, also funded by the Black Spot Program.

We continue to deliver projects in other areas across our City, in line with our Operational Plan and four-year Delivery Program, that reflect the changing needs and aspirations of our community.

To find out more, visit www.roadsafetyweek.com.au and https://penrith.city/ roadsafety.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

The Nepean Evening VIEW Club’s Mother’s Day Cake Stall.

The Penrith Panthers have unveiled a 2026 Special

Jersey, a replica of the iconic 1978 jersey worn by the late Panthers great John Farragher OAM in his final game for the club.

Mitch Kenny in the jersey.

Royce residents get chance to chat with local police Jade Health Group opens new facilities in Penrith

Local residents and NSW Police came together for relaxed and meaningful conversations at a recent Coffee with a Cop event held at Cafe Royce located in the Panthers Precinct.

The community-focused initiative welcomed local residents who joined police officers over coffee to discuss local issues, ask questions and strengthen connections in an informal setting.

Senior Constable Colin Mitchell and fellow officers spent the morning speaking with locals about a range of community concerns, while encouraging open and respectful dialogue.

“We had a good time speaking with the residents and of course listened to their concerns,” he said.

Held in the welcoming atmosphere of Cafe Royce, the event provided an approachable environment where community members could engage directly with police in a casual, face-to-face setting.

Panthers Penrith said it was proud to support initiatives that help strengthen relationships within the local community.

“We loved hosting Coffee with a Cop at Cafe Royce and it was great to see so many locals come together for a cuppa and a chat,” Jason Stone, Panthers Penrith General Manager said.

Coffee with a Cop is designed to encourage stronger relationships between police and the communities they serve through simple, open conversations that build trust, understanding and collaboration.

The Jade Health Group has officially celebrated the grand opening of its new, premier facility on Coombes Drive, Penrith.

The relocation marks a major milestone in the group’s mission to provide inclusive, specialised support for individuals of all abilities, combining physical wellness and education under one roof.

The centre was officially opened by State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, who participated in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During the event, McKeown spoke with Directors Steve and Monica Squassoni about the centre’s dedicated focus on mind, body, and soul, praising the integration of specialised educational support alongside traditional health services.

The custom-designed facility allows for a significant expansion of The Jade Health Group’s signature Fitness & FUNctional Movement programs. With increased floor space and specialised equipment, the centre now offers a wider variety of

classes focused on building strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive, enjoyable environment.

“Our growth is a direct response to the needs of our families,” said Steve Squassoni.

“By combining a custombuilt fitness space with expanded clinical, therapeutic, and educational resources, we are creating a true hub where movement and mind meet.”

The Jade Health Group provides holistic and inclusive health, fitness and educational services.

Senior Constable Colin Mitchell (Crime Prevention Officer) talking to residents at The Royce.

Steve Squassoni and Karen McKeown at the Jade Health Group’s opening last weekend.

Δ Burger shop closes: Fat Jaks at Nepean Village has closed its doors. A liquidator was appointed to the lease-holding entity for the shop, and the landlord took possession of the premises earlier this month. This resulted in the franchisee operating Fat Jaks needing to vacate the premises. No word yet on if the business will return in some capacity.

Δ Great bites at Squinters: Squinters Brewery in Penrith has launched its Sunset Kitchen, operating every Friday in May. Grab a $15 Baoger and Chips, or check out some of the other great food options. It’s open from 12pm to 5pm every Friday in May, perfect for a late lunch and a few well deserved Friday afternoon beverages.

Δ Burger upgrade: McDonald’s has expanded its burger line-up with the launch of the new Quarter Pounder Deluxe. The new burger builds on the classic Quarter Pounder formula by adding extra salad ingredients and sauces, giving you a more loaded version of one of Macca’s most recognisable burgers.

coating. Each order comes with aioli dipping sauce. Alongside the return of the individual Hot Rods, KFC is also bringing back the popular Hot Rods Box and launching a new $4.95 Hot Rods Fill Up value meal. Hot Rods are available until June 8.

Δ Movie makeover: The major upgrade to Penrith’s Hoyts Cinema continues. We noticed the famous stairs leading to the cinemas upstairs

Δ Hot Rods return: KFC has officially brought back Hot Rods nationwide, marking the return of one of the chain’s most requested limited-time menu items. Hot Rods feature Hot & Spicy coated thigh meat chicken skewered on a stick and fried in a crispy crunchy

are now gone, replaced by a temporary staircase while the major overhaul of the complex continues.

Δ Fresh look: Medibank has opened its new shopfront in Westfield Penrith. The refreshed outlet is on level one near Woolworths.

Δ New hotel in the west: Accor has confirmed The Sebel Sydney Parramatta will open in August. The new-build hotel will bring an extended-stay offering to Parramatta, on Victoria Road. The property will feature 51 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, designed for both short and longer stays. Bookings are already open.

Δ Got some Source? Tell us about new menus, store openings and more! Email news@ westernweekender.com.au or give us a buzz on 4722 2998.

Check out this terrific photo from the old Penrith Plaza in the 1970s.

As shoppers go about their day, the Schubach Newsagency can be seen on the right – an iconic name in Penrith business. Woolworths can be seen in the background.

(Photo thanks to Records NSW)

At a

MATTERS

HOW DO STAFF DESCRIBE YOU?

Legacy, what impact do you want to create…

If you really want to understand your workplace culture, ask yourself this. How do your staff describe you when you are not there?

Not in surveys. Not in performance reviews. In real conversations at home or over coffee.

Culture shifts quietly.

Sometimes it is one hire.

Sometimes it is a leader who is tired and does not realise it, who avoids tough conversations and addressing bad behaviour.

Few people want to be the one who speaks up, so you have to pay attention to energy. Who lifts the room. Who withdraws. Who no longer volunteers ideas.

The strongest cultures are not built by accident. They are protected and nurtured.

A gentle entry level tool

to start reflecting is the Johari Window, it breaks self-awareness into four domains. Try these questions with a family member or close friend who will be completely honest with you.

– How do I show up when I’m stressed, or things aren’t going my way?

– How do I respond to mistakes?

– What is something I do that makes me enjoyable to be around?

– What is something I do that makes you cringe?

Listen to the feedback openly, do not be defensive and then work on it.

Personal development and reflections teach crit-

ical thinking and keeps us evolving. When we learn, get excited about new ideas and have a win the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones that improve focus and motivation. That energy draws people to you.

They are talking about you whether it is good or bad. And somewhere in business land, a little office fairy gets her wings every time someone says something kind about their boss.

Culture is Ivan Cleary’s true legacy

Like most Penrith supporters I was shocked when I heard that the club’s most successful coach Ivan Cleary would retire from first grade coaching and walk into the sunset in 18 months’ time.

It’s silly to suggest that he will move into a ‘coaching director/culture leadership role’ after his final game in charge at the end of 2027.

For Ivan has had that role for the last eight years at the Panthers without the fancy title. So, let’s not kid ourselves that he’ll transition into some new role.

Since his return as coach in 2019, Ivan has not only changed the culture of the club but successfully seen four of his six assistants transition into a first grade coach at three other clubs.

First there was Trent Barrett, who left half-way through 2021 to become the Canterbury Bulldogs first grade coach. Granted that promotion didn’t work out but that’s not Ivan’s fault.

Then at the end of 2022, Cameron Ciraldo left to take on the head job, also at Canterbury, a position he still holds today, while at the end of 2023 it was Andrew Webster’s turn to leave and take the top job at the Warriors in 2024, a position he still holds and is doing extremely well in.

Next it was Ben Gardiner’s turn. He left at the end of last season and in 2029 is expected to take over from Mal Meninga to become first grade coach of the Perth Bears.

So, Peter Wallace is the fifth and final coach Ivan will see take on a first grade position after serving a long apprenticeship under him.

Only this time, Wallace will succeed him in the role at Penrith.

Finally, the Panthers get to keep a coach who

will graduate from the Ivan Cleary School of Coaching and, unless there’s another miracle, Wallace will be the last to graduate.

And Wallace may even turn out to be his finest graduate. Panthers supporters hope so anyway.

Now let’s look at the next component of his future job description. Cultural leadership role.

Well, Ivan’s been doing that role too since 2019.

It’s no secret that Ivan was not overly impressed with the culture of the club when he came back for his second stint. He knew for the club to be successful, players couldn’t take short cuts at training or take a phone call while they were doing weights.

He then moved on several high profile, highly paid players who he didn’t think fit into the new culture that the club was trying to develop.

The culture at the club has changed so much

over the last eight years that it’s hard to see Wallace letting it slip back to what it was.

If anything, Wallace will enhance and build on what Ivan has so successfully developed and nurtured.

Let’s not forget Wallace has been the club’s defensive coach for the last few years, he hasn’t been sitting around twiddling his thumbs.

More importantly the players both like and respect him.

I’m not worried about the team losing any of its focus or toughness under Wallace, I mean they’ll be playing for a bloke who once played an Origin game with a ruptured testicle.

Ivan will not be lost to Penrith and his legacy will never be forgotten. One day there might even be a statue erected in front of Penrith Stadium of ‘Ivan – the Great!’.

Matt Cameron, Peter Wallace and Ivan Cleary. Photo: Melinda Jane.

with Peter Lang Lang on League

Dyl will be back in Origin arena

NSW fullback James Tedesco believes Panthers star Dylan Edwards won’t be lost to the Origin arena forever, that’s despite the Roosters champion winning the battle for the coveted number one jersey for next Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener in Sydney.

Speaking with Extra Time at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Monday, 33-year-old Tedesco said he felt sorry for Edwards after the 30-year-old received a phone call from coach Laurie Daley on Sunday night informing him he wasn’t in his plans for Origin I next week.

