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the western Thursday, November 5, 2026

www.westernweekender.com.au

Celebrating 35 years!

What’s on the box? TV Guide Pages 60-61

2027 TRAVEL GUIDE Relax, unwind and get away

Whether you’re travelling interstate, heading overseas or planning a staycation, we’ve got you covered with all your 2027 travel ideas! Feature starts Page 37

FESTIVE TRADITION

REMEMBRANCE DAY

SERIOUS BUSINESS

Wishing Tree Appeal: Page 2

Lest We Forget: Pages 4, 11-14

World Cup heats up: Page 85

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LOCAL NEWS

Festive tradition

Interest rates up in Cup Day blow The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delivered a hit to mortgage holders on Tuesday, increasing the official cash rate to 4.85 per cent. The 18-year high will put pressure on locals already battling a cost-of-living crisis. It’s the fifth time interest rates have increased this year.

COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF LAND – ROADS ACT 1993 Attention is invited to the notice published in Government Gazette No 426 of Friday, 16 October 2026 reference [NSWGG-2026-426-2] regarding the compulsory acquisition of land for road purposes at Kemps Creek and Mount Vernon in the Penrith City Council area and said to be in the possession of various owners. (TfNSW Papers: SF2025/193692)

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ocal MP Prue Car has helped Kmart and The Salvation Army launch their Wishing Tree Appeal for 2026. The official launch was held at Kmart’s St Marys store last Friday. In 2025, more than 350,000 gifts were donated through the national Appeal, highlighting the generosity of customers who continue to support families and individuals experiencing hardship. NSW saw particularly strong engagement, with gift donations increasing by 5.2 per cent compared to the previous year, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of communities across the state to helping those in need during the holiday season. “The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is about coming together and looking out for one another, to make the Christmas season a little brighter for families across NSW,” Car said at Friday’s launch. “Every contribution, large or small, is an act of kindness, that makes a difference for our neighbours in need.” Kmart Group Managing

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Prue Car and Santa Claus at Kmart St Marys. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Director Aleks Spaseska said the Appeal continues to play an important role in supporting Australian families, particularly as cost-of-living pressures place increasing strain on households. “We know many Australian families are doing it tough, and for some, Christmas can bring added financial pressure at an already challenging time. That’s why the Kmart Wishing Tree

Appeal is more important than ever,” Spaseska said. “At Kmart, our purpose is to make everyday living brighter, and through our long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army, we’re proud to make it easy for Australians to support people in their own communities. “Whether it’s placing a gift under the tree or making a small contribution, every act of

generosity can make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing hardship this Christmas.” Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hateley of The Salvation Army said the generosity of NSW communities helped provide important support to people and families experiencing hardship. “Every year, Australians support The Salvation Army and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to bring hope to people in our community who need a hand. The generosity of NSW communities helps us make Christmas a little brighter while also providing practical support to people throughout the year,” he said. This year, there is a particular need for gifts suitable for teenagers and gifts that help families connect and spend time together, including outdoor equipment, board games, headphones, gift cards, educational toys, backpacks, and arts and crafts. The NSW community can support the Appeal by placing an unwrapped gift under a Wishing Tree at any Kmart store or by making a financial contribution in store or online.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

“Look them in the eye”: MP’s savage blast for Albanese TROY DODDS

indsay MP Melissa McIntosh has launched an explosive attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, demanding the government take action as many local families hit breaking point. It comes as cost-of-living pressures mount and interest rates rise. “Anthony Albanese should look a full-time working Penrith parent lining up at Mama Lana’s in the eye and explain why working hard no longer puts food on the table,” McIntosh said. “Just hours after Tuesday’s devastating rate hike, Mama Lana’s revealed demand had surged from 250-300 meals a night to 350-400 in just one month, with new faces arriving every evening. “Rates are at their highest since 2008, but mortgages are 188 per cent bigger. In mortgage stress hotspots like Cambridge Gardens, this could be the hike that breaks them.” McIntosh said the Australian dream was “being crushed”. “The cost-of-living crisis is driving even dual-income families to charity, with Mama Lana’s and Penrith Vinnies witnessing the heartbreaking toll,” she said. “If the sight of working parents lining up for charity meals doesn’t shake the Albanese Government into action, what on earth will?” The government has largely blamed issues overseas for pushing up inflation and interest rates.

Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh.

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“The war is now in its ninth month and its re-escalation is putting sustained upward pressure on inflation, weighing on growth, and its end can’t come soon enough for the global economy,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. Chalmers conceded Tuesday’s rate rise was “difficult news” for many.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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

www.westernweekender.com.au facebook.com/westernweekender @westernweekender @westernweekender @wwpenrith @westernweekender.bsky.social @westernweekender Western Weekender Issue 1770 Advertising: Editorial:

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Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor Journalist: Emily Chate Journalist: Keely Marsh Journalist: Madeline Dantier Photographer: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au or text 0434 986 622 Sales Executives: Andrew Harris, Maria Van Den Broek, Callum Gilbert, Rebecca Vella To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production: Kacey Wilson, Madeline Dantier, Ian Beard

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There’s many ways to get your paper each week – including via email! Visit westernweekender.com.au/getapaper to find out more.

