Western Weekender May 8 2025

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

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LABOR WINS GOVERNMENT, BUT LINDSAY DELIVERS MELISSA MCINTOSH A…

THREE

PEAT

Melissa McIntosh will return as the Federal Member for Lindsay, winning a third consecutive term despite a swing against her at the election last weekend.

Emily Chate reports on Page 2

Photo: Melinda Jane.

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LOCAL NEWS

McIntosh secures third • Sitting MP survives swing to ensure Lindsay stays blue • McIntosh says she’ll EMILY CHATE

A

Melissa McIntosh with her family on election night. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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hush fell over the room at the Liberal election night event in Lindsay as seats that were thought to be blue strongholds began to turn red, including that of Coalition Leader Peter Dutton.

At 6pm on Saturday evening there was nothing more politicians across the country could do but wait to see how the Australian people had voted.

There was a resounding response from across the country: Labor was the way go to go for another three years.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Liberals, with Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh locked in to secure a third straight term.

“I’m very grateful the people of Lindsay voted me in as their local Federal MP for a third term,” McIntosh said.

“Over the last six years, I have fought hard every day for our community and that will be my 100 per cent focus over the next three years.”

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

term in historic victory be a voice for community in parliament • Lindsay a rare bright spot for Liberals First elected in 2019, McIntosh came into the election with a margin in her favour of 6.1 per cent.

With 84.1 per cent of the votes counted when the Weekender went to print this week, that margin had come back with a 2.6 per cent swing to Labor after preferences.

But McIntosh suffered a 5.5 per cent swing against her primary vote, which will be a major concern for the Liberals when the seat is contested again in 2028.

She holds a lead of around 6,446 votes heading into the final ballots being counted.

McIntosh said there’s plenty to take from the numbers.

“I take very seriously the message from the people that changed their vote this election, and I’m very much listening to the issues that matter most to them,” McIntosh said.

Despite the swing away from the Liberal Party, McIntosh thanked her staff, campaign volunteers and voters for all the work they put in, saying she is ready to get back to advocating for the community.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me during the campaign, it was wonderful to receive such positive and strong encouragement

from people. I also want to thank all the local community volunteers who worked so hard to ensure we held the seat,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice in the Australian Parliament for our community – the best community in the country.”

On the night of the election McIntosh addressed the Liberal faithful at her event saying she would continue to fight for Lindsay, now a tougher task given Labor’s dominance nationally.

“The Albanese Labor Government rips so much funding out of western Sydney and it has hurt people here. It’s hurt people so much and I’ll continue to fight for the best for our community,” she said.

“I’m just hearing from people about what matters most to them and right now, people are suffering like they’ve never suffered before.

“I’ve stood for two weeks on the Penrith High Street, and it really upsets me that so many people are experiencing homelessness. People on double incomes are lining up at food banks because they can’t

Melissa McIntosh with her family and supporters on election night. Photos: Melinda Jane.

afford to feed their families. This is a failure of the Albanese Labor Government to look after everyday Australians.

“These are not Australians who have been suffering before. These are Australians who are working so hard for their families, and this is exactly the type of people that we are fighting for here in western

Sydney and we’re going to continue to fight for them.”

Of all the minor parties who ran candidates in Lindsay Aaron McAllister from The Greens received the highest votes with 8,463 or 9.22 per cent of votes.

Independent Jim Saleam received the least number of votes with 1,020 just beating HEART Party candidate

Michelle Palmer who received 1,027 votes.

At the time of publication there has been 10,274 informal votes counted, accounting for 10.1 per cent of all votes in the Lindsay electorate.

McIntosh and her Liberal colleagues will vote for a new leader in the coming weeks as the party tries to regroup.

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the western weekender

From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

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

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

www.westernweekender.com.au facebook.com/westernweekender @westernweekender @westernweekender @wwpenrith @westernweekender.bsky.social @westernweekender Western Weekender

Liberals must look in the mirror A nthony Albanese last weekend embedded himself in the annals of Labor Party history as one of its greatest ever leaders.

His victory at the 2025 Federal Election will long be remembered as one of Labor’s top triumphs.

And it’s important to note that while the Rudd and Gillard saga that tore the party apart some years ago feels well in the rear view mirror, it is Albanese who united the party and healed those wounds – not an easy feat.

But the real story of the election was not Labor.

It was the decimation of the Liberal Party and the emerging question – how do they possibly come back from here?

There is no question that this election is a line in the sand moment for the Liberals.

This was not just about Peter Dutton being unlikeable or the Liberals not selling what they had to offer well enough during the campaign.

This is about an electorate turning its back on a particular style of conservative politics in Australia and certainly sending the Liberal Party a message that it’s just not getting the wants and needs of the electorate.

Case in point: There was a time when the Liberal Party would preference One Nation last, believing the political movement led by Pauline Hanson was a party that leaned into racism and division.

At this election, the Coalition gave its preferences to One Nation in more than 50 electorates.

That shows not how far the Liberal Party has come, but how desperate it became. And it shows creating division was almost part of its plan.

The Liberal Party has an identity crisis.

Who and what does it stand for?

Many people going to the ballot box would have asked that question last Saturday and couldn’t find an answer.

Believing its own hype and polls at the back end of last year and early this year that Labor was on the nose and a change of government was a real possibility, the Coalition opted for a campaign that played it safe with

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INDEX

no real standout policy and certainly no game-changing reform.

At some stage the Coalition thought all they needed to do was show up, and by the time they realised it was the wrong play, it was too late. The horse had bolted.

The answer for the Liberals certainly does not lie in the extreme right of politics.

It does not lie in talking down the country, nor in following the path of leadership like Donald Trump.

It was ironic that the Coalition was so vocal in criticising Anthony Albanese for the lack of detail around The Voice, which ultimately failed, yet itself was so light on detail on policies like energy and its nuclear push.

The Liberals must recalibrate from here and find their identity.

If the electorate was not willing to come to you, you must come to it.

And that is the message many in the Liberal Party must accept as it prepares to elect a new leader and work on its comeback plans.

If they try to push the narrative that this was all somebody else’s fault or that the Australian public got it wrong, it will be a sign that they haven’t learned anything from this disaster.

Of course in life and in politics, nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems.

Those who celebrated Dutton’s fall with glee on Saturday night via gloating social media posts or chest beating must realise such glory is often short-lived.

And if you’re sensible you know that the best controller of your life is yourself.

If you think any government, no matter what party forms it, determines the success of your life then you need to go have a look in the mirror.

Australians chose a safe, mature government last Saturday night. It saw Labor as a protective set of hands at a time of rocky economic times and worldwide uncertainty.

And it didn’t buy Dutton’s claims that Albanese created the cost-of-living crisis or had driven the country into the ground.

People couldn’t match what Dutton was claiming to reality and therefore couldn’t trust he was a better option.

The Coalition can’t focus on the 2028

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election for the next three years. It is far from dead as a political movement but it must dig deep within itself to figure out what it wants to be moving forward.

Australians have walked away from the Coalition but they will always leave the door unlocked.

Moods change, generations shift and there will be a time the electorate opens the door again.

But when it does it must see a Coalition that knows what it stands for, has recalibrated and has moved away from just bashing the other side as a primary part of its strategy.

It must realise that what people want out of a conservative government is not leaders getting lost in the weeds of social issues or desperately trying to emulate Trump-like politics.

Politicians are often the last people to work out what’s actually happening on the ground.

It shouldn’t be that way given they are supposedly listening, door knocking and engaging with people constantly.

But too often their lack of knowledge about the lived experience of people when it comes to key issues is poor.

And the same can be said about the type of election campaigns people want.

We’ve moved on from rhetoric and the desire to get the best snippet in the 6pm news.

Media has shifted, and younger generations in particular are harder to reach. But of those who are reached, it is Labor who finds them better. You get the feeling the Coalition doesn’t know where to start looking.

And while it’s an easy shot to fire, I have to say I don’t think the Coalition understands women at all. It has spent years trying to brush off that criticism, but perhaps it was true after all. At least, it is now.

Now, one final note about Lindsay.

Labor didn’t do much wrong in terms of its national campaign but the bloodbath could have been even more significant.

The swing in Lindsay suggests that if Labor had actually paid attention to the electorate, spent some decent money and produced more local commitments, it may have just turned the seat red.

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Tanya Davies MP Member for Badgerys Creek

anya

Contact T

badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 9834 2966 (02) 9834 6291 tanyadaviesmp tanyadavies.com.au

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LOCAL NEWS

Labor keen to build on stronger result in Lindsay despite defeat ALLY HALL

McLean has achieved a 2.6 per cent swing to the ALP after preferences.

Of concern however would be Labor’s stable primary vote, not increasing in Lindsay despite the party’s national dominance.

On the night, McLean watched as the swing grew and at different moments, faint hopes were raised of a stunning upset victory.

“This is very close, and to be able to stand here after the last couple of federal campaigns that we’ve had where it’s been well before this time of night that we’ve known what’s happening – I’m telling you, we have a huge swing,” McLean said around 9.30pm on Saturday.

“This is an exciting result, and it shows what can be done – not with cash, not with all the money you can put into advertising and putting your face everywhere ... this is what passion and people power and dedication to our values does in our community.”

After the race concluded, the unsuccessful McLean congratulated McIntosh on her re-election and wished her well in representing Lindsay in the Federal Parliament.

“This campaign was never just about politics – it was about people and the values we hold. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported and believed in our vision for a fairer, stronger western Sydney,” McLean wrote.

McLean continues to serve as a Labor Councillor on Penrith City Council.

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pirits were high at the Lindsay Labor election party on Saturday as Anthony Albanese was re-elected for a second term as Prime Minister.

And although local Labor candidate Hollie McLean didn’t claim victory, everyone in the conference room at the Penrith RSL Club on Saturday night was beaming with pride.

After declaring Lindsay was too tight to call on election night, McLean conceded defeat to Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh on Sunday.

“I want to begin by thanking the people of Lindsay for the opportunity to campaign across our vibrant and growing community,” McLean said.

“It has been a privilege to speak with so many residents who care deeply about our region and its future.”

McLean said Labor’s results in the seat showed a mood of change was starting to form.

“This election saw a strong swing towards Labor in Lindsay – a clear sign that our message resonated with voters who want a real investment in their future, not more of the same,” McLean said.

“That momentum is something we will continue to build on.”

With just over 84 per cent of the vote counted,

Hollie McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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LOCAL NEWS

Albo enters Labor folklore Historic night as Prime Minister earns a second term and decimates Coalition TROY DODDS

P

rime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australians have given his government a “clear mandate” after Labor’s thumping election victory on Saturday night.

Speaking in Canberra on Monday, Albanese said his team was getting back to work and that he hoped to prove over the next three years that voters made the right choice.

“I promise to be a Prime Minister for all Australians – those who voted Labor and those who didn’t, and hope to earn the trust of the Australian people on an ongoing basis,” he said.

“We are deeply humbled by the result on Saturday and we don’t take a second of it for granted.”

Albanese said he wouldn’t get carried away despite Labor’s enormous majority, and rejected claims his government hadn’t been ambitious in its first term.

“Look at our agenda on the clean energy economy, on childcare, on gender equality, on education where we went beyond where we said we would,” he said.

“I didn’t promise to deliver

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan acknowledge the crowd at the Labor Election Night function on Saturday. Photo: AAP.

surpluses, yet we delivered two. We have been an ambitious government and we will continue to be an ambitious government but we won’t get carried away and we will

continue to engage.”

Labor’s dominance left the Coalition in complete tatters, forcing it into one of the biggest rebuilds in Australian political history.

It also brought the end of Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s career, with the Liberal stalwart losing his seat of Dickson.

“Tonight’s not the night that we

wanted for the Liberal Party, for the Coalition or for our country,” Dutton said on Saturday night.

“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign, that much is obvious tonight.

“It’s an historic occasion for the Labor Party and we recognise that.”

Albanese arrived to huge celebrations at a Labor event in Sydney on Saturday night, looking emotional as he took to the stage to cheers of “Albo, Albo, Albo” from the crowd.

“Today the Australian people have voted for Australian values,” he said.

“For fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all. For the strength to show courage and kindness to those in need.”

On Monday, Albanese accepted “oppositions matter” and he would consider all requirements in terms of staffing and resources as the Coalition attempted to re-build.

“It’s a different parliament these days, but we’ll consider all of that,” he said.

“I’ve always treated both the Liberal Party and their leader and the Nationals and their leader with respect,” he said.

The Coalition will likely take some time before they determine a new leader.

Templeman increases Labor vote in Macquarie with easy win TROY DODDS

M

acquarie MP Susan Templeman has increased Labor’s margin in the electorate, seeing off a challenge from the Liberal Party and its high visibility candidate Mike Creed.

Despite increased support for the Greens and One Nation, Labor achieved a 1.4 per cent swing to it after preferences based on the latest figures available on Wednesday.

Templeman said she was delighted to have retained the seat, which for the first time takes in part of the Penrith Local Government Area.

“I am particularly appreciative of the support from the new parts of the electorate – Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay. I am eager to work with Penrith Council to deliver the promised sporting and playground improvements to the area,” she said.

“We ran a positive campaign about better services and building a better future for Australians, and I am so excited to start the work including delivering a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to the Hawkesbury, an Endometriosis and Menopause clinic for the Nepean-Blue Mountains, see

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work begin on the new Richmond Bridge, and create a koala refuge in our world heritage area.”

Templeman said she was proud that Labor had made significant inroads in greater western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

“The result also reflects the ongoing efforts of many elected Labor State and Council representatives including State Members Trish Doyle and Karen McKeown, and Mayors Mark Greenhill and Todd Carney, and I thank them for their support and cooperation as we work together for the region,” she said.

“It demonstrates the power of individual community volunteers who selflessly, for no personal gain other than to make a difference, give so much of their time to support me and the Labor Party. Whether union members, retirees or youth, there were hundreds of people who helped get our positive message out.

A special thank you to the teachers across Macquarie who were on polling booths to inform parents about our historic agreement to fully fund public education.

“I acknowledge the efforts of the five other Macquarie candidates.

After six elections, I know the challenge you and your families have just undertaken, and our

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

Macquarie MP Susan Templeman thanks the local community on Monday.

democracy is stronger for your willingness to engage. I look forward to working with Councillor Creed as Hawkesbury Council continues to

fulfil the 2022 election funding that I delivered to them.”

Meanwhile, Chris Bowen retained the seat of McMahon, but suffered a

1.4 per cent swing against him after preferences.

Bowen also dropped 2.6 per cent of his primary vote.

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Penrith: Online love turns sour, woman to front court A woman will front court after her quest for love allegedly crossed the line.

In March 2025 a 39-year-old Colyton woman met a 41-year-old man online.

The pair were friends, but the woman wanted to have a relationship with the man, and he did not.

At 5.15pm on Tuesday, April 29 the 39-yearold woman called the 41-year-old man, and he told her to leave him alone. The woman told the man that if he hung up on her, she would come over to his house. The 41-yearold man hung up on the woman and left his house.

At 8pm later that night the man returned home and saw the 39-year-old woman banging on his front door. The man left and called police.

The man also called a friend of his to ask if he could go to the 41-year-old’s house and see if the woman was there.

The man’s friend went to his house and filmed the woman jumping on the balcony at the house.

Police arrived and arrested the woman. She will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, June 13.

Penrith: Two caught after leading police on car chase through Penrith

Penrith: Woman caught shoplifting five times in four days At 10.30am on Thursday, May 1 a 40-yearold Kingswood woman went into a sportswear store within a major shopping centre on High Street in Penrith.

While in the store the woman pushed a shopping trolley towards a clothing stand and grabbed six jumpers.

The woman then left the store without paying for the items.

At 9am on Friday, May 2 the 40-year-old Kingswood woman attended the same shopping centre again but went into a different sportswear store.

The woman took four white Nike jumpers from a stand, placed the jumpers on the handlebars of a scooter and left the store without paying.

At 9am on Saturday, May 3 the 40-year-old again attended the same shopping centre and went into a supermarket.

The woman grabbed an assortment of packaged meat products.

The woman was stopped for a bag check at the door where she verbally abused staff and refused to show her bags or pay for the products.

At 10.45am on Sunday, May 4 the 40-yearold attended a different shopping centre on Woodriff Street in Penrith.

The woman was carrying a blue bag and riding a pink scooter when she went into a department store at the centre.

The woman placed a series of items into the blue bag she was carrying and left the store without paying.

At 11.20am on Sunday, May 4 the 40-yearold woman entered a department store on High Street in Penrith.

The woman was carrying the same blue bag and riding the same pink scooter. The woman grabbed a child’s clothing set, put it into her bag and left the store without paying for the item.

Police were in the shopping centre at the time and were spoken to by security.

Police saw the 40-year-old woman and placed her under arrest. The incidents were all recorded on high quality CCTV at the stores.

The woman was charged by police and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, May 20.

LABOR’S PLAN FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS In previous weeks, we explained the pitch of each of the major political parties to first home buyers.

We often write in this column about the importance of people who are entering the property market doing their due diligence, including financial due diligence, not just legal due diligence before they hit the open home circuit.

In addition to speaking with a mortgage broker to get a pre-approval in place, it is also important that you understand what state and federal policies are in place that might assist you getting into the market.

Unless you have been living under a rock, if you are reading this column you will be aware by now that Labor were successful in the recent federal election.

Prior to the election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced policies that would be introduced if he was re-elected that will affect first home buyers.

Firstly, the Federal Government will enable some first buyers to enter the market with as little as a five per cent deposit.

Traditionally, to obtain a home loan from a bank most borrowers needed a deposit of at least 20 per cent to avoid loan mortgage insurance.

Loan mortgage insurance (LMI) is an insurance policy the bank takes out to cover itself in the event that a highly leveraged borrower defaults on their loan.

The lender passes that cost onto the borrower.

LMI’s controversial because it is prohibitively expensive (often exceeding $10,000 or $20,000), and does not benefit the borrower at all. It is an insurance policy wholly and solely for the benefit of the lender.

Previously, the Federal Government had in

place a scheme where it would effectively act as a guarantor on the loan up to a limit of 15 per cent, meaning that if a first home buyer who met the eligibility criteria had a five per cent deposit, the government would notionally guarantee the balance to enable more people to enter the property market.

Previously the government scheme was only available to first home buyers who earnt less than $125,000 a year (singles) or $200,000 a year (couples). There were also limited places in what was known as the “First Home Buyers Guarantee” scheme.

Before the election Labor pledged to expand the scheme to all first home buyers and do away with the income test and cap on availability.

In essence, this means that far more people will be able to access the scheme if they wish to do so. The only real restriction the government proposes to impose on the expanded scheme is on the price of the home being acquired which will be capped relative to the city or region in which the home is located. For example, the house price limit to access the scheme in Sydney will be $1.5 million, in Melbourne it will be $950,000 and in Brisbane it will be $1 million.