“Yeah, it’s tough . . . I’ve gone through that myself the past couple of years with NSW and Australia,” said Tedesco, referring to his axing from all forms of representative footy last year.

“I feel like he’s been playing some really good footy. I think the selectors could have gone either way and I was happy to accept that because he’s (Edwards) been playing really well.”

Tedesco hasn’t played in the sky blue jumper since the 2024 series opener. Following an upset win by Queensland in Sydney, he was dropped for the second game and

replaced by Edwards, who was originally picked in the team before withdrawing through injury.

Tedesco said he was happy to be back in the Origin arena after a two-year hiatus but was confident that Edwards would also be back in Blue someday too.

“It’s a proud moment for me, but I do feel for Dyl,” he said.

“I feel like he’s done a great job in this jersey as well. I feel like he’s going to get another opportunity in the future.”

Panthers premiership winner and current Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton was also gutted for his former teammate, whom he won three straight Premierships with.

“Of course I feel for him,” Crichton told Extra Time

“Him and Teddy are two top star players and one of them was always going to miss out.

“I’m very excited for Teddy and I’m happy he’s back in the big arena, but I also feel for Dyl too.”

While Edwards missed out on selection, four Panthers stars were picked to play against Queensland next week: halfback Nathan Cleary, winger Brian To’o, lock and Blues captain Isaah Yeo and potential Origin debutant Casey McLean.

20-year-old McLean was named on Daley’s extended bench for Origin I

at Accor Stadium and is expected to only be used on game night in case of emergency. Nevertheless, Crichton said the young Kiwis star will take plenty out of the experience.

“He can gain confidence from it –that’s the biggest thing,” he said.

“Just being in the team is massive for young players. I don’t think he needs the confidence but rubbing shoulders with a lot of the big names

from other teams and knowing it’s not too far away can do wonders.

“I remember my first experience and when you go back to clubland you grow another leg, so I’m sure that he’s going to enjoy it.”

Crichton and McLean are often compared to each other by rugby league fans and pundits due to their size, athleticism and the fact they play the same position.

Crichton said he’s heard the comparisons and can’t wait to train – and potentially play – alongside McLean for the first time.

“I played a lot with his older brother Jesse when I was at Penrith, but I never knew Case,” he admitted.

“The way he’s been playing his footy lately, his athleticism is crazy too. I’m keen to rub shoulders with him, train with him, and pick his brain as well.”

Blues centre Stephen Crichton chats with journalist Nathan Taylor on Monday afternoon. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

BEHIND THE GAME

Country kid doing it for family

Country kid Billy Phillips has played all but one game for the Penrith Panthers this year, but he has managed to remain under the radar from the masses.

To clarify, under the radar to anyone who isn’t a die-hard Panthers fan.

Phillips gets on the field, completes his tackles, takes his carries and does it all without much fuss.

Behind the scenes, the Panthers have been so impressed with Phillips, his contract has been extended until the 2029 NRL season.

He’s played 11 games in the NRL and has already been tipped to be a Panthers forward of the future, hoping to fill the holes left by Premiership winners Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen come the end of the year.

The faith filters all the way to Lake Cargelligo, Phillips’ hometown, who already see the 21-year-old as a celebrity.

“I know all the little kids out there, they all sort of look up to me now which is pretty good, it feels unreal,” Phillips reflected.

“I know when I go back home next, I’ll be a superstar of the town.

“It doesn’t feel like that now, but I know it will be like that.”

To get him to where he is now and to have the chance to make a name for himself, Phillips credits his family.

“I would say my parents, partner and my older brother as well, all their support has been pretty huge for me,” he told Behind the Game

“Moving from the country and coming up here it was a big sacrifice I had to make to be where I wanted to be. Mum and Dad were big throughout that whole process.

“My older brother did the same thing at the Dragons, and it didn’t work out for him, so I just wanted to do him proud as well.”

with Emily Chate

Coffee order: Iced caramel latte

Cheat meal: Frangos

Favourite movie: ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, ‘Wolf of Wall Street’

Favourite musician: Central Cee

Who did you support growing up: Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys

Pet peeve: When people crack their knuckles

Go to streaming service: Netflix

Billy Phillips.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Keeper of biggest secret

Secret keeper: Ivan Cleary approached Panthers Chairman Peter Graham a couple of weeks into the season to inform him that he wouldn’t be extending his time as head coach beyond 2027. Graham then kept the secret for several weeks while a game plan was worked out, before Matt Cameron, Greg Alexander and Shane Elford joined the cone of silence. The rest of the Board was made aware about a week before the big announcement last Wednesday. Cleary had made up his mind some time ago and while a “general offer” existed from Penrith over an extension, no formal discussions were ever had as he was firm in his decision. It likely offers truth to Cleary’s claim he doesn’t intend to coach in the NRL beyond 2027. The Penrith offer would have been significant – perhaps no worse than what any other club will chase him with.

Cleary’s Board move? One thing that did get mentioned to me from someone at the club over the past week is that there’s a Panthers Board election in early 2028. If Ivan Cleary legitimately does give up coaching but wants to stay connected to the club, this could be a way to do it without having a significant impact on the day-to-day football program – allowing Peter Wallace to run his own show. When you think about it, a Board position would certainly suit the “advisory role in areas such as culture and leadership” the Panthers claim Cleary is discussing with the club. It would also allow him to have other roles within rugby league. This one is worth keeping in the back of the head.

New role kicked down the road: The mysterious culture and leadership role that Ivan Cleary has at Penrith in 2028 will be discussed in more formal terms next year. While Cleary is chatting with senior management about what the role could look like, all parties will let this season play out before finalising anything of significant detail.

New Director coming: I understand that Panthers has identified a preferred candidate to join the club’s Board following the election earlier this year. A vacant spot is to be filled by an appointed Director, and that process is now well underway. We’re reasonably close to a formal announce ment, expected to happen in the next month or two.

Merch additions: If you’re collecting those Panthers bobbleheads that hit the market a couple of years ago, it’s time to expand your collection.

There’s now five available – Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o (at least we think it’s him), Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin.

Magic move: With nine NRL games to squeeze into Magic Round next year, officials have opted to move the Women’s State of Origin match that is usually scheduled on the Thursday night to Townsville. It means the extra NRL game will be played on Thursday, extending Magic Round itself to four days.

Penrith to host Origin? Talking of Women’s Origin, one whisper up at Magic Round was that Penrith’s new Helloworld Stadium is almost certain to host one of the matches in next year’s series. It’ll be a great way to showcase the new stadium to the wider rugby league community.

Daley’s blunder: The Blues opted to use a YouTube live stream to announce the team for Origin I. We can only hope their training sessions go better than the fumbling stream, which started without sound and looked amateurish. The biggest blunder though came from coach Laurie Daley who announced

Casey McGuire had made the team. McGuire hasn’t played in the NRL since 2012 and is a Queenslander. Daley of course meant Casey McLean, who has been named as 19th man.

Spotted: The Penrith squad watching a little bit of the Warriors v Broncos clash from the tunnel at Suncorp Stadium at Magic Round last weekend.

A Panther no-show: No Penrith players attended the New South Wales media session on Monday at Sydney Olympic Park. The travel schedule following Sunday night’s Magic Round clash in Brisbane was to blame. But you have to ask: If your captain (Isaah Yeo) wasn’t going to be available and your chief playmaker (Nathan Cleary) also wasn’t going to be there, why not shift the media opportunity to Tuesday – which was considered a day off for the squad?

Top of the table showdown: While there’s a number of scenarios being workshopped, I’m hearing that Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o (and Casey McLean if he gets a run) are all likely to back up from Origin I to play in the top of the table showdown with the Warriors on Sunday, May 31. The Panthers have a slightly more comfortable run during the Origin period than in previous years. The likely game where players would be rested is the Round 16 match against the Gold Coast –which follows Origin II.

Spotted: She may have been a shock omission from the Pantherettes this year, but former Panthers cheerleader Chloe Carter is still repping the club – spotted modelling some of the new supporters gear for the Panthers Shop.

Got some goss? If you have some gossip, we want to hear about it! Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com. au.

Ivan Cleary.

“There wasn’t much between them. Dylan has done nothing wrong. It’s more about the style of football we want to play and what we think is best suited for us in game one.”

“I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be Kangaroos coach in a World Cup. It’s very humbling.”

THEY SAID IT...

“It’s a true bucket list experience – where the best sport in the world, rugby league, meets the world’s entertainment capital. In 2027 the event will be even bigger with an expanded week of experiences. We’ll welcome teams from three Australian states alongside two Super League clubs, bringing together passionate supporter bases from both hemispheres in one spectacular setting.”

“Nick Politis gets his man. Ivan may have no plans, but if Uncle Nick comes banging...”

“What do they get out of that? Who cares, honestly.”

“Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs.”

“I’ve always tried to stand on my own two feet. I don’t like leaning on people too much. I don’t like using Nathan or Dad. To me they are my amazing brother and Dad.” Indi Cleary on the ‘What Are We Drinking?’ podcast

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo on the Las Vegas 2027 announcement.

Phil Gould cranky that he was spotted in a public cafe.