The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 9261 1930). For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

A time to reflect on the past We must always remember Remembrance Day may not be as embedded as ANZAC Day in our national psyche, but it remains one of our nation’s most important days. It can be easy to let 11am on November 11 just slide by. Perhaps not deliberately, but part of the busyness of our days. Which is why I’m encouraging everyone to set themselves a reminder for 10.55am next Wednesday. However you do it – paper diary, Outlook calendar, AI assistant... choose your poison. Find a way to give just a few minutes out of your day to reflect on our nation’s war history, those we lost in conflict and the many more impacted by Australia’s involvement in such battles and campaigns. Perhaps it’ll be at one of the local Remembrance Day services, most prominently held in Penrith and St Marys. Maybe it’ll be at work. Find just a few moments to yourself, to reflect and remember. Our shopping centres, clubs and the like tend to do a terrific job of pausing at this important moment. I am lucky enough to have grown up with war being largely on the sideline of my life. I’ve been born into an era where the likelihood of me going overseas to fight in battle is about as likely as Anthony Albanese winning the local popularity contest. Others were not so fortunate. But many, as we have heard through generations of stories, saw it not as an unwanted chore, but an honour. Brave beyond belief. One of them was my great-uncle, Ronald Mulligan, who died as a Prisoner of War in Borneo. He was just 24. As time passes, the ugliness of war, often confined to scenes on our television screens thousands upon thousands of kilometres away, can feel anything but real. And for the lives we live today, we have those like Ronald Mulligan to thank. They deserve a few moments of our time next Wednesday.

INDEX

A changing radio landscape It was Saturday, May 8, 2004. I tuned into the Continuous Call Team on 2GB at Midday, as so many religiously did at that time. This time it was with a heavy heart. Journalist Peter Frilingos, a key member of the juggernauts of rugby league radio, had died of a heart attack days earlier. As Ray Hadley came on air, announcing the Continuous Call Team would take the weekend off, it felt like a family member was addressing you. These were the days where radio brought you together, where the listener very much did feel part of a family, or a community. Radio is changing, and so is the Continuous Call Team.

“The Melbourne Cup doesn’t have that special feeling about it anymore”

Last week, 2GB announced major changes to the way the program would work from next year. In short, the banter, laughter and pre-game antics that have made the show a success are gone. Discussions over why are probably best left elsewhere. But I found it a bit of a hit to the nostalgic heart when the news came though. Not necessarily because the show was still at its best. But because it brought back so many memories of listening to the Continuous Call through the 1990s and 2000s. It was appointment radio for any rugby league fan.

News..........................................................1-27 Business..............................................28-32 Connection to Country.........33-36

In many ways you just felt like the Continuous Call Team was going to be there forever. Now it’s all but gone. A new generation will perhaps fall in love with the new format and digital offerings they’ll be producing. For those of us from another era though, it’s the closing of a chapter. Thanks for the memories boys – and girls, as was occasionally the case. The glory days may have been long gone, but it’s still a tough loss. Cup Day loses its shine Talking of the glory days being over, what do we make of the Melbourne Cup in 2026? It was once the race that stopped the nation, but now it feels like it’s more of a brief pause. Anyone else feel the day is more about habit than it is actually enjoying it all? And I’m not suggesting animal rights activists or those keen on us having zero enjoyment have won, or that people have turned away as part of any sort of protest. But it just doesn’t have that special feeling about it anymore. I’m told functions are getting harder to sell. They were once a goldmine for pubs and clubs across the country. You would once have to stand in line for hours at the local TAB to get your bet on. Now it’s all done by phone, the community aspect of it all somehow lost. And as a spectacle itself, it feels as though racing lovers have moved on to other events as their chosen must-sees, particularly in Sydney where the industry has changed significantly. I can’t say I’ve ever been deeply into Melbourne Cup Day, largely because Tuesday afternoon has always been a pretty critical part of the week for us here at the paper. But there would be people this week, particularly younger generations, who wouldn’t have a clue that the Melbourne Cup was even on this past Tuesday. That’s perhaps also a sign of how split the media has become; so dominated by algorithms that if it ain’t your thing, you won’t hear a thing about it. Is the great race no longer great?

2027 Travel Guide......................37-52 Entertainment..............................53-62 Home & Lifestyle.......................63-82

Motoring....................................................83 Sport.....................................................84-88

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LOCAL NEWS

Next steps loom for Bradfield

he State Government has opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a development partner to deliver Bradfield City’s new Enterprise Precinct. Located next to the Advanced Manufacturing Precinct and a short walk from the City Precinct, new Bradfield Metro Station and two-hectare Central Park, the Enterprise Precinct is expected to become a thriving business precinct for blue-chip businesses, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, researchers and education institutions to establish and grow in Australia’s first new city in 100 years. The EOI will identify an experienced development partner to help realise the precinct’s potential and deliver an initial 6.7 hectares of land to support local industry, high-value jobs, investment and stronger supply chains. The Enterprise Precinct is expected to attract businesses in advanced manufacturing, construction innovation, aerospace, semiconductor technology, clean technol-

ogy, freight and logistics, education and research, defence and supporting sectors. “With Western Sydney International Airport now open, Bradfield City sits at the centre of innovation in Australia, and with that comes jobs, industry, and economic opportunities, where locals can build careers close to home,” Deputy Premier Prue Car said. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “Bradfield City is well on its way to becoming a thriving hub for jobs, industry and innovation, and the Enterprise Precinct is a critical part of that vision.” “We’re now looking for an experienced development partner to turn that demand into a thriving Enterprise Precinct where businesses of all sizes can establish, grow and create jobs,” he added. For more information, visit https://bradfield.city/opportunities/enterprise-precinct. More Bradfield news: Head online and visit www.bradfieldbulletin.com.au.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

LAWandORDER Police Snapshot

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Legal Matters

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Luddenham: Plates confiscated after alleged speeding A Glenmore Park man has had his motorcycle plates confiscated after he was clocked riding at excessive speeds at Luddenham. About 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 27, police were conducting mobile speed enforcement on The Northern Road, Luddenham in a northerly direction when they observed a white BMW motorcycle travelling in a southerly direction at excessive speed. Police stopped the vehicle and had a conversation with the driver, a 37-year-old Glenmore Park man. The man was subjected to a roadside breath and oral fluid test, both returning negative results. The man was spoken to and checks were made on the status of the man’s licence. The man’s licence was suspended on the spot and due to the speed, the plates on the motorcycle were confiscated. The man was charged with multiple offences and will front Liverpool Local Court on November 18.