Labor also proposed a policy to stimulate the construction of new homes. Labor’s plan is to spend $10 billion to assist in the construction of up to one hundred thousand new homes that would only be available to first home buyers entering the market. Most of the $10 billion spend is to be farmed out to states and territories or other organisations who would then set about the actual construction of the homes.

Both policies, if affective, should enable greater ability for first home buyers to enter the market.

MAN KILLED IN WORKPLACE ACCIDENT A man has died after a workplace incident in Erskine Park.

At about 8.30am on Tuesday, emergency services were called to a warehouse on Grady Crescent, Erskine Park, after reports of a workplace incident.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command attended alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics, who treated a 29-year-old man, however, he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the incident has commenced.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner and the incident has been referred to SafeWork NSW. A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW confirmed they were aware of the incident.

“SafeWork NSW was notified of a workplace incident that occurred earlier today at a warehouse at Erskine Park in Sydney’s west,” the spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“SafeWork NSW is responding and inspectors are at the scene.”

– Emily Chate

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At 7.30am on Wednesday, April 30 police were patrolling Kingswood in an unmarked police car.

Police saw a white Mazda CX5 on the Great Western Highway with a number plate that looked to be fake.

Police activated their lights and sirens to stop the car. The car stopped but as police approached the car, it accelerated harshly and fled the scene.

Police returned to their car and initiated a pursuit.

The pursuit was then terminated because of safety concerns. Not long after the Mazda was seen entering Village Crescent in Penrith where it collided with a police car.

A short time later the Mazda was found with bleach poured through it. Checks on the car’s registration showed that it was a Queensland registered car that had been stolen in late 2023.

Not long after the driver, a 42-year-old Fairfield man and the passenger, a 40-yearold Ashfield woman were found at a service station on Dunheved Road in Werrington.

They were arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station.

The 42-year-old man was bail refused and

will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 12.

The 40-year-old woman was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, June 2.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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

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

Meeting Dates 26 May 2025 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

penrith.city.council penrithcouncil penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Council Briefs ● Penrith City Council has released a new suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents including the draft Penrith 2041+ Community Strategic Plan, 2025–29 Delivery Program incorporating the 2025–26 Operational Plan, 2025–26 Fees and Charges and 2025–35 Resourcing Strategy.

These documents tie the community’s aspirations and goals for the area together with actions, projects and resources – ˟˔ˬ˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˙ˢ˨ˡ˗˔˧˜ˢˡ ˙ˢ˥ ˟ˢˡ˚ʠ˧˘˥ˠʟ Ѓˡ˔ˡ˖˜˔˟˟ˬ ˦˨˦˧˔˜ˡ˔˕˟˘ growth. The community is invited to provide feedback during the public exhibition until Wednesday 28 May 2025.

View the documents and provide feedback at ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʥʣʧʤ or view them at the ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ʟ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ʵ˨˦˜ˡ˘˦˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ ˢ˥ ˔ˡˬ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ City Library. ● Are you a business or organisation looking for more opportunities to celebrate First Nations culture? Our Penrith 2025 NAIDOC Event is scheduled for Friday 11 July — and we’d love to have you sponsor!

This is a great opportunity to get visibility for your brand with a diverse and engaged audience and align with a cause that matters. We have various opportunities available.

Applications close on Sunday 18 May. Find out more at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˘˩˘ˡ˧˦ ● Join us for a guided walk and talk of Rickabys Creek Reserve on Saturday 24 May from 9am–12pm for our Botany Blitz event!

We’ll be learning about the importance of identifying native plants and how to go about it, and what seed collection and germination are. Participants will go home with a goody bag, ˪˛˜˖˛ ˪˜˟˟ ˛˔˩˘ ˔ ˩˔˥˜˘˧ˬ ˢ˙ ˣ˟˔ˡ˧ ˜˗˘ˡ˧˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧˜ˣ˦ʟ ˧˥˜˖˞˦ʟ and tools.

The event is free, but bookings are essential at: ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˘˩˘ˡ˧˦

Public Notices Draft Planning Agreements ʷ˥˔˙˧ ˔ˠ˘ˡ˗ˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˀ˔ˠ˥˘ ˅ˢ˔˗ ˃˥˘˖˜ˡ˖˧ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʶˢˡ˧˥˜˕˨˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˃˟˔ˡ ʛʶˢˡ˧˥˜˕˨˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˃˟˔ˡʜ Council invites you to comment on draft amendments to the Mamre Road Precinct Development Contributions Plan (Contributions Plan). The proposed amendments: • Respond to legislative changes resulting from recent amendments to State Environmental Planning Policy (Industry and Employment) 2021

• ˅˘˦ˣˢˡ˗ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ Ѓˡ˔˟˜˦˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˆˬ˗ˡ˘ˬ ˊ˔˧˘˥Ϡ˦ ʼˡ˧˘˚˥˔˧˘˗ Stormwater Scheme Plan for the Mamre Precinct.

• ˃˥ˢ˩˜˗˘ ˖˟˔˥˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˗˘Ѓˡ˜˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˁ˘˧ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣ˔˕˟˘ Area, which is land that is required to pay a development contribution.

• Update the indexation method for land to be acquired.

• Make minor housekeeping changes, including an update ˧ˢ ˥˘Є˘˖˧ ˭ˢˡ˜ˡ˚ ˖˛˔ˡ˚˘˦ʟ ˟˘˚˜˦˟˔˧˜˩˘ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ typographic corrections.

The draft amendments will be on public exhibition from Monday 5 May 2025 until Monday 2 June 2025 and can be viewed online at ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˗˥˔˙˧ʠˠ˔ˠ˥˘ʠˣ˥˘˖˜ˡ˖˧ʠ ˖ˢˡ˧˥˜˕˨˧˜ˢˡ˦ʠˣ˟˔ˡ Submissions must be received by 5pm on 2 June 2025 and can be submitted by: • Email: ˖˜˧ˬʡˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ • Post: General Manager (Attn: City Planning) Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 Please include the following subject line ‘Draft Amendments to Mamre Road Precinct Contributions Plan’ in your submission.

For all enquiries: Please contact Natalie Stanowski, City Planning Coordinator on 4732 7403 or ˡ˔˧˔˟˜˘ʡ˦˧˔ˡˢ˪˦˞˜ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

ʷ˥˔˙˧ ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ʴ˚˥˘˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˆ˧˔˚˘ ʤ ʙ ʥ ˢ˙ ʿ˘˚˔˖ˬ ˃˥ˢˣ˘˥˧ˬ ˗˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˜ˡ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˁˢ˥˧˛ Penrith City Council is publicly notifying a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and LegPro Pty Ltd (known as Legacy Property).

The draft VPA has been prepared in connection with approved development Applications DA23/0969 and DA24/0041. The development is located within the Orchard Hills North Precinct, fronting Caddens Road and is subject to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (Amendment No. 29) which took effect on Wednesday 1 October 2023.

The draft VPA sets out mechanisms for the timing and delivery of road works, stormwater infrastructure and land dedication ˜˗˘ˡ˧˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˗˥˔˙˧ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ ˁˢ˥˧˛ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ Contributions Plan. The draft VPA also includes a mechanism for the consideration of contribution offsets and credits and the ˣ˥ˢ˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˔˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˣ˨˕˟˜˖ ˕˘ˡ˘Ѓ˧˦ʡ A copy of the draft VPA and explanatory note can be viewed on Council's YourSay page. ˇ˛˘ ˡˢ˧˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˣ˘˥˜ˢ˗ ˜˦ ˙˥ˢˠ ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ ʤ ˀ˔ˬ ʥʣʥʨ ˧ˢ ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ 29 May 2025.

For all enquiries: Please contact Natalie Stanowski, City Planning Coordinator on 4732 7403 or ˡ˔˧˔˟˜˘ʡ˦˧˔ˡˢ˪˦˞˜ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ WW56154

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Election promises turn to dust, unless Labor comes to the party EMILY CHATE

T

he Coalition lost its chance to rule the country and with it, Lindsay has lost major promises of funding.

While Liberal Melissa McIntosh has retained her hold on the seat of Lindsay, her party will be in opposition for the next three years.

During the election campaign, McIntosh made a series of funding commitments to the residents of Lindsay, saying that if the Coalition Government were to be elected on May 3, millions of dollars would be poured into the community.

Now, those promises are no more with Labor failing to match the majority of commitments.

The only commitment left standing is the $4 million towards upgrading netball facilities at Jamison Park.

“This announcement is a gamechanger for our sporting clubs,” Labor candidate for Lindsay Hollie McLean said when matching the Coalition’s commitment.

“We know that playing local sport brings people together.

“This project will provide modern netball facilities so the Penrith community can stay active, healthy and engaged in local sport.”

McIntosh committed $10 million to help build a Penrith Panthers Women’s Academy and Community Hub, with the Panthers

Melissa McIntosh made a commitment to contribute $10 million towards a Penrith Panthers Women’s Academy and Community Hub. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Melissa McIntosh making the announcement at the Don Bosco Youth and Recreation Centre in St Marys.

matching the commitment of $10 million.

Now, Panthers will be either left to fund the project itself, find another partner or abandon the build.

“The Panthers are committed to establishing a dedicated women’s facility, with further details and funding arrangements to be announced in due course,” a spokesperson for the Panthers said.

McIntosh committed $2 million of funding to the Museum of Fire for a new storage facility, now unlikely to happen. $63,000 was committed by the Coalition to

and will not eventuate unless Labor steps in to provide the additional funding.

“We announced a Dutton Liberal Government will restore this funding and get the Mulgoa Road upgrade back on track,” McIntosh said at the time of the announcement.

“I know how important finishing this upgrade to Mulgoa Road is for our Glenmore Park, Regentville, Jamisontown and South Penrith residents, and everyone who travels along that road.”

McIntosh has said she will continue to advocate for the projects.

fund fencing upgrades and resurface outdoor playing courts at the Don Bosco Youth and Recreation Centre in St Marys. $9,500 was promised to Mama Lana’s for security upgrades including an enhanced CCTV system.

The biggest gut punch for Lindsay residents was the Coalition’s commitment to additional funding for the Mulgoa Road Upgrade that will be no more.

Funding for stages 5A and 5B, which takes in Blaikie Road to Jamison Road and then Jamison Road to Union Road, was promised

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

• Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Limited

DA25/0265

Lot 1 DP 1038166, 16 Ninth Avenue, Llandilo Alterations and additions to existing school – Alterations to Block F (professional hub) and construction of a hall (performance hub) The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Department of Planning and Environment – National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 12 May 2025 to Sunday 25 May 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission ˜˦ ˠ˔˗˘ ˕ˬ ˪˔ˬ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡʟ ˧˛˘ ˚˥ˢ˨ˡ˗˦ ˢ˙ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0265.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact James Heathcote on 4732 8378.

• Utopia Constructions Pty Ltd

DA25/0278

Lot A DP 161472, 85 Second Avenue, Kingswood Demolition of existing dwelling, the erection of a dual occupancy development and Strata subdivision of the same.

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

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 12 May 2025 to Sunday 25 May 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission ˜˦ ˠ˔˗˘ ˕ˬ ˪˔ˬ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡʟ ˧˛˘ ˚˥ˢ˨ˡ˗˦ ˢ˙ ˢ˕˝˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ submission. The submission is to include Council’s reference number DA25/0278.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Ben Cavanagh on 4732 7635.

96165WW

penrith.city WW56155

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

9

Joke of the Week

prize cupboard

H

uman Mobile Devices (HMD) has announced the launch of two new devices into its Australian range, with the HMD Key smartphone and HMD 110 feature phone joining its local line-up. Both dependable and stylish, each of the new devices deliver incredible affordability and access to technology at a time when more Australians than ever before are budget conscious.

Designed with affordability and reliability in mind, the HMD Key is powered by AndroidTM 14 (Go edition), providing a great smartphone experience without the premium price tag.

Gone are the days you will need to break the bank to capture the moment thanks to the HMD Key’s 8MP Auto Focus Dual back camera with flash and 5MP front camera,

with Portrait, Night, Pro, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, and Panorama modes all available.

And thanks to the HMD Key’s impressive battery life, users will have power for up to 47 hours between charges. Whether you’re browsing, playing your favourite mobile game or catching up with loved ones, the HMD Key will keep you connected.

Another key component of the HMD Key is its commitment to security, with quarterly updates for the next two years to give consumers peace-of-mind knowing that their data is safely and securely stored.

Whereas those who are looking at returning back to simpler times and who seek devices that takes them away from the digital world, the HMD 110 is a great option with impressive battery life offering a 21 hour talk time thanks to its 1450 mAh4 removable battery.

Q: What kind of shoes do frogs wear?

A: Open-toad sandals.

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

With a sleek exterior and ceramic backing with a solid inner frame to help with durability available in blue and titanium, the carefully thought-out design also features a 2.0” display with large keypads for visual ease and nostalgic tactile feel.

The HMD Key is available now at Big W and online at Officeworks for $129 The HMD 110 is available now at JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Officeworks for $79.

The Weekender has three HMD Key mobile phones to give away.

For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Phone’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, May 23 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender.

Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

I SPY

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

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

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

This week’s lucky winners are: 0752, 0098, 0923.

Dose of Dorin

Do you know where this picture was taken?

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

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The vintage drinking fountain is located at Woodriff Gardens, near the tennis courts, along Castlereagh Road, Penrith.

Connect with us online...

10

Journalists should know better than to show their political colours by sharing videos and posts of glee on social media after the election.

People have long memories.

www.westernweekender.com.au facebook.com/westernweekender

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

@wwpenrith @westernweekender

As boring as the ABC’s election coverage was, you have to hand it to Antony Green. An incredible career, and his farewell broadcast helped give the ABC a huge ratings win.

@westernweekender @westernweekender

LOCAL NEWS

Growing a second chance New opportunities at Cobham Youth Justice Centre puts youngsters on right track ALLY HALL

O

Centre manager Jayne Marchant, Jihad Dib and Steve Whan. Photo: Melinda Jane.

for Youth Justice.

“Through these experiences, young people will find it easier as they begin their transition

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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pportunities in horticulture, hospitality and music are now available to young people at Cobham Youth Justice Centre.

Newly opened student-operated facilities include a horticulture and landscaping centre, a café, and a music studio. The programs will be supervised by staff from Cobham and the Putland Education and Training Unit.

“Vocational education and training opportunities like this are giving back autonomy to young people and putting them on track for meaningful pathways,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said.

“These new facilities will empower young people with accreditations, skills, experiences, and connections allowing them to become productive members of society who are proud of their accomplishments.”

Students will grow a range of plants in the horticultural centre which will be transferred to the rail corridor planned for the Western Sydney International Airport.

Young people in custody will also work as baristas, repurpose kitchen waste for soil, and learn sound production.

“The students will also have the chance to practice and be exposed to employee-employer relationships,” said Jihad Dib, Minister

each time he visits Cobham, he leaves feeling inspired.

“When a young person does something wrong – and everyone has done something wrong in their life – this is the consequence, but we’ve got to do more than just make it a consequence or a form of revenge,” he explained.

“This is about an opportunity to make a change and to be able to build a better life.”

Two young residents at Cobham played a vital role in completing the project, showcasing a change in attitude and hope for their future.

“I’m really proud, really excited, and they have done an amazing job,” Principal Denise Hillman stated, before explaining how their facilities help young people in detention.

“You see a change in their personalities, you see a change in demeanours, you see a change in mindsets. Often, they come in with a negative thinking that the world is not going to give them anything and that the community won’t give them a chance.

“One of the things we try to do during these programs is open up their eyes to see that there’s a better way to do things and to change the way they think about the world.”

The ministers cut the ribbon outside the horticulture centre on April 30, which was met with a round of applause from a group of people excited about the futures of the young men at Cobham.

11

LOCAL NEWS

Sharing their knowledge Nepean crew spread cardio expertise ALLY HALL

N

epean Hospital recently brought their cardiac expertise to Australia’s heartland in the form of a dynamic duo: Cardiologist Dr Faraz Pathan and Clinical Nurse Consultant Louise Smith.

Supported by global charity Radiology Across Borders, the pair journeyed to Alice Springs and hosted a workshop to teach eight GPs theoretical and practical skills to perform Focused Cardiac Ultrasounds (FCUS).

“FCUS is a focused and rapid ultrasound technique which allows healthcare professionals to quickly assess cardiac function, supporting physical examinations and enabling timely intervention for potentially life-threatening conditions. It’s essentially echocardiography on the run,” Pathan explained.

“Our workshop allowed us to get hands on with the GPs to help build their confidence in performing a scan.

“We wanted them to feel comfortable and begin their journey in mastering the ultrasound technique.”

Cardiac ultrasounds – or echocardiology – is one of Nepean Hospital’s strengths, and the doctor said they have a legacy of teaching this technique.

“We’re probably going to do a few more missions to upskill them to the point they can offer it to their community and pick up things

such as rheumatic heart disease – which we unfortunately see a lot more of in the First Nation community, particularly in Alice Springs,” Pathan stated.

The experience was sobering for the doctor, who gained a new perspective.

“I live locally, so I fight very hard for Nepean, but when you see the resources we have compared to what’s available in Alice Springs and what these GPs are dealing with, I think maybe I don’t have that much to whine about,” the doctor reflected.

“It’s humbling what these GPs are dealing with and how committed they are to make care happen for their patients.

“For me, it was really rewarding to be able to help people who are truly on the frontline dealing with complex health issues in communities that don’t have resources that we take for granted here in Penrith.”

His partner in cardiovascular health shared his sentiments.

“In my short time in Alice Springs, I learnt just how much GPs and staff perform fabulous work for Aboriginal communities,” Smith said.

“Accessing simple health care services is something we take for granted. These doctors are bridging the gaps in healthcare needs and providing support through building relationships with the Aboriginal people.”

The outreach initiative solidifies Nepean Hospital and the local health district as leaders in tertiary education and training.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Medical Director Sam Heard, Dr Faraz Pathan, and Louise Smith.

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S C E N I C WO R L D. CO M . AU 7 3 A P R I L - 1 1 M AY the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Push to restore gravesite Fundrasier launched: Final resting place of John and Mary Lees needs overhaul ALLY HALL

to pave the area and have an interpretive sign telling the story of John Lees with a seat there for people to sit and reflect.”

And the legend of John Lees is an interesting one…

“According to the story, one day he was bitten by a snake, and he took himself to Windsor to get treatment,” McKertich told.

“He said if he survived the snake bite, he would turn himself over to God and convert to Christianity. At that point he had been an alcoholic and his life was going a bit backwards.

“So, he survived the snake bite and then decided that he’d build a church next to his farmhouse.”

When the congregation outgrew the church, Lees built a bigger one in 1819, and the process was repeated in 1847.

“John Lees died in 1836 on August 28th,” McKertich said.