Laurie Daley on Dylan Edwards

Australian coach Kevin Walters

Matthew Johns on Ivan Cleary and the Roosters

QLD Premier Davis Crisafulli

Tries: T Jenkins 2, I Papali’i, B To’o, Luke Garner Goals: N Cleary 4/5

Tries: J McLean 2, J Liddiard, L Patea, J Edgar Z Clarke 4/6

Tries: L Latu 2, T Sangalang,

Tries: C Tuipulotu

Tries: K Roache 2, J Croker, A Hardy, L Cannon, S Uatisone

B Darmody 3/6

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS TEAM

BYE:

RAIDERS BULLDOGS

RAIDERS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS DRAGONS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS

EAGLES RABBITOHS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

DOLPHINS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

RAIDERS STORM WARRIORS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS

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SPORTS LUNCHEON 29TH

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F R I D A Y

5 t h J u n e 2 0 2 6

A R R I V A L 1 1 : 3 0 A M

E V A N T H E A T R E P E N R I T H P A N T H E R S

2 c o u r s e m e a l w i t h b e e r , w i n e & s o f t d r i n k s

L i v e a n d S i l e n t A u c t i o n s

L u c k y D o o r P r i z e s w i t h R a f f l e s a n d G a m e s

$ 1 9 0 p p o r $ 1 8 0 p e r t a b l e o f 8

N R L P r e m i e r s h i p

W i n n e r

J a m e s M a l o n e y

A u s t r a l i a n

G r e g R i t c h i e A w a r d W i n n i n g

C r i c k e t e r

C o m e d i a n

S t e v e P h i l p

ENTERTAINMENT

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

THE CON IS ON AT RIVERSIDE!

Prepare to be seduced, swindled and swept off your feet in the devilishly cheeky and fun-filled Broadway musical ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’.

Coming to Riverside Theatres, audiences are invited to join two con artists as they go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all game of deception.

“It starts off with Lawrence Jamieson who specialises in the long con and the love con, and he comes up against Freddy Benson – played by yours truly – who specialises in the short con and is a bit of a hustler,”

actor Rowan Witt told the Weekender

“They meet in the French Riviera in the summer and it’s a battle of wits.”

The Tony-nominated musical comedy is inspired by the 1988 film by the same name starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin.

“A lot of people think there is just the ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ film, but that was based on a film called ‘Bedtime Story’ starring David Niven and Marlon Brando,” Witt explained.

“There have been several iterations after the fact, and this show is an amalgamation of all of them.”

Witt assured that no homework is required beforehand.

“It’s a show for lovers of the original film, but it’s also a standalone piece,” he said.

“This is for people who like smart comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s in the same world as ‘Operation Mincemeat’, ‘The Producers’, and ‘The Book of Mormon’.

“It would actually be the perfect musical to take a date to and gauge whether you have the same sense of humour.”

And if you are anything like Witt, the characters may teach you some life lessons.

“There is a lot about Freddy that I really admire,” the actor said about his character.

“I really admire that he takes everything at face value, he doesn’t necessarily play by the rules for rules’ sake. I think that’s something that everyone can take away from this character – that life is what you make it.

“I also really admire that despite being a con artist, he’s very open with everyone; what you see is what you get. I don’t know if I’m like him, but there are lessons I will take away from him after the show.”

These attributes are elevated by the onstage chemistry between Witt and his costar Blake Erickson.

“I get to play alongside one of my best friends who plays Lawrence Jamieson,”

Witt said.

“Blake is one of the funniest people I know, and the fact that we get to do the show together as a duo is very special and brings some pre-baked chemistry to the stage.”

The score by David Yazbek also elevates the impact of the show.

“We have power ballads, yodelling, hip hop, patter songs and musical theatre,” Witt exclaimed.

The con is on. Catch ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta from June 25 to 28. Book tickets online at https://riversideparramatta. com.au.

ALLY HALL

COUNTRY CORNER

Langley sweeps ACMs Unstoppable country superstar Ella Langley has swept the Academy of Country Music Awards, held in the US this week.

Year award, and also won Male Artist of the Year.

Avery Anna won New Female Artist of the Year, and Tucker Wetmore took out New Male Artist of the Year.

Parker McCollum’s self-titled album won Album of the Year.

As for Langley, she better clear some more shelf space – she’s likely to dominate the country music awards for the next couple of years.

A bold and deeply personal body of work, ‘Made for This’ stands as Barnes’ most defining and confident musical statement to date. Built on themes of grit, resilience and perseverance, the album combines his trademark stadium-ready country rock sound with some of his most reflective and emotionally honest songwriting yet.

Langley won Female Artist of the Year, beating out Lainey Wilson who has generally dominated this category at awards shows in recent years.

She also took out Song of the Year for ‘Choosin’ Texas’ and Single of the Year for the same song.

Along with Riley Green, she won Music Event of the Year for ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’. Langley also took out the Artist-Songwriter of the Year category.

Cody Johnson took out the coveted Entertainer of the

Penelope Janu

Thursday 4 June | 6.30-7.30pm Penrith City Library

Beloved Australian author Penelope Janu will discuss her new book Out of the Blue

For readers of Karly Lane and Fleur McDonald, comes this fresh rural romance about courage, hope and learning to believe in love from an award-winning, much-loved author. A traumatic past, a charismatic stranger, a closeknit community...life is about to get complicated.

“This album is the culmination of everything I have worked towards throughout my music career,” Barnes said.

“‘Made for This’ is built on resilience, belief and never giving up. These songs capture every side of who I am as an artist… from the big anthemic moments through to the most personal and vulnerable songwriting I’ve ever shared. More than anything, I want this album to make people feel something, whether it’s hope, strength, nostalgia or the motivation to keep pushing forward. I’m incredibly proud of these songs and can’t wait for everyone to hear them.”

Barnes announces new album Fresh from the release of his powerful new collaboration with Pete Murray, Australian country powerhouse Casey Barnes has this week announced his highly anticipated eighth studio album, ‘Made for This’, arriving Friday, August 7 and available now for pre-order on vinyl, CD, digital and limited-edition bundles.

Anthea Hodgson

Tuesday 9 June | 6.30-7.30pm Penrith City Library

Join Australian author, Anthea Hodgson as she discusses her new novel The Palace of Lost Virtue.

In The Palace of Lost Virtue, Hodgson delivers a sharp, sweeping and unforgettable new story set in goldrush era Western Australia. The book is based on true events, inspired by real characters, authentic WA goldrush history and atmosphere and a real murder case. A beautiful tale of friendship between two unlikely women.

THINGS TO DO

Kids workshop with Monica Rani Rudhar

On May 23, join artist Monica Rani Rudhar for a special workshop on memory at Penrith Regional Gallery. Children will get the chance to reflect on memories associated with objects from their homes and transform them into commemorative prints. This is an opportunity for young creatives to learn directly from a Biennale artist and make something meaningful. Book online.

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

Seniors Dance Club (Over 55s) Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Call Glenda for details on 0421 322 846.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Probus Club of Nepean

Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club. New members welcome. Call 0417 267 866.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the fourth Monday of the

Vince Jones at The Baroque Room

After two magical performances at last year’s Blue Mountains Music Festival, Vince Jones is returning to Katoomba. For over five decades, Jones has defined the Jazz genre, captivating audiences with his deeply expressive vocals and spirited trumpet playing. The show will be on May 30 at the Baroque Room. For more information, visit The Carrington Hotel’s website.

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month. 9.45am for 10am at Jordan Springs Hub. Call Keith on 9713 9038 for details.

Ropes Crossing Probus Club

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

South Creek Probus Club

Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@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. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and

Shopping Let’s

The play’s the thing at Glenbrook

This month, the Glenbrook Players are performing ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ at Glenbrook Cinema. The production is a delightfully chaotic mediation on the complexity of family relationships – and on the gap between the lives we once imagined and those we ultimately inhabit. The show opened on May 15 and will run until May 24.

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

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

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.

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.

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s all-new ‘Star Wars’ adventure opening in cinemas today. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy.

As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu. Catch ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ now!

Director Travis Knight is bringing the legendary ‘Masters of the Universe’ franchise back to the big screen in a new epic live-action adventure.

After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor.

To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies and embrace his true destiny as He-Man – the most powerful man in the universe.

Witness the epic return of He-Man from June 4.

www.hoyts.com.au

Ê Nine’s new high-octane series, ‘Shark!’, will premiere on Sunday, May 31 at 7pm. Shot in the Bahamas, the series takes six high-profile Aussie celebrities out of their comfort zones and into the crystal-clear waters of Bimini that are home to up to 40 different species of shark. It is a raw testing ground where the celebrities will face escalating challenges designed to test their courage, resilience, and push them to their mental and physical limits. The celebrities ready to trade the red carpet for the reef are: Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, social media star Tammy Hembrow, ‘The Block’ host Scott Cam, Gold Logie winner Lynne McGranger, former NRL star Sam Thaiday, and actor Matt Nable.

Ê Long-running sports show ‘Sports Tonight’ is returning to 10 next week after a seven-year absence. ‘Sports Tonight’ will make its return as a dedicated sports segment within ‘10 Late News’ from next Monday, May 25’. Adrian Franklin and Max Burford will lead the segment in the bulletin fronted by Ursula Heger.

Ê There are unconfirmed reports that ‘I’m A Celebrity Gets Me Out Of Here’ is looking

for a new home after Paramount / 10 pulled the plug on the long-running reality series.

Ê Prime Video has announced ‘Elle’, the prequel series to the hit movie franchise ‘Legally Blonde’, will drop on Wednesday, July 1. Season one follows Elle Woods before she was a fish-out-of-water at Harvard. We meet her in 1995 as a fish in the tumultuous waters of high school where she encounters tricky friendships, forbidden romance and questionable fashion choices. In a huge sign of faith, a second season has already been ordered.

Ê Just weeks after the BBC News channel became available on 9Now, the news service is once again available on Foxtel and, for the first time, on Binge. The channel departed Foxtel in 2024, much to the disappointment of many news junkies.

Ê Highly anticipated ‘The Big Bang Theory’ spin-off ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe’ will premiere on HBO Max on Friday, July

24. The 10-episode series is centred on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom who is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.

