Local goods and wares have been sold at the Penrith Midweek Markets for around 50 years, so when November 19 rolled around, it was a bittersweet day for stallholders and customers farewelling the Paceway’s Wednesday tradition. However, that wasn’t goodbye. The operators of the bustling Blacktown Markets have taken the reins and created a new-look Thursday market for Penrith, launching on November 27. Stallholder and beloved member of the Penrith market scene, Angelo, has watched the market change over 44 years.
“I’ve been coming here since 1981 – before you were born,” Angelo shared.
“For me, Wednesday is a day of recreation with people, talking and discussing things, and helping people. If people need information about where to find things here, I can help. I make people happy and they make me happy.
“It has changed a lot. Before, the market would extend from the swimming pool down to the Paceway car park. Things changed after COVID and the market got smaller.”
The market all-rounder is optimistic about the upcoming new arrangement.
“Thursday is the best time to have a
market. Most people get their pension on a Thursday morning, and they have money to spend, and they can go out and see more beautiful people like you and me,” Angelo laughed.
“Last week, we had stallholders from another market come here because their regular market was closed. They told me that they would be much happier to attend the Penrith market on Thursday because there is another market on a Wednesday, meaning they would have to choose between the two.”
A few metres away at the Nepean Valley Honey stall, Dave and his father Trevor feel a bit unsure about the change.
“We’ve been coming here for the last three years, and I’m a bit reluctant about whether changing from Wednesday to Thursday will be better,” Dave said.
“Time will tell. We’ll see how the new owners go. They could boost more life into the market.”
Emerging from the market’s undercover area and into the sunlight, Jane sits under gazebo with her antique jewellery stall.
“It used to be really flourishing. I have noticed a decline in buying. I’d say that’s because of the economy,” she told the Weekender
Trevor. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Ley’s big sell on energy
We’re years away from the next Federal Election but there was a feeling of campaign mode during a visit by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to Emu Plains on Monday.
In the wake of the Liberal Party’s major shift on energy policy, Ley visited a local manufacturer to spruik the new energy plan, while labelling Labor’s current plan an “energy trifecta of failures”.
Ley and Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reductions
Dan Tehan met with Gareth Jones, Director of Marley Flow Control, a local engineering and manufacturing company on Monday to discuss the energy needs of local manufacturers.
Jones gave Ley and Tehan a tour on the factory before stopping to explain that the manufacturing of stainless steel is unnecessarily outsourced to foreign countries.
“It started its life [as] Australian iron ore, we then shipped it to China, China then processed and it has come all the way back as a finished product,” Jones said.
“Now, in that supply chain, we added about 20 per cent to our
Over the weekend the Opposition announced its new energy and emissions policy citing affordable energy as their main priority. Ley, on Monday, said the policy will support more products being made in Australia.
“What we want to see is innovative and bespoke products designed in Australia and made in Australia. Australians deserve affordable energy and responsible emissions reductions. The Coalition knows that you can have both, but we will prioritise affordable energy,” Ley said.
carbon footprint. That’s nonsense.
If we made this in Australia, we’d take that [additional] carbon footprint out of the equation.
“We are part of a global climate, and we must think globally, don’t think about just Australia. Australia represents three per cent of the world economy…”
“Look at what has happened to energy prices under Prime Minister Albanese, who went to two elections promising you that your electricity and energy costs would come down. Instead, they’ve gone up. They’ve gone up by 40 per cent and that means, unfortunately, that we are making less and less in Australia.
“We also do believe in responsible emissions reduction but when we consider that since 2005 Australia has moved ahead with emissions reducing at almost twice the rate of the developed world, and in order to get to Labor’s 2050 target, they will have to double again, that doesn’t make sense. So, our commitment is to reduce emissions on average, year on year, in line with comparable countries and as fast and as far as technology will allow.”
The policy, in summary, will abandon a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050; remove Labor’s legislated 2030 emissions target of 43 per cent; will reduce emissions on an average year on year basis; support more gas supply; and focus on energy affordability.
“We will do our responsible, fair
share when it comes to emissions reduction but we want to make sure that affordable energy is the priority because if you have a strong economy backed by affordable energy you can play your role in making sure you continue to grow manufacturing…” Tehan said.
When asked how the Opposition’s new energy plan stacks up against that of Labor, Ley did not mince her words.
“Let’s look at the emissions record of the Albanese Government. In fact, their entire energy trifecta of failures – prices up, reliability down and emissions flatlining,” Ley said. Last week, Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh was vocal in her view that the Liberals needed to abandon the net zero pledge, saying the party needed to “give Australia hope”.
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley on the tools. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley, Marley Flow Control Director Gareth Jones and Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Family takes action over shooting death
KAT WONG, AAP
Afather is taking legal action against police for nervous shock and psychiatric injury after officers fatally shot his son in their backyard.
Adam Balzan awoke to the sounds of bangs and crashes as plainclothes police chased his 20-yearold son into their St Marys home and shot him dead in 2020.
A coroner last week found the police officers’ decisions to detain, pursue and use force against Bradley Balzan were unjustified and unreasonable.
While the report has offered some answers, it could not address the myriad impacts that have flowed from his death, prompting the father to take NSW Police to court.
“I can only begin to imagine how grief struck they are,” his lawyer Peter O’Brien said on Friday.
“This young man was a beautiful young boy who had extensive love for his family.
“Their grief will continue and be immeasurable.”
On December 23, 2020, four officers were patrolling the area in an unmarked police car when they saw 20-year-old Bradley Balzan, about 200 metres from his home in St Marys.
They got out of their car and spoke with him when a senior constable grabbed his left arm.
The young man twisted out of his grip and ran to his home as two officers followed.
Police then pepper sprayed him and a struggle ensued.
An initial cluster of three shots were fired before the senior constable shot Bradley twice, in the chest and abdomen.
When his father heard the commotion, he tried to head out to his backyard but was blocked by a
plain-clothes police officer with a gun.
While Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan accepted the police did not know if the man had any connection to the residence, Bradley had “every right to walk away from police when he did”.
“Bradley had not directly threatened any officer,” she wrote in her findings.
“He was making a pointed attempt at walking away from the officers and had his back towards [the senior constable] when the latter grabbed his arm.
“Had Bradley been allowed to walk away, as he was trying to do, there is a significant likelihood subsequent events would not have eventuated.”
O’Sullivan said the events that took place were “extremely fast-moving, physical and stressful”.
The nation’s largest police force has been reluctant to mandate body-worn cameras use, despite regular criticism from oversight bodies including the police watchdog.
O’Sullivan also urged the force to
The coroner recommended NSW Police mandate the use of bodyworn video in situations when officers were likely to use statutory powers.
review training provided to those on patrol duties, review use of force manuals and more.
“Bradley’s sudden and unexpected death during a police operation was extremely shocking to those who knew him,” she wrote.
“It was a devastating loss to his whole family.”
Troy Balzan, the uncle of Bradley Balzan, speaks to the media during the inquest into the death of Bradley last year. Photo: AAP.
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From The Editor’s Desk
Troy Dodds
Iwas at Melbourne Airport on Friday morning, waiting for my obligatory pre-flight cheeseburger from Hungry Jack’s – one of the few options available at the Qantas domestic terminal.
In front of me, a woman had just been handed her order – which included some sort of kids pack featuring three nuggets and chips.
“I didn’t get the sauce,” the woman said.
The staff member behind the counter explained that sauce didn’t come with that particular pack. Only if you buy a specific three nuggets or six nuggets pack, not the kid pack she ordered.
As I watched this conversation go back and forth, I desperately wanted one thing to happen.
Say it with me.
Just. Give. Her. The. Sauce.
The conversation ended with no sauce.
The staff member did nothing wrong. The meal in question doesn’t come with sauce. She’s following the rule book.
The woman could have paid 50 cents for the sauce. But her principles took over. It seems silly that this meal wouldn’t come with sauce. She’s probably right.
But who won out of that situation?
Certainly not Hungry Jack’s. That woman’s experience was now a poor one, that could have been saved by the staff member having been empowered to make a sensible decision and just hand over the sauce.
The exchange stuck with me, because I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the extraordinary lengths businesses go to in their efforts to convince us to be loyal, to be best friends with them.
Corporate Australia spends so much time and money desperate to make your relationship with them better. They do this through marketing, through research, through innovation.
But all of that can be undone by a staff member not handing over a 50 cent tub of sweet and sour sauce.
And while corporate Australia’s solution to
INDEX
that should be better training, more empowerment to staff and higher standards when it comes to staff and behaviour, it will likely instead be more technology such as AI.
In other words, the business desperate for that warm relationship to exist will instead make it colder. There will be little loyalty to a robot.
The way I see it, big business is at a crossroads.
Despite all the advancing technology, data mining and research, I feel like they know their customers and what they want less than ever before.
The result is the death of brand loyalty, which will ultimately drive people away from those bigger businesses if a cheaper alternative comes along.
Some bright spark will figure this out some day, will re-introduce an old school way of doing something, call it a new innovation, and pat themselves on the back.
And the cycle will start again.
Let me give you another example lately that is still bothering me.
A couple of weekends ago, I went to Taronga Zoo with my family.
We’d made the trip because we had some gift certificates that expired in December, which we’d neglected to use over the last three years.
We arrive at the gate, having purchased a child’s ticket online – no attempt to skirt around the age rules – to go with our two adult gift cards.
When we arrived at the entrance, we were told the gift certificates had already been used, in May last year.
Now I know for a fact these gift cards had been sitting in the top drawer of my hallway cupboard since Christmas Day 2022.
They had certainly not been used at any stage in the ensuing three years.
Conversations went back and forth, and then a manager arrived.
This is the key moment for Taronga Zoo and its relationship with the customer.
This was the moment he could have, should
have, taken on face value that this family was probably telling the truth and not employing an elaborate plan to scam the NSW Government and the Taronga Conservation Society. But no.
The system is foolproof. Can’t be wrong. Can’t make a mistake.
And so, we handed over $108 and entered the zoo. Our gift certificates, never redeemed in the first place, still in our pocket.
We had a great day at the zoo, but the feeling that experience left means we probably won’t be back, especially with Sydney Zoo just down the road.
Why would we take friends, visitors to Sydney or ourselves to Taronga Zoo when that was the experience we had?
Now, I’m on Taronga Zoo’s mailing list. I’m sure they will send countless emails, promotions and offers as their marketing machine tries to keep people coming back.
But all of that marketing, all of that effort, is undone at the gate.
Undone by someone following the processes and rules, but not empowered to make sensible, common sense calls.
And to rub salt into the wound? It’s been two weeks since I emailed Taronga Zoo’s feedback email address explaining the situation, and on principle alone – wanting the $108 back and the gift certificate redeemed. I’m yet to receive a reply.
The next few years will be intriguing for corporate Australia.
The first generation that has lived with the online world from birth is about to enter the phase of life where they have a little more disposable income. They’re about to be the spenders. Where and how will they spend it?
In the meantime, big businesses, cop the tip – alongside your big marketing plans, smartly timed EDMs and offers and desperately trying to get us to donate to charity on your behalf at the till (seriously, what’s with that?), you need quality customer service and human interaction.
And while you’re at it, just give her the sauce.
troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
@troydodds
FIRE SAFETY CONCERN
Multiple locations across Penrith were found to be lacking in fire safety after complaints were made by members of the public.
Penrith City Council received inspection reports from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) concerning fire safety issues from four locations in Penrith. FRNSW inspects sites as part of their duties either routinely or on request, however the premises listed were inspected following complaints.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 requires a FRNSW report following the inspection to be provided to a Council meeting for a decision on whether or not to issue a Fire Safety Order.
A Fire Safety Order can mandate upgrades or new installations to ensure that the building of concern is partially or fully compliant with the Building Code of Australia.
Council Officers have since inspected all the premises to confirm the relevant issues and brought them to the attention of the property owners and managers.
Since then, half of the premises
have rectified their fire safety issues, while the other half have issues outstanding.
“Most premises have rectified issues upon re-inspection however the extent of outstanding matters for two premises may warrant an Order subject to further investigations and where matters are not rectified in response to Notices of Intention to Serve an Order (NISOs),” the Council report said.
FRNSW were contacted by a member of the public regarding various issues relating to exits and firefighting equipment at the Western Sydney Conference Centre and hotel on Mulgoa Road.
FRNSW identified issues with the sprinkler system, fire doors self-closing devices disengaged, non-compliant fire hose reel nozzles and incorrect signage to a fire hydrant. These issues have since been rectified.
A member of the public also raised concerns with FRNSW about consistent fire alarm activations at Glenmore Village.
FRNSW found that the Fire Detection Control and Indicating Equipment (FDCIE) indicated
disablements, the block plan was inadequate, there was insufficient clearance provided to the FDCIE, a valve at a sprinkler booster was oriented incorrectly, an attack hydrant was not provided with the required clearance, portable fire extinguishers not installed correctly, and a fire safety notice was required to an exit door in the basement.
These issues have since been rectified.
The Penrith Homemaker Centre in Jamisontown was also reported by a member of the public for issues regarding safe exiting from the centre.
FRNSW identified that fire rated doors were not self-closing, there were various issues relating to egress, the Fire Brigade Panel (FBP) indicated a loop fault, there were issues relating to the sprinkler control valve assembly and issues relating to hose reels, fire hydrant system, portable fire extinguishers and wall wetting extinguishers.
“An inspection was undertaken by Council officers with a representative of the owner of the building and the outstanding items identified by FRNSW officers were confirmed,”
the council report said.
“The owners have been working towards resolving some of the issues which are quite complex in nature.”
Penrith Trade Centre at 241 Mulgoa Road was inspected by FRNSW after concerns by a member of the public regarding overcrowding in its studios. It was identified that there were concerns regarding compartmentation, separation and fire resistance, exit signs in wrong locations and incorrect exit signs used, various issues relating to fire hydrants, issues relating to smoke exhaust/
smoke and heat vents, and issues relating to the wall wetting sprinkler system.
“An inspection was undertaken by Council officers with a representative of the owner of the building and the outstanding items identified by FRNSW officers were confirmed,” the Council report said.
Council has issued NISOs to both the Homemaker Centre and Trade Centre.
Council will now monitor these properties and proceed to Orders if required subject to the outcome of the NISOs and reinspections.
Multiple locations across Penrith were found to be lacking in fire safety after complaints were made by members of the public. Stock photo.
LAW and ORDER
Police Snapshot Legal Matters
Kingswood: Man found carrying drugs in car
At 5.30pm on Saturday, November 15 police were patrolling Santley Crescent in Kingswood when they stopped and had a conversation with a 30-year-old Rooty Hill man.
The 30-year-old was searched but nothing of interest was found on him.
However, three clear re-sealable bags containing methamphetamines and one containing cannabis were found inside his car.
Police also found a black duffle bag in the back of the car that contained scales, sunglasses and a small box. Inside the box was a small silver lighter which had the appearance of a firearm. Checks with ballistics officers confirmed that the lighter met the definition of an imitation firearm.
The 30-year-old was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was officially charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, December 5.
At 9pm on Saturday, November 15 police were patrolling Cox Avenue, Kingswood when they saw the driver of a yellow Ford Mustang reach back for his seat belt.
Police performed a car stop and the driver, a 24-year-old Kingswood man, was subjected to a breath test that proved positive.
The 24-year-old was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station for a secondary breath test that returned a positive reading of 0.114. His licence was suspended on the spot, and he will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, December 18.
Penrith: Teenagers steal phone, later arrested
At 11.30am on Friday, November 14 a 16-year-old was walking from a major shopping centre towards Penrith Train Station with two of his friends.
The three teenagers were approached by two boys, a 16-year-old from Cranebrook and a 15-year-old from Bligh Park, who were acting aggressively. The pair asked the trio to go somewhere private to which they said no.
The 16-year-old’s bag was searched and taken. He gave them the password when it was demanded, fearing he would be assaulted of he did not provide it.
Witnesses called 000 and the offenders were seen leaving in a taxi. Investigations led police to an address in Paget Street, Richmond where the 16-year-old Cranebrook
teenager was arrested. The stolen phone was also recovered at the address.