“At that time there was no cemetery out here, so he was buried up at

M

any former soldiers had farms at Castlereagh during the early settlement, including John Lees who came to Sydney in 1797, left the New South Wales Corp in 1804, and became a farmer after being given a land grant.

Lees went on to build the first Wesleyan Methodist Church in Australia in 1817, and Castlereagh Conference Centre manager Michael McKertich is now working to have his gravesite restored.

“It’s sunken and the concrete is cracked, so we need to remove all that old concrete, reset the concrete around the grave, and reset the sandstone headstone so that it’s all level,” McKertich stated.

“His wife, Mary Lees, is also buried in the same grave, so we’re resetting her headstone as well.

“At the end of the grave we intend

John and Mary Lees’ grave. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Cranebrook at the Anglican Church Cemetery.

“That was in 1836, and in 1921 his remains were reinterred out here at Castlereagh.”

The conference centre is holding a fundraiser to have the grave restored.

“The church is heritage listed, the cemetery’s heritage listed as well…

There are so many descendants of John Lees and we’re trying to reach out to them and tell them what we’re doing,” the centre manager explained.

“We’re around halfway to the total amount that we need to finish the project.

“It’s a slow process because we’re dealing with lots of descendants all over Australia, so it’s a big mail-out.”

If anyone would like to contribute to conserving local history, you can donate through the Castlereagh Conference Centre website or visit in person at the end of Old Castlereagh Road.

Improvements ahead as Council approves upgrades for laneways EMILY CHATE

P

enrith City Council has approved works on privately owned laneways in St Marys to install lighting improvements and renew an existing public artwork.

The laneway connecting Queen Street to West Lane will receive the installation of lighting elements to improve amenities, encourage wayfinding, connect to parking, increase safety and further town activation.

St Marys laneways are the focus of improvements.

The mural that will be upgraded.

Get To Market 2024

“This walkway provides an important link to Queen Street and supports afterhours access to the car park in West Lane,” a Council report said.

“The pedestrian laneways are distinct from the streetscape with a focus on the movement of people rather than vehicles.

“The site was identified for lighting enhancements due to its value in connecting people with Queen Street businesses.”

The laneway connecting Queen Street to East Lane

currently has a preexisting mural that will be removed to make way for a new mural to be installed in the near future.

“The opportunity to renew the existing public artwork in East Lane, St Marys, has arisen as the current mural has become worn and in need of revitalisation,” the Council report said.

“Public art plays a crucial role in enhancing the urban environment, fostering community pride, and creating a visually engaging streetscape.”

Event 3

Where: Sinclair's - The Log Cabin When: Thursday 2nd May Time: 5:30pm RSVP: Friday 19th March

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

13

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READ ALL ABOUT US BECAUSE SHE’S ALWAYS LISTENED – NOW SHE DESERVES TO HEAR BETTER THAN EVER Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear. But hearing her family’s laughter? That’s priceless.

This Mother’s Day, consider giving your Mum a gift that goes beyond flowers or chocolates — give her the ability to fully enjoy every moment.

Hearing loss can be extremely frustrating and isolating, and it often goes unnoticed. According to recent research, it takes about 7 years for someone to take action and get their hearing tested or decide to go ahead with hearing aids.

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Penrith | Dural | Turramurra | Norwest | Baulkham Hills 14

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

LOCAL NEWS

Making St Marys shine: Plan to take second CBD into the future EMILY CHATE

S

t Marys has been labelled Penrith’s second CBD and is now in the sights of Penrith City Council to receive a range of upgrades to make the city a booming 24-hour destination.

The Draft Penrith and St Marys 24-hour Economic Strategy (24HES) 2025-2029 was placed on public exhibition by Penrith City Council and will be open for community feedback until the middle of next month.

The aim of the 24HES is to align Council’s pre-existing strategies within the ‘Thrive Penrith’ framework to focus on placemaking, economic development, visitor economy, culture, and community safety within Penrith and St Marys.

“The draft 24HES presents a clear vision and direction for the development of the 24-hour economy in Penrith and St Marys over the next five years, identifying the key drivers, aspirations and opportunities of both centres and adopting a place-based approach to respond to the unique characteristics of each centre,” a Council report said.

The 24HES has identified six strategic priorities to achieve future growth and resilience within the City’s 24-hour economy including facilitating vibrant precincts, coordinated planning of future 24-hour precincts, foster-

The community is invited to provide feedback on Council’s draft 24-hour Economy Strategy 2025-2029. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith City Councillor and local resident Garion Thain with St Marys Town Centre Manager Jo Tomic.

ing strong collaboration with businesses, enhancing Penrith and St Marys’ reputations as night-time destinations, developing Penrith’s neon grid and creating a leading 24-hour economy.

“It provides a framework for Council, local businesses and the NSW State Government to strengthen and diversify Penrith’s nighttime economy,” a Council report said.

Penrith City Councillor Garion Thain endorsed the 24HES, saying he was excited by the future prospects of the area.

“As someone who’s lived in St Marys my

entire life, I’m really excited by what we’re seeing right now in the town-planning space,” Thain said.

“St Marys is Penrith’s second CBD, and with the arrival of the airport, it’s more important than ever that we get the strategy for the future right.

“I love that the community has been involved, and I encourage them to have a say on the future of our nighttime economy while the 24-hour strategy is on exhibition.”

Meanwhile, the State Government this week said St Marys was on track to deliver more

To all the wonderful mothers in our community, have a beautiful Mother’s Day w i` Ü Ì Û Ûi°

than 9,000 new homes as part of the Transport Oriented Development Program (TOD).

Council’s masterplan exceeds the NSW Government’s TOD SEPP dwelling targets and will also support light industries through a consolidated commercial core with co-working and creative hubs. A small portion of residential land is also proposed to be rezoned for future public open space.

To learn about the Penrith and St Marys 24-Hour Economy Strategy or to have your say, visit www.yoursaypenrith.com. au/24houreconomystrategy.

To all the remarkable mothers selflessly and quietly working to make our lives better – we celebrate you today.

You’re valued. You’re loved. You’re the best.

Tanya Davies MP Member for Badgerys Creek 02 9834 2966 02 9834 6291 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 Shop 43, 155 Bennett Rd, St Clair NSW 2759 badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au

WW56148

WW56147

Happy Mother’s Day!

Authorised by Tanya Davies, Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759, funded using parliamentary entitlements.

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

15

LOCAL NEWS

New industrial park to bring jobs, opportunity to local area

Appeal launched to help locals in desperate need this winter

T

here is a chill in the air and another cold Penrith winter is upon us, sparking the return of the Penrith Winter Appeal.

The Appeal, which supports homeless and vulnerable locals, has been launched by Penrith CBD Corporation in partnership with Penrith City Council, Penrith RSL, Creative Fringe, Penrith Community Kitchen and State Penrith MP Karen McKeown.

As temperatures drop, many members of our local community – including those experiencing homelessness and financial hardship – face a harsh and uncertain winter. Those behind this year’s Appeal are calling on the Penrith community to lend a hand, offer hope, and share warmth by supporting the concept.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said a donation box is located in Penrith City Council’s Civic Centre foyer.

“Council is pleased to support the Winter Appeal as a way to help the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.

“I encourage everyone who

A render of the industrial park.

EMILY CHATE

T

he State Government has approved a $139 million warehousing estate at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Barings Luddenham Industrial Park will create 250 ongoing roles and 390 construction jobs close to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the estate will bring more job opportunities for locals.

“This investment is not just about warehouses, it’s about jobs, opportunity, and building a thriving future right here in the Aerotropolis,” Car said.

“More than 600 jobs will be created through this development, and it’s just the beginning of what is to come.”

The 19.4-hectare estate will offer a range of warehousing options from approximately 1,000 square metres up to 30,000 square metres, with a total of more than 63,500 square metres of floor area.

In addition to the warehousing use, the development is proposed to have an onsite café, ancillary office spaces, an estate road network, two landscaped open space areas, car parking and estate wide landscaping.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said it helps lay the foundations for projected growth in the area.

“With the Western Sydney International Airport on the horizon and developments like this one gaining momentum, we’re laying the foundations for a western Sydney that’s more connected, more vibrant, and offers more opportunity than ever before,” Scully said.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and State MP Karen McKeown are supporting the Winter Appeal.

can to donate new items and help those doing it tough this winter.”

Locals can help by donating new items of comfort such as beanies, scarves, gloves, socks, and jackets, and drop them off at Council, Penrith RSL, or McKeown’s office at 510 High Street, Penrith.

You can also join The Creative Fringe “Tots” Blanket Challenge. If you love to knit or sew, get involved by creating small blankets for

those in need. Visit www. thecreativefringe.com.au to learn more and become part of this creative and compassionate challenge.

Finally, there is the option to make a financial contribution. Donate directly to Penrith Community Kitchen at www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au to support their mission in providing hot, nourishing meals to the community, including 11 local schools.

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

Sharp focus on the City’s future Penrith City Council has a sharp focus on the future of this City.

With the Federal Election just passed and the NSW budget to be delivered in June, we continue to call on other levels of government to play their part in delivering for Penrith – responding to the City’s immediate needs and harnessing long-term social and economic opportunities.

Our asks are informed by our community, and I acknowledge your strong support for our continued advocacy. They include funding and action on housing, roads and transport connections, flooding, liveability and place-based initiatives in St Marys – as set out in Council’s Advocacy Strategy 2025.

I recognise the significant investment in western Sydney by Federal and State governments to date, but it needs to be sustained.

In the past month, Council ran a fourweek campaign in print and on social media to highlight some of the issues we’re focused on. Council is also actively highlighting priorities and opportunities with Federal and State Ministers, local

Caring for the community i Dedicated lawn graves, monumental graves, and natural burial. i Onsite crematorium offering the latest technology with peaceful cremation gardens. i Monthly and special event masses for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and All Souls Day. i Compassionate Grief Care support and workshops.

Contact us today on Ph: (02) 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekmemorialpark.com.au

16

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

WW56128

i Pre-purchase available for those wishing to plan ahead.

Members of Parliament, and Opposition representatives, to paint a clear picture of how we can bring the shared vision for Penrith to life through a collaborative approach to delivering tangible outcomes.

In the upcoming State Budget, I look forward to seeing ongoing funding allocations, along with joint partnerships with Federal Government, that demonstrate support for the growth and sustainability of Penrith and Western Sydney. These should reflect an understanding of the region’s unique challenges, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that can only be realised with whole-of-Government commitment.

It is a truly exciting time of transformation for Penrith. Council is committed to ensuring that we address the needs and meet expectations of our evolving community – we want to make the most of every opportunity to lead our City into the future and really make Penrith the best place it can be. Visit penrith.city/advocacypriorities to read our strategy.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.

PANTHERS PENRITH Treat Mum this MOTHER’S DAY

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

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MOTHER’S DAY SHOW

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WW55256

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

17

by the Total Active Prevention Deep Clean toothpaste. It has additional toothpaste variants that suit varying consumer preferences and oral care needs, along with a floss, rinse and toothbrush, encouraging a complete healthy mouth regime. Amelia Seselja, Scientific Affairs and Public Health Manager at Colgate said: “We know that most oral care issues are largely preventable. The new and improved Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste is our best toothpaste yet. By making this simple switch, Aussies can be more proactive in the care and state of their oral health, to help prevent more costly dental concerns down the track.” Find the new range in supermarkets now.

Δ New burger alert: McDonald’s is satisfying cravings like never before with the brand-new Tennessee BBQ Burger on tour across Australia for a limited time. Available now, Macca’s has brought the taste of Tennessee to Aussies with a delicious combination of all-Australian grown produce: smoky BBQ sauce, honey mustard, crispy golden onions, fresh salad and of course, juicy 100 per cent Aussie beef, all on a soft bun. Want even more? Why not try the Double Tennessee BBQ Burger? With twice the amount of Aussie beef and cheese for the taking, this country star is sure to rock your taste buds.

Δ Got some Source? We want to hear from you about new store openings, closures, menu changes and more! Let Penrith know by emailing news@westernweekender.com.au or contacting us on social media. You can also ring 4722 2998 and have a chat to one of our journalists.

WW56176

relaunched Australia’s number one toothpaste, Colgate Total. The new range is centred around active prevention, offering a superior formulation to help address seven common oral care issues. The new Colgate range is led

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

Δ Huge Glow discount: Sydney’s most anticipated light festival is turning up the excitement with 50 per cent off tickets every Tuesday night at Sydney Zoo’s GLOW, running from May 9-31 at Eastern Creek. Simply book a Tuesday night visit and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout – no code needed! Adult tickets will be just $22.49 and kids tickets only $17.49, offering unbeatable value for a truly unforgettable night out. (Discount applies to gate price. Offer valid for Tuesday night GLOW bookings only.) Visit www.sydneyzoo.com for more details. Δ Birthday beauty: Happy birthday to one of our favourite Penrith cafes, Percy Plunkett, which turned seven last week.

Δ Colgate drops new range: Colgate has

18

Δ New treats: Gelato Messina has dropped two new tub varieties at Woolworths supermarkets. There’s Super Flan (pictured), which is caramel custard gelato layered with ribbons of golden dulce de leche. All the nostalgia of a traditional flan, wrapped up in one scoopable gelato pint. Plus there’s P.B. – rich peanut butter gelato, swirled with a thick peanut fudge and packed with crunchy roasted peanut praline. Salty, sweet, crunchy – a triple threat for peanut butter fans. Both flavours are in stores now.

TURNING BACK TIME This incredible flashback photo shows students at Penrith Public School in 1952.

Each girl made the dress she is wearing.

The students features are Irene Skeen, Beverly Lonard, Jill Goodwin, Yvonne Phelan, Helen Willis, Pam Stovold, Lynette Stewart, Robin Knox, Lyndsay Cameron and Robin Spence.

(Photo thanks to Records NSW)

SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS FROM PENRITH’S PAST – INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

DEERUBBIN LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL (“the LALC”)

Happy Mother’s Day

(ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTED) NOTICE OF MEETING OF MEMBERS In my capacity as Administrator, I hereby give notice that the next meeting of the LALC’s members will be held at West Tradies, Chifley Room, 247 Woodstock Ave, Dharruk, NSW on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at 6:00PM.

to all the incredible Mums in our community!

AGENDA

Thank you for your love, your strength, and everything you do—often behind the scenes— to keep families and communities going.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and joy.

1. Introductions, confirmation of attendance and apologies.

2. Review of the LALC’s certified membership roll.

3. Land and Property Update (Maroota Sands, Cemetery, Priority Land Claims) – Kayne Moreton LALC Land Conservation Supervisor.

4. Presentation – Blacktown City Council 5. Audited Financial Statements 6. Administrator update.

7. Membership - Registrar update 8. Board nomination process.

9. General business and question time i.e. Administrator Q&A. 10. Next meeting date.

WW56164

For health and safety purposes, it is respectfully requested that you reconsider your attendance at the meeting if you are generally feeling unwell or have recently been exhibiting flu like symptoms.

If you have any specific questions pertaining to the administration process, please let us know in advance of the meeting to assist in the orderly conduct of the meeting.

Our contact details are Tim Gumbleton - 0418 919 882 / tim.gumbleton@rsm.com.au.

Liz Inman - 02 6586 7701 / liz.inman@rsm.com.au

Dated 7th day of May 2025 TIMOTHY GUMBLETON, Administrator

WW56173

Please note that if you have enquiries relating to property management, please email Diana at housing@deerubbin.org.au

Sue Day South Ward Independent Councillor sue.day@penrith.city 0407 224 228 Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

19

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

ORCHARD HILLS NORTH • WWW.ORCHARDHILLSNORTH.COM.AU

New community takes shape!

P

enrith’s newest residential community, Orchard Hills North, is well underway with major progress being made across the first few stages of construction.

Future residents are excited to learn that Stage 1 civil and servicing works are almost complete with street trees and asphalt now being installed.

This first stage is expected to register in mid-2025 with construction of new homes set to commence soon after.

Stage 2 bulk earthworks has commenced with civil and servicing works to follow, and Stage 3 bulk earthworks will commence in the coming months.

Legacy Property is incredibly committed to the Penrith region having previously delivered over 600 lots at nearby Caddens Hill and are proud to work closely with local contractor JK Williams to create another vibrant community that allows families to build and live in their dream homes.

Orchard Hills North has already recorded a tremendous amount of interest and achieved significant sales results with over 250 blocks of land already sold.

This reflects the desire of purchasers, including first home buyers, families and investors, to be part of a high-quality new community that is close to transport, shops, schools and other

amenities. In their eyes, Orchard Hills North ticks all these boxes.

Orchard Hills North is well positioned to enjoy the benefits of ongoing infrastructure investment in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

The new community is 2km to the future Orchard Hills Metro; 3km to Western Sydney University; 6km to Penrith City Centre; and 14km to the future Western Sydney International Airport.

Land at Orchard Hills North is proving extremely popular with the first six

release events selling out.

The next sales release is coming soon with land sized from 319sqm to 435sqm, with a range of home and land packages also available from several leading building teams including Brolen, Eden Brae, Masterton, McDonald Jones, Mojo, Tempo, Kaplan, Clarendon, Domaine and Lily Homes.

To register for more information, visit www.orchardhillsnorth.com.au or pop into the Sales Centre at 225 Caddens Road (open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm).

9L@C; 8 E<N ?FD< @E ORCHARD HILLS NORTH •

Brand new masterplanned community in Western Sydney with future new school, shops, lake, parks, sporting fields and more.

•

2km to future Orchard Hills Metro and 14km to Western Sydney International Airport.

•

Land sized from 300 to 600sqm (select your own builder) or choose a home and land package by one of our partner builders.

Register your interest for the next land release

WW56085

1800 834 339 | ORCHARDHILLSNORTH.COM. AU SALES CENTRE: 225 CADDENS RD, CADDENS FG<E K?LIJ;8P ˜ DFE;8P əɘ8D ˜ ɜGD

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

BUSINESS

W

ith the new financial year just around the corner, many of you will be thinking about your business plan. Often seen as an obligation of running a business, it can end up being another file sitting in your hard drive but that misses the point.

A business plan shouldn’t be about ticking a box or completing a task. It is not about something you feel is that expected because you own a business. It should be about looking ahead.

It should answer, what do you want your business to actually achieve in the next 12 months? What will your business look like one year from now?

Start off by thinking about your goals or objective.

Maybe you want more customers. Perhaps you’re launching something new.

Or maybe you just want things to run smoother.

These are your objectives.

Your business plan then becomes the steps needed to

achieve that objective. If you want more customers, what exactly are you going to do?

Will you try social media?

Partner with other local businesses? Update your website? Your business plan will outline these actions.

If your objective is to launch a new product, your plan will cover the costs, the timeline, and how you’ll tell people about it.

The key is to keep your plan and review it. Don’t just write it and forget it. Look at it regularly, even if it is once a month. Are you on track? Do you need to change direction? It’s a working guide, not a finished document.