Ê New Apple TV drama ‘Star City’, which expands the world of ‘For All Mankind’, will premiere next Friday, May 29. A propulsive paranoid thriller that takes us back to the key moment in the alt-history retelling of the space race – when the Soviet Union became the first nation to put a man on the moon. But this time, we explore the story from behind the Iron Curtain, showing the lives of the cosmonauts, the engineers, and the intelligence officers embedded among them in the Soviet space program, and the risks they all took to propel humankind forward.

Ê Apple TV has renewed comedy series ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ for a second season. The series stars Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman and Nick Offerman. It’s bloody good!

TV Guide: May 22 - 28

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Compass 10:30 Stuff The British Stole (PG) 11:00 Restoration Australia 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Assembly (PG) 1:45 Bad Company (M l) 2:10 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (M) 2:55 Restoration Australia (PG) 3:50 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:40 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia (PG) 8:30 Shetland (PG) 9:30 Gruen (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Movie: “Hidden Family Secrets” (PG) (’21) Stars: Alex Paxton-Beesley 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:00 Movie: “Ladies In Black” (PG) (’18) Stars: Julia Ormond 10:15 TBA 12:00 Quacks (MA15+) 12:45 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Listen Out For Love” (PG) (’22) Stars: Stephanie Bennett 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Melbourne Storm *Live* 9:55 NRL: PostMatch 10:45 Movie: “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (M l,v) (’85) Stars: Sylvester Stallone 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:30 Building The Dream 11:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 12:00

7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 3:30 Mountain Men (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown *Live* 7:30 AFL: Richmond Tigers v Essendon Bombers *Live*

Bargain

4:05 Andy’s Prehistoric Adventures 4:30

12:00 Chicago Fire (M v) 3:00 The Food Dude 3:30 First Dates UK (M) 4:30 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:15 Movie: “Uncle Buck” (PG) (’89) Stars: John Candy 8:30 Movie: “Snow White And The Huntsman” (M) (’12) Stars: Kristen Stewart

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 1:30 Shetland (PG)

3:25 Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Saving Yellowstone (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Annie” (PG) (’14) Stars: Cameron Diaz

3:00 QI (PG) 3:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:00 MythBusters (PG) 4:50 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under 5:40 Grand Designs (PG) 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 6:00 Haigh’s Chocolates - From Bean To Bar 6:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Instant Italian 8:00 The Hairy Bikers USA 8:30 Jamie’s Super Food 9:30 Come Dine With Me: The Professionals

9:30 JAG (PG) 10:30 The Living Room (PG) 11:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 1:00 Friends (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG)

12:15 DW The Day 12:45 Land Of The Giants (M) 1:35 The Kingdom (M) 3:00 Bamay 3:35 Worldwatch 5:40 Inside The Huddle 6:10 Over The Black Dot 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

12:30 Movie: “Wrath Of The Titans” (M v) (’12) Stars: Sam Worthington 2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You” (PG) (’99) 1:00 The Brokenwood Mysteries (M v) 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “The Last Days Of Dolwyn” (G) (’49) Stars: Edith Evans 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Airport Security: USA (M)

2:30 Movie: “Mozart’s Sister” (PG) (’24) Stars: Chloe Brown 4:15 Shaun Micallef’s Going For Broke (PG) 5:00 Australian Story 5:30 Landline 6:00 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Death In Paradise (M) 8:30 Silent Witness (M l,v) 10:15 Bergerac (MA15+) 11:00 rage (M) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Sandown/ Doomben *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:00 Oops I Bought A Pub! (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Armageddon” (M v) (’98) Stars: Bruce Willis 11:35 TBA 12:35 Repco Supercars Highlights 1:35 Devils (MA15+) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday (PG) 12:00 Surfing Australia TV 12:30 Destination WA 1:00 Explore TVViking 1:30 Let’s Eat With George 2:00 Ready Vet Go (PG) 2:30 The Hundred With Andy Lee (PG) 3:30 Tasman Trails 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi” (PG) (’83) Stars: Mark Hamill 8:00 I Fish 8:30 On The Fly 9:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 10:00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 11:00 The Dog House UK 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Buy To Build 1:00 Good Food Everyday With Gary Mehigan (PG) 1:30 Frugal Foodie 2:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) 3:00 The Finish Line 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:30 Football: Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final: Auckland FC v Sydney FC *Live* From Go Media Stadium 9:00 Ambulance Australia (M) 8:00 Worldwatch 10:00 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 11:00 Hot RoadsWorld’s

2:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 2:30 Better Homes And Gardens 4:30 Harry’s Practice 5:00 The Yorkshire Vet (M l) 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (M l) 8:30 Lewis (M v) 10:30 Escape To The Country 12:30 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Garage 41 (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 Night Thunder 4:00 AFL: Geelong Cats v Sydney Swans *Live* 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Taken 2” (M v) (’12) 1:30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days (PG) 2:30 Instant Hotel (PG) 3:40 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Vivo” (PG) (’21) Stars: Lin-Manuel Miranda 7:30 Movie: “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (M l) (’97) Stars: Julia Roberts

Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under 6:10 Grand Designs (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 The Assembly (PG) 3:15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (PG) 4:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 5:00 Back Roads

4:25 Stompem Ground 4:30 This Is Indian Country (PG) 5:00 Treaty Road (PG) 6:00 Our Law (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:40 Movie: “The Abyss” (M) (’89)

5:30 Nigellissima 6:00 Nadiya’s Family Favourites 6:30 Jamie Cooks Italy 7:30 River Cottage Vegetables 8:30 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 10:30 Getting Grilled With Curtis Stone

5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Assembly (PG) 8:15 Bad Company (M l) 8:45 Bergerac (M) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 Football: Sunday Footy Feast *Live* 12:30 AFL: Round 11: GWS Giants v Brisbane Lions *Live* 3:30 Border SecurityInternational (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The 1% Club UK (PG) 8:00 Seven News Spotlight (PG) 9:00 The Real AdolescenceOur Killer Kids (MA15+) 6:00 Hello SA (PG)

Front Line

9:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 10:30 Navigating The World 11:30 Roads Less Travelled 12:30 The Living Room (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 JAG (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 7:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 9:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 Ridiculousness (M l) 1:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Ridiculousness (M l)

5:00 Worldwatch 10:30 The Movie Show (PG) 12:15 Faking Influence 12:50 Black Comedy In America (M l,s) 2:40 Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia 3:50 Worldwatch 6:00 Mastermind 7:00 The MegaBrands That Built The World

2:25 Snackmasters (PG) 3:40 Movie: “Waiting For The Light” (PG) (’90) Stars: Teri Garr 5:40 Movie: “Uptown Girls” (PG) (’03) Stars: Brittany Murphy 7:30 Movie: “Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb” (PG) (’14) Stars: Ben Stiller 3:00 Rugby Union: Northern Suburbs v Southern Districts *Live* 5:00 Movie: “Ice Cold In Alex” (PG) (’58) Stars: John Mills 7:30 Movie: “King Richard” (M I) (’21) Stars: Will Smith 10:20 Movie: “Six Degrees Of Separation”

3:30 A Moveable Feast (PG) 4:00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera (PG) 5:00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters 6:00 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 3:20 Lurujarri Dreaming 3:55 Precious Leader Woman (PG) 4:50 Mowanjum 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Saving Yellowstone 7:40 Aerial Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Servant Or Slave” (M) (’16) Stars: Larissa Behrendt 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 Navigating The World 11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 12:30 Camper

8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 12:15 Motorsport: Superbike World Championship: Round 5 *Live* 1:15 Faithless (M l) (In Swedish) 2:15 Jeopardy! 4:20 Worldwatch 5:45 The Frontier (PG) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (M) 8:20 The UnXplained (PG)

12:35 Football: Premier League: Bournemouth v Manchester City *Replay* 2:35 The Summit (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Getting Even With Dad” (PG) (’94) Stars: Macaulay Culkin 7:30 Movie: “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (PG) (’97) Stars: Sandra Bullock

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

12:45 My Favorite Martian 1:15 Movie: “Time, Gentlemen Please” (G) (’52) Stars: Eddie Byrne 3:00 Movie: “Baby And The Battleship” (G) (’56) Stars: Richard Attenborough 5:00 Midsomer Murders (PG) 7:00 Tennis: Roland-Garros *Live*

Get Macca’s® delivered.

4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30

5:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroe 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels

Afternoon Briefing

The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:25 Bull (M s,v)

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

6:30

4:00 The Renovator (PG) 5:00 Escape To The Chateau 6:00

Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Sully: Miracle On The Hudson” (M l) (’16) Stars: Tom Hanks 5:00 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 Tennis: Roland-Garros *Live* From Paris 12:00 The Spencer Sisters (PG)

ELITE OFFICE FOR AN ELITE REAL ESTATE TEAM

Real estate agency R&W has expanded and rebranded, using the new St Marys office as a catalyst to unite the four western Sydney offices under one banner: R&W Elite Group.

In addition to the St Marys office, the agency has an office in Rooty Hill, St Clair and Westfield Mt Druitt.

“The reason we’ve expanded to St Marys is because of the infrastructure that’s coming to the area, including the St Marys Metro that goes directly to Western Sydney International Airport,” said David Frendo, who is the Principal Partner at the St Marys office alongside Managing Director Roy Amery.

R&W Elite Group’s footstep in western Sydney began in 2002 when Roy Amery opened the Rooty Hill office.

“We then bought out an existing office in St Clair in 2019, and then we opened an office at Westfield in 2021,” Amery recounted.

“Now with the airport coming, and the fact that we’ve always done a lot of work in the pocket from St Marys up to Penrith, we’re looking to expand into the greater western region.”

“WE

There are future plans to open an office in Penrith.

“There are going to be a lot of new developments in the St Marys to Penrith region,” Amery explained.