Penrith: Teen attacked with machete in bathroom A teenager will front court after allegedly attacking a younger boy with a machete in a public bathroom. About 4.45pm on Friday, October 30, a 13-year-old Cranebrook youth was at a major shopping centre in Penrith. The youth attended a bathroom and used the facilities. As he was in the vestibule area a 17-year-old Jamisontown youth has entered the bathroom. As the 13-year-old was washing his hands it is alleged the 17-year-old has approached him holding a machete and has said words to the 13-year-old. It is alleged the 17-year-old has slapped the 13-year-old to the face with the flat side of the machete several times and kicked him. It is alleged the 17-year-old has swung the machete at the 13-year-old, and the 13-yearold has raised his hand to protect himself. The 17-year-old has left the bathroom and the 13-year-old has sustained a deep laceration to his hand. He attempted to wash the wound in the bathroom but could not stop the bleeding and wrapped his hand in his jumper and returned to his friends who were outside the shopping centre. Police and paramedics were contacted. The 17-year-old youth was identified, and Police attended his Jamisontown address. He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged

with ‘reckless wounding’. The youth will appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

Penrith: Pre-Christmas court date for man busted drink driving A man pulled over for speeding has also landed himself a drink driving charge. About 1.50am on Sunday, November 1, police were patrolling Castlereagh Road, Penrith. Police have stopped a vehicle for speeding. Officers have had a conversation with the driver, a 19-year-old Kingswood man. Checks on his licence revealed he was a Class P2 driver. Police could smell alcohol on the man, and he was submitted to a breath test that proved positive. He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station for the purpose of a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.083. The man’s licence was suspended. He was charged, and issued a traffic infringement for the speeding offence. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on December 12.

Penrith: Out-of-towner allegedly assaults police officer About 9am on Monday, November 2, police were patrolling a car park on Woodriff Street, Penrith. Police have seen a male person to be standing in the middle of the roadway in the car park. Police have stopped and spoken with the man. They have asked his details, and he has supplied a name. Check on that name did not match the man. Police told the man it was an offence to supply a false name. The man has started to walk off, and he was told to stop. Police have spoken with persons at nearby serviced apartment that gave the man’s real name. Checks on this name have revealed the man was a 42-year-old Narromine man wanted on an outstanding warrant. The man was told he was under arrest and started to run away. Police have caught the man and as the female officer has reached out the man has grabbed the officer’s wrist, squeezed hard and scratched her. A member of the public has assisted the female officer and the man was handcuffed. He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with a range of offences, including ‘assault police officer in execution of duty’. The man was bail refused and was scheduled to appear in court yesterday.

Generations of Trust.

WANT TO SETTLE BEFORE CHRISTMAS? This week very year marks roughly eight working weeks until Christmas. In the world of buying and selling property, the settlement period is usually six weeks. This means that if you are looking to buy or sell property and finalise your transaction this side of Christmas, you need to be on the market or under contract in the next fortnight. Eight weeks might seem like a long time, but when you have to do things like prepare a property for sale, get photographs, appoint a real estate agent and have a solicitor prepare your sale contract you have less time up your sleeve than you might think. If you are buying, you need to finalise a pre-approval with your mortgage broker if you haven’t already, take stock of your financial position and think about what repayments you can afford and if you haven’t already get an understanding of exactly what type of property you are looking for. Here are some tips and hints: Selling If you are selling, we recommend you do the following in the next fortnight: 1. Get a real estate agent out to inspect your property to provide a market appraisal and ask them for their opinion about what you can do to your property to make it more appealing. They usually have some great inexpensive, quick tips that will make your home more attractive to buyers. 2. Make a decision about your next step. Are you selling to buy? If you don’t find a property to buy before the sale of your property is finalised, are you going to move into a rental, or stay with family? 3. Speak to your solicitor about preparing a contract for sale. Your real estate agent can’t market your property for sale without a sale contract. Having a contract ready to go so you can pull the trigger immediately when you decide to list prevents unnecessary delays.

4. If you have a swimming pool, make sure it is registered and organise a swimming pool inspector to provide either a non-compliance or a compliance certificate as these documents need to be included in your contract and often cause delays. Even if your swimming pool is not compliant, you still need to put a certificate to that effect in your contract. 5. If you have documents that relate to your property that might assist a buyer, get them together. Things like surveys, occupation certificates, development applications (no matter how old), appliance warranties and stuff of this nature are good to have so that if a purchaser asks you can provide them quickly. 6. Talk to your mortgage broker about discharging your mortgage and if you are selling to buy, get a pre-approval in place now. Buying Buying is very similar to selling, but surprise surprise, in the reverse. 1. Speak to your mortgage broker about getting a pre-approval in place before you start going to open homes. You need to know how much you can borrow, what the repayments will be and if you can afford them. 2. Contact us to talk to one of our team about the process. It is obligation free, and we will happily talk with you over the phone, so you know what to expect. Going to an open home, making an offer, being asked to make a deposit and sign a contract are all daunting things. The better you understand how the process works the more equipped you will be to hit the open home circuit with confidence. 3. Start having a look at past sales on websites like realestate.com.au and Domain to get an understanding of what properties, like the ones you are looking at having been selling for in the past few months. Recent sales are the best indicator.