You could also use a Business Model Canvas. This one-page tool provides a snapshot of your business by outlining nine key building

6SRLO \RXU 0XP WKLV 0RWKHU·V 'D\ # ,QVLJQLD 3HQULWK Mum’s Work So Hard, What would you do without your Mum? Show her how much you Love her by spoiling her and give her some me time... to relax!!!

GRAHAM FITZPATRICK Western Sydney Business Centre 4721 5011 blocks including customer segments, your value proposition statement (VPS), channels, customer relationships, revenue streams, essential resources and activities , your key partners, and your cost structure. It’s a visual and flexible way to quickly map out and understand the core elements of your business model.

So, as you face the new financial year, open up that business plan file with a fresh perspective. See it as the plan for getting your business where you want it to be in 12 months. It’s less about the document itself, and everything about building the future you envision.

EYE LOVE MUM

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A little time out is just what the Doctor ordered. This is the perfect package for Mum..

Mini Facial Spa Pedicure Manicure Eyebrow Wax Eyelash Tint Shampoo & Blowdry Hair Treatment

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14/69 York Rd, Penrith. Cnr of York Road and Batt Street. Above Cafe Lattetude WW56172

LET’S FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

The Experts

SCHOOL CANTEEN TENDER James Erskine Public School Tenders are called for the licence of the school canteen for the school year commencing on 14 July 2025 for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 482.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Mrs Mandy Anderson Business Manager 02 9834 3009 E: jameserski-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in Confidence – School Canteen Tender” and sent to: Ms Rose Kingi Principal E: jameserski-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders close at 3:00pm on 30 May 2025 A tender visit and briefing session is planned to be held on 21 May 2025 at 9:00am.

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

WW56177

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

21

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

Nathan Cleary.

Photo: NRL Photos.

LINDSAY SMITH POSTER IN SIDE

WE’RE BACK! AFTER A SEASON-BEST PERFORMANCE, THE PANTHERS HEAD TO TOWNSVILLE PENRITH V NORTH QLD PREVIEW: PAGES 26-27

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team lists

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cowboys

1

DYLAN EDWARDS

1

SCOTT DRINKWATER

2

PAUL ALAMOTI

2

ROBERT DERBY

3

IZACK TAGO

3

JAXON PURDUE

4

LUKE GARNER

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VILIAMI VAILEA

5

BRIAN TO’O

5

MURRAY TAULAGI

6

BLAIZE TALAGI

6

TOM DEARDEN (c)

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NATHAN CLEARY (c)

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JAKE CLIFFORD

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MOSES LEOTA

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JORDAN MCLEAN

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MITCH KENNY

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REECE ROBSON

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JOHN BATEMAN

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BRAD SCHNEIDER

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LIAM HENRY

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THOMAS MIKAELE

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LURON PATEA

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GRIFFIN NEAME

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TOM JENKINS

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COEN HESS

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LUKE SOMMERTON

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t is when you are down that you need your leaders to stand up the most.

And so with his side sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder heading into Magic Round, Nathan Cleary did just that.

It was his best performance of the season and confirmation that when the best player in the game is delivering, the team follows suit.

The likes of Dylan Edwards, Izack Tago and Liam Martin brought their experience to the fore while Thomas Jenkins, Blaize Talagi and Luron Patea produced outstanding games, the kind of form we’ve been desperate to see from the next crop of NRL stars.

With that 32-8 win over Brisbane, the Panthers sounded a warning to the competition that reports of their demise may have been premature. It was a first class performance, and the type of effort we’ve come to expect from Penrith over the last five years.

The challenge now is to back it up and record consecutive victories for the first time in 2025.

Penrith heads to Townsville for a showdown with the Cowboys, who would probably count themselves unlucky to have not run down the Warriors last Saturday after a terrific second half comeback.

The Cowboys sit in ninth spot on the ladder and these are the types of games Penrith can’t afford to lose if they’re going to make a charge to the Finals, especially with the Origin period looming.

All Ivan Cleary’s side needs to do at the moment is stay in touch with the top eight.

Forget about winning a certain number of games or how the schedule plays out, simply stay in touch and then time your run late in the season to sneak into the Finals. From there, anything could happen.

Penrith welcome back two key players this week in Mitch Kenny and Brian To’o.

Both are critical.

Luke Sommerton has some excellent qualities and Trent Toelau tries his backside off, but

broadcast

KAYO | FOX LEAGUE

Kenny’s defensive muscle through the middle and his ability to read what those alongside him need at certain times is crucial for the Panthers.

And the early set go-forward of To’o is equally important, in fact it’s been something the Panthers have sorely missed this season. He will provide plenty of energy and help Penrith control the momentum of games, which has been one of their key attributes during this enormous Premiership run.

There’s plenty of players that should have Penrith on high alert this Saturday night. Tom Dearden is in terrific form for the Cowboys, both his linebreak assists and linebreak involvements have been crucial in North Queensland’s victories this year.

But for me it is Nathan Cleary’s kicking game that can again prove the difference here. He’s clocked up more kick metres than any other player in the competition so far this season, and we saw last Saturday that he’ll continue to search for every opportunity – whether that’s a

2GB 873 | ABC 702

40/20, or a chance to shift the momentum and lock in a few tough defensive sets on the back of an impressive kick.

The Cowboys can score points quickly but they can also concede them at the same rate.

The Panthers are every chance of putting on a big score here but they need to keep their defence tight and again implement the blueprint we saw against the Broncos.

I had plenty of egg on my face after tipping against Penrith last weekend, but there was nothing better than wiping it off.

Some have suggested tipping against them may be the magic potion, but I’m not going to be that silly again.

Just when you think they’re gone, this special footy team delivers for you.

It’s Penrith for me and I actually think they’ll get this comfortably, particularly given the confidence last week’s win would have put through the side.

Tip: Panthers by 18.

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender • extra time

27

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

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panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

IS EDDY FEELING THE BLUES? ! Daley’s tough call: The career-best form

of Roosters fullback James Tedesco will force new Blues coach Laurie Daley to make a tough call when the New South Wales team is selected for the first game in a few weeks’ time. Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards is the incumbent and I’m told has his nose in front at the moment but you can’t deny the form of Tedesco, who has been a stalwart for the Blues through his career. There is little appetite to switch either to the wing, despite the Blues’ woes in that position, which means one will miss out. Right now I think Edwards will get the nod.

to the piece, which basically just proved my point. “Who let her out of the kitchen,” said Facebook user Rick, who appears to be married based on his profile picture. “Give her a roast to cook or some ironing,” said Warren. Others defended criticism and said the referee’s sex shouldn’t matter. That was the point! The comments I was referring to were specifically about Belinda Sharpe’s gender.

Criticise decisions and referees all you like, but the behaviour by some Penrith fans on that night was beyond disgusting.

Dylan Edwards.

! Interest in Gardiner: Could the Panthers

be poised to lose yet another Assistant Coach?

There’s plenty of rumours doing the rounds that Ben Gardiner is in the sights of English Super League club St Helens.

! Academy rift: I’m told that not all Penrith

officials are on board with the plan to build a $20 million female rugby league academy.

While the Coalition promised to fund half of the project if it won government last weekend, there was no such commitment from Labor.

It means that with the Coalition defeated, Penrith would have to foot the $20 million bill themselves if they wish to go ahead, unless they can find another funding partner. I’m told this has been a hot topic of conversation amongst officials and even at Board level in recent times. While the club is supportive of the women’s program and a future NRLW team, not all believe the $20 million is bang for buck. I checked in with the club this week and they remained adamant they want to build the facility.

! Stadium discoveries: During preliminary

works for the Penrith Stadium upgrade, more than a dozen potential Aboriginal artefacts were discovered. None were quantitative enough to trigger expanded investigation, and further inspection revealed none of the suspected artefacts turned out to be legitimate.

Registered Aboriginal organisations were involved in the process. Should any artefacts be uncovered during construction, those organisations may choose to have any and/ or all Aboriginal cultural material uncovered reburied/relocated within the area.

! Matty in St Marys: Fox Sports personality

! Perth to swoop? With the Perth Bears

Matty Johns is coming to St Marys Leagues Club next month for a special one-off event.

‘An Evening With Matty Johns’ will be on at the Boronia Showroom on Saturday, June 28.

to enter the competition in 2027, many club bosses are nervously shifting in their chairs – knowing the playing ranks are going to be raided to form an entirely new playing squad.

Penrith have the likes of Luke Garner, Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith off-contract at the end of 2027. Securing any of those names would be monumental for the new Perth side. Jack Cole, Matt Eisenhuth, Trent Toelau and Scott Sorensen are also off-contract, though it would appear Sorensen’s next destination is England. The Panthers should have no trouble re-signing Garner, Henry and Smith if they want to stay – but they’ll also have one eye on the work to do after the 2027 season, with the likes of Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin both off-contract.

week, and an official advised that no formal negotiations have commenced with either Ivan or Nathan to extend their contract, despite rumours suggesting otherwise. The club is comfortable with where things are at, and the Clearys are keen to focus on the near future and worry about contract talks later.

! Clearys in no rush: Talking of Nathan

! Point proven: Last week I noted some of

Cleary being off-contract, there’s a few nervous people around the club who are quietly concerned that Nathan and Ivan Cleary haven’t re-signed long-term deals with Penrith. I checked in with the club this

the disgusting comments that had been made by supporters and corporate partners towards referee Belinda Sharpe in the Panthers v Manly game a fortnight ago. I had to shake my head at some of the social media response

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

29

feature

OVER THE MOON FOR LURON NATHAN TAYLOR

P

end definitely didn’t come as a surprise.”

What did come as a surprise to many punters last weekend was the performance of the Panthers, who entered last Sunday’s afternoon’s Magic Round fixture against the Broncos in last place.

Smith said his side “got the game we wanted and needed”, which resulted in a huge 32-8 victory.

“In previous weeks we’ve been shooting ourselves in the foot a lot, but we got our style of footy back and I feel that goes a long way to winning games,” he said.

“Although a lot goes into it, it’s a simple game at the end of the day. The team that holds the ball better and defends better, often wins.”

Luron Patea enjoyed a breakout performance last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

Lindsay Smith against the Broncos. Photo: NRL Photos.

WW56158

enrith Panthers and Kangaroos forward Lindsay Smith said he felt over the moon when young wrecking ball Luron Patea crossed for his first NRL try last weekend.

The 20-year-old former Penrith Emus star put the Panthers in front just before halftime when he crashed into the Broncos defence with courage and determination to score a spectacular individual try.

Patea’s brilliant 28-minute performance off the bench had the commentators in the box salivating and the Panthers fans at home hungry for more.

But it was the youngster’s teammates who were the happiest for him, in particular fellow prop Smith, who was full of praise for Patea when speaking with Extra Time.

“Luron is definitely very talented and I think will be a special player in the future,” Smith declared.

“I was super stoked when he went over for that try. He’s definitely a very explosive player but also very skilful. He could be something special.”

Following several strong outings in the NSW Cup last year, Patea made his NRL debut last season, playing three first grade games in total. This year, he scored an opportunity to play in Las Vegas in the opening round before returning to reserve grade to develop further.

Smith, who is now a mainstay in Penrith’s forward rotation, said Patea’s development path is eerily similar to the one he experienced many years ago.

“It took me a couple of years to start playing regular NRL,” the 25-year-old said.

“I debuted in 2021 with one game and then played three games the following year, which is similar to him. Last year Luron played a few games… got the taste of it… then played in Round 1 against the Sharks.

“When you’re so close you desperately want to get back into the first grade arena.

He’s been dominating in Cup week in, week out, and has been one of our best trainers. Luron’s form on the week-

www.youroutdoorpatio.com.au Call 0416 872 789 Patios / Outdoor Blinds / Screens 30

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 8, 2025

feature

PANTHERS BOOSTED BY KEY RETURNS need if they want to continue climbing up the NRL ladder and reach for the Finals from an almost impossible position.

Their emphatic win against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium was easily their best victory of the season, with halfback Nathan Cleary doing what he does best – making Broncos fans utterly miserable.

“Nath gives everyone confidence every time he steps onto the field,” Alamoti said.

“For me, personally, it was just incredible to watch what he dished up last weekend. It was great to be a part of.”

The Panthers will be hoping that same Cleary magic will once again be on show this Saturday evening in Townsville as the team look to avenge their disappointing Round 5 loss to the Cowboys and win back-to-back games.

“It’s something we haven’t done this year – win two-in-a-row – it is a big focus for us at the moment,” Alamoti said.

“It’ll be great to have those boys come back into the squad but, for us, we’ve got to string another good performance together.

We’ve got to find some rhythm and consistency as a squad and keep on building.”

Saturday night’s match kicks off at 7.35pm and is live on Fox League.

NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he Penrith Panthers will receive a huge boost this weekend when four-time premiership winner Brian To’o makes his long-awaited return to the paddock.

The 26-year-old New South Wales Origin winger was named in Ivan Cleary’s side to take on the Cowboys this Saturday night in Townsville after spending six weeks on the sideline with a hamstring injury.

The Panthers have struggled in To’o’s absence, losing three games without the metre eater before finally returning to the winner’s circle last Sunday at Magic Round.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, fellow Panthers winger Paul Alamoti said To’o’s return is a massive shot in the arm for the defending champions.

“Everyone knows what Bizza brings – so much joy, so much energy – and we’ve probably missed that at certain times, but to have him back is definitely a big boost,” he said.

“Bizza gets through a tonne of work. His enthusiasm and energy have a flow-on effect for the rest of the team… it’s very contagious.

“Everyone just draws a bit of energy from him, and it just lifts us all.”

Since switching from centre to wing earlier this year, Alamoti said To’o has played a huge role in his transition to the far edge where he’s scored a team-high six tries for Penrith this season.

“I’ve been playing on the wing for a bit now and I draw a lot of inspiration from Biz, just trying to mirror my game on his,” he admitted.

“Yardage carries is probably one of the biggest things Bizza brings to the team, that’s something I’ve always admired and done a bit of video on trying to watch what he does at certain times and how I can implement that into my game.”

While To’o has been one of the best for Penrith throughout this current dynasty, it’s his strong presence off the field that’s really had a profound impact on the rest of the group.

With many of his closest friends, including Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton, now at other clubs, there was a fear that To’o may go into his shell this year without them, but Alamoti said that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“He’s still the same guy, just annoying, a big pest,” Alamoti laughed.

“Bizza’s my locker buddy, actually. He’s always doing something funny to me every day.

It’s nothing different – he’s still the same, still the energy guy, Mr Happy. I love having him around.”

To’o’s return along with that of inspirational hooker Mitch Kenny could be just what Penrith

Fun and games. Photo: NRL Photos.

Paul Alamoti says he can’t wait to have Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny back in the team. Photo: NRL Photos.

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scoreboard Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...

NRL

32

PANTHERS Tries: T Jenkins 2, I Tago, N Cleary, L Patea Goals: N Cleary 6/6

8

BRONCOS

Tries: B Hunt Goals: A Reynolds 2/2

NSW CUP RAIDERS

16

Tries: M Asomua, C Stewart, D Levi Goals: A Cook 2/3

10

PANTHERS

Tries: D Laurie 2 Goals: Z Lamont 1/2

JERSEY FLEGG RAIDERS

34

53986

Tries: M Smith 2, X Cacciotti, T Feaveai, S Leuluai, K Skipps Goals: T Bennetto 5/6

12

PANTHERS

Tries: Z Clarke, D ainuu Goals: Z Clarke 2/2

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Bulldogs

8

7

0

1

1

212

118

+94

16

2

Raiders

9

7

0

2

0

258

198

+60

14

3

Warriors

8

6

0

2

1

174

174

0

14

4

Storm

8

5

0

3

1

248

172

+76

12

5

Broncos

9

5

0

4

0

248

194

+54

10

6

Sharks

9

5

0

4

0

215

166

+49

10

7

Sea Eagles

8

4

0

4

1

210

174

+36

10

8

W. Tigers

9

5

0

4

0

214

194

+20

10

9

Cowboys

8

4

0

4

1

192

206

-14

10

10

Dragons

8

3

0

5

1

184

198

-14

8

11

Roosters

9

4

0

5

0

204

246

-42

8

12

Knights

8

3

0

5

1

102

150

-48

8

13

Rabbitohs

9

4

0

5

0

137

207

-70

8

14

Dolphins

9

3

0

6

0

218

212

+6

6

15

Panthers

9

3

0

6

0

214

216

-2

6

16

Titans

8

2

0

6

1

162

250

-88

6

Eels

8

2

0

6

1

135

252

-117

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Thursday, May 8 7.50pm CommBank Stadium

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Friday, May 9 6.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium

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Friday, May 9 8.00pm Accor Stadium

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Saturday, May 10 7.35pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium

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Sunday, May 11 2.00pm AAMI Park

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Sunday, May 11 4.05pm 4 Pines Park

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The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS BRONCOS

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NATHAN TAYLOR: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – LURON PATEA | 1 – THOMAS JENKINS TROY DODDS: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – LURON PATEA | 1 – IZACK TAGO PETER LANG: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – ISAAH YEO | 1 – THOMAS JENKINS LUKE PRIDDIS: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 1 – LINDSAY SMITH EST 1967

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender • extra time

35

panther memories This bloodied image of Panthers legend Mark Geyer comes from one of the all-time thrillers between arch rivals Penrith and Parramatta.

Played on August 8 in 1999, the Eels won the contest 17-16.

It was a crazy game, with three players (Jim Dymock, Matt Adamson and John Cross) sent to the sin bin, and Ryan Girdler kicking five penalty goals in a match that featured 21 penalties all-up.

Ben Kusto kicked the winning field goal for the Eels to get them home.

Geyer came off the bench that day, relishing making an impact in what was a brutal match at Parramatta Stadium.

(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)

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analysis

DAY CLEARY ANSWERED THE CALL N

lang on

league with Peter Lang

athan Cleary had a determined look on his face the moment the game between Penrith and Brisbane kicked off at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

He looked almost angry. His body language was different to what it was the previous week when the game against the Sea Eagles finished in another heavy loss.

That day, Cleary was shaking his head, looking down at the ground with his hands on his hips. He looked defeated but another thing was noticeable at the press conference after the match.

He’d had enough of losing. You could almost hear the anger in his voice.

Like any champion player, Cleary was done kicking stones. He was going to kick some butt instead and inspire his teammates to do the same.

Many pundits were expecting the Broncos to win on Sunday.

I was one of them. What an idiot.

It didn’t take me long to realise that greatness comes in many forms and shows itself in different ways.

Not just in the obvious flash plays either.

Cleary signalled his intent in the16th minute when he kicked the ball downfield, sprinted up the field like he was Usain Bolt and then put a heavy hit on Broncos fullback

Nathan Cleary was sensational against Brisbane. Photo: NRL Images.