“There will be more units and townhouses as the population increases and as land gets scarcer. We believe it’s an area that is really going to grow.

“We would like to have a bigger footprint there and build a bigger rent roll in the area and service clients in that region.”

For now, the team is proud of the St Marys expansion.

“We have over 40 staff, and although we have four separate offices, we work as one team. We have a lot of experience, so we want to bring it all under one umbrella,” Amery said.

“We love helping people buy their first home and we love helping investors manage their investments right so they can go and buy their second or third property.

“We just want to help everybody on their property journey.”

Visit the new St Marys office at 2/343 Great Western Highway.

A BEAUTY IN BLAXLAND

What is so great about this property?

61 Great Western Highway, Blaxland, showcases beautifully renovated interiors, a practical single-level layout, and lightfilled living spaces that create a relaxed, low-maintenance lifestyle. Designed with everyday

living in mind, the home also offers great indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining family and friends.

Who does this property suit? First home buyers, young families or downsizers. Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Blaxland is a popular lower Blue Mountains suburb known for its strong sense of community and relaxed lifestyle surrounded by bushland. With good schools,

local cafés, parks and convenient transport options into Sydney, it’s a great spot for families looking for both convenience and a quieter pace of life.

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

LET’S RENOVATE

With property prices remaining strong across western Sydney, many Penrith homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than relocate. Whether it’s updating a tired kitchen, creating more space for a growing family or adding value before selling, a well-planned renovation can completely transform a home and lifestyle.

Before picking up the tools or calling a builder, experts say careful planning is the key to a successful renovation. Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Are you renovating to improve functionality, modernise the look of your home, or increase resale value? Having clear goals will help guide every decision throughout the process.

Budgeting is another crucial step. Renovation costs can quickly escalate, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and allow extra for unexpected expenses. Industry professionals often recommend keeping a contingency fund of around 10 to 20 per cent for surprises that may arise once work begins.

It’s also worth considering which renovations deliver the best return on investment. Kitchens and bathrooms remain among the most valuable upgrades, while outdoor entertaining areas continue to be popular with Australian families.

Improving energy efficiency through better insulation, lighting and windows can also reduce long-term household costs.

Choosing the right tradespeople can make or break a renovation project. Homeowners should seek recommendations, check licences and insurance, and obtain multiple quotes before committing. Good communication with builders and contractors is essential to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

For larger renovations, checking local council requirements is important before work starts. Certain projects may require development approval or complying development certificates, particularly if structural changes are involved.

Finally, think about how the renovation will fit into your long-term plans. A renovation designed around your future needs can provide comfort and practicality for years to come.

While renovating can feel overwhelming at times, a thoughtful approach and quality workmanship can turn an ordinary house into a dream home – and potentially add significant value along the way.

This special Let’s Renovate feature introduces you to fantastic builders and services that can guide you through your renovation.

LET’S RENOVATE

to the kitchen rip-out, the new flooring, the bathroom overhaul, and then someone asks: where is all your stuff going to go?

For most western Sydney families, the answer has been an uncomfortable mix of renting a storage cage somewhere industrial, stacking boxes at a parent’s place, or living around the chaos.

None of it is ideal. Most of it is expensive. And when the renovation runs long – as renovations often do – the costs and the headaches compound.

There’s now a better option sitting right in the heart of the region, and it’s one most people haven’t thought of yet.

Astina Space, the new business and storage community at 1 David Road, Emu Plains, was built for small businesses – but it’s proving equally useful for local families mid-renovation. Units

start from just 29 square metres, with an optional mezzanine level above, and are available to rent rather than buy. That means you’re not locked in. You take a unit for the duration of your reno, you move your furniture, your appliances, your valuables in safely, and you move them back out when the dust settles.

What makes it different from a standard storage cage is everything that surrounds it. Astina Space is a professionally managed, 24/7 accessible community – not a padlock-and-hope facility.

There’s on-site security, keyless entry, a concierge who handles deliveries, and a café courtesy of Finn & Co

and box trucks, is available to members, which means you’re not hiring a removalist every time you need to shift something.

The complex was developed by the Schrumpf family, a well-known Penrith family whose Astina Group has been building for and investing in the local community for years.

Renovating homeowners are exactly the kind of members the space suits.

The units are clean, dry, and secure. It’s the kind of environment you’d actually trust with your grandmother’s dining table or your new appliances still in the box. Access is around the clock, which matters when you’re juggling tradies, school pickups and a household running at reduced capacity.

Astina Space is open now at 1 David Road, Emu Plains. Contact the team on 1300 193 301 or visit the website www.astinaspace.com.au.

Before You Buy or Renovate

people live and work.

Across Sydney, more families and businesses are choosing to renovate, extend or rebuild rather than relocate, and the demand for experienced, trustworthy builders has never been greater.

Diamond Building Group specialises in high quality home renovations and extensions, second storey additions, custom new builds, commercial fitouts, and complete design and planning services. Whether it’s transforming an outdated home into a modern family space or constructing a brand-new dream home from the ground up, the team focuses on delivering a seamless experience from concept to completion.

Building or renovating is one of the biggest investments a family can make, which is why communication, transparency and quality workmanship sit at the heart of every project. From the initial consultation through to selections, approvals and construction, clients are guided through every stage with confidence and care.

Now, Diamond Building Group is also bringing that same level of expertise into the commercial sector. With experience delivering premium fitouts across fitness and wellness centres, retail spaces, offices and medical facilities, the company offers tailored solutions designed for modern businesses and growing brands.

The philosophy is simple: build homes, build trust, and create spaces that stand the test of time.

Diamond Building Group is a local Emu Plains business. For more information, visit www.diamondbuildinggroup.com.au or call 4711 5137.

MAKE ROOM for your renovation.

Astina Space offers flexible, affordable micro-industrial suites in Western Sydney — a completed 256-unit complex designed for tradies, small businesses, investors and SMSFs seeking secure, low-maintenance industrial space.

Dunn & Farrugia pride themselves on being a trusted name in fencing, with a reputation built on quality, reliability and local expertise.

Based right here in Penrith, their expansive seven-acre manufacturing facility is the heart of their operation – where they design, assemble, manufacture and powder coat kilometres of fencing every single day.

Their local presence means you’re not dealing with a middleman – they manufacture and install directly for you. This ensures not only a faster turnaround but also

a higher standard of quality control from start to finish.

Whether you’re undertaking a small residential project or a large-scale commercial development, Dunn & Farrugia has the management capability and production capacity to deliver on time and with professionalism.

The majority of their fencing products are made right here in Penrith, supporting local jobs and industry. In addition to their in-house manufacturing, they also offer select imported products to give you an even wider range of choices.

From a simple in-store

consultation to a comprehensive free onsite measure and quote, their team is equipped to guide you through every stage of your project.

With decades of experience and a strong local footprint, Dunn & Farrugia offers the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing power.

When you choose them, you choose a company that stands by its products, its people, and its promise to deliver quality fencing solutions every time.

Visit Dunn & Farrugia at 44 Preston Street, Jamisontown.

leading providers of Australian-made residential lifts.

Driven by a passion for helping Australians maintain their mobility and independence at home, the Garrett brothers built the business on a foundation of innovation, reliability and genuine customer care. A decade later, those values continue to shape every project Velocity Home Lifts undertakes.

Specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality home lifts, Velocity Home Lifts offers tailored solutions to suit a wide range of homes and lifestyles.

Whether it’s helping older Australians comfortably age in place, assisting families building multi-storey homes, or working alongside architects and builders to create accessible living spaces, the team prides itself on delivering practical and stylish lift solutions without compromising on quality.

What sets Velocity Home Lifts apart is its commitment to Australian-made products and personalised service. Every lift is carefully crafted with safety, functionality and reliability front of mind, while customers benefit from working directly with an experienced and responsive local team that understands the importance of trust and communication throughout the process.

From the initial consultation through to installation and ongoing support, Velocity

Home Lifts takes a hands-on approach to ensure every customer feels confident and supported.

As demand for accessible and future-proof homes continues to grow, Velocity Home Lifts remains focused on helping Australians enjoy greater freedom and independence in the homes they love.

With 10 years of industry experience and a reputation built on professionalism and traditional customer service, Velocity Home Lifts continues to elevate homes – and lives – across Sydney and beyond.

Find out more at www.velocityhomelifts. com.au.

display shows lift state and assist with troubleshooting. In Cabin phone.

One touch control panel. No need to hold button down for lift to travel. In Cabin Self Rescue.

2x External removes supplied with each Iconic lift.

Family owned and operated since 1964, O’Mara Constructions are custom home builders, not project home builders. This means the owner has freedom of choice of everything from design, materials and suppliers. O’Mara builds everything the project guys don’t. Any design on any site, bushfire area, sloping or narrow block. They also build home additions or can renovate your existing home with kitchen and bathroom renovations, re-roofing, new windows or internal wall removal to open up your living area.

However, as land prices rise in western Sydney, the biggest growth area is second storey extensions. Lots of people like the area, the kids attend the local school, but the house is just too small. This is where a second storey addition solves the problem and it’s cheaper than moving. Owners can still live in the home during construction. NO yard

space is lost when adding up and the house can be safer, take advantage of any possible views and improve privacy or winter sun.

“Undoubtedly, second storey extensions are the best value for money home renovation, but only when designed correctly and some builders stuff it up,” Luke O’Mara said.

There are NO real estate fees, NO stamp duty, NO moving costs and it’s less disruptive than a ground floor extension.

Builders enter the extension by the roof, not the front door. There is NO need to move out during construction. Council approval is simpler also.

Contact Luke O’Mara direct and find out how to change a small house (three bed, one bath) into a large open plan home (five bed, two bath and study) with an obligation free site appraisal (even over the phone!).