The 15-year-old Bligh Park youth and his mother attended Windsor Police Station where he was arrested.
The 16-year-old and the 15-year-old were both charged with robbery in company and common assault. They will appear in a Children’s court at a later date.
Penrith: Woman caught stealing abuses police
At 5pm on Thursday, November 13 a 38-year-old Emu Plains woman attended a major shopping centre in Penrith where she placed items into her handbag. The 38-yearold’s actions were being monitored by loss prevention officers and on CCTV.
Plain clothes police attached to Nepean Police Area Command attended the location in relation to a retail theft operation.
The 38-year-old walked out of the store without making any attempts to pay for the concealed items. She was told she was under arrest for stealing but the woman told police she was not under arrest, pushed the arm of the Sergeant that was arresting her out of the way and began to walk away.
Further police assisted and the woman was eventually successfully handcuffed. The 38-year-old then began to direct verbal abuse and offensive language toward police.
The woman was taken to Penrith Police Station where she was formally charged. She will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, November 24.
Penrith: Major operations to target retail theft
On Thursday, November 13 police conducted Operation Lightfingers to target thefts from retail premises within the Nepean Police Area Command.
Operation Lightfingers was in response to an increase in shoplifting incidents identified across the command. The operation was run in consultation with loss prevention officers from a number of stores where a total of 11 offenders, ranging in age from 15 to 44-yearsold were identified for offences including shoplifting, possess prohibited drugs, assault police, resist arrest and outstanding warrants across multiple retail stores in Penrith and Caddens.
Action taken by police included 11 Court Attendance Notices issued and six Young Offenders Act warnings issued.
Police also conducted 11 person searches, one car search and issued 10 move on directions during the operation.
WHAT ARE CONSENT ORDERS AND DO I NEED THEM AFTER SEPARATION?
When relationships break down, many separating couples in NSW reach agreements about property division and parenting arrangements without going to court. While informal agreements might seem simpler and cheaper, they lack legal enforceability and can leave both parties vulnerable if circumstances change or someone changes their mind. This is where consent orders become essential.
Consent orders are formal, legally binding court orders that document the agreements you’ve reached with your former partner. At Complete Legal, we regularly help separating couples in Penrith and western Sydney formalise their agreements through consent orders, providing certainty and legal protection as they move forward with their new lives.
Understanding when you need consent orders, what they cover, and how to obtain them can save you from costly disputes down the track.
What are Consent Orders in family law?
Consent orders are court orders made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia that formalise agreements reached between separating parties. Unlike informal agreements, consent orders have the full force of the law behind them.
These orders can cover a range of property and financial matters as well as parenting matters including things like custody and visitation.
The key advantage of consent orders is that
you don’t need to attend court hearings. The court reviews your agreed terms and, if satisfied they’re fair and appropriate, approves them without requiring you to appear. Here’s some more information about the types of things consent orders can address: Consent orders for property matters typically detail:
• How the family home will be dealt with (sold, transferred, or retained)
• Division of other real estate and investment properties
• Distribution of savings, shares, and other financial assets
• Division of superannuation entitlements
• Responsibility for existing debts
• Who keeps vehicles, household contents, and personal items
Parenting arrangements
For families with children, parenting consent orders can establish:
• Where children will live (care arrangements)
• How much time children spend with each parent
• Allocation of parental responsibility for major decisions
• Communication arrangements between parents and children
• Arrangements for special occasions and school holidays
• Child support arrangements (though these are usually handled separately through Services Australia).
If you need family law advice, our family law team is here to help.
CONFIRMED: TOLL RELIEF TO BE EXTENDED
Motorists in the world’s most tolled city are breathing a sigh of relief with a popular rebate scheme being permanently extended.
Hundreds of thousands of drivers had been claiming about $8 million a month in rebates under NSW Labor’s $60 weekly toll “cap” scheme.
But as the two-year scheme’s end date of December 31 approached, the State Government on Tuesday confirmed it would continue indefinitely.
“We want the toll cap to stay permanently. We want privatisation never to come back again when it comes to our roads,” Treasurer
Daniel Mookhey told reporters on Tuesday. The government said it might reconsider reinstating two-way tolling on the Harbour Bridge or the Harbour Tunnel to keep funding the rebate scheme’s $200 million annual budget.
“Most people would think it’s pretty reasonable and it’s pretty fair,” Mookhey said.
But the Opposition said that would break an election promise.
“Labor had a choice to cut waste or new tolls – they chose new tolls and more broken promises,” said Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.
Biodiversi ty Strate gy Public Exhibition
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Meeting Dates
Monday 1 December – 7pm (Policy Review Committee Meeting)
Monday 8 December – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting)
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Council Briefs
● Penrith City Council is holding a public hearing as part of
The public hearing is an opportunity for the community to comment on the proposed categorisation or recategorisation of community land.
When: Thursday 27 November 2025, 5.30–7pm
Where: Penrith Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith
wish to speak about by emailing
The community can review the Public Hearing Information Package at Your Say Penrith website or during business hours at the Penrith Civic Centre, Penrith City Library and St Marys Business Centre.
● The works are now underway and are anticipated for completion ensure the best results.
This project is proudly funded by Penrith City Council in partnership with the NSW Government.
Find out more at
● Sales Park in Luddenham is getting an upgrade with new play the design!
Have your say by voting for your favourite of two fun designs, each featuring climbing play units with slides, a nest swing, build strength, balance and coordination.
This new play and outdoor exercise equipment will go alongside the existing swing set, accessible rocker and shade sails.
Go to to vote for your favourite by Monday 1 December 2025.
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council.
● Applications are now open to sponsor and be part of Culture Fusion 2026, Council’s latest multicultural event! Culture Fusion celebrates our community’s diverse culture, offering a weekend of powerful performances, spectacular stalls, wonderful workshops and tasty treats from across the world on Saturday 21 February and Sunday 22 February 2026 in St Marys.
Boost your brand, engage with the community, and help build a more inclusive society with a variety of sponsorship packages for your business or organisation to be present at Culture Fusion. We are also looking for cultural market stalls, talented cultural performers/models and local food vendors to be part of Culture Fusion too!
Find out more about our sponsorship opportunities and expressions of interest at Applications close Sunday 14 December 2025.
Complete the survey or make a submission by 5pm, Monday 8 December 2025
Public Notice Draft Planning Agreement for ESR Westlink
Penrith City Council is publicly notifying a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and ESR KECT (Australia) Pty Limited and ESR Developments (Australia) Pty Limited. The draft VPA has been prepared in connection with approved is located at Lots 111–115 in Deposited Plan 1296469 at Kemps Creek. The draft VPA seeks to deliver road works and land dedication for part of an Industrial Collector Road. The proposed works and Precinct Development Contributions Plan 2022 and the Mamre Road Precinct Development Control Plan (2021).
A copy of the draft VPA and explanatory note can be viewed online at
Thursday 18 December 2025. Submissions must be received by 5pm on 18 December 2025.
For enquiries: Please contact Joel Carson, Senior Planner on 4732 8098 or email
Integrated Development
Penrith City Council has received an amended Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is Penrith City Council.
• The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust DA24/0431
Amended Proposal for Integrated Development for staged Torrens title subdivision of Stage 4A to create four residue lots and one lot for road widening, including demolition, tree removal, dewatering of dams, realignment of part of Kingswood Road, bulk earthworks, construction of new roads and road upgrades, new basins, stormwater and civil works and landscaping
The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service, The Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries), and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at , in the period from Monday 24 November 2025 to Monday 12 January 2026.
Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, submission is to include Council’s reference number DA24/0431.
Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087.
Mixed emotions as a Penrith tradition faces biggest move
“Towards Christmas, these markets are usually brilliant, but there’s been a decline. You can see the economy has been really tough for people, which is really sad, especially around this time of year.”
Jane believes the market has fallen into good hands.
“We won’t know until it starts, but it’s been advertised really well,” Jane said of the Thursday market.
“The new management is hands-on and listens to us. But ultimately, everyone can do what they can to make a market grow and be productive, but it comes down to the economy. We’ll know what the future will look like from now until Christmas.”
Two pop-up canopies away was the brighteyed James, behind the bench of Hermetic Crystals.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager back when it was all hustle and bustle everywhere,” James recounted.
“This is the end of an era, but it’s bittersweet because we’re coming back on Thursdays under new management. That is exciting and it looks promising.”
James explained that when he would attend the markets as a teenager, it was brimming with stalls from end-to-end, and now it’s a shadow of its former self.
“People don’t have loose change or pocket money that they can spend on random items anymore. Even now, it’s almost Christmas, and people aren’t spending as much as they used to,” James stated, before saying you get more bang for your buck at the market
Public Exhibition
instead of a shopping centre.
“It’s way cheaper, and you’re supporting local businesses and local communities. It’s what we should be doing – it’s the Australian thing to do!”
Across the pathway at Darrel’s plant and bird stall, he has his reservations about the change.
“I’m slowing down. I’m 81, and this is a place I can socialise,” Darrel stated.
“I’m a creature of habit, but the Thursday market sounds good – more stalls, more people, more money.
“Going back many years, this market was chockablock – it was monstrous! It’s gone down slowly. I’m quietly confident for the future.”
The new-look Thursday Penrith Paceway Market will kick off on November 27 from 6.30am to 2pm.
Planning Proposal and Letter of Offer for a Voluntary Planning Agreement – 569–595 High Street, Penrith
Council invites you to view and provide feedback on a Planning Proposal and
•
•
• Online: yoursaypenrith.com.au
• In person:
• Email: city.planning@penrith.city
• Post:
For all enquiries: city.planning@penrith.city
MATCHA RANGE NEW
Available for a limited time at participating restaurants. kJs based on full cream milk. Glasses for display purposes only.Extra charges apply for soy, syrups and other variations. Serving suggestion.
Darrel. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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cupboard prize
Spring is the perfect time to give your home a refresh, from tidying up small imperfections in walls like dents and the picture-hook holes left behind after a rearrange, to prepping your walls ready for painting. A refresh can bring a great sense of self-satisfaction in updating your style, while also increasing the value of your property.
As a nation of renovators, more Australians are taking on their own home projects, with a recent report stating that 60 per cent of Australians are ‘DIYers’. Simple, ready-to-use products such as Gyprock One Patch are making the process easier and more approachable for those willing to ‘give it a go’. Gyprock
One Patch is a lightweight, ready-to-use filler, requiring only one coat for rapid repair of minor holes, cracks and other surface damage to achieve a smooth, professional finish in a single-application.
One Patch can be used on walls and
ceilings made of plasterboard, fibre cement, masonry, concrete or timber.
The filler dries quickly and holds its shape, allowing most small jobs to be completed in a day. It’s also moisture and mould resistant, making it suitable for areas like bathrooms and laundries.
With a low-VOC formula, it supports a healthier indoor environment, an increasingly important consideration for
families and renovators alike.
The process is simple: clean the area, apply the filler with the included spatula, smooth it off, and once dry, lightly sand before painting. The result is a clean, even surface ready for a new coat of paint.
Made in Australia to meet local standards (AS2588), Gyprock One Patch is available in a 420g pack (RRP $27.45) from Bunnings Warehouse.
paceway winners lucky
Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
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-
For more information, visit www. gyprock.com.au.
The Weekender has 10 Gyprock One Patch products to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with ‘Gyprock’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Tuesday, December 2 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.
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: 0877, 0975, 0976
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 undercover area and picnic tables is located at Blaxland Crossing Reserve in Wallacia.
Lights on, doors open in our CBDs
Penrith City Councillors this week officially endorsed the Penrith and St Marys 24 Hour Economy Strategy (24HES) 2025-2029, a framework to invigorate nightlife in the area.
The strategy details a number of actions to build a safer, more diverse and thriving 24-hour economy in the city’s two CBDs.
“The 24HES builds on the successes of Council’s award-winning Penrith Night Time Economy Strategy (2015) and seeks to align Council’s existing suite of strategies within the ‘Thrive Penrith’ framework with a focus on placemaking, economic development, visitor economy, culture and community safety,” the Council report said.
The strategy outlines a policy framework for the nighttime economy, with a focus on allowing residents to engage with Penrith and St Marys town centres in more ways than ever before. It draws inspiration from the State Government’s vibrancy reforms legislation to streamline regulations around planning, operational hours and liquor licencing.
It also looks at safety improvements such as improved lighting around the city to allow people to feel safer in and around the CBDs at night.
Deputy Mayor Garion Thain proudly endorsed the strategy and gave extensive feedback on the plan during its development.
“It’s been great to see Councillors of all stripes get behind this strategy and embrace the idea of a Penrith and St Marys that work better for residents and for businesses,” Thain said.
“Since being elected to Council, this is some of the work I’ve been enjoying the most.
Coupled with the St Marys Town Centre Masterplan that we endorsed earlier this year, this is the strategic work that will pay dividends for our city well into the future.
“It won’t have results overnight, but in years to come, this common-sense strategy will make Penrith funner and safer. It’s a guiding light that is relentlessly pro-vibrancy, it’s pro-business, and it’s about meeting people where they are.
“It’s been really great to see all of the positive community feedback on this one.”
Fellow Labor Councillor Libby Austin echoed the sentiments of Thain, saying the plan will prepare the area for the future.
“I think this is an absolutely brilliant strategy and I’m very, very happy to see that this is the kind of work that our council is doing in forward planning and really preparing for the future,” she said.
“As young people this is something that I am personally very, very happy with and proud that this is something that our Council is doing and I look forward to seeing this come to fruition.”
Councillor Reece Nuttall also expressed his appreciation of the strategy.
“It’s really recognised that there’s a market for this, that businesses want to stay out longer, stay open longer and they want to trade much longer,” Nuttall said.
“They want it to be made easier for them to trade longer and I know this strategy recognises that we need to make it easier for businesses to obtain a longer trading certificate as well as working with them to trade longer from a liquor licence point of view and work with state government to do that.
“This is about making this community safer, allowing people to stay out longer… I want to recognise how important that strategy is because we need more lighting in the city.
“There’s a lot of dark spots and we don’t want young men and women like myself, like Councillor Austin, like Garion Thain on High Street when it is dark and not safe.”
What would make you want to stay out in Penrith and St Marys longer? Share your thoughts via email at news@westernweekender.com.au.
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Deputy Mayor Garion Thain on Queen Street at night outside the St Marys Town Centre office.
EMILY CHATE
Local childcare crunch sends prices soaring
Early learning assets are in high demand in western Sydney as the number of children in need of care is higher than the number of places available, leaving one approved site to sell for over $3 million.
Colliers, a commercial and residential real estate operator, has completed the sale of three Development Application (DA) approved childcare development sites in Penrith and Blacktown, showing a trend of owner-occupiers paying premiums to secure sites for their own operations.
“Each of these sites is positioned in highly demanded residential locations with limited competition and strong demographic fundamentals,” Colliers National Director, Head of Premium Investments & Joint Head of Sydney West – Investment Services, Jordan McConnell said.
“DA approval provides operators with certainty and speed to market which is why we’re seeing premi-
ums being paid for quality sites in growth corridors such as western Sydney.”
Colliers’ most recent transaction, 111-113 Victoria Street in Cambridge Park sold for $3,150,000 after receiv-
ing more than 95 enquiries and six formal offers.
The 1,945m2 site is approved for a single-storey, 98 place childcare centre with basement parking and a 691m2 outdoor play area.
Earlier this year, Colliers also sold 31-33 Oxford Street in Cambridge Park, a 1,458m2 DA approved site for a two-storey 89 place childcare centre with underground parking.
Colliers recently completed the off-market sale of 1 Peter Street in Blacktown for $2,900,000, a DA approved site for a 90-place childcare centre.
“Western Sydney continues to experience rapid population growth with young families driving demand for quality childcare facilities,” Senior Executive – Investment Services, James Quick said.
“Even with 205 known childcare developments in the pipeline across western Sydney, ongoing population growth and strong demand for early learning facilities will leave a significant number of children without access to care.
“Hourly childcare fees in the Penrith SA3 region have grown by 7.78 per cent over the past 12 months and with limited supply, the sector offers compelling long-term returns for investors.”