Selwyn Cobbo, the contact was so hard Cobbo’s head rocked back like he was hit by an express train.

This is not an easy thing to do when the person you tackle is nearly 10kg heavier than you.

Cleary did it anyway and it worked. The Broncos scored after five minutes, but that would be the last try they’d score for the match.

“He’s trying to carry this Panthers side on his back,” said caller Dan Ginnane.

“Nathan Cleary, he’s just looking for the collision,” added co-com-

mentator Michael Ennis.

“He’s in an aggressive state of mind,” exclaimed Matthew Johns in commentary.

They didn’t know the half of it but they could tell ‘greatness’ when they saw it.

For the rest of the game Cleary put on a masterclass, a 40-20 was followed by a deft kick for an Izack Tago try.

Then for good measure and with the game still in the balance, he wound the clock back to the 2023 Grand Final and scored an almost

identical try to the one which won Penrith their third consecutive premiership.

Last year he helped the club win its fourth title in a row.

That’s why at age 27 and with his best football still ahead of him, Nathan Cleary is already the greatest player in Panthers history, or as popular culture likes to put it, Cleary is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) at Penrith.

Of course, the victory against Brisbane will be somewhat diminished if the team doesn’t back it up with another win this weekend.

Cleary knows it, he even told a newspaper reporter as much after the game; “We knew we had to show up and thankfully we did,” he said.

“In saying that you can’t fall in love with yourselves. We put in a good performance against the Roosters and didn’t back it up.

“So, it’s important we build on this.”

Cleary is also smart enough to know he can’t win a competition or even qualify for the Finals without his teammates, that’s why he said “WE” so many times in the interview.

For there’s no ‘I’ in team but there’s a ‘W’ in ‘win’ and ‘we’.

Every team has a leader.

Penrith is lucky enough to also have a G.O.A.T.

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MY88.COM.AU MY88.COM.AU Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

37

celebrity tipsters douglas ely

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SHARKS

090

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

088

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

DRAGONS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

084

derry o’donovan

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

084

liz prasad

DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

082

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

082

DOLPHINS TITANS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

TIGERS SHARKS

082

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

082

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

082

DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS RAIDERS

DRAGONS PANTHERS

TIGERS SHARKS

082

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SHARKS

080

EELS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

STORM SEA EAGLES

080

DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

BRONCOS RAIDERS

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080

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080

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BRONCOS BULLDOGS

WARRIORS PANTHERS

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080

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078

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

mark elphick

EELS KNIGHTS

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EELS TITANS

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39

Pick up a copy of the paper

weekendeFrree THE GREATEST the western

Lifesttyle Home&L

Brought to you by

Friday, October

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai.

Photo: NRL Images.

F CT PERFE POT ANTS PLA

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der.com.au

PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS

P

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

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

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

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

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

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

| SEE PAGE 62 GHTEN UP YOUR HOME

Mark STEVENSON

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

WW48421

Caddens

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

THE POWER OF WORDS ALLY HALL

W

e often forget how powerful the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are – especially in the context of consent.

Luckily, award-winning writer and performer Karin McCracken has combined her love for the arts with her training as a sexual violence prevention educator to bring locals the production, ‘Yes Yes Yes’.

“My collaborator – Eleanor Bishop – and I had made previous work about sexual violence and ending sexual violence because we’re both very passionate about that,” McCracken explained.

“We think that sexual violence can be ended

in our lifetime through a whole community effort. I suppose our theatre productions are our contributions towards that effort.”

The pair from New Zealand didn’t receive consent education during high school and consider the show a gift to their former selves.

“We’ve toured this show a lot, we’ve been all over the world,” McCracken said.

“For young people that come to it, there’s a perception that theatre in education is kind of patronizing.

“I remember when I was in high school and speakers would come to talk to students or a theatre show would come with a social message, I always felt it was condescending.”

The pair have created a show that makes students feel seen and equal through enjoyable, engaging and compelling theatre.

“I think people find it funny, even though they expect to see a show that is very serious,” McCracken stated.

“We built the show in the same way we build any of our other shows that aren’t talking about consent. We want people to laugh, we want the story to be engaging, we want people to have a good time, and that’s the feedback that we’ve had.”

The plot follows two storylines.

“One is a story that I tell through monologue about a positive and consensual one-nightstand that I had,” McCracken began.

“It shows how you determine if someone is interested in you and if they want to be intimate.”

The other storyline follows an assault that occurs at a high school party.

“We built that storyline by working with high schools and collating stories together,” McCracken detailed.

“It shows the fall-out from the assault and how the communities of both involved manage what’s happening.”

McCracken reflected on how she would feel if she took a step back into her school shoes and watched the show as a teenager.

“The things that we talk about in the show are not just assault, but also gender and sexuality, gender norms, and the expectations on young men, women and non-binary students,” the performer said.

“I would hope that everyone would feel like it’s relatable.”

‘Yes Yes Yes’ is on May 27 at Riverside Theatres. Tickets range from $39 to $45.

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

41

THINGS TO DO Trees for Mum returns

Wrestling rules at Saints

We Will Rock You

Penrith Council is celebrating 18 years of ‘Trees for Mum’ this year. Council said they can’t think of a better way to treat mum on her special day than planting a tree with her name attached to it. The event runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Caddens Road Park. The event will be divided into 30-minute sessions and time slots are limited. Online registrations are essential.

Witness live pro wrestling at St Marys Leagues Club on May 17.

The electrifying all-ages event features Australia’s best talent.

There will be unforgettable thrills, jaw-dropping athleticism, and two hours of high-flying, body-slamming action. Integrity Wrestling is bringing the excitement like never before with this one! Book a ticket online at www.stickytickets.com.au.

Get ready to rock as the iconic music of Queen comes to Penrith. The legendary hits take centre stage alongside a powerhouse cast in Penrith Musical Comedy Company’s upcoming production. Join the excitement as Galileo and Scaramouche rebel against the conniving Killer Queen’s attempts to destroy rock music. ‘We WilL Rock You’ runs from May 8-17 at The Joan.

BARGAIN BUYS

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

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

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

CLASSES AND FUN

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

from 10am. New members are always welcome.

volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.

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

Probus Club of Nepean First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am.

Visitors and new members welcome.

Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.

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

South Creek Probus Club Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail.com.

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.

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

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

Jordan Springs Probus Club Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.

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

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

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

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.

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.

0415 625 573 for more information.

Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.

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

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.

MUSEUMS

At the movies...

REVIEW Sinners  2 hours, 17 minutes help, including their cousin Sammie, who has a gift for the Blues.

This movie succeeds in creating an ensemble cast of well developed, three-dimensional characters, so much so that you’re too invested in their stories to remember you’re watching a horror movie.

The first act builds the audience’s connection with the brothers, revealing that their tough exteriors give way to charm and heartache when faced with the realities of home.

Things take a turn however at opening night. While the fun and festivities rage on, danger lurks in the form of an Irish vampire, summoned by the sweet melodies of

Sammie’s voice. What follows is a nail-biting thrill ride that will have you to glued to the screen with intrigue and suspense.

This film is a perfect mix of horror and mystery, with a good dash of period-piece style action. The script leaves nothing to be desired, expertly capturing not only the

See these movies at...

style and slang of 1930s Mississippi, but allowing the audience to form deep bonds with emotionally vulnerable characters, which is something I’ve not seen lately in the world of horror. The visuals are breathtaking, with one scene in particular exploding into a beautifully chaotic swirl of colour and

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 The Wedding Banquet (M)

With or Without You (M)

The Penguin Lessons (M)

Small Things Like These (M)

8 to 24 May

8 to 14 May

Now Showing to 13 May

Now Showing to 14 May

Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut (M) 10 May

The Chosen: Last Supper Part 2 (PG)

The Chosen: Last Supper Part 3 (PG)

The Salt Path (M) Advance Screening

10 May

11 May

11 May

Join Our Mailing List Direct to your email inbox: Weekly Session Times & Coming Attractions

www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

WW55290

WW56162

For Mother’s Day: Peace Calm Stability Balance

8 Week Beginners Courses Tue 7:15pm, May 13 to Jul 1 Wed 5:30pm, May 14 to Jul 2 Fri 7:00am, May 16 to Jul 4 Sat 8:30am, May 17 to Jul 5 Regular Price $160

culture – utterly mesmerising. And of course, this review wouldn’t be complete without mention of the soundtrack. The film’s focus on Blues and folksongs is a fundamental element of its success, and I would be surprised if it didn’t receive a tonne of award noms.

– Madeline Dantier

WW55342

‘Sinners’, the latest flick from ‘Black Panther’ director Ryan Coogler, saw massive success in the United States and since then my social media has been flooded with ‘Sinners’-related content and reviews. Buzzing with anticipation, I booked my ticket and waited for the lights to dim. And when they did – ‘Sinners’ didn’t just meet the hype. It shattered it.

The story centres on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (played by Michael B. Jordan) as they return to their hometown of Mississippi to forget their troubled Chicago past. With a grand idea to set up their very own Juke Joint, they recruit a band of loyal old friends to

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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COUNTRY CORNER

WAYNE’S W RLD

Country radio grows

with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION have to be good to finish this fictional 10-song set that will never happen. I want a big band version of ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ for number nine. That would truly be my happy place. It would lead to me saying good night and pretending that’s it but after all. Then for track four, I’ve got to go with ‘Working Class Man’, they may not know that one in the US but I’m sure it would kill.

We’re gonna bring it down a little for the next two, you know, got to pace myself. We’ll go ‘Reckless’ and ‘Never Tear Us Apart’.

Classics that would sound amazing even more stripped back. But don’t worry, we’re gonna bring it right back up with a full big band version of ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’, followed by ‘Beds Are Burning’, a song that hit number one in Canada.

Two songs to go, and these

New country banger Australian country music headliner Casey Barnes is back with a bold new sound on his electrifying single, ‘Buy That Girl A Beer’.

Co-written in Nashville with Jimmy Thow and Andy Skib – and produced by Skib, known for his collaborations with Keith Urban, Hunter Hayes, Mickey Guyton, Adam Doleac, and Caylee Hammack – this high-octane track delivers an unmistakable stadium-ready punch. With towering guitars, pounding percussion, and a chorus guaranteed to get stuck in your head, Barnes’ latest release captures the spirit of modern country rock on par with today’s biggest anthems.

‘Buy That Girl A Beer’ marks Barnes’ first original offering since his chart-topping, award-winning fifth studio album, ‘Mayday’ (released in May 2024). A Golden Guitar for Contemporary Album of the Year and widespread radio success cemented his place as a trailblazer in the Australian country music scene. Now, he’s poised to take his sound worldwide, propelled by an unshakable energy and unstoppable hooks that keep fans hooked from the first note to the last.

The track is out now on all streaming services.

then coming right on for the encore and one more song where I would ask the audience to stand for our national anthem, ‘You’re the Voice’. A perfect finish to the evening and the ultimate ‘80s version of ‘The Great Aussie Songbook’.

WW56170

On Saturday night I had the great pleasure of seeing ‘The Great British Songbook’ at the wonderful Blacktown Workers Club. A great show that really highlighted some epic British tunes. It got me thinking what ‘The Great Aussie Songbook’ would look like. And naturally because I write about the ‘80s and work at an ‘80s radio station, my set list would be ‘80s. Songbooks of these types are always a bit jazzy, a bit big band, so I have kept that in mind.

Picture this, here I am, opening the show in Las Vegas, I open with ‘Down Under’, it would be the perfect opener, and then segue into ‘Great Southern Land’, the patriotic one-two punch. Cue banter with the crowd about a lack of good coffee in the US and then straight into a bit of ‘Physical’, it was the highest selling song of the ‘80s in the US

44

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

The advent of digital radio means there’s so many more ways to get your country fix these days.

So if you’re sick of that boring radio station at work, consider a few of these stations to get everyone’s spirits up.

The leading country music stations in Australia are without doubt iHeartCountry Australia and KIX Country, but Triple M Country is also delivering some great content.

You can find all of these on your digital radio or stream online.

And if you’re driving around Penrith, tune your radio to 87.6, where River FM is delivering great country tunes out of the Hawkesbury.

Hardy’s hits The best release of the year so far is no question Hardy’s fresh EP, ‘Country!’.

It’s five tracks and we’ve already put every single one of them on our country playlist.

Give it a listen.

Ê Former ‘The Block’ contestants Rachel and Ryan Carr are fronting a new weekly Channel Nine renovation series titled ‘Holiday Home Makeover with Rachel and Ryan’.

Premiering at 7.30pm this Saturday, May 10, the spin-off series follows the couple embarking on the challenge of transforming a tired, sprawling property on the South Coast of NSW into their dream holiday home.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê The new season of 2023 hit ‘Strife’ will premiere on Foxtel and Binge today, May 8.

In season two, Evelyn Jones (Asher Keddie) is under siege. With the threat of a new rival women’s website looming and the arrival of a nasty troll calling out her hypocrisy and privilege, Evelyn is double guessing her instincts right when she needs to be on her A game. Eve Life has expanded to a fancy new office and ventures into podcasting, but Evelyn needs to find an investor to keep the ship afloat. Ê Season two of US crime comedy-drama ‘Poker Face’ will arrive on Stan today, May 8.

The series follows Charlie (Natasha Lyonne),

MAY 10

7.30PM

HOLIDAY HOME MAKEOVER, NINE

who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve. Episodes will drop weekly.

Ê If you’ve been enjoying ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ on Channel Seven this year, you could be on next year’s series. Producers are now casting for its next crop of single farmers and ladies looking for love. To apply to be on the next season, visit www.farmerwantsawife. com.au.

55656

JULY 11 DEXTER, PARAMOUNT+

Ê Upcoming Kevin Costner documentary series ‘The West’ will arrive on Stan on Wednesday, May 28. ‘The West’ takes viewers on an epic journey through the birth of the American West, examining the relentless competition for land, power and identity that forged America’s history. By presenting these stories from diverse perspectives, ‘The West’ illuminates both the indelible contributions of the pioneers who shaped the dream of the American West and the courageous resistance of Native American tribes who valiantly defended their ancestral land.

Ê Sequel series ‘Dexter: Resurrection’, in which Michael C. Hall returns to the role of Dexter Morgan, will premiere on Paramount+ on Friday, July 11. ‘Dexter: Resurrection’, a continuation of ‘Dexter: New Blood’, takes place weeks after Dexter Morgan takes a bullet to the chest from his own son, as he awakens from a coma to find Harrison (Jack Alcott) gone without a trace. Realising the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right.

Breakfast with Ron Wilson 5:30am - 9am

Chris Smith Across Australia 9am - 12 Noon

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

45

TV Guide: May 9 – 15

Friday 9 May

Your guide to the week’s television viewing 6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Planet America 10:30 The Pacific 11:05 Bergerac (M l,v) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Bay Of Fires (M l,v) 2:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 3:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 3:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:05 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 TBA 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Sherwood (M l,v) 9:30 Gruen Nation 10:10 The Weekly (PG)

3:30 STIHL Timber2:30 Sydney sports (PG) 4:00 Aussie Weekender 3:00 Lobster Men (PG) 5:00 Animal SOS Australia (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 American Restoration (PG) Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens AFL: Friday Night Countdown 5:30 Escape To The Country *Live* 7:30 AFL: Round 9: St 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 The Kilda v Carlton *Live* Yorkshire Vet (PG)

Saturday 10 May

3:30 Ready, Steady, Wiggle! 4:00 Andy’s Safari Adventures 4:25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior

Sunday 11 May

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Better Homes And Gardens 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 House Of Wellness (PG) 9:30 Movie: “The Dressmaker” (M l,s,v) (’15 Stars: Kate Winslet 12:00 The Black Donnellys (M d,s,v) 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Million Dollar Minute 5:00 NBC Today

12:00 ABC News At Noon 1:00 ABC News Day 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 ABC Evening News 8:00 Planet America

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 My Brilliant Career (PG) 2:05 Extraordinary Escapes (PG) 2:55 Spicks And Specks (PG) 3:45 The Piano (PG) 4:45 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli (PG) 5:15 Landline 5:40 Spicks And Specks (PG) 6:15 Father Brown (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Call The Midwife 9:30 Bergerac (M l,v) 10:20 The Split (M l) 11:25 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Bad Tutor” (M v) (’18) Stars: Vanessa Marcil 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Rabbitohs v Broncos *Live* 9:55 NRL: Golden Point 10:45 Movie: “Looper” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 Home Shopping

10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:20 MasterChef Australia (PG) 11:30 Judge Judy (PG) 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Family Feud (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M l) 9:50 10’s Late News

12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 3:00 NITV News Nula 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Greatest Train Journeys From Above 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Rise And Fall - The World Trade Center (PG) 9:05 Gloriavale - New Zealand’s Secret Cult (M) 10:40 SBS World News Late 11:10 Atlantic Crossing (M v) (In Various)

4:35 Waabiny Time 10:30 House Rules 5:00 Harlem (PG) 12:00 Code Black Globetrotters: Play It (M) 3:00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: 4:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 4:30 Nula 5:55 Bamay 6:40 Ocean Frogger (PG) 5:30 The Amazing Parks (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Neverending Story II: The Next Race (PG) 7:00 Movie: “The Chapter” (M) (’90) Stars: Karate Kid” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jonathan Brandis Jaden Smith

8:00 What’s Up Down Under 8:30 Tough Tested 9:30 Star Trek: Voyager (PG) 10:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 11:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Star Trek: Voyager (PG) 3:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 4:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG) 4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (M v) (’23)

2:00 Flipping 101 With Tarek El Moussa 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 $50K Three Ways 5:00 Restored 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Building Alaska (PG) 8:30 Barnwood Builders

5:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:00 Marcus Wareing’s Kitchen Garden Tales 6:30 Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Jimmy Doherty’s New Zealand Escape 8:30 Kitchen Glow Up 9:00 Malaysia Gourmet

4:05 PBS News Hour 5:05 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies (PG) 6:00 If You Are The One (In Mandarin) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 The Day The Rock Star Died (M)

2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Basketball: Boomers v Tall Blacks *Live* 7:30 Basketball: Opals v Tall Ferns *Live* 9:50 Movie: “Hairspray” (PG) (’07) Stars: Zac Efron

2:00 Are You Being Served? (PG) 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “The Getting Of Wisdom” (PG) (’77) Stars: Barry Humphries 5:30 The Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 West Coast Cops (M l,v)

1:45 ER (PG) 2:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG) 2:50 Doctor Who (PG) 3:40 A Bite To Eat With Alice 4:05 QI (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Gosford/ Caulfield/ Gold Coast/ Morphettville *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Americas: Andes (PG) 8:00 Movie: “Armageddon” (M v) (’98) Stars: Bruce Willis 11:05 Movie: “The Rock” (M s,v) (’96) Stars: Sean Connery 2:00 Repco Supercars Highlights: Tasmanian Highlights