O’Mara has been doing this type of work in western Sydney for over 60 years.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing, a family-run business based in western Sydney, has built a reputation for excellence in re-roofing, pergolas, carports and new builds.

Whether a roof is leaking, showing its age, or a homeowner simply wishes to increase their property’s value, this fully licensed, HBCF approved and insured team provides a premium solution using genuine Colorbond products.

While ageing tiled roofs may appear functional, years of western Sydney’s intense heat and unpredictable storms often cause tiles to shift, crack and leak.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing specialises in transforming these vulnerable roofs, ensuring old tiles are recycled and replaced with high-quality Colorbond steel. The result is a structure that is lighter, tougher, and virtually maintenance-free.

Beyond durability, the steel roofing offers superior thermal regulation – keeping interiors warmer through

cold winters and noticeably cooler during Penrith’s scorching summers.

The team manages the entire process, from the initial free quote to the final completion of the project. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their consistent five-star reviews and a standout industry offering: a seven-year workmanship repair Guarantee.

If their workmanship fails to meet expectations, Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing returns to fix the problem at no charge.

Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing are winners of the Penrith City 2025 Local Business awards, taking out the Service and Trade Award. For residents in Penrith and surrounding suburbs ready to retire their tired tile roofs, Sydney Prestige Metal Roofing offers expert service and total peace of mind. Call the friendly team at 0415 968 897 or get a quote online at https://sydneyprestigemetalroofing.com. au.

The Experts

IS JAW PAIN HOLDING YOU BACK?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain is something many people experience, yet very few know where to seek help. For some, it may feel like clicking or crunching in the jaw. For others, it can present as headaches, ear pain, facial tension, neck pain, or difficulty chewing and opening the mouth. Despite how common these symptoms are, TMJ disorders are often misunderstood or overlooked.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and plays a role in almost everything we do throughout the day talking, eating, yawning and even breathing. Like any other joint in the body, it can become irritated, overloaded or dysfunctional.

What many people do not realise is that jaw pain is rarely caused by a single issue.

Stress, clenching, grinding teeth, poor sleep, neck tension, posture, previous injuries and even lifestyle factors can all contribute.

In some cases, people have been

living with symptoms for years without understanding why.

As physiotherapists, our role is not to replace dental or medical management, but to work alongside other healthcare professionals to help address the musculoskeletal side of TMJ pain.

This may involve improving jaw and neck movement, reducing muscle tension, addressing strength and control deficits, and helping patients better understand aggravating factors.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that jaw pain means

people should completely avoid movement or stop using the jaw altogether.

In reality, education, gradual loading and improving confidence with movement can often play an important role in recovery much like rehabilitation for other joints in the body.

TMJ disorders can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting sleep, eating, concentration and mental wellbeing. The encouraging part is that many people can experience meaningful relief with the right guidance and a multidisciplinary approach.

Jaw pain may be common, but living with ongoing pain, tension or headaches should not simply be accepted as “normal.” If you have been struggling with TMJ pain, headaches, jaw clicking or facial tension, book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists today to discuss whether physiotherapy may help provide relief and get you back to feeling your best.

PENRITHNEWS.AU

Experts

MY DOG IS SHAKING ITS HEAD AGAIN!

“ My dog is shaking its head again!” It’s one of the most common phrases heard at a veterinary hospital, especially during periods of wet weather and high humidity. While an occasional ear scratch

may not seem alarming, repeated head shaking, scratching, rubbing on the carpet, or a sudden unpleasant smell from the ears can all point to an ear problem that needs attention.

Dogs’ ears create the perfect environment for trouble when moisture and humidity rise. Warm, damp ear canals encourage the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, particularly in breeds with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or dogs that love swimming. Spaniels, Labradors, Bulldogs, Retrievers, and poodle crosses are common sufferers, but any dog can develop ear issues.

Ear infections can quickly become painful and frustrating for pets. Many owners first notice their dog shaking their head excessively, tilting their head to one side, or crying when the ears are touched. Some dogs may develop red, inflamed ears with a dark waxy discharge or a strong odour. Others simply become quieter than normal or reluctant to be patted around the head.

The challenge is that ear problems are often more than “just an infection.” Allergies are one of the leading causes of recurring ear disease in dogs. Environmental allergies, grass pollens, dust mites, and even certain foods can trigger inflammation inside the ear canal. Once the ear becomes inflamed, yeast

and bacteria take advantage of the moist environment and secondary infections develop. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can lead to chronic ear disease. Repeated infections may cause thickening and narrowing of the ear canals, making future infections harder to manage. In severe cases, untreated infections can spread deeper into the ear and affect balance or hearing.

The good news is that early treatment usually provides fast relief. Veterinary examinations often include looking deep into the ear canal with an otoscope and examining samples under the microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, or ear mites. Treatment may involve professional ear cleaning, medicated drops, and management of underlying allergies if needed.

Pet owners should avoid using cotton buds or home remedies unless advised by their veterinarian, as this can push debris further down the ear canal or worsen irritation.

As the wet weather continues, it is worth paying close attention to your dog’s ears. If your dog is shaking its head again, scratching excessively, or developing smelly ears, it may be more than a passing irritation. For more information, contact the friendly team at Orchard Hills veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

STRATEGY FOR COUPLES WITH AN AGE GAP

When Centrelink assesses a couple for the Age Pension, both members of the couple are generally assessed together. This means the couple’s combined assets and combined income are measured against the Centrelink couples thresholds for the assets test and income test.

For couples where one partner has reached Age Pension age and the other has not, there may be a planning opportunity. Superannuation held in the name of a person who is under Age Pension age is generally not counted by Centrelink, provided it remains in accumulation phase.

This can provide an opportunity commonly known as a Centrelink sheltering strategy.

For example, where the older partner is eligible for the Age Pension and the younger partner is not yet Age Pension age, it may be possible to invest suitable assets into the younger partner’s superannuation accumulation account. This may reduce the

couple’s assessable assets and deemed income, which could potentially increase the older partner’s Age Pension entitlement.

The important point is that the funds need to remain in accu-

mulation phase. If the funds are moved into pension phase, they generally become assessable by Centrelink as an income stream. This means the strategy may stop providing the same Centrelink benefit.

There is also a tax trade-off to consider. Investment earnings in pension phase are generally tax free, while earnings in accumulation phase are usually taxed inside superannuation. Therefore, the potential increase in Age Pension needs to be weighed against the possible tax cost of keeping the money in accumulation phase.

This is why the strategy should not be considered in isolation. Contribution caps, access to the funds, preservation rules, tax, estate planning, and future changes in circumstances all need to be taken into account.

Centrelink sheltering can be a very useful strategy for the right couple, particularly where there is a meaningful age gap. However, it needs to be carefully assessed to ensure the Centrelink benefit is greater than any tax or flexibility cost.

As always, couples should seek personal financial advice before making changes to their superannuation or retirement income.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The fiery Full Moon activates your bohemian side plus the Sun, Mercury and Uranus stimulate your self-expression zone. So don’t play it too safe – it’s time to do your own thing, in your own highly individual way! Forge your own path and follow your unique dreams. The more adventurous and inventive you are, the luckier you’ll be! Draw inspiration from birthday great, Stevie Nicks (who turns 78 on Tuesday), “I believe in magic and I believe in myself.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Expect a relationship hiccup or a financial challenge this week, as Saturn squares Venus (your patron planet). With mighty Mars transiting through Taurus (until June 28) it’s nothing you can’t handle as you bolster your Bullish, proactive side. Passionate persistence is the key! Draw inspiration from birthday great Stevie Nicks (who turns 78 on Tuesday), “My life is a testament to believing that if you want something, you can make it happen.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

During the first half of the week, the Sun (your patron planet) forms fabulous aspects with Neptune and Pluto. So you’re keen to talk about your grandiose goals, divine dreams and spectacular schemes for the future. But don’t get lost in a quagmire of possibilities. Make sure you walk your talk and put those abstract plans into productive action. Then on Sunday, the fiery Full Moon activates your self-expression zone. So fortune favours proactive, creative Cats.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Tuesday’s tricky Mars/Pluto square could stir up friction with your partner or a relative, so try to avoid doing anything that inflames an already volatile situation. Then the terrific Sun/Pluto trine brings the opportunity for healing and transformation, especially at home. Sunday’s Full Moon fires up your finance zone, which could bring money matters to a head. So the essential qualities you need to get through the week are plenty of patience and diplomacy!