STORM BRINGS HEAVY RAIN, STRONG WINDS A spectacular storm swept through Penrith on Tuesday, bringing with it heavy rain, winds and lightning strikes. Almost 9mm of rain fell in the hour between 5pm and 6pm. It created havoc on the roads across Penrith with visibility significantly reduced. Wind gusts of around 50km/h were recorded at Penrith Lakes. While there were some localised power

outages, electricity providers reported no widespread issues. The weather also forced a delay in Jetstar’s service to the Gold Coast from Western Sydney International Airport. Train commuters were the worst hit, facing a slow trip home, with the weather damaging equipment at Blacktown and causing delays on the T1 Western Line. Rain is tipped for the weekend.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

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WSI TAKES TO THE SKIES

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And what a launch it was! We were joined by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Anthony Albanese, along with a number of former Prime Ministers, as well as the NSW Premier the Honourable Chris Minns, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley Governor of NSW, and many other distinguished guests including the Leaders of the Federal and State Opposition, former ministers, parliamentarians and local mayors. Most importantly, it was an occasion to acknowledge the more than 10,000 workers who spent millions of hours bringing WSI to life – more than half of whom hailed from Western Sydney! The airport is their legacy and I’m so proud that WSI’s heritage in Western Sydney will shape the region’s economy, industry and opportunities for the next hundred years. On our opening day, we saw around 15,000 people come through WSI’s terminal. It was a source of immense pride to see so many expectant and thrilled faces coming into the terminal for the first time and turning upwards in awe, to gaze at the expansive ceilings that reflect the nearby Blue Mountains and Cumberland Plains landscapes. It really is a stunning terminal, brought to life by a vast amount of natural light, space, and locally sourced materials. There’s plenty to see and experience at WSI, with a retail and hospitality offering commensurate with our flight schedule. Everything at WSI is built for growth and our retail experience is no different, so we look forward to keeping you updated on new restaurants, cafes and shops opening at

the airport over the coming weeks and months. We are pleased to have launched WSI with Duty Free and other specialty retail brands like EyeLove and Tech2Go, meaning we have close to 10,000 products available for sale from Prada sunglasses to Chloe fragrances and Apple products. We also have multiple stores for people to get food and drink before they board their flight or return home, including four Westbound cafes. We are proud that Westbound serves St Dreux Coffee - a Western Sydney, Prestons-based business, along with a variety of food and drinks from wraps and sandwiches to toasties, salads and pastries. The Westbound cafes are also licensed so travellers can grab a wine, cold beer or some bubbles while they wait for their flight. We also have RELAY stores where passengers can enjoy ‘grab-n-go’ sandwiches and wraps, salads, sushi, hot pastries, baked goods as well as tea, coffee and cold drinks. Excitingly, in about a month’s time Katoomba-based craft brewery Mountain Culture will launch two restaurants at WSI in its domestic and international departure areas serving its award-winning craft beers alongside a modern Australian menu in a restaurant-bar setting. This is the beginning of something great - WSI is built for growth and will deliver more services for Sydney’s growing population, which means more choice and greater flexibility on when, where and how you choose to fly. Greater choice also creates greater competition, which is always welcome news for consumers. This truly is your airport, and all of Western Sydney should be tremendously proud of that enduring legacy. I encourage you to book a ticket to come and experience WSI for yourself, or take advantage of the three hours free parking offer we have available to book online and see what the fuss is all about. I can’t wait to welcome you to WSI.

FROM SOME OF WSI’S FIRST PASSENGERS “WSI’s opening day was surreal, not just because of the buzz and outright rarity of the occasion, but because everything worked like clockwork. Everything was seamless from the M12 experience driving there, right up to takeoff. The airport is simply extraordinary in its design and is without a doubt the best airport in Australia. On our way home, it only took an hour to get back home to the eastern suburbs by car – even the school drop-off in the morning sometimes takes longer! My family and I can’t wait to keep booking our travel from WSI.” John Donnellan, flying from WSI to Melbourne with children Phoenix (11) and Coco (8) “I had visited WSI previously for a tour and a trial day, but flying into it was a completely different experience. Flying in over the Blue Mountains and Warragamba at low altitude was stunning. That was the moment it really struck me that I was landing at my home airport, and it was quite an emotional experience. I really felt a sense of ownership. This is our airport. The WSI terminal is beautiful inside and out. It is light, open and the colours and the windows are relaxing. The process through immigration and biosecurity was quick and seamless. One of the biggest aspects for me was just how easy it was to get home. It was a short walk to my car and about a 20-minute drive home with no tolls. It felt great to land in my hometown and travel home so easily.” - Karyn Wesselingh, flying into WSI from Auckland

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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Sunday October 25th 2026 will go down as one of the highlights of my professional life with WSI’s launch marking the opening of Australia’s first major greenfield airport in over half a century. Our first domestic passengers were thrilled, taking to the skies for the very first time on Jetstar’s flight JQ362, with Air NZ’s NZ165 bringing in the first international travellers the very next day.