7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Destination WA 12:30 Drive TV 1:00 Great Australian Detour 1:30 Young Sheldon (PG) 2:00 The Floor (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Casino Royale” (M v) (’06) Stars: Eva Green 11:20 Movie: “The Disappointments Room” (MA15+) (’16)

10:30 10 Minute Kitchen 11:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) 12:10 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 The Brighter Side 1:00 Roads Less Travelled 1:30 What’s Up Down Under 2:00 Buy To Build 2:30 Food Trail - South Africa 3:00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 7:30 Taskmaster Australia 8:40 The Inspired Unemployed (PG) 9:40 Ambulance (M l)

1:00 Escape To The Country 3:00 Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Australia Rediscovered 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Top Fuel Championship 4:00 Full Custom Garage (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 AFL: Round 9: Essendon v Sydney *Live*

3:20 Bob Marley & The 12:00 Dream Home Wailers: The Capitol 73 (PG) 1:45 Zumbo’s Just (PG) 4:30 Tradition On Desserts (PG) 3:00 A Plate (PG) 5:00 Wild Kitchen Starstruck (PG) 4:25 Dodger (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Ron’s Gone With Clayton Donovan 5:30 Wrong” (PG) (’21) Stars: Jack The Barber (PG) 6:00 The Last Dylan Grazer 7:30 Movie: “The Land - Gespe’gewa’gi (PG) Butler” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Alan 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) Rickman

10:00 Ridiculousness 12:00 Jake And The (PG) 11:00 Good Chef Fatman (PG) 1:00 Star Bad Chef 11:30 Deal Trek: Voyager (PG) Or No Deal 12:00 The Late 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 5:30 JAG Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:30 Football: Isuzu Ute A- (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends League: Elimination Final 1: Western Sydney Wanderers v (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Frasier (M) Melbourne Victory *Live*

2:30 Building Alaska (PG) 3:30 My Lottery Dream Home 4:00 Energy Matters 4:30 Colin And Justin’s Sub Zero Reno 5:30 Chateau DIY 6:30 Quick Little Builds 7:30 TBA 8:30 House Hunters USA 9:30 House Hunters International

3:00 Play School 3:45 Thomas And Friends 4:10 Odd Squad 4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond 7:05 Rocket Club 7:30 Kids Baking Championship

2:00 ABC News 2:30 The Breakfast Couch 3:00 ABC News 3:30 If You’re Listening 3:50 ABC News 4:15 Planet America 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Asia News Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News

5:30 Dishing It Up 6:00 12:10 Movie: “How To Marion Grasby’s Be Single” (M l,s) (’16) Flavours: Heart And Stars: Dakota Johnson 1:55 ER (PG) 2:40 Friday Night Home 6:30 Remarkable Places Dinner (PG) 3:10 Doctor Who To Eat 7:30 Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise 8:30 Rick (PG) 3:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:40 MythBusters Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts (PG) 5:30 Heartbreak High Unknown (PG) 7:00 Hard Quiz (PG)

1:10 Formula E 2025 4:00 PBS News Hour Highlights 3:25 5:00 Over The Black Jeopardy! (UK) (PG) Dot 5:30 Mastermind 4:25 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:25 (PG) 6:30 Impossible Movie: “Mirror Mirror” (PG) Engineering (PG) 8:20 The War Of The Worlds (In French/ (’12) Stars: Julia Roberts 7:30 English) 9:20 Cycling: Stage 2: Movie: “Hunger Games Giro d’Italia *Live* 1:35 Sirius: Mockingjay Part 2” (M v) (’15) Massacre Or Suicide? (MA15+) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

2:30 Women’s Rugby Union: Wallaroos v Black Ferns *Live* 5:15 Movie: “Frankie And Johnny” (G) (’66) Stars: Elvis Presley 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Force v Brumbies *Live* 9:30 Rugby Union: Post-Match

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 The Piano (PG) 3:30 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia (PG) 4:30 Restoration Australia (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Piano (PG) 8:30 Bergerac (M l,v) 9:15 The Split (M l) 10:20 Hearts And Bones (M l,s)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Sunday Footy Feast 2:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 4:05 Surveillance Oz (PG) 4:30 Motorway Patrol (PG) 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The 1% Club UK (PG) 8:00 Cold Chisel - The Big 5-0 (M l) 10:00 Menendez & Menudo: Boys Betrayed (MA15+) 11:15 Autopsy - USA (M) 12:15 Repco Supercars Highlights

6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) 1:00 Fish Forever 1:30 Rise Of The Dolphins (Part 2) (PG) 3:00 NRL: Sea Eagles v Sharks *Live* 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Travel Guides (PG) 8:10 60 Minutes (PG) 9:10 Killer Interviews With Piers Morgan (M l,v) 10:10 NINE News Late 10:40 See No Evil (M) 11:40 The First 48 (M v) 4:35 Movie: “Ella” (G) (’16) Stars: Stephen Page 6:05 Queer & Here (PG) 6:35 NITV News Update 6:45 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:35 The Frontier (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Signed, Theo Schoon” (G) (’21) Director: Luit Bieringa

1:00 The Surgery Ship (PG) 2:00 South Aussie With Cosi (PG) 2:30 Animal SOS Australia (PG) 3:00 Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 Escape To The Country 7:00 The Vicar Of Dibley (PG) 8:30 Vera (M) 10:30 Great Rail Restorations

2:00 Fishy Business (PG) 2:30 AFL: PreGame 3:00 AFL: Round 9: Geelong v GWS *Live* From GMHBA Stadium 6:00 The Wash Up 7:00 Border Security Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Bourne Ultimatum” (M v) (’07) Stars: Albert Finney

11:45 Zumbo’s Just Desserts (PG) 1:00 Starstruck (PG) 2:30 Home And Away (PG) 4:30 Baking It (PG) 5:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M)

3:00 Play School 3:30 Peter Rabbit 4:10 Odd Squad 4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:10 Thomas And Friends 6:10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:40 Hey Duggee 7:05 Rocket Club 7:35 Moominvalley 8:00 Horrible Histories

2:00 ABC News 2:30 Australian Story 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Offsiders 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 ABC News Regional 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Foreign Correspondent 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders

5:30 Cheese: Searching 2:05 ER (PG) 2:50 For A Taste Of Place Doctor Who (PG) 3:35 6:30 James Martin’s A Bite To Eat With Alice 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) French Adventure 7:30 Paula McIntyre’s Hamely Kitchen USA 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 8:00 My Greatest Dishes 8:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 9:30 8:00 Lucy Worsley Investigates Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (PG) 9:00 Planet America

10:00 10 Minute Kitchen 10:30 Pooches At Play 11:00 My Market Kitchen 11:30 Roads Less Travelled 12:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) 1:10 Everyday Gourmet 1:30 Cook With Luke 2:00 The Dog Down Under (PG) 2:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 3:30 All 4 Adventure 4:30 Farm To Fork 5:00 10 News First 6:00 The Sunday Project (PG) 7:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:20 House Hunters Australia (PG) 9:20 FBI (M v) 11:10 The Sunday Project (PG)

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

12:00 Worldwatch 12:55 Wheelchair Sports 1:00 Motorsport: Speedweek 3:00 Heroines (PG) 3:30 Gymnastics: International Highlights 4:30 Cycling: Giro d’Italia 2025 Highlights 5:30 How To Lose A War 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Mystery Of The Desert Kites 8:30 Genghis Khan’s Mongolia (M v) (In English/ Mongolian/ French) 10:10 Incas - The New Story (M) (In English/ French/ Spanish) 11:50 House Of Maxwell (MA15+) 3:15 Barkley Manor (PG)

3:30 Quick Little Builds 6:00 Deal Or No Deal 10:00 Pat Callinan’s 4:30 TBA 5:30 House 8:00 Frasier (PG) 10:00 4X4 Adventures 11:00 Hunters USA 6:30 Ridiculousness (PG) Escape Fishing With ET House Hunters International 11:30 I Fish 12:00 Pooches At 11:00 The Late Show With 7:30 Fixer Upper (PG) 8:30 Play (PG) 12:30 Exploring Off Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Zombie House Flipping (PG) Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 The Grid (PG) 1:30 All 4 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 9:30 Fixer To Fabulous 10:30 Adventure (PG) 2:30 Queen Of Versailles Reigns MasterChef Australia (PG) 3:40 6:30 The Big Bang Theory Again (PG) (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 2:45 Jeopardy! 4:50 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 5:20 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:45 The Abandoned Engineering (PG) 7:35 Science Fiction Revolution (MA15+) 8:35 The Day The Rock Star Died (M)

12:00 Basketball: Boomers v Tall Blacks *Live* 2:00 Basketball: Opals v Tall Ferns *Live* 4:30 Young Sheldon (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Wonder” (PG) (’17) 7:30 Movie: “Patriot’s Day” (M) (’16) 10:10 Movie: “City Of Lies” (MA15+) (’18)

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

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12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Yacht Racing: Sail GP Highlights 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:00 Heroines (PG) 4:30 Cycling: Giro d’Italia 2025 Highlights 5:30 How To Lose A War 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Wonders Of Europe (PG) (In English/ French/ Polish) 9:30 Stanley Tucci Searching For Italy (PG) (In English/ Italian) 10:20 Great Coastal Railway Journeys (PG) 11:20 Homicide - Life On The Street (M s,v) 3:55 Barkley Manor (PG) 4:25 Bamay

1:00 Edgar Wallace Mysteries (PG) 2:20 Movie: “The Small Back Room” (PG) (’49) Stars: David Farrar 4:30 Movie: “633 Squadron” (PG) (’64) Stars: Cliff Robertson 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Tombstone” (M l,v) (’93) Stars: Kurt Russell

Thursday 15 May

Wednesday 14 May

Tuesday 13 May

Monday 12 May

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12:00 ABC News 1:00 Landline 2:00 Restoration Australia 3:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 3:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family - What Happened Next (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story

12:00 Movie: “Deadly Garage Sale” (M v) 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Movie: (’22) Stars: Aryè Campos 2:00 Pointless “Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story” (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE (M) (’20) Stars: Nia Vardalos 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Floor: Strategy (PG) 8:45 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 9:00 9-1-1 - Lone Star (M) 100% Footy (M) 9:45 NINE News Late 10:15 Aussie Road Train Truckers (M l) 10:00 Suits L.A. (M)

12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG)

3:00 Travel Shooters (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy!

(PG) 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: Giro d’Italia 2025 Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Prague With Michael Portillo 8:25 Bettany Hughes - The Silk Road Treasures

4:00 Good Chef Bad 12:30 JAG (PG) 1:30 In 5:00 Harlem 10:30 House Rules Chef 4:30 The King Of The Dark (M v) 2:30 Globetrotters: Play It (PG) 12:00 Code Black Queens (PG) 5:00 JAG (PG) 3:30 Jake Forward (PG) 5:30 The (M) 3:00 Farmer Wants Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) And The Fatman (PG) 4:30 77 Percent 6:00 Bamay 6:40 A Wife (PG) 4:35 Puppy Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Seasons Of The Wild 7:30 School (PG) 5:00 Bondi Vet Friends (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG)

4:00 $50K Three Ways 5:00 Zombie House Flipping (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters International

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

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

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:00 Supertato 7:35 TBA

5:30 The Travelling 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 5:05 Craig Charles: 5:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:40 A Bite To Eat With 3:00 ABC News Auctioneers 6:30 The Addams Family UFO Conspiracies (PG) With Justine Schofield Alice 4:05 Would I Lie Afternoons 4:00 Antiques Roadshow 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I 6:00 Alone Denmark 6:00 Marcus Wareing’s To You? (PG) 4:40 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 7:30 Death In Paradise (M v) Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The (PG) (In Danish) 7:05 Kitchen Garden Tales 6:30 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 8:40 The Madame Blanc Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Mysteries (M v) Update Up With Adam Liaw ABC National News 7:30 7:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:35 QI (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Call The Midwife (M) 2:00 Restoration Australia 3:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 3:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family - What Happened Next (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG)

12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Farmer Wants 12:00 The Floor (PG) 1:15 My Way (PG) 1:30 Young Sheldon (PG) 2:00 Pointless A Wife (PG) 2:30 Border Security International (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Floor (PG) 8:45 Freddy And And Away (PG) 7:30 Farmer Wants A Wife (PG) 9:00 Doc (M) 10:00 Accused (M) 11:00 The Eighth (M l) 9:45 NINE News Late The Agenda Setters 12:00 The Act (MA15+) 10:15 Wild Cards (M v)

12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG)

3:05 The Weekly Football Wrap 3:35 Plat Du Tour 3:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Greatest Train Journeys From Above 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 Insight (PG) 9:30 Dateline (PG) (In Creole/ English)

4:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)

4:00 $50K Three Ways 5:00 Bargain Mansions 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Help! We Bought A Village

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

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

2:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:00 Harlem 10:30 House Rules 3:30 Jake And The Globetrotters: Play It (PG) 12:00 Code Black Fatman (PG) 4:30 Forward (PG) 5:30 (M) 3:00 Farmer Wants Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) Indian Country Today News A Wife (PG) 4:30 Puppy 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Seasons Of 7:30 NCIS (M) 9:30 NCIS: Los School (PG) 5:00 Bondi Vet The Wild 7:30 Haututu Hunters Angeles (M v) (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:00 Supertato 7:35 TBA

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30

3:30 Movie: “Trent’s 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 4:05 PBS News Hour 5:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:40 A Bite To Eat With Last Case” (G) (’52) The Addams Family 5:05 Craig Charles: With Justine Schofield Alice 4:05 Would I Lie Stars: Michael Wilding 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I UFO Conspiracies (PG) 6:00 Marcus Wareing’s To You? (PG) 4:40 5:30 The Travelling Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The 6:00 Alone Denmark (PG) (In Kitchen Garden Tales 6:30 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Danish) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M) NITV News Update Up With Adam Liaw Hard Quiz (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

2:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 3:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 3:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family - What Happened Next (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Gruen 8:35 The Weekly (PG)

12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Farmer Wants 12:00 The Floor (PG) 1:15 Innovation Nation 1:30 Young Sheldon (PG) 2:00 Pointless A Wife (PG) 2:30 Border Security International (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair And Away (PG) 7:30 Clarkson’s Who Wants (PG) 7:30 The Hundred With Andy Lee (PG) To Be A Millionaire UK (PG) 8:30 The Front 8:30 The Grand Tour (MA15+) 10:00 NRLW Wrap (M l) 11:00 NINE News Late Bar (M l) 9:30 Unfiltered (PG)

4:00 Aussie Lobster 4:00 Medical Men (PG) 5:00 Emergency (PG) 4:30 American Restoration Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 6:00 American Pickers (PG) Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Lewis (M) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Dino Dex 7:35 TBA 8:05 Operation Ouch! (PG)

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Sherwood (M l,v) 2:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 3:00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 3:30 Grand Designs - The Streets (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family - What Happened Next (PG) 5:00 A Bite To Eat With Alice 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG)

12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 MasterChef Australia (PG) 8:40 Elsbeth (M)

2:30 Insight (PG) 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: Giro d’Italia 2025 Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:40 Mysteries Of Sink Holes (PG) 9:35 The Handmaid’s Tale (MA15+)

4:00 Good Chef Bad 12:30 In The Dark (M v) 5:00 Harlem Globe10:30 House Rules Chef 4:30 The King Of 2:30 Numb3rs (PG) trotters: Play It Forward (PG) 12:00 Code Black Queens (PG) 5:00 3:30 Jake And The 5:30 APTN National (M) 3:00 10 Years Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) Younger In 10 Days (PG) 4:00 News 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales Fatman (PG) 4:30 Numb3rs Puppy School (PG) 5:00 Bondi From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Ocean (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) (M v) Vet (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) Warriors: Mission Ready

4:00 $50K Three Ways 5:00 Chateau DIY 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town (PG) 8:30 Good Bones

5:30 The Travelling 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 4:05 PBS News Hour 5:30 Everyday Gourmet 4:05 Would I Lie To Auctioneers 6:30 The Addams Family 5:05 Craig Charles: With Justine Schofield You? (PG) 4:40 Antiques Roadshow 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I UFO Conspiracies (PG) 6:00 Marcus Wareing’s MythBusters (PG) 5:30 7:30 Yes Prime Minister 8:40 6:00 Alone Denmark (PG) (In Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Kitchen Garden Tales 6:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 7:00 Midsomer Murders (M s,v) Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Danish) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Hard Quiz (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 10:40 The Closer (M v) NITV News Update 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Up With Adam Liaw

12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Movie: “A Zest For Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery” (M v) (’23) Stars: Alison Sweeney 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 8:30 Britain’s Got Talent (PG)

12:00 The Hundred With Andy Lee (M l) 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 Young Sheldon (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Women’s State Of Origin: Sky Blues v Maroons *Live* 9:35 NRL: Post-Match 10:00 NINE News

12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News First: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Inspired Unemployed - The List (M l)

3:00 Living Black 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: Giro d’Italia 2025 Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 History’s Greatest Mysteries (M) 8:20 Liberation - D-Day To Berlin (In English/ French)

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

4:00 Good Chef Bad 2:30 Numb3rs (PG) 5:00 Harlem Globe10:30 House Rules 5:00 American Chef 4:30 The King Of 3:30 Jake And The trotters: Play It Forward (PG) 12:00 Code Black Restoration (PG) 5:30 Queens (PG) 5:00 Fatman (PG) 4:30 (PG) 5:30 Te Ao With (M) 3:00 10 Years Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Younger In 10 Days (PG) 4:00 Moana 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales Numb3rs (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Puppy School (PG) 5:00 Bondi From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Going 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 My Life Is 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 AFL: Round 10: Gold Coast v Friends (PG) Vet (PG) 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) Murder (M) Hawthorn *Live*

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:00 Supertato 7:35 TBA

3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30

4:00 $50K Three Ways 5:00 No Demo Reno 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Find My Country House NZ

3:30 Movie: “The 4:30 The Addams 4:25 PBS News Hour 5:30 Everyday Gourmet 4:05 QI (PG) 4:40 Queen Of Spades” Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:25 Craig Charles: With Justine Schofield MythBusters (PG) 5:30 (PG) (’49) Stars: Anton 5:30 I Dream Of UFO Conspiracies (PG) 6:00 Marcus Wareing’s Heartbreak High (PG) 6:20 Over The Black Dot 6:50 Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls Walbrook 5:30 The Travelling Kitchen Garden Tales 6:30 7:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:30 QI Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) Jeopardy! 7:15 NITV News (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? Oliver’s Twist 7:00 The Cook Roadshow 7:30 RBT (M l) 7:30 Survivor 48 (PG) Update Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 9:00 The Weekly (PG) Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

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Western Property

FEATURE STORY Western Property

ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO PENRITH R

aine & Horne Commercial Penrith has welcomed Daniel Sutton as the new Director and Head of Asset Management.

Sutton brings over 25 years of experience in asset management to the business and an unparalleled expertise to his role, where he will foster a growth mindset and innovative culture.