Western Sydney currently has only 20,184 licensed childcare places for a market of 51,311 children under five, representing a supply-demand ratio of 2.5 children per licensed place.
31-33 Oxford Street, Cambridge Park.
Prime asset on market
Arare free-standing commercial building is waiting for its next chapter in Jordan Springs.
Colliers has been exclusively appointed to manage the sale or lease campaign for 70-72 Lakeside Parade in Jordan Springs.
This offering is a compelling opportunity for occupiers and investors seeking flexibility, visibility and proximity to key amenity in one of western Sydney’s most dynamic growth corridors.
The campaign will be led by John McCann, Tom Appleby and James Quick with the property offered via Expressions of Interest closing Thursday, December 4 at 3pm.
Located directly opposite Jordan Springs Shopping Centre, 70-72 Lakeside Parade offers flexible usage potential with the option to subdivide into three separate tenancies, two on the ground floor and one on the first floor.
“This is a premium free-standing asset with exceptional flexibility and exposure. Its location within a growing residential and commercial hub, combined with modern
appointments and extensive amenity, makes it a standout opportunity for occupiers and investors alike,” said John McCann, National Director, Sydney Metro Sales | Office Capital Markets & Investment Services.
Constructed by Lendlease, the building features premium finishes, expansive glass panels, varied ceiling heights and stacker doors that open onto a private outdoor area, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection ideal for client engagement, staff breakout spaces or hospitality use.
Purpose-built to accommodate a range of commercial uses, the building includes a previously approved cafe space, a highly adaptable ground floor tenancy and elevated office accommodation with lake views. Additional features include CCTV security, ducted air conditioning, natural light throughout and 26 exclusive-use car spaces.
“Jordan Springs continues to benefit from strong population growth, infrastructure investment and rising demand. With excellent connectivity to major transport routes and the future Western Sydney International Airport,
this property is well-positioned to deliver long-term value,” added Tom Appleby, National Director,
Jordan Springs is home to over 11,700 residents and the suburb offers a rich mix of lifestyle and infrastructure, including schools, childcare centres, medical services and green spaces. A new high school is scheduled to open in 2027 and set to further enhance liveability and drive continued growth in property values as family demand rises.
Head of Sydney North | Investment Services.
The commercial property on Lakeside Parade is expected to attract significant interest.
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A SOLUTION OR SPIN?
Labor says it is making the largest investment in Medicare since its creation, but will it really make it easier and cheaper to see a doctor in Penrith?
The Government is delivering an $8.5 billion package to provide more bulk billing and doctors for Australians, with incentives to be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill.
Previously these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.
“Labor built Medicare and now we’re strengthening it and improving health care for all Australians,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“No Australian should have to check their bank balance to see if they can afford to see a doctor. That is not who we are. That is not the future we want for Australia.”
The Weekender called 54 GP clinics across the Penrith Local Government Area including those in suburbs like Penrith, South Penrith, Jamisontown, Emu Plains, Erskine Park, Cranebrook, Kingswood, Glenmore Park, St Marys, St Clair, Luddenham, Caddens, Cambridge Park, Claremont Meadows, Werrington, Jordan Springs, Mulgoa and Colyton.
Labor continuing to claim they are ‘strengthening Medicare’.
“Health Department officials have admitted out of pocket costs for patients are almost $50 on average – the highest on record – and will continue to “go up”.
“We are in the midst of a cost-ofliving crisis, and our community cannot afford more bills to pile up on the kitchen table. But Anthony Albanese keeps waving around his Medicare card in complete disregard for the struggles facing these local patients and family practices.”
The Federal Government is claiming its investment will deliver an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits each year nationally.
This will mean that nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030, boosting the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4,800 nationally, triple the current number.
Out of those 54 surgeries 40 said they did bulk bill – 74 per cent.
Five said they didn’t bulk bill at all, two said it was at the doctor’s discretion and six said while they did bulk bill, they were not taking new patients.
Another said on-the-day appointments are bulk billed, but booked appointments are not.
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, says bulk billing rates have fallen in the electorate.
“Families right across western Sydney are paying the price for the Albanese Labor Government’s broken promises on Medicare,” McIntosh said.
“The Prime Minister said, “all you need is your Medicare card, not
your credit card”. This is not the reality in our community, with less bulk billed medical appointments across Penrith to Colyton and Londonderry to Luddenham.
“GP bulk billing rates in Lindsay have fallen from 98.3 per cent under the Coalition to 95.1 per cent under Labor. In fact, in the past year alone, it has fallen further, despite
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says right now, families are having to choose if their children can see a doctor.
“What really worries me, as a mum and as a grandmother, is when I look at parents and talk to parents who say they’re actually having to choose which child visits the doctor in a particular week or which child is the most sick,” she said.
Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo: Megan Dunn.
Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Study prompts warning to expectant mothers
Local health professional Dr Kathryn Williams is urging hopeful and expecting mothers who have undergone weight loss surgery to explore more pre-pregnancy planning and further specialist care.
A recent study undertaken by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) followed the pregnancy experiences of 189 women who had undergone metabolic and bariatric surgeries prior to conceiving. The study revealed high rates of nutritional deficiencies among mothers and their babies.
Williams was one of the lead authors of the study which found iron deficiency impacted 64 per cent of women in the second trimester, 46 per cent were Vitamin B12 deficient, and 44 per cent had maternal complications.
“Bariatric surgery has many health benefits for patients with complex health needs. It can improve fertility, reduce diabetes risk and support a person’s longterm wellbeing,” said Williams, the Clinical Lead and Manager for the Nepean Family Metabolic Health Service.
“But our study shows that women who
became pregnant after surgery often need extra help.
“Nutrient levels can drop quickly, and without close monitoring, this can affect the mother’s health and the baby’s development.”
This result can occur regardless of how educated and engaged an expecting mother is in their pregnancy and health journey.
“Our message is one of empowerment, not alarm. With the right support team around them – be it obstetricians, dietitians, midwives, and psychologists –women can have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies after bariatric surgery,” Williams explained.
“At the Nepean Family Metabolic Health Service, we have an incredible multidisciplinary team who run our OPAL pregnancy clinic.
“This service is a midwife lead clinic that supports the health of women and their babies and helps address risks through regular monitoring and nutritional screening, as well as providing support for an active lifestyle and healthy diet.”
It’s hoped these findings will guide national recommendations on pregnancy care following weight loss surgery.
Dr Kathryn Williams. Photo: NBMLHD.
ALLY HALL
Best of both worlds for kids focused on their futures
Two local teens have taken their future into their own hands, combining their HSC with TAFE NSW training and are now getting ready to lead the next generation of tradies.
A collaboration with CathWest Innovation College and TAFE NSW has allowed students, Ashleigh O’Brien and Kalan Markson, to enter the workforce ahead of their peers and gain a nationally recognised qualification in high demand careers.
“The School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program gives our students an opportunity to step into the workforce while they’re still at school, developing skills that lead to long-term careers,” CathWest Innovation College Principal, Paul Stenning said
“By prioritising on-the-job learning, our students benefit from tailored timetabling, giving them more time on the worksite – a gamechanger for their development and their employers.”
Asheligh and Kalan are
completing their courses through SBAT, which means they complete three days at school, one day at TAFE NSW and at least one day in the workplace where they earn a wage.
Cranebrook resident Ashleigh is one of the just three per cent of women working in the automotive trade nationally.
“I always wanted to work on cars, my parents wanted me to do my HSC, this way I get to do both and will be a qualified mechanic by the age of 21,” she said.
Cambridge Gardens resident Kalan found his passion for carpentry at a young age, wanting to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.
“I’ve always enjoyed learning with my hands and knew early on a career in the trades was the right path for me,” he said.
“Studying a SchoolBased Apprenticeship has provided me the chance to learn essential skills on the job, and now I’m playing a small role in helping relieve the housing crisis and building people’s dream homes.”
Meet-up for locals impacted by adoption this weekend
Afree meeting for anyone in western Sydney or the Blue Mountains affected by adoption will be held this weekend, providing crucial information and facilitating connection.
The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) will host an Adoption Connections Meeting in Penrith this Saturday, November 22 from 2pm to 4pm to provide support for local people affected by adoption.
“The experience of adoption is complex and different for everyone. Processing this is ongoing work for each individual. Support is crucial to help Australians on this journey,” Manager of PARC at the Benevolent Society, Sarah Burn said.
“Our meeting will provide resources to support people affected by adoption in the western Sydney and Blue Mountains region.
“PARC runs Adoption Connection meetings all over NSW.
“These meetings help people meet others who have
gone through similar experiences and learn more about the resources and support available to them.”
The meeting is a chance to find out more about adoption, one’s rights under the law, and help doing a search for family members.
The meeting will begin with an introduction from PARC, followed by an informal discussion and the chance to ask questions with PARC facilitators. Attendees will then hear from a guest speaker about their own lived experience of adoption. The event is free, but bookings are essential – for more information and to book to attend, call 9594 6788 or email PARC@benevolent. org.au.
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Ashleigh O’Brien.
Kalan Markson.
A free adoption information session will be held this weekend.
Milestone for Potters
In 1975, a group of local pottery enthusiasts formed a support group to share their knowledge and love for the craft with the wider community.
50 years later, the group is still sharing and honing their craft – including the longest-standing member, Jan Needham.
“The group was originally called the Penrith Potters Workshop; we’re now known as the Nepean Potters Society Incorporated,” she remembered.
“The group started off in the old army drill hall next to Penrith TAFE on Henry Street; that’s now demolished. It was a community building shared by many other groups, primarily from art backgrounds.
“Eventually, with a grant from the Australian Grant Council, we purchased a kiln, but because there wasn’t any room for it at the base, it was installed at the old post office
in St Marys and shared with the community centre there.”
Over the years, the group moved to different locations around Penrith.
“After the drill hall, we moved to the Craft Cottage on Belmore Street and shared that space with many groups, including the Penrith City Band,” she recounted.
“Our next home was in North Street where we shared a cottage with the Nepean Art Society. That building was eventually pulled down and we moved to another building further along North Street and continued sharing it with the Art Society.
“That building was then demolished to make room for a car park and we moved to the corner at St Marys, so we were back in the place where our kiln was first installed at the Penrith Valley Cultural Centre.”
Despite unsteady meeting places over the past 50 years, members still meet at the St Marys Arts and Craft Studio every Tuesday to share in
companionship and knowledge.
“Over the years, we’ve built up quite a list of assets, as well as a new kiln thanks to a grant from the Penrith Council,” she explained.
“To provide an outlet for our work and to raise funds and to show off our skills as a society, we hold two exhibitions each year, and we have one coming up soon!
“Our Christmas sale this year is extra special because it’s the Nepean Potters Society’s 50th birthday. It will be at the Glenbrook Community Hall from December 6 to 7 from 9am to 5pm. There will be all sorts of information there for our 50th birthday.”
Some of the items on sale will include practical items like mugs and bowls, and entertaining knick-knacks like dragon and mushroom figurines.
“I’ve been doing pottery since I was around 18, and I love the idea of creating something,” Needham finished.
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“Sometimes you don’t know what you’re creating and then it turns out alright. Working with clay and the process of
firing it and decorating it is my way of relaxing now.”
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Power bill shock
Has anyone else suffered the same as my family? By family I mean my wife and I, we are pensioners and just received our electricity bill. A whopping 172.97 per cent increase in usage. A long (35 minute wait) phone call to Origin initially got the response (paraphrase) “many people have complained about their bills”. When asked about such a massive rise the response was “It has been a cold winter, you are charged by your usage” (bright people at Origin). I asked him to look at my previous usage (10 years at the same address), he agreed that there had never been such an increase, up until this bill usage, all approximately the same. His solution: “I have scheduled to have the meter re-read”. When asked when, he said Friday (today is Wednesday) he then went on to say for me to call back in 10 days to get the result. 10 days? In this day and age it should be instantaneous, I guess they still use pigeons. They would not be contacting me. My Landlord even installed a new A/C which was more economical than the old one. So far as I can determine nothing has changed in the household. Such is life.
PHIL DALE, KINGSWOOD
Respect the west
I’m writing to you out of frustration for the treatment of western Sydney by our politicians. Western Sydney doesn’t need grand new slogans, we just need the basics done properly! Many of us still commute long distances because good jobs keep getting placed in the east. If most of Sydney’s workforce lives out here, it’s reasonable to expect
more employers and government offices to be based here too, not just “one day in the future”. And getting around locally shouldn’t be this hard. We’re still missing continuous footpaths in whole neighbourhoods, and the number of bus stops without shade suggests someone, somewhere, assumed we don’t have sunlight in Penrith. A couple of proper separated bike paths for the kids would help too, we’re flat and spread out, it just makes sense. None of this is extravagant. It’s practical, everyday quality-of-life stuff. We simply need strong local advocacy again, someone who speaks up for western Sydney the way Stuart Ayres consistently did. If Sydney is going to grow, it should grow fairly and that means investing where the people are.
MARIA DESTRADA, PENRITH
John Farragher remembered
We first met John about 40 years ago at Penrith Panthers. Throughout all of these years, he has been a true friend to both my husband Bill, who died last year, and myself. He had the greatest sense of humour and persistence. He was the biggest joker and flirt with a grin that spread all over his face. He always teased Bill by saying that I was his girlfriend and then pretend that Bill wasn’t around, so Bill crept up and patted him on the head and we all felt great and smiled. Laughter was a part of his life even though it was a tough one for him. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends including our wonderful Panthers as his loss is immeasurable to comprehend for all of us. Enjoy a beer up there with Bill now and we all love and miss you.
MARGIE BROUWER, VIA EMAIL
The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.
Wish the Nepean Potters Society a Happy Birthday
and pick out some gifts at the Christmas Sale at Glenbrook Community Hall from December 6 to 7.
Nepean Potters preparing for Christmas.
The Western Weekender was among the winners at the 2025 Lindsay Awards, presented by local MP Melissa McIntosh on Tuesday night.
The night of celebration was held at The Log Cabin, recognising people and organisations who make a difference in the Lindsay electorate.
“There are so many people in our community who quietly go about driving change by humbly helping others, or who strive for excellence to put our community on Australia’s national stage,” McIntosh said.
“I am honoured to serve the best community in the country. The Lindsay Awards are my way of recognising those who tirelessly make our community the beating heart of western Sydney.
“This year we had had 91 finalists across 12 award categories, each with an individual story of contribu-
tion, making it a competitive round and very difficult to choose the winners.”
Western Sydney Publishing Group, publisher of The Western Weekender, was named a winner in the Small Business category.
Other winners included Adam Fletcher from Penrith District Rugby Association who took out the Leadership category, while Danielle Schwarzer from Penrith District Basketball Association won the Woman in Leadership category, and Seamus McCauley from Avli won the Youth award.
Stephen Payne from Fire and Rescue NSW St Marys won the Emergency Service Person of the Year, while Penrith City Council’s Supinder Bains took out Educator of the Year.
Sam Orde and Ian Seppelt from Nepean Hospital were named Health Advocates of the Year, while Junior Matil-
das player Hayley Muir won Sports Person of the Year. Allen Thorpe of Brothers Try Time took out Club Member
of the Year, while Mark Geerin from Panthers on the Prowl took out the Individual Community Service award.
Cancer Wellness Support won Community Service, and Clover Fields was named best Aussie Made Business.
“Thank you to all the winners and finalists for their service to our local community,” McIntosh said.
Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh with judges and winners of the 2025 Lindsay Awards.
It’s time to get festive!
As the Halloween decorations are being put away for another year, Christmas fans are turning up the Christmas music and getting ready for the festive season to begin.
According to Jessica Crosland, Store Manager of The Christmas Warehouse on Henry Street, people are leaning into new colour schemes for their decorations to celebrate this year, but a notorious Christmas character remains a best seller.
“It’s very exciting!” Crosland said.
“People are coming in to grab lots of different decorations. The red and pink theme is very popular this year but traditional is always very popular as well. Everyone’s liking the Grinch this year!”
The Grinch can be found on all sorts of decorations from baubles to house mats at The Christmas Warehouse, but their biggest item is a 1.7 metre life size toy that swings its hips and talks when people walk past.