LOCAL NEWS

WEIR DEATH PROBED TROY DODDS

coroner has recommended exploring significant changes to Penrith Weir, including its potential removal, in response to a tragic death nearly five years ago. Emily Warn died on Australia Day 2022 after a boat on which she was a passenger capsized over the Penrith Weir. She was ejected from the boat and became caught in a strong recirculating entrapment zone caused by the high-water flow rate on the Nepean River at the time. Emily’s mother requested her daughter be referred to by her first name by the coroner, a request the Weekender will also follow. Only 33 at the time, Emily left behind two young children and was engaged to be married to her partner, David Saunders. The children now live with her mother, who attended each day of the recent inquest into Emily’s death. “The impact of losing Emily has changed every part of Mrs Warn’s life,” Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes said in her findings. “She expressed the daily pain she suffers in losing a child and explained that the pain does not end and follows her at every moment, and in everything that should have included Emily but never will. She also witnesses the pain and confusion of the children.” Saunders was charged over the Australia Day incident, but those charges were eventually dismissed. He passed away in November 2025.

Emily Warn died in an Australia Day tragedy in Penrith in 2022.

As part of the inquest, the coroner looked at the extensive history of Penrith Weir in terms of its construction and purpose. She also looked in detail at the events of Australia Day 2022, finding that Emily’s partner had high levels of experience with boats and had held a boat licence for close to 40 years. In addition to Emily and her partner,

Emily’s father and two children were also in attendance that day. The coroner raised issues around signage and whether there was sufficient warnings around the weir and its dangers. The speed at which the boat was travelling was also questioned. Crucially, the inquest found safety buoys

designed to warn boaters of the weir had been washed away during flooding and were not in place when the tragedy occurred. Why they had not been replaced became a central focus of the inquest. An inspection on January 25, 2022, the day before the tragedy, identified the missing buoys. However, the inspection information was not entered into the maintenance system until January 27, after Emily’s death. Since the tragedy, additional safety buoys and warning signs have been installed, while WaterNSW has overhauled its inspection procedures. In her findings, the coroner recommended that WaterNSW explore the feasibility of either removing or modifying the Penrith Weir; for example by the installation of a Rock Ramp Weir, a Flip-lip spillway or a Stepped spillway to further mitigate or eliminate the risk of increased flows over the weir creating an entrapment zone of recirculating water immediately downstream of the weir. She also recommended WaterNSW, Penrith City Council and Transport for NSW consider developing a framework or memorandum of understanding regarding the coordination of responses, and formalising of roles and responsibilities of each agency in relation to the management of the risks posed by Penrith Weir to the safety of river users. WaterNSW told the Weekender it supports the recommendations made by the NSW Coroner and is actively working to improve inter-agency coordination for the management of safety risks around the Penrith Weir.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

Walk Against Violence 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ʽˢ˜ˡ ˢ˨˥ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˪˔˟˞ ˙ˢ˥ ˔ ˦˔˙˘˥ʟ ˠˢ˥˘ ˥˘˦ˣ˘˖˧˙˨˟ ˙˨˧˨˥˘ʡ ˆ˨ˡ˗˔ˬ ʥʬ ˁˢ˩˘ˠ˕˘˥ ˆ˧˔˥˧˦ ʬ˔ˠ

Tench Reserve, Jamisontown

News

ALL

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

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

HEROES

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢʤʩ˗˔ˬ˦

ˊʸ

CAN

(opposite East Bank Dining Precinct)

Council Briefs West Lane closure, St Marys As part of the next stage of the St Marys central park project, a small section of West Lane at the Charles Hackett Drive intersection will be permanently closed from approximately Monday 9 November 2026. There will no longer be vehicle or pedestrian access from ʶ˛˔˥˟˘˦ ʻ˔˖˞˘˧˧ ʷ˥˜˩˘ ˢˡ˧ˢ ˊ˘˦˧ ʿ˔ˡ˘ʡ ˇ˥˔˙Ѓ˖ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˥˘˗˜˥˘˖˧˘˗ to a new one-way road between Carinya Avenue and West Lane, approximately 35-metres south of Charles Hackett Drive, which will be open from 9 November. Footpath access along Charles Hackett Drive will remain open, with pedestrian access to West Lane via Carinya Avenue. Access to Kokoda Place car park is also via Carinya Avenue. This project is funded by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council. ˇˢ Ѓˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ʟ ˩˜˦˜˧ʭ ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˦˧ˠ˔˥ˬ˦˖˘ˡ˧˥˔˟ˣ˔˥˞

Naming proposal – Kevin Crameri Reserve Council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to name a currently unnamed reserve, Kevin Crameri Reserve. The reserve borders Nagle Street, Bethany Circuit and Delany Circuit in Jordan Springs, and Ninth Avenue in Llandilo. ˇ˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˘˗ ˡ˔ˠ˘ ˥˘˖ˢ˚ˡ˜˦˘˦ ˧˛˘ ˦˜˚ˡ˜Ѓ˖˔ˡ˧ ˖ˢˡ˧˥˜˕˨˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ the late Kevin Crameri, a former Penrith Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, to the Penrith community. Alternative names are not being sought as part of this consultation.