The expert in asset

management disciplines – including asset and property management, leasing and development – said he has a long affiliation with Managing Director of Raine & Horne Penrith, Colin Henry.

“I worked with Colin at Raine & Horne in Penrith about 25 years ago,” he said.

“It was early on in my career and it’s really exciting to be back in the area.”

ning and financial acumen, leads to superior sustainable economic results.

“Commercial property and retail property is really exciting,” Sutton stated.

“It’s an asset class that constantly evolves, and if it’s managed proactively, it can lead to really good returns for investors.”

Sutton also spent three years working for the Sovereign fund

“MY EXPERIENCE ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND INTERNATIONALLY ENABLES ME TO WORK WITH OUR CLIENTS ACHIEVING THE BEST STRATEGY FOR THEIR ASSETS”

Sutton reflected on his journey since those early days, and his now full circle moment in returning to Penrith.

“After leaving Raine & Horne, I worked with some of Australia’s leading property companies specialising in retail and commercial property, including managing Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne – Australia’s leading shopping centre and the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere,” he said.

This experience, coupled with his deep understanding of commercial and retail legislation, strategic plan-

of Dubai, Nakheel Property, on some of the world’s largest shopping centres.

But all roads lead back to Penrith.

“My experience across Australia and internationally enables me to work with our clients achieving the best strategy for their assets during a time when the greater Penrith region is going through a transformation with the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport,” Sutton said.

The new director’s deep technical experience, combined with his high performing leadership capabilities and extensive network of industry professionals, make him a driving force at Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith, committed to achieving exceptional commercial outcomes and fostering sustained growth.

– Ally Hall

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

97 RICHMOND RD, CAMBRIDGE PARK

BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property

A BRILLIANT FIRST HOME! What is so great about this property?

This beautifully presented three-bedroom home offers an excellent entry-level opportunity, combining comfort and convenience. Whether you’re seeking a comfortable family home or a solid investment, this property is an ideal choice.

Who does this property suit?

This is perfect for anyone looking for an excellent first home, family home, or investment property.

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

3

1

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OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday, May 10 10.30am – 11.00am

Tell us about the suburb the property is in? If you’re considering Cambridge Park for living or investment, it presents a balanced mix of affordability, community, and convenience.

CONTACT: RE/MAX Lifestyle Marketing Gizzelle Powell • 0428 934 618 gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

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Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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How Jocelyn helped Home Owners get their Best Results!

Jocelyn Marrian has a real passion for Real Estate, her enthusiasm and drive is the reason she has joined @realty.

Jocelyn has lived and worked in the Penrith area for over 30yrs with an extensive network of clients and friends. In an industry that is all about property, Jocelyn is passionate about people, she is committed to delivering what she promises and getting her clients the best results!

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What Sets Us Apart?

@realty is a modern and forward thinking real estate agency that is growing every day, bringing a fresh upgrade to an industry that has been largely unchanged for several decades. The bricks and mortar model of agencies requiring a shopfront is gone.

The modern real estate professional is aware that the new shopfront window is online and has adapted by being mobile and tech savvy. Armed with the latest technologies every @realty software associate has access to a cloud-based administrative soft f ware package providing complete information about your property and the ability to update your property’s details online anywhere, anytime.

The concept of @realty revolves around the individual real estate professional. This means @realty associates are not burdened by offices, the requirements that are common in most real estate off f ices, or office. office distractions that can come with a busy off f ice. Instead Head off f ice offers off f ers a large team focused on our agents support with Admin, Marketing, IT, legal, finance allowing the Agents to work in the best interest of YOU, the client.

Contact Jocelyn Marrian on: 040 516 4446 https://www.ratemyagent.com.au/real-estate-agent/jocelyn-marrian https://www.ratemyagent.com.au/real-estate-agent/j / ocelyn-marrian

Good knowledge professional Jocelyn provided an excellent and profe f ssional service in the selling of the house.

Jocelyn was very knowledgeable, and her communication was excellent. Jocelyn made the process of selling the house seamless. I would highly recommend her service.

Verified by RateMyAgent Highly recommend professional, Very profe f ssional, sold house quickly and fo fforr the price we wanted and very easy to talk to. Verified by RateMyAgent Jocelyn Marrian is a true gem and I highly recommend her to people looking to buy or sell Jocelyn made the whole experience a pleasure she had great communication and her understanding of the market and what we could do too the property to bring it from the past to the present and more appealing to potential buyers. Her level of care and professionalism profe f ssionalism took us from being nervous to excited even taking time out off f hours to answer calls and questions that I had. The staging of house and furniture choice made it ffeel fe el warm and inviting With the advertisement and photos in the lead up to the open house was truely amazing On the day of The open home there was a great turnout and Jocelyn got us a great result on the first day the house was on the market. I will recommend Jocelyn Marrian to anyone looking to buy or sell.

Verified by RateMyAgent Exceeds Expectations after We chose to use Jocelyn to sell our property aft f er having previously bought our property through her and having been impressed by her communication, skills and expertise. Jocelyn has gone above and beyond to help us through the sale process. Her communication is frequent and thorough and ensures we know what is happening every step of the way. She ensured our property was in its best position to sell and sold above our asking price on the first open house. Jocelyn has been exceptionally supportive throughout the sale period with both ourselves and the purchasers and has gone beyond her role to ensure that everyone had what they needed and knew each step of the process and what to expect. Would 100% recommend using Jocelyn.

Verified by RateMyAgent Fast and efficient Jocelyn is Amazing !!!!

Our property sold after aft f er the first open home. Jocelyn even got the price above our expected sale price. She worked hard to get the deal done even with the issues effected regarding our areas reputation of land issues. Our land /property is not eff ffected but still caused a fe ffew w massive hurdles. Jocelyn made everything easy and accommodated us work/life with our busy work/ k life f schedule. A lot was done behind the scenes and effort I can’t thank her enough fo fforr all the eff ffort she has put in. If your looking fo fforr someone to efficiently sell your property with eff f iciently and no fuss I highly recommend Jocelyn .

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned precinct offering premium land lots and architecturally designed residences in one of South-West Sydney’s fastest-growing communities.

PR I C E S S TA R T FROM $554, 50 0 ––– FE AT U R E S M A N I C U R E D G A R D E N S A N D G R E E N S PAC E S, A L L M A I NTA I N E D U N D E R A CO M M U N I T Y T I T L E S C H E M E ––– W E L L P OS I T I O N E D N E A R T H E R A PI D LY E X PA N D I N G O R A N PA R K TOW N C E N T R E

Located near Oran Park’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an address that blends nature with urban conveniences.

It’s a place you’ll want to call home.

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Developed by 54001

Artist impression

*

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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

5/91 Saddington Street, St Marys

2

1

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21/30 Putland Street, St Marys

2

JUST MOVE IN, FULLY RENOVATED UNIT • 2 generous-sized bedrooms, all bedrooms fitted with built-in robes and ceiling fans • Natural light-filled living room with floorboards • Sophisticated kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and ample storage • Contemporary bathroom with separate bathtub and shower • Spacious Internal laundry • Freshly painted throughout • Split system air conditioning • Secure lock-up garage (currently under construction) • Private Balcony with a nice little glimpse of the Blue Mountains • St Marys Train station, schools, shops, eateries and amenities as well as a variety of nearby transport options

JUST LISTED

OFF MARKET ARRANGE PRIVATE VIEWING NOW

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

3

1

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

1+

25 Noamunga Crescent, Gwandalan

• 3 generously-sized bedrooms, 1 featuring builtin robes, • Bright and airy living room with air conditioning • Contemporary kitchen with ample benchtop space and storage • Renovated bathroom with an expansive shower • Spacious external laundry • Large backyard • Well-manicured front garden with beautiful flowers and plants • Backs onto a playground and reserve, offering a more peaceful and private living environment • Covered carport with concreted driveway • Zoned R2, with potential for a granny flat or swimming pool (STCA) • Situated on a 556.4sqm block

3

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

1

2.5

16/48 Spencer Street, Rooty Hill

3

1.5

2

STRATA $501 PER QUARTER IMMACULATE PRESENTATION

Open House: Sat 11:15-11:45am

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

3

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

1

1.5

• 3 generous-sized bedrooms, all fitted with built ins and ceiling fans • Spacious living room with natural light • Modern kitchen with breakfast bar, dishwasher, rangehood, and ample storage • Separate dining • Main bathroom with separate toilet • Internal laundry with extra toilet • Under stair storage • Secured lock-up garage with internal access • Split system air conditioning • Spacious courtyard Open House: Sat 12-12:30pm

JUST LISTED

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

2 Lewis Road, Cambridge Gardens

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1

1

Endless Potential in a Prime Location

JUST LISTED

This is a fantastic opportunity to renovate, rebuild, or invest in a property with outstanding potential. Set in a highly sought-after location, this home offers easy access to local amenities, quality schools, public transport, and parklands – making it an ideal choice for families and developers alike.

While the property does require some work, its position on a generous 574.2sqm block presents a rare chance to transform it into your dream home or investment project.

Whether you’re a homeowner ready to create something special or an investor seeking value in a growth area, this property offers solid potential in a well-established, familyfriendly neighbourhood.

Open House: Sat 1-1:30pm

Cambridge Park

Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618

Litsa Meleti 0466 969 164

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

Uzrah Bi 0435 205 061

3+2

1+1

1+

Dual Occupancy 3-Bedroom Home + Approved 2-Bedroom Granny Flat Land size: 929sqm block Potential rental return for the main house is $600-$650 per week. Current rental return for the Granny Flat is $470 per week. Don’t miss out, call or SMS Gizzelle Powell on for your private inspection or for further information.

OFF MARKET

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

SOLD Very Happy Client Professional and reliable

the moment we reached out to Gizzelle “ From she was incredibly responsive and helpful.

It was nice to see such enthusiasm. Gizzelle is extremely knowledgeable of the local market.

She’s responsive in communication and effective in negotiating a fair deal with the sale of our property.

We would most definitely call upon Gizzelle in the future.

”

(Verified by RateMyAgent)

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

54

1

WATER VIEWS

• 3 generous-sized bedrooms, 2 fitted with built-in robes • Main bedroom with walk-in robe and spacious ensuite • Freshly painted throughout • Ducted air conditioning throughout • Downlights throughout • Contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and ample storage • Main bathroom with separate shower and bathtub • Spacious living room • Internal laundry with extra toilet • Under stair storage area • Automated garage • Large backyard

10/18 Second Avenue, Kingswood

Put our Winning Team to Work

1

COASTAL RETREAT

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

5/126 Derby Street, Penrith

2

50m to the water

Open House: Sat 10:30-11am

JUST LISTED

1

PROPERTY LAUNCH Saturday, 10 May, 2025 @ 9:30-10am

97 Richmond Road, Cambridge Park

JUST LISTED

1

AGENT OF THE YEAR 6X Winner Cambridge Park 4X Winner Kingswood 3X Winner Penrith 2X Winner Werrington 3X National Top 100 Australia

Teeannah Camilleri 0424 823 911

Victor Borg 0439 755 081

Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing?

Call or SMS Gizzelle on 0428 934 618 Sharol Dolleton 02 4732 6007

Ed Powell 02 4732 6007

HOW TO STAY INJURY FREE

I

njury prevention programs include strengthening, agility, flexibility and balance based exercises along with education around proper movement patterns as well as jumping and landing mechanics.

New research has shown that the old school warmups of performing several stationary stretches is suboptimal in warming up the body, improving performance or preventing an injury from occurring.

Programs should be implemented as a standard warm-up prior to matches and training sessions at least three times a week over the course of an 8-12 week block. Correct technique should always be a priority during exercise. If any pain is experienced, it is important to pause and identify the possible cause. If pain persists, consulting a qualified professional is highly recommended to prevent possible injury.

Some reasons as to why

injury prevention programs enhance overall sporting performance: • Improves functional strength by increasing the athlete’s strength, power, flexibility, balance and coordination.

• Improves the athletes body control and provides more efficient movement patterns such as knowing how to land, jump and change direction safely.

• Encourages confidence in the athlete by knowing they are more physically prepared and less prone to injury.

• Reduce the risk of overall injury rates: some lower limb injury prevention programs have shown a reduction of injury rates >40 per cent in knees and ankles.

Some examples of these programs include: • FIFA 11 + Kids • The Knee Program (Netball) • OSTRC Shoulder Injury

HEALTH

DENTIST’S DESK

The Experts

The Experts

THE POWER OF PORCELAIN

R KASEY COLLINS One Point Health 4732 5188 Prevention Program Without a proper assessment, implementation of a generalised injury prevention program may not address your underlying issues, leading to potentially poorer outcomes than expected despite your hard work and good intentions.

If you would like to enhance your chances of staying injury-free this sporting season it is crucial to undergo a thorough assessment by a qualified professional, such as a physiotherapist.

A physiotherapist is able to assess your movement patterns, identify potential strength imbalances and tailor a program that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

Please help keep our Penrith homeless & underprivileged community warm this winter!

estoring teeth that are old, damaged, or filled multiple times presents a significant challenge in modern dentistry – but porcelain restorations offer a long-lasting and highly aesthetic solution.

At Sydney Smile Doctor, we often use porcelain crowns and onlays to rebuild weakened teeth, bringing strength, beauty, and longevity back to our patients’ smiles.

Over time, teeth that have undergone repeated fillings may develop cracks, wear, or structural weakness. Large fillings can no longer provide sufficient support and may even contribute to further tooth breakdown. Porcelain restorations, however, act like a helmet, encapsulating the tooth to protect it from future stress and fracture.

One of porcelain’s greatest strengths is its biocompatibility and durability. Unlike metal or composite materials, porcelain closely mimics the natural appearance of tooth enamel, making it ideal

for visible areas of the smile.

With proper care, these restorations can last 10–15 years.

Porcelain is also stain-resistant and doesn’t shrink or wear over time like older materials, which helps maintain a proper bite and reduces the need for future dental work. By choosing porcelain crowns or onlays, patients gain a restoration that is as functional as it is beautiful.

For patients seeking to future-proof their smile,

DR. ANDREW PETERSON Sydney Smile Doctor sydneysmiledoctor.com.au

porcelain is the gold standard for restoring compromised teeth with elegance and strength.

Exceptional aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry in Penrith Dr Peterson is an internationally renowned dentist. With a Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from Kings College London, he provides world class services here in Penrith.

BEFORE

AFTER

HOW YOU CAN HELP Please help keep our Penrith homeless & Purchase any new item forwarm comfort packs underprivileged community this winter!

Beanies, scarfs, gloves, instant heat packs (not electrical), socks and jackets and drop off at the following locations: • Penrith City Council - 601 High St, Penrith • Office Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith - 510 High St Penrith • Penrith RSL - 8 Tindale St Penrith

2

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

Help the Penrith Community Kitchen provide a warm meal this Winter Make a donation directly to the Kitchen www.penrithcommunitykitchen.com.au

BOOK IN NOW Visit us: 196 Derby Street, Penrith Phone: 1300 645 680 Email: enquiries@sydneysmiledoctor.com.au www.sydneysmiledoctor.com.au

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: Donate items for comfort packs For any further details please contact Penrith CBD Corp for more details: beanies, scarfs, gloves, instant heat packs (not electrical), socks and 4722 5556 | gai@penrithcbdcorp.com.au jackets - drop off points Penrith CBD Corp 488 High St, Stuart Ayres 510 High St, ANZ 504 High St & Westfield Penrith, or The Creative Fringe 6/51 York Rd Jamisontown

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

WW55864

1

Contribute to The Creative Fringe’s “Think outside the square challenge”

Karen McKeown OAM Member for Penrith

more details at www.thecreativefringe.com.au/events-andworkshops/think-outside-the-square-knitting-challenge/

Help the kitchen stock their food pantry by making a donation. Phone: 47 225556 for details

For any further details please contact Penrith CBD Corp for more details: 4722 5556 | admin@penrithcbdcorp.com.au

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

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PET HEALTH The Experts

UNDERSTANDING URINARY INCONTINENCE IN DOGS U

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

rinary incontinence is a fairly common condition in dogs, especially as they grow older. It refers to the involuntary leaking of urine and often causes stress for both pets and their owners. While it can affect dogs of any age or breed, it is more frequently seen in desexed female dogs of medium to large size, typically in middle-aged or senior years.

The condition usually results from a weakening of the muscles that control the bladder.

One of the first signs dog owners might notice is the presence of wet patches where their dog has been lying – on bedding, the floor, or furniture. In many cases, the dog may not even realise they are leaking urine. You might also notice your dog dribbling urine while walking or immediately after going to the toilet.

Other symptoms can include persistent dampness around the hind legs, a lingering smell of urine, skin irritation caused by prolonged exposure to moisture,

and frequent licking of the genital area.

There are several causes of urinary incontinence in dogs.

The most common is a condition known as urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence,

Some dogs experience bladder storage dysfunction, which leads to frequent bladder contractions and accidental leakage. Congenital abnormalities or complications following injury or surgery may also affect normal bladder

where the muscles that keep the urethra closed become too weak to do so effectively. Neurological conditions such as spinal injuries or nerve damage can also interfere with bladder control.

function. In some cases, dogs may hold in urine due to stress, fear, or behavioural concerns, which can cause the bladder to become overly full and leak.

The good news is that incon-

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL! At Orchard Hills ills Veterinary Hospital, we understand d that your pet is a cherished family ily member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pett care services to animals acrosss the Penrith district.

We offer: • Vaccinations ions • Radiography aphy • Microchipping pping • Surgery • Dental care are • Ultrasound nd

Phone 4736 6 2027 49 Wentworth Road Road,Orchard Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

WW55398

Contact us! s!

tinence is often manageable.

With a proper diagnosis, your vet can prescribe medications such as hormone therapy or drugs designed to tighten the bladder sphincter. If an underlying condition like a urinary tract infection or spinal issue is responsible, addressing that can often resolve the incontinence.

To help manage the condition at home, you can use absorbent or waterproof bedding to keep your dog dry and comfortable, and take your dog outside more frequently to urinate. Incontinence pads and gentle daily cleaning of the hindquarters can also help prevent skin irritation.

It’s important never to reduce your dog’s water intake, as dehydration can lead to more serious health problems.

If you notice any signs of incontinence, early veterinary assessment is essential.

For more information or to book a check-up, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE Boho Astro @JoMadelineMoore © Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

You’ll feel restless this week and the danger is you’ll go overboard and throw the baby out with the bathwater. Uranus imbues you with a sense of urgency, but self-discipline and gradual modifications are what’s required at the moment.

It’s also important to strive to get the balance right between your personal and professional lives. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett, “I live my life parallel with my work, and they are both equally important.”

Monday night’s Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on travel, communication and education. So it’s a good week to plan a holiday, catch up with international friends or complete a study project. And your financial future looks rosier, as lucky Venus visits your money zone until June 6. So – whether you get a pay rise, take on a second job, cash in some investments, organise a garage sale or sell an important asset – it’s time to make hay while the Sun shines!