Crosland, a certified Christmas expert, said now is the time to get on top of your Christmas decoration shopping before things begin to sell out.
“We are pretty heavily stocked on most things right now but definitely get in early if there is something you want in particular,” she said.
The Christmas Warehouse may sell deco-
rations for the happiest time of the year, but a lot of people come in to just look around and experience the wonder of Christmas.
“We have lots of people coming into the store
to just wander around and explore the magic,” Crosland explained.
“The idea of the store is to get transported into the Christmas spirit!
Mayor’s News
“We try really hard to bring the magic of Christmas. We have always got Christmas music playing and we try to create a vibe in here that feels magical and Christmassy.”
Christmas in Penrith isn’t snow and fireplaces, but one way to get into the Aussie Christmas spirit is to check out the Australiana range on offer at The Christmas Warehouse.
“We’ve got all sorts of different Australian floral and Australian animal ornaments,” Crosland said.
“They’re all wearing cute little Santa hats or have baubles and Christmas lights on them.
“My favourite is definitely the quokka! They are all dressed up for Christmas!”
One new trend Crosland is seeing this festive season is pops of colour and different items taking their place on top of the tree.
“The red and white theme has always been pretty popular, but the pink pops of colour are a new thing this year and I’m loving it!” she said.
“We are completely sold out of angels now, but stars are always very popular.
“People also like to do different things like stems and things on top of the tree.
“On the red and white tree, we’ve got little candy canes poking out of the top. We’ve got others where we’ve got a cupcake sticking out the top and we also have an iridescent snowflake that looks really cool too.”
Christmas Warehouse Penrith is open seven days a week for all Christmas necessities.
The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor
Showcasing what makes Penrith the place to be Penrith is a City that’s constantly evolving – and the 2025 Penrith Visitor Guide reflects that growth, energy, and spirit. This newly launched guide showcases everything that makes Penrith a great place to live, work, visit and explore – and will be valuable for residents and visitors alike.
jobs, health and education services, and improved connectivity.
This also brings new interest and investment to the City, which aligns with Council’s ongoing advocacy for long-term improvements to local infrastructure and services.
Council has been focused on promoting Penrith as a destination of choice with a strategic approach that supports local businesses and strengthens tourism – ensuring our community benefits from the opportunities ahead.
We know Penrith is already a world-class City and destination for major events – but it’s also a City where everyday moments can feel extraordinary. The Visitor Guide is a handy resource for when friends or family come to stay, or when you’re simply planning your next outing.
I encourage you to use the guide and keep discovering what makes Penrith the place to be. From adrenaline-filled adventures to quiet moments of culture and nature, Penrith has something for everyone.
Penrith is at the heart of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. With the new airport opening in 2026 and construction of the Sydney Metro rail interchange at St Marys, our City will soon be more connected than ever.
As Mayor, I’m proud of Council’s commitment to growing Penrith’s visitor economy and how we are wholeheartedly welcoming this unprecedented tourism boost. We want visitors to step off the plane or train and experience our vibrant, inclusive, adventurous, family-friendly and connected City.
More visitors enable businesses to thrive and create opportunities for current and new residents, like better access to
The guide highlights growing dining precincts, family-friendly fun and hidden gems. It is full of ideas to help you experience this City in new and exciting ways. Printed copies are available at the Civic Centre and can also be found at hotels, NSW visitor information centres, and at local attractions.
Read it online at www.visitpenrith.com. au/visitorguide.
CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith
The Christmas Warehouse Manager Jessica Crosland. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Alumni help students plan their future path
Year 11 students at Caroline Chisholm College have some big decisions to make before they graduate high school in 2026; lucky for them, a panel of accomplished former students recently joined the cohort for the annual Careers High Tea to share their knowledge.
Amongst the former students were the first captain of the college, an Aussie sporting star, a secondary educator, an ABC journalist, the head of marketing for a global brand, and a doctor.
“The Careers High Tea is a standout event on our calendar and one of the special moments in the school year,” Principal Leader, Tania Cairns said.
“It gives our students a rare chance to connect with women who are making an impact in their fields and pursuing their passions with purpose.
“As our Year 12s begin their HSC year, it’s the perfect opportunity to spark ideas, conversations, and
confidence about life beyond the College.”
One passionate student in the crowd was Rhianna Forsyth, who has many ideas about her life after high school.
“One of the main areas I want to explore is the hospitality industry,
but I will be taking on opportunities in agriculture and teaching as well because there are so many things that catch my eye, and I want to give everything a go,” she explained.
“The Careers High Tea was a great opportunity to give me more insights into how I can build myself
in different careers. It was nice to listen to the panel’s thoughts on their career journeys and how I could apply some of their life experiences to my own life.”
The young student felt lucky to take part in the event.
“Not many schools have this
opportunity, so they don’t get the same insights into what different careers are like. This event provides those insights because former students detail their experiences –and not just learning experiences, but strategies they used to reach the roles that they are in today,” Rhianna stated.
“They also explained that change is OK, and you may be led down a different path, or a path that isn’t direct, but that’s OK, and you need to take the opportunities that come your way.”
Partnerships and Pathways Coach Adam MacNamara said Rhianna’s reflections exemplify the event’s importance.
“Rhianna’s feedback shows that the Careers High Tea matched her aspirations, goals, and where she’s at with her decision making,” MacNamara stated.
“One of the things our students learnt was to look at the whole game board and expand their perspectives. There is no set path to follow, and you don’t have to do something because everyone else is.”
Keynote speaker Professor Emeritus Margot Kearns.
Photo: Gene Ramirez.
Principal Tania Cairns, Rhianna Forsyth, and Partnerships and Pathways Coach Adam MacNamara.
Photo: Ally Hall.
ALLY HALL
This photograph shows the Castlereagh cricket team in May 1902.
This shield was presented annually by S E Lee MLA for the Nepean electorate.
Back row left to right are H Reid, A C Smith, C Hadley, A Devlin, J J Purcell, W Childs, G A Smith and H E Single.
Middle row left to right are S E Lees, C Devlin, J Field and Amos Parker. Front row left to right are J Rees, A Wright, A C Howell and W Devlin.
(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)
Δ New-look Macca’s: The McDonald’s store inside St Marys Village shopping centre has had a makeover. The refreshed look was revealed last week.
Δ Get a slice of this: Pizza restaurant Pizza 25 has opened at Westfield Mount Druitt. With its tag line of ‘a slice of happiness’, there’s plenty of great menu items to solve the hunger cravings of local shoppers.
Δ Go bottomless at Laughin’ Boy: Celebrate the season in style at Laughin’ Boy Café with their Bottomless Dinner Holiday Special
(pictured bottom left), a one-nightonly event on Friday, December 12 from 6pm-8pm. Start your evening with a Salted Caramel Martini on arrival, followed by a generous shared-style menu from their Classic Bottomless Dinner experience. Enjoy bottomless wine, beer and bubbles, plus Classic Margaritas, Spicy Watermelon Margaritas, cosmos, and soft drinks. With beautiful food, good company, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect way to toast the season with friends, family, or your team. $95 per person, book at www.laughinboy.au.
Δ Pizza Hut grand opening: The new Pizza Hut at Emu Plains will be holding its official opening this Friday, November 21 from 11am. Located at 87 Great Western Highway, there will be a range of special offers to celebrate the store’s arrival.
Δ Vinnies store opens: The new Vinnies Mega Store will open in Penrith this Saturday. Located at 1/87-93 Henry Street, this warehouse-style store will offer a wholesale shopping experience packed with over 25,000 units of quality pre-loved stock. It will be one of the largest Vinnies Shops in NSW, particularly within the western Sydney region. The store will open from 9am this Saturday, November 22.
Δ Sundays at Sinclair’s: Sundays in Penrith have had a serious glow-up. Sinclair Sundays, a brand-new afternoon session set on Sinclair’s stunning balcony overlooking the Nepean River, have kicked off. From 4.30pm to 9.30pm, groove your way into sunset with live DJ sets, refreshing drink specials, and a relaxed snack menu – the perfect way to wrap up the weekend in style.
Δ New Asahi drop: Asahi has always been a popular beer, but now fans have a new option with a lemon twist. Asahi Fusions Lemon Yuzu has landed in bottle shops, available in six packs and cases.
Δ Sorry Snoop, Menulog’s leaving: Online food delivery company Menulog will shut down
its Australian operations at the end of this month after its parent company, Just Eat Takeaway.com, decided to end its involvement with the service platform. “Whilst Menulog has a proud 20-year history, it has been navigating challenging circumstances,” Just Eat said in a statement. Around 120 staff will lose their jobs, with the company saying they will receive redundancy payments above the legal minimum and assistance in finding new work. Menulog will officially stop taking orders at midnight on November 26.
FINANCIALLY UNSHAKEABLE BUSINESS MATTERS
Afinancially unshakeable business is not the one that never faces challenges. It is the business that can take a hit and keep moving. It is stable in the highs, steady in the lows, and confident in uncertainty because the foundations are solid. That strength is never an accident. It is built through habits that compound into resilience over time.
The first habit is clarity. Leaders who track cash weekly, understand their break-even point, and forecast ahead make faster, smarter choices. They see pressure early and correct it before it becomes a crisis.
The second habit is margin discipline. Strong gross profit protects the entire business. When pricing
reflects true value, labour efficiency is measured, and costs are intentional, profit becomes predictable rather than accidental.
The third habit is operational rhythm. Weekly meetings, quarterly planning, and annual strategy reviews keep a team aligned. Rhythm removes chaos and brings consistency, which drives performance.
The fourth habit is purposeful diversification. Revenue that renews itself through contracts, memberships, or strong pipelines gives you breathing room and protects you from single-client or single-product risk.
The fifth habit is leadership growth. Financially unshakeable businesses have owners who invest in their mindset, deci-
sion-making, and capacity. Their confidence becomes the team’s confidence.
The final habit is strategic simplicity. Strong businesses get busy. Unshakeable ones stay focused. They cut unnecessary offerings, eliminate complexity, set one clear priority each quarter, and protect time and energy.
Build these habits and your business becomes calm, resilient, profitable, and ready for anything.
Western Weekender
ADVE RTIS E YO UR TR AD E OR
RECENTLY LOST A LOVED ONE?
ARFIT T, Haydn
Passed away peacefully on 14th November 2025
Late of Silverdale, previously Penrith Loving husband of Pamela.
Much loved father and father-in-law of Bubbles & Anthony, Jenny & Dave, ommo & Alex and Jim & Liv
Doting grandfather of Lily, Isla, Leo and Emily eatly missed by all of his family & friends.
“Resting where no shadows fall.” Aged 73 years
A private cremation has been held.
NOTICE OF 1080 BAITING
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from 25 November 2025 to 24 May 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes and feral cats using ground baits, canid pest ejectors and felixer grooming traps.
The program will take place in Yiraaldiya National Park, formerly Shanes Park (opposite 50 Stony Creek Road, Shanes Park 2747).
The program is designed to eradicate feral predators in a feral predator free area before reintroducing locally extinct animals including threatened species. Baits will only be laid inside the fenced area (the baiting location).
Signs will be placed at entrances to the baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must not enter the baiting location. In the event of a suspected or accidental 1080 poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
information on 4580 2750 during business hours or NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.
SERVING UP LAUGHS
Comedy trio Sooshi Mango are bringing their highly acclaimed Home Made Encore Tour to Coliseum Theatre this December!
Passing the phone between themselves while being shuttled around in a van for their cookbook’s promo tour, the three comedians spoke with the Weekender
“We’re a comedy group,” stated Carlo Salanitri, who performs alongside his brother Joe Salanitri, and their best mate Andrew Manfre.
“We act out ethnic culture in Australia and portray our childhoods growing up as Italians in Italian households. We dress up like our nonna’s and nonno’s and make a living out of it.”
Sooshi Mango was founded in 2015, and the
Italian men from Melbourne perform skits in live shows and short-form social media videos.
“It’s been quite a trip because we came from humble beginnings. We know that people appreciate what we do, and we’ll keep trying to keep them entertained,” Andrew shared.
“Joe and Carlo grew up together because they’re brothers, and we’re old family friends.
I’ve known the boys for over 35 years; we finish each other’s sentences.
“Their mother and my parents came from the same group of islands on the coast of Sicily. We share the same culture, the same sense of humour, we ate the same food, we wore the same underwear.”
As for what’s new in their upcoming show…
“It’s the same shit repeated,” Carlo said bluntly.
“No, I’m kidding! It’s a new show with new
material, new skits, new craziness, new songs, new dances, new laughs – everything’s new.
“We’ve been touring this show for the better part of two years now. We’ve done all the arenas and now we’re back into theatres. We’re closing off the tour in Australia before taking the show overseas to Europe, North America, and the UK.”
Carlo’s brother elaborated on that point.
“We have all the same characters with a couple of new ones that pop in,” Joe described the show.
“I like to say that the show is the same, but different. It’s like a new episode of previous years. It’s the same humour, but in new situations with new outcomes.”
No matter the new skits and outcomes, the uproarious laughter from the audience remains the same.
“When we look into the audience and see
people keeling over and holding their stomach and laughing, we know we’re doing the right thing,” Carlo explained.
“Laughter is our number one goal, but another common reaction is people looking over to the person they’re with at the show and whispering.
“When that happens, we know they’re whispering, ‘Oh, my mum does that’ or ‘My dad does that’, so seeing that nostalgic reaction is pretty special as well.”
See Carlo, Joe and Andrew transform into the characters of restaurant owners Johnny, Vince and Sam, as well as other fan favourites including mothers Carmela, Angela, and Giuseppina.
Home Made Encore will be at Coliseum Theatre on December 6 and tickets are available online at https://coliseumtheatre. com.au.
ALLY HALL
THINGS TO DO
Bull riding at Penrith Paceway
Catch some of Australia’s most elite cowboys as they test their grit on extreme bucking bulls and bareback broncos at Penrith Paceway this weekend. The gates will open at 3pm on Saturday, November 22 where Xtreme Bulls Australia will provide edge of your seat entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. Get your tickets now at https://www.123tix.com.au.
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood
Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Leonay Golf Club. New members welcome. Call 0439 323 103.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the fourth Monday of the
Put on your cape and fly down to Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre this Sunday, November 23 to check out Collector Con. There will be action figures, trading cards and comics from a range of fandoms and so much more. There will also be cosplay competitions, Dungeons & Dragons adventures, fan groups and the All-Star professional wrestlers. Collectors unite in Penrith
month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am. All new members welcome.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866.
Ropes Crossing Probus Club
Meets every third Monday of the month at Ropes Crossing Community Hub from 10am. Email ropescrossingprobusclub@gmail.com for more information.
St Clair Probus Club
Meets on the third Monday of the month at St Barys D&B Club. Email secretarystclairprobusclub@hotmail. com for more information.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary
Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.
Red Cross Penrith
Meetings held the second Thursday
Penrith Markets moves to Thursday
The new Penrith Markets will officially launch on Thursday, November 27 and run every Thursday after. A beloved tradition in Penrith, the weekly markets are entering a new era and will now be held every Thursday at Penrith Showground under the management of the team behind Blacktown Markets. The market will run from 6.30am to 2pm.
of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL from 10am. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Community fundraisers for The Smith Family. Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
JP service
Located in Western Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing
Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.
Nepean Naval Museum
Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.
Arms of Australia Inn Monday and Wednesday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.
Penrith Cranebrook Lemongrove
VIC’S MAXI TRANSP ORT
Get ready for an adventure packed with friendship and a touch of mischief! Join Q Theatre’s Junior Performance Ensemble as they bring Kenneth Grahame’s beloved classic ‘The Wind in the Willows’ to life on stage at The Joan on November 29 and 30.
Adapted by Mike Smith and Keith Dawson, this lively, music-filled adaptation follows Mole, Ratty, Badger and the irrepressible Mr Toad on their escapades through the wild woods and along the riverbank.
Directed by acclaimed actor and director Sean Hall (Sydney Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre and NIDA), ‘The Wind in the Willows’ marks an exciting milestone for Q Theatre’s new training initiative, giving local performers aged nine to 12 the opportunity to experience the thrill of a production, from audition and rehearsal to the final curtain call.