Join us at Village Café Drop into Village Café to make new friends in your neighbourhood over a free barista-made coffee. Everyday moments of connection can make a big difference to improving wellbeing. Join us this month to connect with local services and gain free health and wellbeing advice. ʷ˥ˢˣ ˜ˡʟ ˡˢ ˕ˢˢ˞˜ˡ˚˦ ˥˘ˤ˨˜˥˘˗ʭ • ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ ʤʥ ˁˢ˩˘ˠ˕˘˥ Wainwright Park,Kingswood from 9.30–11.30am • ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ ʤʬ ˁˢ˩˘ˠ˕˘˥ Wattle Park, North St Marys from 9–11am • ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ ʥʩ ˁˢ˩˘ˠ˕˘˥ Wilson Park, Llandilo from 9.30–11.30am See you at Village Café! For more information visit ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˩˜˟˟˔˚˘˖˔˙˘

Public Notice ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʦʫʵ Roads Act 1993 – ˃˥ˢˣˢ˦˘˗ ˅ˢ˔˗ ʶ˟ˢ˦˜ˡ˚ In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council proposes to close the council public road listed in Schedule 1. ˆ˖˛˘˗˨˟˘ ʤʭ Portion of Augusta Place St Clair. Adjacent to 27 Augusta Place. ˇ˛˘ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˥ˢ˔˗ ˜˦ ˜˗˘ˡ˧˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˠ˔ˣ ˕˘˟ˢ˪ ˢ˨˧˟˜ˡ˘˗ in yellow.

Have your say at ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˞˘˩˜ˡʠ˖˥˔ˠ˘˥˜ʠ ˖ˢˡ˦˨˟˧˔˧˜ˢˡ by 11.59pm, Monday 30 November 2026.

Meeting Dates Monday 9 November – 7pm (Policy & Strategy Committee Meeting) Monday 30 November – 7pm (Ordinary Council Meeting) Online via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

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

Have your say on the formal naming of Gipps Street Recreation Precinct Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is a well-known destination for sport, recreation, play and community activities. Council is proposing to formally recognise Gipps Street Recreation Precinct ˔˦ ˧˛˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˜˔˟ ˡ˔ˠ˘ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˥˘˦˘˥˩˘ ˧˛˥ˢ˨˚˛ ˧˛˘ ˁˆˊ ʺ˘ˢ˚˥˔ˣ˛˜˖˔˟ Names Board. If you visit or live near the precinct, we’d like to hear your feedback. Alternative names are not being sought as part of this consultation. Go to ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢ˚˜ˣˣ˦˦˧ by Monday 30 November 2026 to have your say.

Write Out West: Western Sydney Libraries and Literature Festival returns! Enjoy author talks, panel discussions, illustration and writing workshops, movie mornings and history walks! The Write Out ˊ˘˦˧ ʹ˘˦˧˜˩˔˟ ˜˦ ˕˔˖˞ ˪˜˧˛ Ѓ˩˘ ˗˔ˬ˦ ˢ˙ ˟˜˧˘˥˔˥ˬ ˙˨ˡʡ ʹ˔ˠ˜˟˜˘˦ ˪ˢˡϠ˧ want to miss the family fun day! There’s something for everyone. Find out more at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˟˜˕˥˔˥ˬ

Upon closure of the road, it is intended that the land will vest in Council as Operational Land. All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or ˖ˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ, within 28 days of the date of this notice. ʹˢ˥ ˔˟˟ ˘ˡˤ˨˜˥˜˘˦ʭ Please contact Laura Gray, Property Services Specialist on 4732 7777 or ˟˔˨˥˔ʡ˚˥˔ˬʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

Joke of the Week

prize cupboard

efore social media, smartphones, GPS and online travel reviews, an Australian holiday was an adventure in itself. New book Retro Holidays Australia,, Australia by acclaimed Australian author Ian Collis, takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, rediscovering how Australians holidayed, travelled and made their own fun. In bookstores now, this nostalgic pictorial captures the changing face of the Australian holiday, from family road trips and caravans to camping under the stars, seaside motels, country pubs, houseboats and classic tourist attractions. Through photographs and

Q: What is Mozart doing right now? A: Decomposing Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

personal memories, the book traces the rise of the family road trip as car ownership increased, wages rose, annual leave expanded and roads improved. Families travelled further, stayed in new forms of accommodation and discovered a growing number of attractions along the way. And with those long road trips came one question familiar to generations of parents: “Are we there yet?” Motels such as El Dorado, Ocean View and Siesta Resort offered families something different from the traditional pub or guesthouse, with brightly coloured roadside architecture, easy car access and, increasingly, the luxury of a swimming pool. Then there were the roadside attractions that became landmarks in

their own right, from the Big Pineapple and Big Banana to the Big Lobster, Big Trout and Big Potato. Retro Holidays Australia by Ian Collis, New Holland Publishers, RRP $49.99, available from all good bookstores or online https://au.newhollandpublishers.com. The Weekender has three copies of Retro Holidays Australia to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Retro’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Tuesday, November 24 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

PET

iSPY

OF THE WEEK my name: Mali

my proud owner: Michael i live in: North Parramatta a bit about me: I’m a four-year-old Cavoodle and I love riding the Parramatta Light Rail and watching the world go by! Fun fact: my name is Thai for Jasmine.

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

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

Dose of Dorin

Near Service NSW Glenmore Park.

Interest rates going up on Tuesday and the Federal Government attempting to distance itself from responsibility. People are doing it tough, and they’ll only do it tougher now.

News that Santa will be returning to Myer this year after he was axed in 2025. Myer has listened to the Weekender and the festive tradition is back in 2026.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026

WE’LL NEVER FORGET NATHAN TAYLOR

he local community will gather in Penrith and St Marys next week to pay their respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Remembrance Day will be commemorated on Wednesday, November 11, and a host of services will be held across the local area to honour the men and women who tragically lost their lives or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. It is a tradition that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the nation stands still and observes a minute’s silence to remember and honour veterans and their families. In Penrith and St Marys, a number of services will be held to allow the community to pay their respects.