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Is your professional life progressing well? Are you overdue to retrain or keen to apply for voluntary work? Is it time to take on a second job or even change vocation? Avoid resting on your lovely laurels. With the fiery Full Moon energising your career zone, look for practical ways to streamline tasks and manage stress levels. Your mantra is from birthday great, Stevie Nicks, “Dreams do come true, but not without hard work, determination and a little bit of magic.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

With the Sun, Mercury and Uranus visiting your sign, you’re primed to be the most creative and inventive Gemini you can be. Monday is the best day to dream a big dream. Then the Full Moon revs up your relationship zone, so it’s a good weekend to go on a first date, fall in love, do something special with your sweetheart or party with your best friends. Be inspired by Gemini birthday great Stevie Nicks, “I live in the realm of romantic possibility.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The Sun, Mercury (your ruling planet) and Uranus are moving through your career zone. So the focus is on creativity, communication and innovation at work, especially from Monday through until Wednesday. Then the Full Moon lights up your domestic zone on Sunday, when there could be some domestic dramas when a housemate or family member gets fired up and over-emotional. Keep things in perspective and try to maintain your earthy Virgo equilibrium.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

It’s a big week for bold and boisterous Sagittarians! Mid-week look fabulous as the creative Sun links up with powerful Pluto. So make sure you are ready, willing and able to capitalise on Lady Luck and Good Karma when they come along, especially in your local community. Then the Full Moon (in your sign) promises a positive, passionate and action-packed weekend. Motivation and energy levels are set on high … and so is your hot-headed impatience.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Sunday’s Full Moon encourages you to be more adventurous, as it activates your travel and exploration zone. With ambitious Saturn and intuitive Neptune transiting through your sign, it’s imperative to listen to your inner voice and pursue opportunities when they appear. Be inspired by music pioneer (and fellow Aries) Diana Ross, “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

Venus and Jupiter are both jumping through Cancer, so you’re feeling more fortunate and buoyant than usual. However – with Saturn and Neptune transiting through your career and life direction zone – there will still be challenges and disappointments along the way. Don’t give up – keep going! Be inspired by birthday great Kylie Minogue (who’s had a successful career for over 40 years), “I didn’t want to fizzle out. I had to keep going, like a little Shetland pony.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Classy Librans are the diplomatic Divas of the zodiac. And this week – with Venus and Jupiter jumping through your career zone - it’s time to dazzle colleagues, clients and/or customers with your effortless charm, creative talent and natural enthusiasm. If you encounter major hurdles or minor hiccups, use tact and consultation to soothe tempers and build bridges. As birthday great Stevie Nicks observes, “If you are gracious, you have won the game.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Your ruler Saturn squares Venus (on Friday) and then the Full Moon stimulates your solitude zone (on Sunday). So self-doubt and your vocal inner critic could cause some frustration and loneliness this week, especially involving a romantic relationship or a family member. Remember – you are loveable for who you are, not what you do. And no one can make you feel bad about yourself without your consent. A double dose of self-belief will see you through.

Summons

8. Japanese currency

9. Foreign 10. Eat

Juliet’s

Neglect

25. Onto terra firma

26. Nevertheless (4,2)

29. Called on phone

32. It is (2’1)

35. Tastier

37. Magnified map section

38. Unprepared

40. Sanctuaries

41. Spanish Mr

42. Last

43. Vietnam’s capital

44. Say “cheese”

47. Pistol

51. Surgical thread

52. Slightest

53. Abseil

54. Gambol

58. Surpass

59. Drink like dog

61. Director, Woody ...

63. Celebrity detox unit, ... Ford Clinic

64. Stratagem

65. Level (2,1,3)

66. Ground (electrical circuit)

68. Similar

71. Rough paper

72. Jam pastry

74. Large deer

76. Arranged, ... up

78. Inflated promotion

80. Army commando regiment (1,1,1)

83. Moray ...

Word Search

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

THEME: GARDENING

PRUNING

COMPOSTING FLOWERS

WEEDS

BUSH TREES

GLOVES

MULCHING

PERENNIALS

SOIL

DIRT

WHEELBARROW

LANDSCAPING

GREENHOUSE

HEDGE

FERTILIZER

SEEDS

POTS

ROOTS

STEM

LEAVES BUDS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. How many ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies are there?

2. What is the name of Captain Jack Sparrow’s iconic ship?

3. What drink does Captain Jack Sparrow enjoy drinking?

4. What is Captain Jack Sparrow’s catchphrase?

5. Which actor portrays Will Turner? 6. What is the name of Will Turner’s dad?

7. Whose heart is in the chest in ‘Dead Man’s Chest’?

8. Which Australian actress is developing a new ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie?

9. Which actor portrays Captain Jack Sparrow?

10. Where is the beloved ‘Pirates of the Carribbean’ ride located?

But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

Maddie’s Meals

Chilli Oil Linguine

What You’ll Need:

– Large pan

– Spatula or tongs for stirring

– Pot for pasta

– Colander

Ingredients:

– Linguine

– 1 Spanish Onion

– Handful of Cherry Tomatoes

– Handful of Rocket

– Garlic Paste

– Chilli Oil

– Olive Oil

– Spices (I use salt, white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder)

Optional:

– Olives

– Prawns

– Halloumi

– Prosciutto

Method:

1. Boil water in a pot for pasta and heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add garlic paste to the pan and stir through oil while heating.

2. Cut onion into thin rings and add to the pan. While this cooks, chop tomatoes and rocket (roughly).

3. While pasta is cooking, add in tomatoes to the pan. If adding any additional ingredients, add now, as well as chilli oil and seasonings. Add more olive oil if needed and stir through.

4. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add to the pan, stirring everything to gether (tongs may come in handy here). Add rocket, and stir through again, adding more spices/oils if needed.

5. Turn off heat to the pan and let the pasta sit for 5 minutes. Stir once more and enjoy!

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Geely brings Starray of sunshine, and the odd cloud

Chinese manufacturers are enjoying a growing presence in the Australian market, with plenty of new names appearing on the scene.

Geely is one of these, an established player in China’s domestic market, unheard of here as recently as two years ago.

Established in 1986, its stable includes Chinese brands ZEEKR, Farizon and Lynk & Co, along with global icons Volvo, Lotus and Polestar.

The Geely brand arrived here in September 2025 with the Starray EM-i and Geely EX-5, with more models due in the near future.

Our test car was the Starray EM-i in top-spec Inspire form, there is an entry level Complete, with both cars sharing the Plug-in Hybrid driveline featuring twin electric motors and a 1.5-litre four cylinder engine, all driving the front wheels.

The EM-i presents a classic SUV profile with a longer bonnet and truncated tail ending just behind the rear wheels, while the gently curving roofline leads into a steeply angled tailgate.

Door handles and mirror pods are body-colour, blending in and minimising the Geely’s dimensions, tricking the eye into ‘seeing’ a more compact car.

Twin filler doors betray the EM-i’s plug-in hybrid design, left side for petrol and electric charging ports on the right.

The front is distinctive, rather than dramatic, with slimline LED headlights mounted below the bonnet’s leading edge.

I dislike blunt nose ‘heatshield’ designs favoured by EV designers globally, I found the Geely’s one of the better efforts, it avoids looking bulbous, with chrome chevrons breaking up the expanse.

The lower section contains the engine cooling air intake, a thin chrome strip finishing the bottom edge of the front section.

The exterior finish is the equal of its competition with panel gaps measured in millimetres and consistent across the car.

Inside, our car got the more practical black interior, there is an optional, gorgeous, white cream, only the bravest parents or grand-

parents choose that one!

The seats are trimmed in ‘GeeLuxe’, a high-end synthetic material, it proved comfortable even in late summer, aided by the cooled front seats, with heating for winter, the seats were well padded with thigh and side bolsters for extra support.

“STARRAY IS AN IMPRESSIVE DEBUT FOR GEELY”

Unfortunately, the seatbelts are fixed height on the B-Pillars, I found the sash belt too high without raising my seat, putting me close to the panoramic sunroof and restricted my view of the instrument panel.

I appreciated the flat-bottom ‘D’ shaped steering wheel for extra thigh room, it felt a little thin for my preference.

While it is equipped with an array of buttons and switches, not all functions were clear, leaving me scrolling through multiple options until I found my target.

Owners will adapt quickly with regular use, it was a bit distracting rather than being an intuitive move.

That aside, cabin ergonomics are reasonable, perhaps a function of having access to Volvo’s design

team via Geely’s shared Gothenburg, Sweden, studio.

A 15.4” inch touchscreen (I remember when a 14” screen was the standard second TV in the house!) dominates the centre stack, playing through a 16-speaker, 1,0000 Watt, Flyme Sound audio system, My88 sounded amazing.

As well as Apple and Android, there is AM/FM/DAB, plus Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, along with four USB ports, two each of Type A and C.

The touchscreen controls all facets of the EM-i, that little icon in the bottom left corner? Look at it sideways and you realise it is the fuel filler release, yep, got me good at the servo…

I couldn’t find a dimmer for the screen, it ran at full intensity night and day, creating a lot of reflection in the windows.

The centre console sits high, the padded lid for the storage bin makes a nice armrest, with a cover for the twin cupholders sitting ahead of the wireless phone charger.

There is a wavy line interior motif embroidered into the seats and printed the length of the console, I applaud the designer’s faith in the manufacturing arm’s ability to align the design across a brace of opening panels.

As a medium SUV I found the EM-i spacious, with the seat lowered I had plenty of head and shoulder room, legroom was also good, with room for a passenger to sit comfortably behind me.

I liked the EM-i’s cabin, it felt luxurious, perhaps a little sterile and not quite engaging with me, but I loved the dynamic ambient lighting, especially when synced with the audio system, pulsing in time with my music.

Like the external finish, the interior had a high-end feel, with everything lining up and the doors sealing you off from the outside world as they closed.

The Geely had one quirk to catch out the unwary – it starts in EV mode when you unlock it, and doesn’t shut off again until locked externally with the key fob.

With a range of about three metres, it is important to keep the key separate from the car, not a bad idea for security reasons, to avoid coming out to find the battery exhausted.

A quick flick of the columnmounted Drive selector and the car is ready to roll and showcase its user-friendliness, both a plus and a minus, the Geely is almost effortless.

It is vital to set the car up before driving, there are multiple options and screens to select your preferences.

The Emergency Lane Keeping is sensitive, you can find yourself ‘pinballing’ between lines on a narrow section of road as the computers search for the lane centre.

It can be disabled via the touchscreen. along with the Driver Attention system, these are required to achieve a 5-Star ANCAP score, but without quantifiable parameters they can be intrusive and many drivers opt out of the system.

The EPS (Electronic Power Steering) is good, although steering feel is diminished, it remains accurate and responsive, without being twitchy, I prefer a heavier feel with more driver feedback, but the EM-i proved stable and predictable and an easy drive in all conditions.