“From the moment I met this young cast of talented performers at the auditions, I knew that the Junior Performance Ensemble production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ would be both a lot of fun and a joy to direct,” Hall said.
“Growing up watching the adventures of Kenneth Grahame’s memorable characters on TV after school and then playing Badger as an adult for the Australian Shakespeare Company, directing this production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ feels like meeting with an old friend.”
Witness the world of whimsy, laughter and unforgettable moments, guaranteed to delight, inspire and spark the imaginations of devotees of the book and new fans of all ages. Tickets are available online at https:// www.thejoan.com.au/whats-on/ the-wind-in-the-willows/.
WAYNE’S W RLD
with Wayne Tunks
WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION
Do you still like the same music you did when you were younger or has your taste evolved? I usually think for most people it’s a combination of both. They stay fiercely loyal to some artists or styles of music, but then they have left others behind.
Back at Doonside High in the late ‘80s I remember the amount of girls who loved New Kids on the Block, I’m not sure if they’re still
dance on car bonnets, but have since decided to wear their hair a little flatter.
But then you’ll find those fans of artists who were loyal back then, and are still ardent fans. Those obsessed MJ fans, or fans of the Boss. Or people like me, who love Madonna as much as they did back in the ‘80s. While some of my taste has faded away, and other songs I have just fond memories but don’t need to hear again, the love
those who get embarrassed by their old taste in music. We have things called ‘Guilty Pleasures’, that people use to justify liking music they find passe. I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. If you like it, embrace it. You blast that early Kylie or Jason, or dress in lycra and dance in your kitchen to Twisted Sister. Music is made to be enjoyed, and really, it doesn’t matter if you’re the only one you know who’s into a band or
COUNTRY CORNER
Here comes Kelsea Seven-time and current Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini once again slices into the state of being young, female and fearlessly pursuing love, life and a far-flung career.
Ahead of Ballerini’s five-date Australian tour kicking off next month, she releases the six-song EP, ‘Mount Pleasant’ which moves through the phases and realities of heartbreak, facing finite, self-compassion and embracing the world on its own terms.
“I’ve absolutely fallen in love with making EP’s in between albums. There’s such a freedom and unbounded nature to the process, from the writing to the production, that I have found to be a creative exercise and also palate cleanser for my own artistry” Ballerini offers.
“‘Mount Pleasant’ is a collection of six songs that I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self examination, longing, and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year-old woman.”
Fresh off becoming a Grammy nominee for the sixth time, Ballerini will kick off her Australian tour in just under three weeks, with two ICC Sydney Theatre shows on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 before heading across the country.
‘Mount Pleasant’ is out now on all the usual streaming services.
CMA Awards on today
The CMA Awards will be held in Nashville today (Thursday, November 20) with Stan streaming the event exclusively live from Midday.
A huge line-up of performers has been announced with live appearances scheduled by Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs (pictured), Riley Green, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion and many more.
Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson are all up for Entertainer of the Year.
At the movies...
‘The Running Man’, the newest film adaptation of Stephen King’s Bachman Books, hit theatres last week, and in honesty, I was prepared to hate it. Being a big fan of the Bachman Books, (Stephen King’s collection of novels written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) I was interested to see how closely they stuck to the original concept.
Without spoiling the plot or ending, ‘The Running Man’ is a perfectly average action film, which you could see without knowing the story or having watched the 1987 version with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Simply, the main character Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is cast on an intensely popular reality show in which he must evade skilled hunters and the public in order to win a large sum of money. Richards undertakes this dangerous
and often fatal challenge in order to provide medicine for his sick daughter, and allow his family to leave their life of poverty.
While I’m surprised to say I did enjoy this film, there were a couple of salient issues for me.
The casting of Glen Powell was the first nail in the coffin. Somehow, casting a chiseled, six-foot-tall man with perfect teeth didn’t scream ‘dystopia’ to me. I think while his performance was good, he was not the best choice for this role, and his casting was an obvious ploy to lure in those who like Powell for little more than his physique and smile.
The second downfall was the film’s lack of political awareness. The film is set in the year 2025, in a dystopian environment where everything is controlled by network television. While hinting at its link to today’s
political climate, I couldn’t decide whether the film was self aware enough to not hold a mirror to our own society, for fear of backlash, or wasn’t self aware enough to realise the parallels and so didn’t act on them. I think a movie like this could be so powerful in today’s world, but the care just wasn’t taken to get it there.
Pleasantly however, the film was engaging and had me interested until the very end.
The secondary characters lifted Powell’s performance and gave it the usual chaotic humour director Edgar Wright is known for. On the surface, this is a perfectly fine action movie, with plenty of shoot-out scenes, explosions and daring escapes. Often it felt like it was building to something that never came, but all in all was, in my opinion, just fine.
– Madeline Dantier
See these movies at... PENRITH
TV Guide: November 21 - 27
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG) 11:05 The Forsytes (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Newsreader (M l) 2:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 2:55 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) 3:30 Grand Designs (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 QI (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Maigret (PG) 9:25 Hard Quiz (PG) 9:55 Crime Night! (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Cricket: Pre-Game 1:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 1: Australia v England *Live* 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 1: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 1: Australia v England *Live* 9:00 Cricket: WBBL: Brisbane v Sydney Thunder *Live* 11:30 GetOn Extra 12:00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise (PG) 1:00 In Plain Sight (M v) 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Zoe’s Having A Baby” (PG) (’23) Stars: Nina Kiri 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 David Attenborough’s Asia (PG) 8:45 Movie: “The Magnificent Seven” (M v) (’16) Stars: Denzel Washington 11:25 Law & Order: Organized Crime (MA15+) 12:15 Tipping Point (PG) 9:00 Lingo (PG) 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:20 Taskmaster Australia (PG) 11:30 Judge Judy (PG) 12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10’s Late: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10’s Late: Afternoon 4:00 House Hunters Australia 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10’s Late 6:00 10’s Late Plus 7:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30 Big Brother Australia (PG) 8:40 House Hunters Australia (PG)
3:30 Swamp People (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00
Pickers (PG) 6:00 Tea
6:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 1: Australia v
*Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Surveillance Oz (PG) 10:30 House Rules (PG) 12:00 S.W.A.T. (M v) 3:00 The Goldbergs (PG) 3:30 First Dates UK (M) 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Movie: “Minions: The Rise Of Gru” (PG) (’22) Stars: Steve Carell 8:30 Movie: “Ghostbusters” (PG) (’84)
3:25 Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Free Willy” (G) (’93) Stars: Jason James Richter
8:00 What’s Up Down Under 9:00 So Help Me Todd (PG) 10:00 JAG (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)
NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Motorbike Cops (PG) 12:30 Cricket: PreGame 1:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 2: Australia v England *Live* 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 2: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 2: Australia v England *Live* 9:00 UnfilteredCricket (PG) 9:30 Movie: “Oblivion” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Tom Cruise 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday 12:00 Surfing Australia TV 12:30 My Way (PG) 1:00 Our State On A Plate 1:30 Explore 1:35 The Golden Bachelor (PG) 3:15 David Attenborough’s Asia (PG) 4:30 TBA 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Wizard Of Oz” (G) (’39) Stars: Judy Garland 9:30 What’s Up Down Under 10:00 My Market Kitchen 10:30 Airport 24/7 (PG) 11:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia (PG) 12:30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass 1:00 Buy To Build 1:30 The Yes Experiment (PG) 2:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 3:00 Everyday Gourmet 3:30 Well Traveller 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Farm To Fork 5:00 10’s Late 6:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 7:30 Selling Houses Australia 8:40 Location Location Location Australia 5:00
12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Cranbourne/ Kembla Grange/ Sunshine Coast/ Ascot *Live* 5:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 1:30 Cool Cars & Bikes (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under 3:00 AFLW: North Melbourne v TBA *Live* 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 2: Australia v England *Live* 7:00 AFLW: Brisbane v TBA *Live* 1:30 Starstruck (PG) 3:00 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 4:30 Make You Laugh Out Loud (PG) 5:25 Movie: “Look Who’s Talking” (M l) (’89) Stars: John Travolta 7:30 Movie: “Back To The Future II” (PG) (’89) Stars: Michael J Fox
3:30 The Snail And The Whale 4:00 Knee High Spies 4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge 6:00 OctonautsAbove And Beyond 6:35 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins 2:00
1:45 ER (PG) 2:30 Heartbreak High (PG) 3:15 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:45 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG) 4:40 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Spicks And Specks (PG)
3:20 Supreme Team (PG) 4:30 Faboriginal 5:00 Pacific Island Food Revolution (PG) 6:00 Amplify (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Movie: “The Lost Boys” (M) (’87)
5:30 Lorraine Pascale: Be A Better Cook 6:00 Sachie’s Kitchen 6:30 Hairy Bikers Go Local 7:35 Remarkable Places To Eat 8:35 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover 10:30 Getting Grilled With Curtis Stone
4:00 Reel Action 4:30 Football: Isuzu UTE ALeague: Round 5: Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:35 Football: Isuzu UTE A-League: Round 5: Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory *Live* 10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 Deal Or No Deal 12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Building Off The Grid 2:30 Barnwood Builders 3:30 Find My Country House Canada 4:30 Renovation Wild 5:30
12:20 SBS50 (PG) 12:25 Worldwatch 1:00 Motorsport: Trico Trans Am Series *Live* 5:00 SBS50 (PG) 5:05 Worldwatch 6:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 7:30 Beach Volleyball: World Championships: Semi Finals *Live*
3:55 Movie: “Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (PG) (’16) Stars: Griffin Gluck 5:45 Movie: “Cats & Dogs” (PG) (’01) Stars: Michael Clarke Duncan 7:30 Movie: “The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring” (M) (’01) 1:20 Movie: “Outcast Of The Islands” (PG) (’51) Stars: Trevor Howard 3:20 Movie: “Kings Of The Sun” (PG) (’63) Stars: Yul Brynner 5:30 Movie: “Lawman” (PG) (’71) Stars: Burt Lancaster 7:30 Movie: “Stargate” (PG) (’94)
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 Miriam & Alan - Lost In Scotland And Beyond... (PG) 3:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:10 Extraordinary Escapes (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 Cricket: WBBL: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades *Live* 1:00 Cricket: Pre-Game 1:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 3:20 The Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 3: Australia v England *Live* 9:00 Cricket: WBBL: Brisbane v Melbourne Stars *Live* 11:30 Movie: “The Invisible Man” (M) (’20) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Cross Court 10:30 Next Stop 11:00 Fishing Australia 11:30 Drive TV - Launch Pad 12:00 Explore TV 12:30 Garden Gurus Moments 12:45 Budget Battlers (PG) 2:00 Movie: “Blueback” (PG) (’22) Stars: Mia Wasikowska 4:00 Getaway Presents The Arctic (PG) 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 RBT: Alcohol Of Course (PG) 6:00
5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: The Ashes: Test 1: Day 3: Australia v England *Live*
10 Minute Kitchen 11:00 Jamie’s OnePan Wonders 11:30 Pooches At Play 12:00 The Dog Academy (PG) 1:00 Wheel Of Fortune 1:30 Lingo (PG) 2:30 NBL: Round 10: Tasmania JackJumpers v Sydney
12:00 Extended Family (PG) 12:30 Home & Away (PG) 3:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 4:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 4:35 Anthem Sessions (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Electric Lady Studios: A Hendrix Vision” (PG) (’24) Director: John McDermott 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 The American Buffalo (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Moogai” (M v) 10:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 11:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 10: Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Blue Bloods (M v) 11:15 48 Hours (M) 10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier
Eastern Odyssey 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 12:20 Trip Hazard (M) 1:15 Jeopardy! 3:20 Beach Volleyball: World Championships: Bronze Medal Matches *Live* 5:20 Worldwatch 6:20 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 7:20 Beach Volleyball: World Championships: Bronze Medal Matches
2:30 Surfing Australia TV 3:00 My Way 3:10 Cards And Collectables Australia 3:40 Young Sheldon (PG) 4:10 Dinner With The Parents (PG) 4:40 Movie: “Superman” (PG) (’78) Stars: Christopher Reeve 7:30 Movie: “Batman Forever” (PG) (’95) 2:15 Movie: “Danger Within” (G) (’59) Stars: Richard Attenborough 4:20 Movie: “Flight From Ashiya” (PG) (’64) Stars: Yul Brynner 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Matrix Revolutions” (M v) (’03) Stars: Keanu Reeves
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5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Masks 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 Ninjago Dragons Rising (PG) 3:10 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien
6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Peter Rabbit 6:05 PJ Masks 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 Ninjago Dragons Rising 3:10
4:00
4:00
Briefing 5:00
(M v)
Bamay 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Ocean Warriors: Mission Ready (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:30 The Weekly Kick-Off 11:00 So Help Me Todd (PG) 11:55 Numb3rs (M) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Poppa’s House (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG)
6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M l,s)
8:30
3:30 Movie: “Folly To Be Wise” (G) (’52) Stars: Alastair Sim 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 The Good Karma Hospital (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (PG) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 QI (PG) 3:30 Forever Summer With Nigella 3:55 Grand Designs (PG) 4:40 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 9:00 Long Lost Family (PG) 6:00 Sunrise
5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Patrol (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Uncharted” (M v) (’22) Stars: Tom Holland 6:00 Today 9:00
6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Topknotz 9:30 Movie: “Red Eye” (M l,v) (’05) 12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30
Nathan Taylor
TV NEWS
Ê The ABC has announced its slate of Christmas specials, which will drop in the lead-up to December 25. ‘The Yearly with Charlie Pickering’ will air on Wednesday, December 17 at 8.30pm. ‘Shaun Micallef’s Eve of Destruction – Christmas Special’ will premiere on Wednesday, December 24 at 7.30pm. Following that will be ‘Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee – Christmas Special’, which will drop on Christmas Eve at 8.05pm. You’ve got to love Christmas specials!
Ê Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth is releasing a new documentary special on Disney+ next Monday, November 24. In ‘Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember’, Chris turns the camera on his own family after his dad’s recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Together they embark on a road trip into their past, exploring the science of social connection and how it can support memory function. They revisit meaningful places and faces, capturing it all as a home movie, and reviving treasured recollections.
Ê Exciting news for fans of ‘NCIS: Sydney’, with word that the current season will be a whopping 20 episodes. Paramount+ just
DECEMBER 24 7.30PM SHAUN MICALLEF’S EVE OF DESTRUCTION – CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, ABC
NOVEMBER 24 CHRIS HEMSWORTH: A ROAD TRIP TO REMEMBER, DISNEY+
dropped the sixth episode of season three, meaning there’s still plenty more action and drama to come. ‘NCIS: Sydney’ is one of Australia’s best shows right now, and it’s doing extremely well overseas too.
Ê New music special ‘One Shot with Ed Sheeran’ will drop on Netflix tomorrow, November 21. From impromptu performances on bustling sidewalks and subway cars, to intimate interactions with fans and passersby, Ed Sheeran’s journey through New York will be captured in a series of unforgettable moments, highlighting the pandemonium and excitement that follows. Filmed by the team behind mega hit series ‘Adolescence’, it is all in one continuous shot.
Ê Sc-fi series ‘Alien: Earth’ has been renewed for a second season on Disney+. The second season will shift locations, with filming moving from Thailand to London. Shooting will begin next year.
Ê One for the diary… The new season of
Aussie crime comedy ‘Deadloch’ will drop on Prime Video on Friday, March 20 next year. In season two, detectives Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) are in Australia’s sweltering Top End, investigating the death of Eddie’s former policing partner, Bushy. But when the body of a local icon is discovered in a remote town, they are flung into a sweatier, stickier, croc-ier crime case. This season, Luke Hemsworth joins the cast.
Ê The new season of ‘The Night Manager’ will land on Prime Video on Sunday, January 11, 2026. 10 years after the first season aired, UK actor Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as former British intelligence operative, Jonathan Pine. The new season, filmed in the UK, Spain, Colombia and France, picks up the story of Pine in a fresh direction, set in the present day.
Ê US comedy ‘English Teacher’, which streams on Disney+, has been axed after two seasons.