Penrith RSL sub-Branch President Anthony Eddie. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Penrith RSL sub-Branch will be holding a humble service on Wednesday, November 11 from 10.30am at Memory Park in the Penrith CBD. The community is invited to attend and participate in the commemoration, which will feature a special performance from the Australian Military Wives Choir. “Our focus this year is respecting all veterans and their families, regardless,” Penrith RSL sub-Branch President, Anthony Eddie said. “We encourage the whole community to pause for a moment at that time and come and join with us on Remembrance Day.” Eddie, who served in the Australian Army for three decades, said Remembrance Day is important because it serves as a national and worldwide dedication to honouring our armed forces who died or suffered in the line of duty. “Penrith RSL sub-Branch is energetically focused on remembering and honouring all veterans and their families from the past, the present and the future,” he said. “We are energetically ensuring our community respects the service, the sacrifice of all of those people – the men and women – who have served from World War I and before. “Women also served in our armed services from that time, and we make sure that every veteran is respected equally.” Over in St Marys, the sub-Branch will hold a Remembrance Day service on Wednesday, November 11 from 10.15am at the St Marys RSL War Memorial.

St Marys sub-Branch Honorary Secretary Tony Fryer is expecting a strong turnout next week, including some very special, familiar faces. “It’s nothing like ANZAC Day of course, but we’re expecting around the 250-mark,” he said. “We will also have over 18 schools from our area represented. “On a personal note, because I served in Vietnam, I’m still in contact with men I served with and four of them are venturing

over – one from Perth, one from Melbourne, one from Devonport and one from the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. We’ll have a reunion, so it’s a special one for me, personally.” Westfield Penrith will hold a Remembrance Day observance with a minute’s silence and the playing of ‘The Last Post’ at 11am on Wednesday, November 11. Other shopping centres will also pause at 11am. Other ways to commemorate the day include wearing a red poppy or a piece of rosemary, as both are symbols of respect.

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026

This Remembrance Day, you're invited to join the City of Penrith RSL Sub-Branch for a commemoration ceremony honouring all those who lost their lives in service.

· ST MARYS RSL SUB-BRANCH · St Marys RSL sub-Branch Invites Members, Veterans & Friends to our annual Commemorative Service

We Will Remember Them, ‘Lest We Forget’ Date: Start Time: Location:

Tony Fryer, Cyril Law and Ted Fish from St Marys sub-Branch. Photo: Melinda Jane.

On Wednesday 11th of November at 10.40 am At our War Memorial in the grounds of St Marys Diggers’ Club, Hall Street St Marys

11 November 10:30 am

The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month . . . We Will Remember Them!

Memory Park, Cnr High Street and Woodriff Street, Penrith.

Let Us Honour Our Fallen Lest We Forget

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026

HEROES OF BATTLE HAD Our region has a strong war history. These are just some of the stories that bring

n Wednesday, November 11, the nation will pause to reflect on the Australian lives lost in military operations overseas. As Remembrance Day approaches, we look back at some of the people and stories linked to the Penrith area...

ALFRED BOYTON WALKER

Alfred Boyton Walker was born in St Marys on August 13, 1885 and was the son of Alfred and Sarah Walker of St Marys and then New Zealand. It is thought that this photograph shows Alfred in his military uniform following his enlistment with the New Zealand armed forces during the first World War. He died in 1935.

STANLEY OWEN STAFFORD Stanley Owen Stafford was born on February 11, 1894 at Lithgow. He attended Penrith Public School and was employed as a machinist and car driver after leaving school. Between 1911 and 1913, Stafford served with the 19th Infantry Battalion, a local militia unit, before enlisting in the AIF. He embarked on A23 HMAT Suffolk which left Sydney on October 18, 1914 and arrived in Egypt on December 8, 1914. Stafford underwent training in Egypt before embarking as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the Derflinger in April 1915. He landed with the 2nd Battalion on April 25, 1915 and suffered gunshot wounds in the first few days of the Gallipoli campaign. He survived this attack and recovered, but was reported missing during the battle for Lone Pine. He was confirmed as killed.

EDWARD CHAMPNESS Edward Champness was born on August 20, 1923 at St Marys to Edgar and Vera Champness. In 1941 he enlisted in the RAAF and in June 1943 was sent to England. In April 1944 he was posted to 630 Squadron flying Lancasters from East Kirkby in Lincoln. His first mission was in April 1944 over central Germany. He was killed on May 23, 1944 during a bombing raid over Brunswick, Germany. He is buried at the British War Cemetery Rheinberg, Germany.

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11th November, 2026

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2026

PENRITH ROOTS the message of Remembrance Day home to our city VICTOR LYNE Victor Lyne, the son of Augustus and Laura Lyne and the younger brother of Penrith stock and station agent Cecil Lyne, was born at Nyngan in 1891. The Lyne family came from Tasmania. Before he enlisted he was working in the Commercial Bank at Gloucester. He enlisted at Rosehill, NSW. Lyne was killed in action on June 24, 1915.

HENRY HOLLIDAY AND CONSTANCE NEALE Constance Neale married Henry Alston Stanley Holliday on April 3, 1917 at Penrith. Stanley, as he was known, had served with 56th Battalion between July 2, 1915 and October 16, 1916. Constance enlisted as a nurse with the Australian Army Nursing Service on July 31, 1915. She served in Egypt and England. Constance Margaret Neale died on May 17, 1972, and is buried with her husband and son in Macquarie Park Cemetery in Ryde. This photograph was taken on their wedding day.