Have you been shopping up a storm when you should have been saving or paying off debt? If the answer is ‘yes’ then expect a financial hiccup this week as Mars, Mercury and the Full Moon highlight money matters and issues involving your personal values and self-esteem. The less you base your core self-worth on money, possessions, status, physical appearance and unrealistic media expectations of what beauty is, the healthier and happier you’ll be.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

The Sun, Mercury and Uranus power through your sign and the Full Moon stimulates your partnership zone.

So this week is all about the delicate dance of relationships – how to balance personal desires with the needs of others; independence with togetherness; solo projects with joint ventures. Mars is firing up your family zone, so there may some foot stamping and angry words before you get the balance right! On the weekend you’re keen to experiment.

Watch what you say this week, Gemini.

Hasty comments, garrulous gossip and spilling secrets could land you in hot water with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours – everyone! Instead of thoughtless chatter, concentrate on nutritious food, invigorating exercise and regular relaxation. Yep … a dose of discipline will help make your dreams come true. Be inspired by birthday great, actress Katharine Hepburn, “Without discipline there’s no life at all.”

The Sun, Mercury and Uranus are visiting your networking and peer group zone, and the Full Moon stimulates your friendship zone. So the more you mix and mingle, and the more connections you make, the better the week will be.

Looking for employment? It’s time to capitalise on all your contacts. From family and friends to colleagues and casual acquaintances. Don’t wait for opportunities to magically appear. Be proactive about following your dreams!

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Calling all Lions – sitting on the sidelines being a scaredy-cat will get you nowhere fast. This week dynamic Mars is transiting through your sign and the Sun, Mercury and Uranus are revving up your career zone. So it’s time to be a bold, brave, proactive, creative leader! Be inspired by Hollywood movie star (and birthday great) Katharine Hepburn, “As one goes through life, one learns that if you don’t paddle your own canoe, you don’t move.”

Mercury (your boss planet) makes tricky connections with Pluto and Mars.

So you’ll feel dissatisfied and may try to change things by criticising others and pushing your point-of-view, which could lead to domestic dramas, friendship fallouts or workplace disputes. But is that the best way to go? Wise words come from movie legend Katharine Hepburn (who was born on May 12, 1907), “You learn in life that the only person you can really correct and change is yourself.”

This week the planetary focus is on money and business matters, as Monday night’s Full Moon fires up your finance zones. But the Mercury/Pluto and Mercury/Mars squares could throw a partnership challenge in your direction (perhaps involving jealous behaviour, arguments over money or power struggles). Your ruling planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone (until June 6) so do your best to play the perceptive, diplomatic Libran peacemaker.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Expect an intense week, as there’s a Full Moon in Scorpio on Monday night.

So partnerships will be unpredictable and family dramas will keep you on your toes. Maybe it’s time to simplify your life, cull some of your relationship commitments or give a fair-weather friend the flick? Look for creative, unconventional solutions that suit you and please others.

Some strategic compromise may be necessary, and you may have to eat some humble pie!

Your career is about to get a welcome shot in the arm as the Sun, Mercury and Uranus barnstorm through your work zone. So show your boss, colleagues and competitors what you are truly capable of. With an extra boost from the Full Moon, it’s definitely time to be creative, innovative and passionate, as you think outside the box. Draw inspiration from Hollywood movie star (and birthday great) Katharine Hepburn, “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.”

A relationship with a lover, friend, child or teenager looks rather fractious this week. Pluto and Mars could stir up resentment, jealousy or anger, so tread carefully and act cautiously. With the Full Moon activating your hopes and wishes zone, it’s time to dream a big dream and then go after it with intense focus and plenty of passion. Don’t rush though! Heed the wise words of birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett, “Some ideas take time to form.”

Contribute to support independent journalism Become a supporter

Thursday, May 8, 2025 « the western weekender

57

Crossword brought to you by OnePointHealth onepointhealth.com.au | 4732 5188 510/536 High Street, Penrith

ACROSS DOWN 1. Ark builder 1. Inquisitive 4. Pressured 2. Degrade 8. Unnatural sleep 3. Pig meat 11. Biblical tower 4. Pointer 13. A second time 5. Entangle 15. Hindu teacher 6. Neck band 17. Actor, ... Gibson 7. Soggy 18. Proportion 8. US counterterrorism group (1,1,1) 20. I agree!

9.

Readily available 21. Honking fowls (2,3) 24. Moment of 10. Sailor’s call forgetfulness 12. Prejudiced person 27. Some 14. Rink 28. Drug rehabilitation 16. Chunky potato chip 30. Hollywood prize 19. Preamble 31. Improper 22. Wields (infl uence) 33. Horrible smell 23. Eyeball hollow 34. Scoundrel 25. Country, Saudi ...

35. Huge 26. Ail 36. Love god 29. Russian empress 39. Informed (on) 32. Alcoholic brew 42. Stacked 35. Plans (4,3) 44. Transgressions 37. Croaks 45. Diadem 38. Retirement do (4-3) 46. Captures (criminal) 40. Journalist’s slant 48. Litigating 41. Iraqi currency 49. Uninteresting 42. Delve 50. Masculine gender 43. Football superstar, ...

52. Possibly Beckham 54. Chest wall bones 44. Folk duo, ... & 55. Writer, ... Allan Poe Garfunkel 56. Personify 47.

Mind child (4-3) 57. Strong fl avour 51.

Light-bulb developer 60. Individual identity 52.

Scraped by (4,2) 62. Emanated 53.

Colonial realm 65. Skimpy pool outfi t 54. Small songbirds 67. Piebald 58. Disgust 69. Colour scheme & 59. Martini ingredient fittings 61. Cutting ray 70. Crotchets or minims 63. Duty spell 72. Electronic 64. Fact courseplotter, sat ...

65. Punched 73. Silver bar 66. Uproar 75. Famous soft drink 68. Tusk material 77. Relax, ... out 71. Summon up 79. Slapstick performer (memories) 81. iPad program 72. Non-coms (1,1,2) 82. Game results 74. Blokes 84. Have another go 76. Handful (of daisies) 85. Creep 78. Urged on, ... up 86. Long-coated canine, Previous solution80.

- Easy Pint-sized ... Terrier Wheel-shaft 87. Sturdily 4 3 1 2 83. 9 8 projection 88. Honey liquor

edium

2 1 3 4 5 8 1 3 2 5 6 2 1 4 3 7 6 4 5 8 7 8 5 6 7 9 Last 5week’s solution 6 7 8 1 4 6 5 7 8 9 3 7 8 6 4 5

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© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

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Get To Market 2024- Event 3

Sudoku brought to you by Markwater Plumbing markwaterplumbing.com

SUDOKU No. 743

6 2 1 3 1 7 3 4

Very Hard

5

5

the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

1 4 2 9 8 3 6 7 5

6 8 7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

5 9 1 8 2 9

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5 3 7 6 4 2 8 1 9

6 8 9 7 1 5 4 2 3

8 7 1 2 5 6 3 9 4

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3 1 4 5 2 7 9 6 8

9 5 6 1 3 8 7 4 2

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Previous solution - Tough

2

4 5 3 6 7 1

Where: Sinclair's - The Log Cabin When: Thursday 2nd May Time: 5:30pm RSVP: Friday 19th March

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© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

Crossword

1

Contact us on 0491 377 539

7 2 8 4 6 9 5 3 1

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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Your

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Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about famous mothers in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. Mother Teresa was born in 1910. How old was she when she passed away?

2. How many children did Princess Diana have?

3. Which former First Lady of the United States has two children named Malia and Sasha?

4. How many children did Jackie Kennedy have?

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6. Abigail Adams was the mother of a US President. But what was her other link to the White House?

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7. Nathan Cleary

Trivia Quiz

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59

Test Your Brain brought to you by Runnymede Lawyers runnymedelawyers.com.au | 0432 043 112

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 743

Medium

4 3 1 2 2 1 3 4 5 1 3 2 5 6 2 1 4 3 7 4 5 8 8 5 6 7 9 5 6 7 8 1 6 5 7 8 9 7 8 6 4

2

Str8ts

1

6

8

6 9

7 8 1 3 7 2 3

5 7 8

2

© 2025 Syndicated Puzzles

5 4

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Hexwords

5

Name the Movie

I H TG I E F E R P N U N E Previous solution:

HINTS

ansWeR

3. I’ve been in countless TV shows and movies.

ansWeR

4. My favourite colour is pink.

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www.30secondchallenge.com

douBle IT

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less

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Last week’s answer: 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 165 - BEGINNER - 72, INTERMEDIATE - 35, ADVANCED - 147.

5. My sister’s name is Enola.

Last week’s answer: CARRIE BRADSHAW

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 166 - BEGINNER - 35, INTERMEDIATE - 72, ADVANCED - 360.

www.30secondchallenge.com

+8 ÷8 x10 +4 ÷12 x6 x6 +4 x10 75% 1/2 10% 1/3 +24 5/7 5/12 7/9 x4 17½ % x20 75% 20% of IT

TIMes By ITself

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

4

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2. I live at 221B Baker Street, London.

14

+6 ÷9 x11 +1 ¼ ÷5 x7 50 x3 2/3 ÷12 x7 -9 1/3 -7 x3 72 80% 37½% x4¼ x11/3 250 2% x25 10% -45

1. My first appearance was in a novel in 1887.

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half of IT

of IT

D

Who Am I?

30 Second Challenge BegInneR

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Previous solution: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

adVanced

60

1 3 1 7 3 4

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be p see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Plus 12½ %

0432 043 112

6

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9 8 8 6 7 7 8 6 5 9 6 7 3 2 4 2 3 3 4 5

96

Have you done your will?

No. 743

Previous solution - Easy

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SPORT GLORY DAYS ARE BACK FOR WSW Story continued from » p.64

“They can feel the love, they can feel the joy growing. It helps them to perform better and hopefully we can keep growing. It’s a huge occasion next week and hopefully we can pack it out and really show the Wanderers are back,” he said.

In other A-League Finals news, Melbourne City locked in second spot in the final round of the regular season to join Premiers Auckland FC in the Semi Finals, and earn a week off.

Western United successfully sealed third spot after defeating Premiers Auckland FC 4-2 last Saturday, to set up a home elimination final against sixthplaced Adelaide United. The two teams will do battle this Friday at Ironbark Fields with the winner advancing to the two-legged Semi Finals.

Having secured the Premiers Plate in the penultimate round, Auckland FC has also locked in a home Semi Final second leg at Go Media Stadium on Saturday, May 24. The Black Knights will face the lowest placed Elimination Final winner, while Melbourne City will take on the highest placed Elimination Final winner over two-legs, with City to host the second leg at AAMI Park on Saturday, May 24.

The two Semi Final winners will progress to the 2025 Grand Final, with the highest placed team from the regular season earning the right to host the decider on Saturday, May 31.

A Giant moment Teenager we profiled last week earns shock AFL call-up NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he result may not have gone his team’s way, but western Sydney teenager Josaia Delana is still on top of the world after making his AFL debut with the GWS Giants last Sunday afternoon.

Following a consistent run of strong form in the club’s undefeated VFL side, the 18-yearold made his shock debut in the Giants’ 87-73 loss to the Swans at the SCG. During his time on the field, the electric small forward put together a respectable stat sheet for his first ever game recording five tackles, three disposals, two kicks and one hit out.

The former rugby league player, who is of Fijian descent, only found out he was making his surprise debut just 48 hours prior to the monster Round 8 clash.

“It doesn’t feel real to be honest,” Delana said upon hearing the news.

“I’m still pinching myself, but I’m just letting it sink in.

“It’s just a sense of achievement, just something I’m very proud of and a big milestone in my career. Getting drafted was something really big and then getting to actually make my debut, it’s just unreal.

“I didn’t think it would happen that quickly.”

Delana joined the Giants as a category B

Josaia Delana with his family prior to last weekend’s game at the SCG.

Rookie in last year’s draft following strong performances for the Allies as well as performing well across eight games in the club’s VFL side.

A Giants Academy graduate, Delana reflected on his journey with the club to date.

“I’m pretty proud,” he said.

“To think that I was playing Giants Acad-

emy this time last year, playing in the Coates League, and now I’ll be playing in the ones team on the big screen at the SCG.” The Giants will look to snap their threegame losing streak when they travel to Geelong this Sunday to battle the Cats.

Star midfielder Tom Green will play his 100th AFL game in the pivotal clash.

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the western weekender » Thursday, May 8, 2025

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SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Fresh netball season is underway NETBALL: Congratulations to Penrith South Netball Club for being crowned winners of the 2025 Penrith Netball Association March Past last Saturday. The Penrith South players represented their tiger mascot brilliantly, wearing cute tiger ears headbands as they brought plenty of colour, creativity and club pride to the annual event. “From your vibrant outfits to your energetic smiles, your club truly embodied what the March Past is about,” Penrith Netball said on Facebook. Coming in runners-up were the girls from Corpus Christi Netball Club. Well done to everyone for getting in the spirit and best of luck for the season ahead.

NETBALL: With their season kicking off last weekend, local netballers had an extra pep in their step with funding from Greater Bank set to subsidise registration fees to help more youngsters play the sport they love. Following a strong 2024, which saw Penrith’s 14-years representative team place second at the Netball NSW Junior State Titles, the association is keen to bring more participants into the game.

Penrith Netball President Joy Gillet said that they want to ensure the cost of participation was not a barrier for Penrith’s young players.

“Greater Bank’s support will directly help our players and their families by assisting with registration fees for our players,” she said.

“The funding from Greater Bank helps boost participation in Saturday grassroots netball.

The cost of sport is significant for many, and to be able to make some contribution to these costs is very beneficial to our local families.”

Greater Bank Penrith Branch Manager Allison Bateman said netball brings a touching display of community spirit to the cooler months. “This is the fifth year of our partnership with Penrith District Netball Association and we are really proud to continue our support and bring our community together for good,” she said. “It’s great to see people come together to cheer along their family and friends from the sidelines – it’s great to see our sense of spirit come to life!”

NETBALL: Panthers Netball have had a mixed night of results in Round 8 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Up against the Manly Warringah Sapphires, the Panthers Opens team were crushed 60-43, while the Panthers U23s team enjoyed a win over the Sapphires 57-51. Panthers will return to Netball Central in Round 9 to battle the ERNA Hawks.

NETBALL: Giants Netball have recorded their first victory of the season, defeating the Adelaide Thunderbirds 64-63 in Round 4 of the Super Netball. After three straight losses to start

AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition.

Ramettes star Belle Campisi kicked three goals in the huge win. Penrith will play Macquarie University this Saturday morning.

TENNIS: Nepean District Tennis Association recently held its third Coloured Ball Series Competition for 2025. Coloured Ball competitions are a fun and exciting way for junior players to learn competitive tennis. There are three different coloured ball levels: Red-U8, Orange-U9 and Green-U10. These balls are softer and slower than regular yellow balls, allowing players to have more time to react and control their strokes as they progress up each level. Congratulations to Nepean junior Kimi Yiheng Zhu, who won the U10 Boys Green Ball competition in a very close and exciting final (6-4). Thank you to Coach Kalebb and the staff at Nepean Tennis for running this competition.

We look forward to hosting our fourth Coloured Ball competition on June 23,” Nepean Tennis President, Mick Ensor said.

2025 Penrith Netball Association March Past champions Penrith South Netball Club.

the season, the Giants came out firing in the first 15 minutes of action. The game remained tight throughout the rest of the contest, with the home side prevailing thanks to the composure of Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer. The Giants will look to make it back-to-back wins when they tackle the Sunshine Coast Lightning this Sunday at UniSC Arena.

three goals. The Emus will return to Nepean Rugby Park this Saturday afternoon to play Georges River.

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers men’s and women’s have come up short in Round 5 of the NBL1 East competition. Up against the Sydney Comets, Penrith’s men’s team went down 75-64. Zeke Evans led the way for the Panthers with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, Penrith’s women’s team also fell to the Sydney Comets 67-62. Jordan Vasquez top scored with a whopping 19 points and 19 rebounds. She also blocked five shots and assisted on 4 baskets. Both teams will play a double-header this weekend, with the Panthers facing the North Bears on Saturday in North Sydney and the Illawarra Hawks in Penrith on Sunday.

AFL:The Penrith Rams have continued

The Giants celebrate their first win.

RUGBY UNION:The Penrith Emus came agonisingly close to their first victory of the season, going down to Burraneer 23-21 in the latest round of the Meldrum Cup. Penrith’s three try scorers were: Teariari Hillman, Matt Bailey and Louis Vaiotu. Jack Rafton kicked

their winning ways, beating the North Shore Bombers 67-45 in Round 4 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. Played at Gore Hill Oval, the red-hot Rams led at the end of every quarter. Mitch Stevens booted four goals for the Rams, while big Phil Aumann slotted over three majors. Penrith will return to Greygums Oval this Saturday afternoon to battle the South West Sydney Blues. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes chalked up a 56-0 victory over the North Shore Bombers in Round 4 of the

Kimi Yiheng Zhu with his trophy.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 7 of NSWRL Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys demolished the Hills Bulls 38-4, while Penrith Brothers went down to the Ryde Eastwood Hawks 10-0. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys lost to the Bulls 22-18, while Penrith Brothers couldn’t get past the Hawks 38-18.

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.

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SPORT

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FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

ALL EYES ON WANDERERS The Wanderers celebrate returning to the Finals with their fans.

NATHAN TAYLOR

P

arramatta will come alive this Saturday night when thousands of football supporters pack out CommBank Stadium for the Elimination Final between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory.

The sold-out sign is certain to be nailed to the gates of the 30,000-seat venue for this Saturday night’s blockbuster clash between the fourth-placed Wanderers and

fifth-placed Victory.

Speaking after Western Sydney’s 3-1 come from behind win over Macarthur last weekend, Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic said he’s looking forward to his first Finals series in charge of the side.

“Of course! It’s going to be a great game against Melbourne Victory,” the former Matildas coach said.

“It was probably the best game of the year when we played them five or six weeks ago, it was a fantastic contest.

“30 unbelievable players entered the

pitch that day, so if you want entertainment, come out and watch it.

“It’s going to be a great game. So many talented players on display and two teams that are jampacked with talent.”

Like the glory days of the Wanderers early years, the club had thousands of supporters pack out Campbelltown Sports Stadium last weekend, outnumbering Macarthur Bulls fans to create a spectacular atmosphere.

Stajcic said the support his side has received this year – especially at the back-

end of the season – has had a massive impact on their recent 12-game unbeaten run.

“It’s had a massive impact on the team,” he said.

“I’ve been saying it from the first day I walked in to the club, how much it means to the players and they all genuinely care about how many are coming to the game and how much support they are getting each week.”

Story continues on » p. 62

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