EMU PLAINS EMERGES AS OPPORTUNITY ZONE
Emu Plains remains a key “Opportunity Zone” for first home buyers, according to new Equifax data.
Released last week, Equifax’s Quarterly Consumer Credit Insights – September 2025 revealed mortgage applications rose by 10.3 per cent compared to Q3 2024, the strongest growth seen year-on-year since 2021.
In addition, First Home Buyer appetite climbed with the largest volume of First Home Buyer enquiries seen since Q1 2022.
However, total mortgage accounts declined year-on-year for the second consecutive quarter, likely driven by an affordability threshold challenge.
Despite these challenges, specific geographies continue to
see First Home Buyer demand. Defined by the number of First Home Buyer applications and median loan amounts, key ‘First Home Buyer Demand Hotspots’ in New South Wales include Parramatta, Blacktown, Castle Hill and Hurstville.
While the First Home Buyer Demand Hotspots track areas of surging applications and median
loan amounts, Equifax has mapped the intersection of intent versus affordability, revealing “Opportunity Zones” for First Home Buyers.
The most affordable suburbs among First Home Buyers by average loan amount and within a 60km radius of their closest capital city include Leumeah, Forestville and Emu Plains.
“We know that many Australians, particularly those looking to purchase their first homes, are being priced out of major cities, and we also know that this factor won’t be completely aided by Federal Government incentivisation,” said Kevin James, Chief Solution Officer at Equifax.
“MANY AUSTRALIANS ARE BEING PRICED OUT OF MAJOR CITIES”
“Young Australians looking to break into the housing market could consider alternative regions where these government incentives are likely to provide the greatest benefit.”
And if you’re thinking of an interstate move, Chapel Hill and Holmview in Queensland and Melton South and Burnside in Victoria are the top Opportunity Zones interstate.
Beyond mortgages it was a positive quarter for most credit products, personal loans recorded their strongest year-on-year growth since 2022 (+11.6 per cent) and credit cards posted a second consecutive quarter of doubledigit growth (+13.3 per cent).
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) saw the largest change this quarter with accounts increasing by 18 per cent and total limits by 24 per cent year-on-year.
Western Property
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
4 2 2
OPEN FOR INSPECTION Saturday, November 22
2.00pm – 2.30pm CONTACT:
Bennett Property
Michael Bennett • 0414 643 667 michaelb@bennettproperty.com.au
Jacob Bennett • 0487 487 775 jacob@bennettproperty.com.au
LUXURY LIVING ON THE EDGE OF PENRITH
What is so great about this property? Easycare acres, spacious family home with multiple living areas, great storage, surrounded by other quality rural homesteads.
Who does this property suit? Family looking to upsize to small acreage property
Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Castlereagh Road is one of the important transport links in Sydney connecting the Hawkesbury and Penrith regions. Within Castlereagh Public School catchment area. Semi-rural suburb; a mix of residential, small acreage blocks and larger acreage holdings plus horse studs and local farming pursuits.
8:00am to 4:00pm
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Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living
You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.
Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.
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Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.
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The ResidencesTypical example of Oran Park townhomes
With summer just around the corner and sandals making their seasonal comeback, it’s the perfect time to give your feet a little extra care. Whether you’re slipping into thongs or spending the day in enclosed shoes, these simple tips can help keep your feet healthy and comfortable all season long.
dreaded cracked heel.
Watch out for sweat and fungi
Hot weather and enclosed shoes mean sweaty feet. Damp socks and shoes create the perfect environment for fungal infections like tinea. To reduce your risk, change socks regularly and let your shoes air out in the sun between wears. Protect against warts
Moisturise daily
Open shoes may feel breezy, but they leave your heels exposed to dryness and cracking. A daily moisturiser, especially one containing urea, can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and protected from the
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which loves warm, moist places like public pools and change rooms. The virus can enter through cracked or wet skin, so wearing thongs or sandals in these areas is an
easy way to protect yourself.
Prevent blisters
Blisters often form from friction or walking barefoot on hot surfaces. To avoid them, always wear shoes outdoors, ideally ones that fit well and don’t rub. Comfortable, properly fitted footwear is key to keeping your feet blister-free. Check your feet regularly
As the weather warms up, make a habit of checking your feet for any changes, discomfort, or signs of infection. Early attention can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy summer without sacrificing foot health. After all, happy feet make for a happier season.
Six years ago, I assessed whether an iPad could replace a laptop for overseas work travel. Back then, I found it possible, but I struggled with VPNs, remote desktop access, and the lack of multitasking features. Well, it was time for another holiday in Peru. Unlike my last trip, I did not even bring my laptop. Screen space, portability, weight, and Internet connectivity were my key requirements. The ability to do online banking, email, prepare proposals, and handle general work requirements was a must. Watching movies, television series, and social media was equally important, especially on long plane and bus trips. On a 10-hour bus ride through the Andean mountains, I managed my emails with ease while occasionally switching to my favourite series. The limited space for my iPad on the narrow folddown tray didn’t bother me. It was during this journey that I truly appreciated leaving my heavier laptop behind.
The current iPadOS 26 version delivers genuine multitasking. I now resize, layer, overlap, and manage multiple apps. I can open up to 12 apps simultaneously. I can attend video conferences while working on spreadsheets, chatting on social media, and uploading documents. Additionally, stoplight controls (close, minimise, maximise) and a floating menu bar now simplify navigation.
During those six years, my business technology changed. We moved off a server and transferred our data to Microsoft Teams. Our Line of Business application introduced a cloud interface, eliminating the need for a remote desktop client. Now, I use Microsoft Office, Teams, and OneDrive seamlessly on the iPad. I can access all my work resources securely, quickly, and easily. Xero accounting, another tool I use, updated its web interface and now works much better on the iPad. When compared with laptops, the iPad truly
shines in battery life, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge, whereas laptops often fall short.
I set up dual-screen remote work by connecting my iPad to hotel televisions with a suitable cable. iPads have always supported Bluetooth keyboards, and they now support Bluetooth mice as well. Previously, I found editing items on a touchscreen frustrating and counterproductive. Printing still poses a challenge on the road, since printers must support AirPrint.
In summary, the iPad, is now a viable laptop replacement for travel, meeting almost all of my needs.
JULIE SHELDRAKE
Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
THE STARTLING STATS AROUND TEEN DROWNING
In my column a few weeks back I touched on the fact that the National Drowning Report 2025 reported the highest number of drowning deaths since records began, many of which were in the teenage age group. New research shows that the risk of drowning rises sharply for teenagers, surging 1300 per cent or 13 times, between the ages of 10 and 20 years.
Worryingly, the new data shows that drowning in 15–20-year-olds has increased by 34 per cent in the five years since 2021 (COVID-19 pandemic), compared to the five years prior.
Royal Life Saving estimates that over 10 million swimming lessons were missed due to the pandemic. Five years on, many of those children are teenagers, who can’t swim but are likely to be exposed to drowning in rivers and beaches, where strong swimming skills are important.
So, what can be done to address this? Royal Life Saving Australia is urging parents to enrol their eight, nine and 10-year-olds in swimming and water safety lessons as soon as possible, warning that too many children miss out on the vital skills that keep them safe, as teenagers and young adults, when drowning risk increases thirteen-fold. Research shows 60 per cent of kids start lessons before age three, but most have dropped out before age
seven. Royal Life Saving is reminding parents that learning to swim as a young child is a great start – but it’s often not enough to keep them safe as teenagers or last a lifetime.
Royal Life Saving Chief Executive Officer Dr Justin Scarr said, “The decline in swim-
SUPPORT FOR FATHERS
ming skills in children is a key factor driving elevated drowning in teenagers and young adults”. More than half of 10-year-olds and 40 per cent of 15-year-olds can’t swim 50 metres, and most of those may never swim, placing them at life-long elevated risk of drowning.
“If your children quit lessons before seven, a second dose of swimming at age 10 or before could be a lifesaving decision. Whether to build confident swimmers, encourage them into water sports or recreational activities, and to prevent drowning later in life, swimming is for life, and no child should miss out,” Scarr said.
To help parents assess their children at age of 10, before drowning risk elevates, Royal Life Saving is providing the following checklist: Can your 10-year-old swim 50 metres and float for two minutes? If they fell from a boat or slipped off rocks, could they float and/ or swim 50-100m to safety? If peer pressure meant they jumped from a jetty or rocks, could they swim to safety? If they were caught in a river current, would they know what to do to help them survive?
If the answer is no, or if you are not sure, then both we and Royal Life Saving are encouraging parents to get their kids back to swimming lessons! Until next week, stay safer! Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!
At Mannion Lawyers, we provide compassionate, practical family law support specifically tailored for fathers. Our team is dedicated to helping dads navigate the challenges of separation, parenting arrangements, and Family Court with clarity and confidence.
WHAT WE DO
• FAMILY COURT
Guiding fathers through every stage of the Family Court process
• JUSTICE FOR FATHERS
Empowering fathers to protect their rights and achieve fair outcomes
• RECOVERY/RELOCATION ORDER
Supporting fathers to protect their children’s wellbeing and maintain meaningful relationships
The Experts
WHY VACCINATING YOUR DOG MATTERS
With the holiday season fast approaching, many pet owners are getting organised and booking their dogs into boarding facilities. Whether your pet will be staying somewhere for a long weekend or during the Christmas break, making sure their vaccinations are up to date is one of the most important steps you can take. Boarding facilities rely on vaccination requirements to protect every animal in their care, as infectious diseases can spread rapidly when dogs are housed close together. In recent years, concerns around vaccine shortages and the rising cost-of-living may have caused some families to delay their pet’s annual boosters. However, routine vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect dogs from serious – and often life-threatening – illnesses. Preventing disease through vaccination is always safer, easier, and far less stressful than treating it.
These are the key diseases dog vaccinations help prevent:
Parvovirus (Parvo): Parvo is an extremely contagious virus that causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, and rapid weight loss. It can persist in the environment for months, making it particularly difficult to eliminate. The virus spreads quickly in places where dogs gather, such as boarding kennels. Without prompt treatment, parvo can be fatal, so vaccination is essential for protection.
Canine Distemper: Spread through the air, distemper affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Early signs include sneezing, coughing, and eye or nasal discharge, but it can progress to neurological damage. There is no cure for distemper, meaning vaccination is the only reliable defence.
Canine Adenovirus (Infectious Canine Hepatitis): This virus attacks the liver, kidneys, and eyes and spreads through bodily
fluids like saliva and urine. Symptoms range from lethargy and vomiting to abdominal pain and, in severe cases, sudden death. Vaccination provides strong protection against this potentially deadly disease.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough): Kennel cough thrives in environments where dogs mix – boarding facilities, grooming salons, dog parks, and shows. It causes a persistent, hacking cough and may lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in puppies. Vaccination is recommended for any dog regularly socialising with others.
Leptospirosis and Canine Coronavirus (C2i): Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread in the urine of infected rats and mice. Dogs typically contract it through contact with contaminated water, bedding, food, or by licking or swallowing stagnant water. It can severely damage the kidneys and liver and can be life-threatening. Vaccination is especially important for dogs on
rural properties or those likely to encounter rodents or standing water.
Staying up to date with your dog’s vaccination schedule is a simple way to protect them – and every dog they come into contact with. If your pet will be boarding over the holidays, now is the perfect time to check their vaccination status.
Contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to arrange a personalised vaccination plan based on your dog’s lifestyle and needs. Keep ahead of the holiday rush and give your dog the protection they deserve.
The Experts
HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE DO I NEED?
Imust admit that most people don’t get too excited talking about insurance, and therefore often don’t give it the attention it deserves. The problem is, if the worse happens, very few families would have the means to maintain their lifestyle without proper insurance.
A survey from insurance
provider TAL found that only about one third of Australians of working age had life insurance, and about one in 10 had trauma or income protection insurance. Worse still a Rice Warner survey indicated that even for those with insurance, over half were underinsured.
I’m often asked do we really need life insurance? In simple terms if someone is financially dependent on you, it is likely that you need insurance. How much insurance do I need is a more complex question. At our office we have a very structured method of calculating how much cover will be required.
In broad terms we attempt to
calculate how much money the surviving family will require to maintain their lifestyle for the remainder until life expectancy.
We also estimate future income likely to be earned by the surviving partner (this may be reduced
We have a very defined process to calculate the future income needed. We look at debt, living costs and specific costs such as children’s education. We take into consideration inflation, future changes such as children
without the support of their partner) and saleable assets that have already been accumulated. The gap between the sum required and the future income and current assets is the amount of life insurance we need.
leaving home and other potential changes. We are able to use this information to calculate a figure that the family requires to maintain their lifestyle.
The saleable assets usually include Super and investments,
including investment properties.
Although we call them saleable assets, the assets won’t necessarily be sold, but it is envisaged that they will be used one way or another to help provide for the family.
The calculation of future income is based on the surviving spouse’s income keeping pace with the average Australian wage increases. However we will often make adjustments where a change in work situation is likely. The most common being an increase in work hours when the kids reach school age.
Although these calculations require estimates and assumptions, they provide an excellent framework to ensure that your family is taken care of in the event the worse happens.
Although not something we like to think about, it is all too common that a death in the family which is already emotionally shattering can also result in an enormous amount of financial pressure. Life insurance can relieve this.
Many Aquarians are having problems at work, as Mercury reverses through your career zone (until next Sunday). If it’s too much to handle on your own, then don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your friends, work colleagues and/ or your extended peer group. Don’t battle on alone … other people are happy to pitch in and help. But Sunday looks unsettling as disruptive Uranus (your ruling planet) opposes Venus, which could lead to relationship hiccups.
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
Mercury is reversing through your relationship zone until next Sunday. So other people could misunderstand you – or tell you what they think you should be doing. With Uranus visiting your sign, it’s time to shake off the shackles of other people’s expectations and be the authentic you! Your motto is from birthday great Bruce Lee, “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
With intense Pluto powering slowly though your relationship zone, you’re not in the mood for superficial encounters with others, preferring deep, serious, philosophical and/or spiritual conversations with family and close friends. But make sure you communicate your ideas clearly and concisely (especially with relatives and housemates). From November 30, a family drama should start to settle down as Mercury moves forward in your home zone.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Venus and retrograde Mercury (both in your sign) shine a spotlight on personal projects and financial matters, plus power and trust issues. You have a good business brain – just make sure you’re using it! Ignorance is no excuse. Do all you can to improve your financial literacy ASAP. The Venus/Jupiter trine is good news for travel plans, a romantic relationship or helping a charitable cause. Compassion, kindness and patience will take you far.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Many Pisceans who’ve been travelling have experienced delays, disruptions, breakdowns and/or cancellations, as Mercury has been reversing through your travel zone. Thank goodness Mercury moves forward on November 30. In the meantime, make sure you double-check all things involving car maintenance, transport timetables and connections, itineraries, accommodation and appointments. Sunday’s Venus/Neptune trine is terrific for drifting and dreaming.
GEMINI
22 TO JUNE 21
This week Venus and retrograde Mercury activate your wellbeing zone. So it’s a good week to revise your diet and get your body moving via a gym membership, a rebooted exercise program or a vigorous workout in the great outdoors. Spend some quality time savouring the splendour of the natural world. It’s also time to re-think and double-check emerging plans and projects before you put them into action after Mercury moves forward on November 30.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Ever-vigilant Virgos are the worrywarts of the zodiac. And when Mercury (your patron planet) is in retrograde mode, you worry and obsess and over-think even more than usual. Which can end up being counterproductive. As birthday great Bruce Lee wisely observed, “If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” Sunday promises a fresh start, when Mercury moves forward and you can relax with family, friends and/or neighbours.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
The fiery Sun and feisty Mars are both transiting through your sign. So it’s time to be bold and brave, as you solve problems and take on challenges with extra energy and enthusiasm. Your motto for the moment is from writer (and birthday great) Louisa May Alcott, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” But Mercury is still in retrograde mode until Sunday morning, so smart Sagittarians will also be prudent, patient and persistent.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
This week the Sun and Mars (your power planet) are both transiting through your adventure, education and aspirations zone. So – the more exciting your adventures, the more open your mind and the more ambitious your dreams, the better! With Mercury still in retrograde mode (until November 30), it’s time to refine your life direction and then follow your guiding star. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Mark Twain, “Explore. Dream. Discover.”