The 1.5-litre four cylinder drinks 95RON petrol, providing a healthy kick along, it was a bit harsh under

I am all for simplifying the driving process, I have driven some cars and trucks where it is so complicated you are distracted trying to figure them out.

The flipside is removing the driver from the process, so you feel no connection with what is happening around you.

Geely sit somewhere in the middle, it is a relaxed drive, but you aren’t engaging with the car, creating a feeling of sterility.

full power, but in normal driving proved pleasant, the switching between ICE and EV was reasonable, without heavy clunking as the different systems engaged.

Despite being new to Australia, Geely have plenty of accumulated knowledge, as this increases the cars should continue to improve. Already it is a good car, not quite at the level of its Japanese and Korean competition, but not that far behind, and pricing is sold.

An impressive debut, even with a few frustrations.

She’s riding out of her comfort zone

NATHAN TAYLOR

Some athletes go to great lengths to make their sporting dreams come true, with local cycling sensation Anna Dubier one of those people.

Every year over the past four years, the 18-year-old leaves her family home in Werrington County and moves to Europe for several months – Belgium to be precise – to live out her dream of being an elite level cyclist.

Dubier lives in an apartment with three other cyclists from different countries and sometimes races up to three times a week around the small but beautiful nation.

“Belgium has a lot of road racing and it’s a really good country to be in if you want to race – it’s where all the racing happens,” Dubier explained.

“I’ve been coming here since I was 15. I do miss home a little bit but it’s not enough to make me want to come back. This is my fourth year here and you sort of get used to it.

“Yes, it was very stressful at first and you have to be switched on the entire time. You grow up very quickly living on your own in another country. It takes a certain person to be able to do it.”

But being out of her comfort zone is exactly the type of sacrifice Dubier has to make in order to be one of Australia’s best – a goal she is a very good chance of achieving.

Prior to taking up cycling full-time, Dubier was involved in athletics, in particular running and discus.

“I enjoyed athletics and I was really good at discus despite being relatively lean in comparison to the other discus throwers – it was quite

surprising,” she said.

Understanding she couldn’t compete at the highest level in both cycling and athletics, Dubier made the huge call to put her heart and soul into road and track cycling.

Over the past few years, Dubier has enjoyed immense success both domestically and internationally –winning titles and securing medals all over the world.

The latest Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star recipient said 2025 was her favourite year on two wheels so far.

“Last year I became Junior World Champion – you can’t get much better than that!” Dubier said.

Something Dubier is also proud of is getting to wear the Australian colours on the big stage.

“In that same year, I also won the Australian National Points Race, and I won the Oceania Points Race. I then went to Worlds and won the Points Race, so it was an undefeated streak and I’m really proud of that.”

“I wanted to wear the Australian bands (national colours) in all the European races that I did, and I managed to achieve that, which was really special for me also,” she said.

As for what’s on the horizon, Dubier has many things she wants to do. While representing Australia at an Olympics is every cyclist’s dream, she’d also like to compete at the World Championships for either the track or road at an elite level.

Anna Dubier is the latest PVSF Senior Sports Star.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Rare feeling for the mighty Emus

RUGBY: The Penrith Emus have won backto-back games for the first time this season, hammering the boys from Blacktown 73-12 in Round 5 of the McLean Cup. In what was their most impressive performance of the year, the mighty Emus scored a whopping 12 tries on their way to victory at Nepean Rugby Park last Saturday. Meanwhile, Penrith’s second grade team also enjoyed a big 27-3 win over Blacktown in the earlier game. This Saturday the Emus will travel to Peter van Hasselt Park to battle the Chifley Chiefs.

BASKETBALL: It was a rough weekend for the Penrith Panthers, losing all four games in Round 7 of the NBL1 East Men’s and Women’s competition. On Saturday, Penrith’s men’s team fell to the Illawarra Hawks 94-84, while on Sunday the Panthers were dominated by the Centre of Excellence 91-72. Meanwhile, Penrith’s women’s team didn’t fare any better. On Saturday, the Illawarra Hawks were too good for them 79-67, while on Sunday the Centre of Excellence gave the young Panthers a basketball lesson 72-36. Both teams will hope to bounce back when they play the Central Coast Crusaders this Saturday at Guzman Y Gomez Stadium.

NETBALL: Giants Netball are still yet to win a game, with their latest loss coming against the Queensland Firebirds 71-64 in Round 10 of the Super Netball competition. A composed, confident opening saw the Giants produce their strongest first half of the season, settling quickly despite the Firebirds’ fast start, with Hope White and Amy Sligar providing clean supply through the midcourt and capitalising on early defensive wins. The Giants led at half-time 39-33 before momentum flipped the home side’s way in the second half. The Giants now return home to Ken Rosewall Arena, where they will host the Adelaide Thunderbirds this Saturday.

NETBALL: Round 4 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition took place at Netball Central last week. Panthers Netball’s U23s team suffered a 51-31 loss at the hands of the UTS Randwick Sparks, while Panthers’ Opens team also went down to the Sparks 61-51. Both teams will take on the Manly Warringah Sapphires in Round 5.

AFL: GWS captain Toby Greene has surprised a local SES volunteer and passionate Giants supporter with a game day honour at Engie Stadium. Western Sydney local Swavika Prasad, who volunteers her time supporting the community through floods and storm response, was invited on-field to take part in the official coin toss at the Giants match on May 9. The celebration was part of Aware Super’s ‘Super Helpful’ initiative, recognising

everyday Australians who give back to their communities. Prasad said she was completely taken by surprise by the experience. “I thought I was just coming along to watch the game, so being invited onto the field for the coin toss was incredible – I’m still in shock,” she said. “Volunteering with the SES means a lot to me, so to be recognised like this, especially as a Giants fan, was really special.” Greene said it was a privilege to recognise someone making a real difference in the community. “People like Swavika are absolute legends – what she does for the community during tough times is inspiring,” he said. “It was great to share this moment with her in front of our home crowd and give her a small token of appreciation.”

AFLW: Star midfielder Bec Beeson will again take the helm as Giants captain for the 2026 AFLW season, marking her third in the role. Beeson heads an extended leadership team, with Alyce Parker and Tarni Evans also retaining their roles as leaders of the young Giants’ squad. The trio will be joined by 2025 All-Australian Cambridge McCormick, star forward Georgia Garnett and off-season recruit Tilly Lucas-Rodd, who brings leadership experience as the former captain of Hawthorn. As the last standing inaugural Giant and an AFL Sydney recruit, Beeson’s renewed role recognises the impact she has had on the club and game’s development, across 11 seasons in

the AFLW. “I’m incredibly grateful to have the backing of the players again as captain, it’s an honour to represent the Giants and our team in this way,” Beeson said. “We’ve gelled really well as a group with some new faces coming into the side this season and we’re excited to get going after a long off-season.” The 2026 AFLW season will get underway this August.

AFL: The Penrith Rams have won backto-back games, too good for the East Coast Eagles 79-69 in Round 6 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. The Rams were down by 8 points at half-time before storming home in the second half to take the victory. The fourth-placed Rams will look to keep their winning streak alive when they face-off with Southern Power this Saturday at Waratah Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have bounced back from last week’s loss to defeat the Parramatta Goannas 39-13 in Round 6 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The third-placed Ramettes will do battle with the Manly Warringah Wolves this Saturday at Frank Gray Oval.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Following last weekend’s break in the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield, Round 8 of the NSWRL competitions will get underway this weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys will take on the Bulldogs, while Penrith Brothers verse the Bulls. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys take on the Rams, while Penrith Brothers battle the Bulls.

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also direct message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

The Penrith Emus celebrate another victory.

Giants remain last on the ladder.

Rams win again. Photo: Charlotte Ashleigh.

Giant surprise for local fan. Photo: AFL Photos.

SPORT

Penrith’s #1 NRL Coverage –– see centre pull-out

A GIANT DAY OUT

undreds of junior AFL players from across western Sydney will descend on Giants HQ at Sydney Olympic Park this Sunday for the Giant

Giant Day Out is an annual event which sees junior footy players represent their local clubs as they take part in a special NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick Gala Day alongside a number of activities and entertainment at Giants HQ.

Following the conclusion of the Gala Day competitions, the junior players will be handed their official Giant Day Out medals, enjoy a BBQ feast before the action heads across to nearby Engie Stadium.

Participants and their families will march with the Giants Marching Band to cheer on the GWS Giants as they take on the Brisbane Lions during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

From this season, Sir Doug Nicholls Round is underpinned by an enduring theme that consistently carries across years: ‘Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections.

The theme provides an opportunity for the AFL, clubs and players to showcase defining moments, people and stories that celebrate the sporting legacy of First Nations people within the game and beyond, and that the game is stronger when First Nations players are at the heart of it.

The Giants will be desperate to bounce back this Sunday following last weekend’s shock 88-71 loss to the West Coast Eagles in Perth.

The visitors looked in control for most of the match before the Eagles enjoyed a brilliant fourth quarter comeback to post just their third win of the year.

Speaking on Tuesday, Giants star and proud Indigenous man Toby Bedford said he’s expecting a “great” contest against the Lions this Sunday afternoon.

“They are a premiership side and a very good side as well, so they’re looking to bounce back as well [after last week’s loss to Geelong]. It’s going to be a great game,” he predicted.

“We’re just super excited to play in front of our home fans and our members at Engie Stadium as well. We love playing there and hopefully we can sell it out. We’re super keen for this weekend.”

A victory against the Lions this Sunday is vital if the Giants are to have any hope of making the AFL Finals this season. GWS currently sit eight points behind eighthplaced Adelaide after 10 games. The first bounce is at 12.30pm.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Toby Bedford.

Photo: Ryan Jones/GWS GIANTS.