CANCER
22 TO JULY 22
Mid-week, there’s a marvellous trine between prosperous Jupiter (in your sign) and lucky Venus. So Crab charisma is at an all-time high as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. This week – plan, dream, and write down your goals and aspirations for the future. Then – from Sunday (November 30) onwards (when Mercury moves forward) – it’s the perfect time to apply for a job, bonus or promotion; enter a competition; or call in a few old favours.
LIBRA S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
With bold, bountiful Jupiter jumping through your professional zone, it’s up to you to be proactive about creating career opportunities. This week, Venus forms terrific trines with Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune which boosts confidence, focus and personal glamour. So it’s time to shoot for the stars! Be inspired by birthday great Bruce Lee, “To hell with circumstances … I create opportunities.” Sunday favours mixing and mingling in your local community.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Mercury is reversing through your hopes and dreams zone until next Sunday. So a long-cherished dream may need to be re-imagined and reworked so that it better suits your current situation. Rather than seeing it as a disappointing setback, clever Capricorns will perceive it as an exciting new challenge. You’re also unusually impatient, as you communicate about a wide range of topics and share creative ideas with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
SUN, WATER AND PLENTY
The Gold Coast has always been a place close to my heart.
I was born there in 1987 and the first six months of my life, I lived at Kirra Gardens – an apartment building right opposite beautiful Kirra Beach.
The Gold Coast was also a place I holidayed at a lot growing up. I distinctly remember the various hotels and motels I stayed at with my family over the summer.
None of them were ever luxurious hotels, but at that age, all that mattered to me was whether the room had Foxtel, if there was an ocean view, and of course how close busy Cavill Avenue and Pacific Fair – the world’s greatest shopping centre – were to me.
When I turned 19 or 20 and stopped holidaying with my parents, I would admit I was kind of tired of the Gold Coast, having spent so much time there when I was a young kid.
My mission was to travel the world and leave those domestic holidays behind.
“I LITERALLY UTTERED ‘WOW’ WHEN THIS LANDED ON MY TABLE”
So, recently when the opportunity arose to visit the Gold Coast again after nearly two decades, I was genuinely excited to return and see how much it had changed.
As this publication’s senior sports journalist, I was lucky to be invited to the Gold Coast to experience the city as a destination for world-class sporting events.
While Gold Coast sporting teams (I’m looking at you Titans and Suns) have often struggled for success on the paddock, that doesn’t mean that the city isn’t successful in hosting major professional and even semi-professional/amateur sporting events.
In 2018, the Gold Coast was the host city for the Commonwealth Games, which ultimately saw billions of dollars poured into local infrastructure, transport upgrades and the like in preparation for the massive international contingent.
When I was in town earlier this month, I got to witness the historic Australia v India T20 International at People First Stadium in Carrara. This was a huge deal for the region as it was the first-time ever that the Gold Coast had hosted the Indian men’s cricket team.
While the match ended with India winning comfortably over the Aussies, the best result was how successful the game was for Gold Coast tourism, with a record crowd for a cricket match of 20,470 in attendance.
Whether it’s the V8 Supercars racing through the streets ever year, the annual World Surfing League Championship Tour or the Pan Pacific Masters Games, the Gold Coast has proven time and time again that its well equipped to be up there with Sydney and Melbourne as a prime destination for major sporting events.
In March, Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium – the home of the Titans – will host six matches of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, including the highly-anticipated Matildas v Iran fixture on March 5.
If you plan on visiting the region for the women’s football in March next year, or perhaps to see the GWS Giants or Penrith Panthers play there in May and June, there’s several places and attractions I would recommend you visit to make the most out of your few days on the Coast with the Most.
Where to stay…
Firstly, I’d recommend basing yourself at beautiful Broadbeach, particularly the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, one of the leading five-star hotels on the Gold Coast that blends French sophistication with the laid-back Australian coastal vibe.
I stayed at this amazing property for two nights in a Superior Room with an Ocean View and it was the perfect location for my tailored itinerary.
Not only was it a short walk to spectacular Broadbeach and its array of cafés, shops and worldclass restaurants, but it was just a few hundred metres from The
Star Casino and the popular Gold Coast Lite Rail, also known as the “G”, which, for 50c per ride, is the best value public transport in the world!
where I was seated was just pure magic at sunset.
If you love your breakfast with a view like me, definitely head to Tower 28 Café, which is located at
Where to eat…
If you happen to drive out to the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland to visit the stunning and peaceful Cougal Cascades, make sure you pop in to Pasture & Co, located in the beautiful Currumbin Valley. Pasture & Co is a family-friendly café that uses only fresh, local, organic and sustainably sourced ingredients. My recommendations are the delicious banana smoothie and the extremely colourful Zucchini + Potato Rosti with poached egg. I literally uttered ‘wow’ when this landed on my table!
For lunch, I had one of the biggest feasts of my life at Mamasan, which is located just a few steps from my hotel. The newly renovated restaurant boats a bold menu of East Asian flavours set within an elevated dining venue. Everything I was served here was spectacular!
For dinner, you can’t go past the recently opened Meltemi, which was also just a short walk from the Sofitel Broadbeach. The restaurant features flavours from the wind-swept Mediterranean coast, crafted with old age techniques and a touch of modern elegance. I ordered the Pita and Taramasalata Dip for my entrée, the Shawarma for my main, the Bougatsa for dessert, and I washed it all down with the Nick the Greek cocktail, which was simply to die for! The staff here were amazing too and the spot
the Kurrawa Surf Club. Tower 28 is the only absolute beachfront café in Broadbeach, and they serve an amazing Iced Matcha and their French Toast with Apple and Cinnamon really hit the spot!
Where to drink…
The Gold Coast is full of amazing bars and hotels to grab a beverage and watch the ocean, but if you’re after something different, head to this secluded pocket of Miami for a local brewery and distillery tour through the area.
The first place I hit up was Precinct Brewing Co for a $15 paddle of their finest ales. This place exists in a transformed old workshop and was heaving with great music and fun vibes.
The next place I checked out was Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery, which is the Gold Coast’s first and only craft gin, vodka, whiskey and liquor distillery. This venue, brimming with history, blew my socks off! The setting was
The Sofitel Broadbeach Gold Coast is in a prime location.
The Australia v India T20 International was a highlight.
Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery.
Journalist Nathan Taylor kayaking.
OF ACTION ON THE GOLD COAST
phenomenal and the cocktails even better!
My final stop on my crawl was Roji Cat, right next door. This vibrant Japanese-inspired microbrewery and izakaya-style bar opened last year. The venue, which draws inspiration from the neon-lit, bustling backstreets of Tokyo, serve house-brewed beers, sake and delicious street food! The Tebasaki Wings here were insanely good!
Where to play…
Unlike some other major cities around Australia, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Gold Coast – hence its uber popularity. If you want to do something a little different to theme parks, but still want that adrenaline rush, I can’t recommend Arro Jet Boating enough!
With my highly skilled and experienced jet boat pilot “Magic Mike” at the helm, I had the time of my life on this thrilling adventure through the Gold Coast waterways, and so did everyone else on board! The reason Arro Jets stands out above the rest is because it skips slow zones, so you basically dive straight into 45 minutes of spins, 360-degree
manoeuvres, fish tail turns and splashes at speeds up to 90km/h. This is a must-do in my opinion! If you love the water but want a more relaxing way to spend your morning, the team at Australian Kayaking Adventures have you covered. I was lucky enough to spend a few hours with my amazing guide Alex, who took me on a kayaking and snorkelling adventure through the tranquil waters
of the Gold Coast. On our way paddling to nearby Wavebreak Island for a spot of snorkelling and breakfast, we spotted a couple of curious dolphins swimming by. My snorkelling experience also needs mentioning. I’m notorious for not grasping snorkelling, but I can admit, thanks to Alex’s advice, I was finally able to get the hang of it and snorkel with hundreds of sub-tropical fish and
marine life. Thank you, Alex –achievement unlocked!
After so many years apart, I’ve realised that the Gold Coast has changed. It was a great place to visit as a kid and it’s an even better place to visit as an adult!
Whether you’re visiting for a sporting event, a concert or a family holiday, the Gold Coast still reigns supreme as Australia’s ultimate playground.
Shopping Let’s go
The view from Meltemi in Broadbeach.
Arro Jet Boating was an incredible, high-octane experience.
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Connect With Us Online!
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72. Mutilate
74. Discharged
76. Clodhoppers
78. Fuss (2-2)
80. Screened (movie)
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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.
Word Search
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
SKY LANTERNS
SPACECRAFT
SWEEP
TILTROTOR
WIND
WINGS
ZEPPELIN
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about ‘Hamilton’ in this week’s special trivia quiz... 1. Which character is ‘young, scrappy and hungry’? 2. Which son of Hamilton’s dies in the second act?
have his infamous affair with?
3. What is the final song in Act One?
4. Which song has a section that is the fastest song sung on Broadway?
5. Who did Alexander Hamilton
6. Which is the only song that only has one character on stage?
7. Who are the three Schuyler Sisters?
8. In Act One, which country is Alexander Hamilton and his friends fighting against?
ships.
Maria Reynolds.
7. Angelica, Eliza and Peggy.
8. Great Britain.
Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These
filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL
Mahindra making waves with mini SUV in Australia
While India is not seen as an automotive powerhouse, the reality is Indian manufacturers are on track to take a major stake in the global market.
Mahindra is one of these brands, not well known outside of the home market, but quietly accumulating a band of loyal customers.
Best known here for their agricultural machinery, with a reputation for solidity and reliability, the next goal is to capture a slice of the passenger sector.
Part of this plan is the XUV 3XO, a small SUV available in two trim levels, the AX5 and our test car, the range-topping AX7L, getting a swag of interior upgrades over the base car.
An advantage to not being a ‘legacy’ brand, Mahindra’s designers are still setting the design language, rather than building on previous versions.
The result is a remarkable design, not to everyone’s taste, but visually unique when compared to a number of ‘me too’ models.
The 3XO is an upright design, using vertical planes to create a boxy, yet aero-friendly, body, avoiding a slab-sided look.
There are body lines aplenty, including the bonnet getting a ‘power bulge’ over the engine, with flared guards on all corners pushing the track wide of the cabin.
The designers went big on the hard angles for the grille and headlights, with prominent air intakes and minimising overhangs, especially at the rear.
An upside to this approach is a genuine flat roof and vertical tailgate, maximising cargo volume in what is a limited space.
The 17” diamond cut alloy wheels give the feel of movement while standing still, doing a good job of filling the wheel arches.
While we didn’t go offroad with this one, Mahindra has added a skid plate to protect the lower section of the front bar, good against traffic bollards and car park stoppers.
Inside, the 3XO is more mainstream, at 185cm I found it a bit of a squeeze, it is a small car, so I
wasn’t expecting a miracle. That said, racking some long drives of 100+ kilometres, I wasn’t uncomfortable, although I’m not sure how much legroom was left with my seat pushed back.
The cabin layout is conventional, with a centre stack console and a ’T-Bar’ gear shifter, ahead of twin cupholders and the electronic park brake, with a storage binnacle for keys, wallet and glasses, topped by a padded armrest.
There is an interesting textured
flat panel topping the glovebox, too narrow for storage, essentially a divider for the padded dash.
Everything is finished in a padded ‘leatherette’ material, soft to the touch and adding sound absorbency to the cabin.
The centre stack is topped with a 10.25” touchscreen for the infotainment system and car control menus, sitting above the dual zone climate control system.
The dials and buttons are large enough to operate by feel, without
being huge, and keeping the driver’s eyes on the road while making changes.
The leather steering wheel is a little thin for me, I prefer thick, chunky rims, but it is functional and easy to use.
The crossbar has the usual assortment of controls, audio, cruise, telephone and instrument cluster, with a big central horn pad.
While the steering column is height and reach adjustable, I found it was both too short and too low, with my seat back to accommodate my legs, my arms were stretched to reach the wheel.
The rim snagged on my legs on entry and exit, I know it is a small car, but a little extra adjustment would solve that problem.
With the seats in place, there was just enough room for a storage crate behind the seats, there was plenty of height, but not a lot of depth.
With 80 years of manufacturing, Mahindra’s build quality is as good as anyone, panel gaps are tight and everything has a ‘complete’ feel to it.
Not unexpectedly, with 82 kW and 200Nm from the 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol turbo, the 3XO isn’t exactly street racer material.
While it has three ‘drive’ modes,
‘Zip’, ‘Zap’ and ‘Zoom’, they don’t improve the output, it is not a snail, but don’t look for tyre-shredding performance, it is a ‘steady as she goes’ driving experience.
After you accept it is not a racer, the 3XO becomes a relaxing drive, despite the short wheelbase the ride is composed, big potholes will shock the car, but otherwise it is a settled ride.
The raised ride height allows a decent amount of wheel travel in a small car, which also contributes to the settled feel about the suspen-
“SOLID AND RELIABLE SMALL CAR MOTORING, A GOOD FIRST OR LAST CAR”
sion, yes, racing over speed bumps will make the back end leap around, but most unladen front drivers will do the same thing.
Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, the wheel is not free spinning but it doesn’t need Arnielevel muscles to change direction.
Like most electric power steering systems, there is minimal free play at straight ahead, which also reduces driver fatigue, you aren’t fighting the wheel constantly.
Mahindra use a Japanese Aisin 6-speed auto, it is a smooth-shifting unit, blurring its way through changes with no crashing or thumping of gears.
With no hybrid drive or regenerative braking, the 3XO relies on traditional four-wheel-disc brakes, they do a great job of pulling it up smoothly and efficiently, they are a solid and reliable package.
This sums up its overall performance, it is solid, effective and reliable, without being a standout performer.
The 3XO is a small car, so don’t try to overload it, this is more the car for singles and couples with sometimes an extra passenger or two, but not what you would call a family car.
Inside the Mahindra 3X0.
The Mahindra is raising eyebrows in Australia.
Getting behind important initiative
As part of a new two-year commitment to community charity Share The Dignity, Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) is providing a D-Max X-Terrain ute to assist in pick-up and deliveries of donated period products to women in need.
“We’re delighted to join Share the Dignity in its mission to deliver self-respect to vulnerable Australians in their time of need,” said IUA Managing Director, Junta Matsui.
“This incredible charity is an inspiring story of Australians helping Australians, and we look forward to helping create even more meaningful impact in our community.”
IKEA accelerates electric truck
In a boost to the uptake of electric delivery trucks in Australian operations, retail giant IKEA is supporting transport companies to expand the use of electric trucks in their fleets.
Since 2019, IKEA has partnered with ANC Delivers, All Purpose Transport,
and Kings Transport to implement home deliveries with electric vehicles across Australia.
With most trucks owned by small businesses or subcontractors, a major challenge to operators wanting to add electric trucks to their operations has been the higher up-front costs, said Alexandra Kelly, Zero Emissions Project Leader, IKEA Australia & New
Zealand.
“Electric vans and trucks remain significantly more expensive than diesel alternatives, which is a major challenge for drivers who operate with low margins,” Kelly said.
The mother-of-two began by collecting period products alongside her Brisbane community, then distributing them to local homeless shelters.
Today her charity has over 3,500 volunteers across the country and has coordinated with some of Australia’s largest retailers to deliver millions of items to those in need.
Founded in 2015 by Rochelle Courtenay, Share The Dignity distributes vital period products to those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or domestic violence.
IUA has also committed to collaborating on the charity’s two major national annual campaigns: ‘Dignity Drive’, in March and August, and November’s ‘It’s in the Bag’, which helps women doing it tough at Christmas time.
For ‘In the Bag’, Australians are encouraged to donate a handbag at Bunnings stores filled with essential items, including period products, body wash, shampoo/ conditioner, deodorant, and a toothbrush/toothpaste, along with a thoughtful note of support.
Under a new leasing arrangement, IKEA bought four Volvo FL electric trucks, with a range of up to 450 kilometres and a payload of up to 5,500kg, which will be made available to delivery partners.
“The Volvo electric trucks, designed for longer distances, will be leased to ANC Delivers contractors through CarBon Leasing. ANC Delivers has been a valued partner to IKEA in our transition to zero emissions, and their continued support with this new pilot removes the barrier of upfront vehicle costs for contractors. By offering a leasing package as an attractive alternative to diesel trucks, drivers can access electric vehicles without financial risk.”
IKEA bought Volvo FL electric trucks as part of a lease deal with delivery partners in Australia
Rochelle Courtenay, founder of Share The Dignity, with the organisation’s new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain ute.
Team’s slice of history
Samuel Terry Public School wins first State Title after touch footy showdown
NATHAN TAYLOR
After four decades, Samuel Terry Public School have finally been crowned State Champions.
Last week, the Cranebrook-based primary school made history when their girls touch football team won the NSW PSSA Touch Football State Knockout.
Played in Tempe on November 10, the best primary schools from around the state went head to head in the ultimate touch footy tournament, with Samuel Terry coming out on top.
The winning side was made up of 14 girls from Years 4-6 at the school.
Speaking with the Weekender, coach Peter Langmack said it was a very special experience to be a part of.
“We trained hard and trained a lot over the last couple of months. Everyone knew their role, and they did their job,” he said.
“Everyone got behind each other, they didn’t argue, and they were a nice team to coach.
“To win the school’s first-ever State title makes it extra special.”
Samuel Terry Public School qualified for the prestigious State Knockout after becoming Sydney Region Champions back in September.
At the State Knockout, Samuel Terry took care of business against Dubbo Public School in the quarter final 8-3 before easily account-
ing for North Griffth Public School in the semi final 6-2.
Up against Newport Public School in the Final, the game was tight as you’d expect with Samuel Terry leading 6-5 before the unthinkable happened at full-time.
“We were leading by one try and then the hooter sounded and Newport scored, making it a 6-all draw,” Langmack recounted.
“In primary school sport, there’s no sudden death or extra time – they just make you joint State Champions.
“Yes, we didn’t lose, but the draw was hard to take.
“We’ve got the trophy at our school, but in June next year we’ll have to hand it to Newport to hold on to.
“Overall, the girls were very happy they were State Champions out of 860 schools.”
Samuel Terry hope they can go back-to-back, with much of the team intact for next year.
“Our two best players are only in Year 5,” Langmack said.
“We’ll hold State Touch Football Trials again next year and hopefully we can be back there competing on the big stage.”
Samuel Terry Public School are also hoping their boys team have better luck in 2026 after this year’s side were beaten in the Sydney West Grand Final, ruling them out of featuring in the State Knockout.
“Our boys team next year will be very good,” Langmack predicted.
Samuel Terry Public School were crowned joint State Champions.
panther rumblings
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
THERE’S A NEW TO’O IN TOWN
! New Panther cub: Brian To’o and his wife Moesha have welcomed a new little girl into their lives. Courage Epiphany To’o was born last week, with the couple sharing the exciting news on social media.
! Board interest: At least three possible Panthers Board election candidates attended a pre-nomination session at the club last week, suggesting an election will indeed be required early next year.
! Chloe’s cheering: The Pantherettes held a dinner last week to celebrate the 2025 season, with a number of awards handed out. Chloe Carter took out the Pantherette of the Year award, voted on by fellow members of the club’s official cheer squad.
! Spotted: Isaah Yeo and his partner Ash enjoying a child-free end-of-year holiday throughout Europe.
! Spotted: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary at Great Western Kia picking up his new Kia Tasman. It must run in the family – Nathan Cleary also has a Tasman.
! Podcast to return: The Weekender has confirmed its ‘Tension’s Running High’ podcast will be back next year. The final episode of 2025 with Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor is out now.
! Grandstand emerges: The early frame of the new Eastern Grandstand (pictured below) emerged from the old Penrith Park this week. Have you spotted it?
! Spill the tea: Heard some gossip? Got some news? Share it with The Masked Panther! I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@westernweekender. com.au
! Honouring debuts: The Panthers are on a mission to ensure those who played for the club are properly honoured. Before special embroided jerseys were introduced for debutant Panthers, players received debut trophies. But many were misplaced over the
years, never finding their rightful owners. The club has started reuniting the trophies with the players – and Jamie Olenjik, credited as Panther 311, was handed his debut trophy recently by Panthers legends Royce Simmons and Brad Waugh.
! Spotted: Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary is the latest NRL player to soak up Music City over the off-season. Nashville has become something of a must-see city for many players – with Cleary donning a cowboy hat on his visit this past week.
! John Farragher remembered: It was an emotional day in Gilgandra last week with hundreds turning out for the funeral service for John Farragher, the Panthers icon who passed away earlier this month. Those coming into the town were welcomed with banners honouring one of the town’s favourite sons, while the streets were decorated with Panthers balloons and streamers.
Panthers on the road for early part of 2026
Penrith will enter their 60th season in 2026 with a mission to reclaim the NRL Premiership after the Brisbane Broncos ended their historic fouryear title run last September.
The 2026 NRL draw, released last Friday, has handed Ivan Cleary’s side one of the toughest schedules in the competition, with the Panthers facing 13 games against 2025 top eight teams, including double headers against every recent Finals team except the Cronulla Sharks.
Penrith’s season will kick-off with a blockbuster rematch on Friday, March 6 at Suncorp Stadium against
defending Premiers Brisbane. The following week is a home away from home clash with the Sharks at Carrington Park in Bathurst, continuing the club’s long tradition of regional fixtures.
The Panthers will spend another week on the road in Round 3 when they take on Daly Cherry-Evans and the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Penrith will finally play at their temporary home of CommBank Stadium in Round 4 when they tackle the Parramatta Eels in the Battle of the West before they return to CommBank in Round 5 for a marquee Friday night showdown with the Melbourne Storm.
Round 7 sees the Panthers travel to steamy Darwin to battle the Dolphins at TIO Stadium, while in Round 11 Penrith will face-off against St George-Illawarra at Magic Round.
For the second straight year, the Panthers will battle last year’s Minor Premiers, Canberra, at Glen Willow Stadium – hoping for their own Miracle in Mudgee this time.
The Panthers will finish the regular season with back-to-back home games at CommBank Stadium – the first against old foes Canterbury on Friday, August 28 and the second against fierce rivals the Wests Tigers on Sunday, September 6 – the final game of the 2026 season.
All up, the Panthers will play at CommBank Stadium 11 times next season, with nine of those matches officially marked as ‘home’ games.
will enjoy three byes
next year in Rounds 12, 15 and 19.The NRL has said it has worked to reduce five-day turnarounds as well as repeat fixtures within a short timeframe, while also improving bye parity across clubs.
Some rugby league experts have labelled it a “nightmare” draw for Penrith, with the Panthers the only team slated for such heavy exposure against top opposition, plus travel demands including trips to Darwin, Townsville and Auckland, and no permanent home ground in Penrith, which remains under construction.
The NRL revealed it used Fastbreak AI’s industry-leading scheduling software platform to optimise next year’s schedule.
The newest To’o.
Penrith
NATHAN TAYLOR
Nathan Cleary with fans.
Home and ready to soar in A-League
After two years living in Perth, Jarrod Carluccio is happy to be back home again – playing with the club closest to his heart.
The 24-year-old was born in Liverpool Hospital and has been part of the Wanderers family since 2015, where he worked his way up through the club’s Academy ranks.
After eight years in Western Sydney, Carluccio moved to Perth on loan before he was made a permanent member of the Glory at the end of the 2023/24 season.
However, after 35 games out west, Carluccio would return to the Wanderers in January on a one-anda-half year deal.
Speaking with the Weekender, Carluccio said he’s stoked to be
home after several years away.
“Perth is a lovely city, but being back has been really good,” he said.
“You don’t always get a chance to come back and play for your hometown club. I had my first stint here – I was here for a long time before I went away.”
Carluccio said he grew up a lot being away from the place he’s known his whole life.
“I feel like I learned a lot and grew a lot, not just as a footballer, but as a man,” the Penrith Panthers fan said.
“To be able to come home and to be able to represent the club again, I’m very grateful and humble. I really want to kick on and not only put my best foot forward but be part of a really successful team this year.”
The Wanderers currently sit in second last place on the A-League Men’s ladder, yet to win a game after
four matches this season. While it’s still early days, the team still have high hopes for season 2025/26.
“I came back in January this year and we sort of had a bit of a slump in form and then we kicked on and we went 12 games unbeaten to finish the year,” Carluccio said.
“We then got knocked out in the Elimination Final, which was a shock to everyone because we were so used to not losing.
“I think that feeling lit a massive fire in the belly and it made us, as a group, a lot more excited and eager to finish what we started last season and what we started building.”
The Wanderers and the rest of the A-League enjoyed last weekend off due to the International Break. They will return to the pitch this Saturday evening to play the fifthplaced Central Coast Mariners at
need a full squad to do well,” he said.
“The A-League is tough in summer… it’s really hot and you
“I think last year we showed that having good squad depth helps and I think we’ve got a really strong squad this year and it’s healthy competition, which is going to push the squad to be better.”
CommBank Stadium.
As the weather starts to heat up, Carluccio said he has faith in his whole squad to continue to improve over the summer.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Jarrod Carluccio is happy to be back home.
SPORTS SHORTS
Surprise visit from top athlete
ATHLETICS: Little Athletics stars of the future from Colyton St Clair and Werrington Little Athletics Clubs got a surprise visit from an Australian Olympian last Saturday, with three-time Olympic high jumper and western Sydney product Brandon Starc stopping by. Local athletes were pumped to rub shoulders with the Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist as part of the Coles Little Athletics Community Round. Starc, who is also a Coles Ambassador, not only posed for countless photos and signed autographs, but he also imparted some great advice to the young athletes. Well done!
CRICKET: Penrith have lost yet another game, this time going down to Sutherland in Round 6 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day match at Howell Oval, Sutherland won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith struggled with the bat, dismissed for just 130. Callan Kean top scored for Penrith with 52. When Sutherland resumed their session with the bat on day two, they reached Penrith’s target with ease before being dismissed for 229. Fast bowler Liam Doddrell took an impressive 5/77, while Zach Rizzo took 4/52. Penrith will hit the road this weekend to play Western Suburbs in a Two-Day match at Pratten Park.
CRICKET: Penrith have finished with the wooden spoon in the Women’s Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup, losing to Sydney in the final round of the competition. Playing at Howell Oval last Sunday afternoon, Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. Penrith posted 6/91 after 20 overs. Annabel Batty lived up to her name, smashing 37 off 36 balls. When Sydney hit the crease later that afternoon, they reached Penrith’s target with five wickets and five overs in hand. It was an unfortunate season for Penrith’s T20 team, losing all nine games to finish dead last on the ladder. Penrith’s first grade women’s team will contest the Ruth Preddey Cup, beginning on Sunday, November 30 against Bankstown at Howell Oval.
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have secured their first victory of the A-League Women’s season, defeating Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Spencer Park last Sunday afternoon. After several close calls throughout the match, the winner finally arrived in the 87th minute. Ella Buchanan latched onto a cross inside the area and showed brilliant awareness to square the ball to substitute Olivia Price, who guided home the decisive finish. It was a deserved reward for a dominant performance and a crucial three points of the season for the Wanderers. The
FOOTBALL: Congratulations to Glenmore Park’s Patrick Beach, who made his Socceroos debut in Australia’s 1-0 loss to Venezuela last weekend. The 22-year-old goalkeeper from Melbourne City was voted the Player of the Match after producing four saves in his maiden appearance. Well done, Pat!
GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks had a mostly disastrous weekend of results in Round 10 of the Gridiron NSW competition. In Tackle Football, Nepean’s Men’s team went down to the Sydney Uni Lions 34-12, while Nepean’s Colts team smashed the Sydney Uni Cubs 36-8. In Flag Football, Nepean’s Women’s team lost to the Northern Sydney Rebels White 42-12 and lost to the Northern Sydney Rebels Purple 33-24. Meanwhile, Nepean’s U15s team went down to the Wollongong Mustangs 27-20, and they also went down to the Katangs Blue 30-12. Two weeks remain of the regular season.
GOLF: Springwood Golf Club hosted the final Western Sydney Veteran Region Golfers Association interclub competition for 2025 last week, with 127 keen golfers enjoying a pleasantly warm day in the lower mountains. As the last game for the year results on the day were anxiously awaited with Player of the Year and Club of the Year titles to be finalised. In the Club of the Year, each club’s score for a
competition is the total of the stableford scores of their four most successful players. These scores are then totalled over the eight rounds of play. Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club proved the surprise packets of the day, winning their first team event of the year with an impressive 149 stableford points – amassed by Kim Stockbridge (41), Fred Croyston (37), Steven Loader (37) and Judy Loader (34). Other team scores on the day were Dunheved with 147, Wallacia with 146, Springwood with 145, Leonay with 141, Penrith with 137, Richmond with 134 and Glenmore with 127. Despite Richmond being near the tail of the field, the scores of the other clubs were not enough to overcome their considerable lead in the overall competition and they claimed the 2025 title of Club of the Year with an impressive 1115 stableford points. They were followed by Wallacia (1093), Glenmore (1089), Dunheved (1073) Penrith (1042), Leonay (1038), Stonecutters (1022) and Springwood (948). In the Men’s Player of the Year competition, Steven Loader’s contribution for Stonecutters was enough for him to edge out a close group to claim the title. In this event, a player’s best three stableford scores over the eight competition rounds determines their final score. Steven’s total of 109 saw him just ahead of John Searle (Glenmore, 108), James Bullock (Richmond, 108), Warren Husband (Wallacia, 107), and Glenn Brown (Dunheved, 106). In all, 16 players were within six points in a very tight contest. The Ladies Player of the Year was more clear-cut with Dunheved’s Elaine Williams maintaining her lead with a runner-up score of 38 points at Springwood to finish the season with a total of 109. Second was Julie Berg (Penrith, 100) followed by Lynnette Luttinger (Richmond, 96), Jane Mackie (Richmond, 95) and Debra Moussa (Penrith, 93).
Wander Women will once again hit the road this Saturday when they travel up to Newcastle to play the Jets in Round 4.
Brandon Starc hanging with athletes from Werrington Little Athletics Club.
The Wanderers beat Brisbane 1-0.
Golfers hit the Springwood course last week.
SPORT
School’s long wait is over – see Page 60
TEEING OFF ON GOLF MARATHON
Penrith golfer and local business owner Matt Newton will swing for the Starlight Children’s Foundation this weekend, attempting to break the official Guinness World Record of 756 holes played in 24 hours – or 42 complete 18-hole courses.
Newton’s marathon forms a part of X-Golf Australia’s annual Starlight Swing charity month, a nationwide initiative uniting golfing communities across 27 locations in a bid to grant five life-changing wishes for seriously ill children.
“When you see what Starlight does – the happiness they bring to kids doing it tough – it hits you,” Newton said.
“This is a cause very close to our hearts, so every swing and every blister will be worth it.”
The record breaking attempt will be held at X-Golf Penrith, located at 55-61 York Road, from 5pm this Saturday, November 22, with locals and supporters invited to come along and cheer him on.
Newton will be on his feet swinging for the entire 24-hour period, forgoing sleep and being kept energised via the on-site kitchen and with moral support from the lively local community.
Having undergone chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014, X-Golf’s Peter Nolan knows firsthand the difference fundraising support can make.
“It was wonderful to witness the positivity the Starlight Children’s Foundation brings to children during challenging times,” Nolan said.
“And it’s really rewarding to see our team’s dedication to making an impact like this. What Matt’s doing goes right to the heart of what X-Golf stands for – community, courage and making a change.”
Newton is calling for support from the Penrith community to make his 24-hour attempt an official Guinness World Record.
“I’m just one golfer with a big goal, but it’s the people around me who make this a success,” he said.
“I’m calling on our local community, nearby businesses and friends everywhere to get behind this and help turn every hole I play into a moment of happiness for a child who really needs it.”
Don’t miss Matt Newton’s Guinness World Record attempt live in action from 5pm this Saturday, November 22 at X-Golf Penrith, 55-61 York Road.
To make a donation to the Starlight Foundation, visit www.xgolf. com.au/starlight-swing.