SYDNEY ELLIS AUBREY Sydney Ellis Aubrey was born on November 30, 1882 at “Hillview” Penrith, the youngest son of David Aubrey and his wife Elizabeth. He was educated at Penrith Superior Public School. Aubrey was very active in the Penrith community. He was a scout master, and expert horseman and marksman. He was a member of the Hawkesbury Half Squadron of Lancers for several years before assisting in the formation of the Penrith Half Squadron of Lancers. He joined the Army before the outbreak of war and served with the Field Artillery at Victoria Barracks, Sydney. On the outbreak of the war, he applied for active service and was appointed Corporal on August 30, 1914. He sailed for the war zone on October 18, 1914 aboard HMAT Argyllshire

EILEEN ELIZABETH PIKE This photograph shows Eileen Pike in Army uniform at Lemongrove Road in Penrith in 1942.

JOYCE HAYNES and disembarked in Egypt. He was sent to Gallipoli with his unit and received a shotgun wound to the chest on July 11, 1915. After being successfully operated on for the removal of a bullet and a few weeks rest, he returned to duty. He was wounded on September 28, 1915 when a bullet struck him in the neck and penetrated his lung. He died shortly afterward and was buried in Gallipoli.

Joyce Carter, later Haynes, is reading a letter from Scottie Gow who served in World War II. Agnes Banks can be seen in the background, on the left. The gravel crusher at McCann’s Island can also be seen in the background. The small house at the right belonged to the McHugh family, then the Billington family.

Reflecting on the enormous sacrifice made by our defence forces, both past and present this Remembrance Day.

Sue Day South Ward Independent Councillor sue.day@penrith.city 0407 224 228

Tanya Davies MP Member for Badgerys Creek

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02 9834 2966 | 02 9834 6291 PO Box 316, St Clair NSW 2759 Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road, St Clair NSW 2759 badgeryscreek@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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“On this Remembrance Day we pay tribute to those past and present who have served our Country in the preservation of our freedoms. Lest we forget.”

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

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Authorised by Chris Bowen MP, ALP, Fairfield West

Soldiering on in tough times

we will remember them

Remembrance Day 2026

Michelle (centre) at the Defence Shining Pianist Inaugural Concert, Conawarra Navy Base Officers’ Mess.

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T CHRIS BOWEN MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR McMAHON

(02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au chrisbowenmp chrisbowenmp Shops 3 & 4, 398 Hamilton Road Fairfield West

his Remembrance Day, national not-for-profit organisation Soldier On is asking Australians to remember families impacted by service and help ensure the Defence community can access support when it is needed. At the heart of Soldier On’s 2026 Remembrance Day appeal is Michelle, whose husband serves in the Royal Australian Navy. When Michelle relocated to Australia with her husband, she faced the challenge of building a new life away from established support networks. Frequent relocations and repeatedly starting again left her feeling increasingly isolated, undermining her confidence and sense of belonging. Even everyday tasks began to feel overwhelming. “I felt like a useless person. Why did I come here?” Michelle recalled. Her experience highlights how military life

can affect partners and families as they adapt to change while supporting their loved ones. Soldier On provides mentoring, social connection, employment assistance and wellbeing services to help current serving personnel, veterans and their families build confidence, strengthen relationships and access opportunities. Soldier On CEO Paul Singer said Remembrance Day was an opportunity to honour the past while recognising the needs of the Defence community today. “Remembrance is not only about the minute of silence on November 11. It is also about how we support veterans, serving personnel and their families throughout the year,” he said. “Through this campaign, Australians can help ensure people in our Defence community know they are not alone.” Visit https://soldieron.org.au.

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WOMEN WHO WALK

Walk and Talk community continues to grow as sixth anniversary approaches KEELY MARSH

elebrating six years this December, Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk has always been about connecting women and building community to support women’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Angela Lambros, coordinator of the Walk and Talk, works locally as a mental health support worker, helping those who feel very isolated. She explained that while researching for a place for her female clients to connect and make friends, she stumbled across the popular Men’s Walk and Talk. “I reached out and asked if there was a women’s one and they were very open and said there isn’t,” Lambros said. “With that time passed, and I think it was over six months later I reached out again and asked if they would be open to supporting me start the Penrith Women’s Walk and Talk, and they said yes!” Lambros met with the Men’s Walk and Talk team, who recognised her passion for supporting others and provided her with the same logo and a fresh colour scheme to help get the

Women gather for the regular Walk and Talk event.

women’s group off the ground six years ago. “Their (Men’s Walk and Talk) support has meant the world,” Lambros said. The Women’s Walk and Talk

draws people from the Penrith community and surrounding areas, encouraging women to form new friendships and indulge in honest conversations. “A lot of people have made some

very strong friendships, which is the main reason I was so passionate about starting it, it’s a really good thing,” she said. Lambros said that sponsorship helps fund free coffee before the

walk, and Mental Health First Aid training, so people in the community feel more confident having supportive conversations around mental health. “Even now I see people walking the river together, these cute friendships that I always see and they’ll say, ‘we’ve been walking every day since we met at the walk and talk,” Lambros said. With no registration needed, the Women’s Walk and Talk invites local women to join them. Whether it’s by yourself, with friends, the kids or your dog, there’s no need to know anyone before you arrive, just come as you are. Lambros encourages those who feel a bit shy or anxious, to message the Facebook page privately, to chat prior to the walk, and that way herself or a volunteer can meet them somewhere distant so they don’t feel overwhelmed approaching the group. For any women interested in taking part in the Walk and Talk, visit https://www.facebook.com/ Penrithwomenswalkandtalk for more information. The walk takes place on Wednesday evenings.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

bisoft has launched ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’, a brand-new dance experience across eras of music, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S; the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will launch on November 10, 2026 and

prize cupboard S U N BO will be available as a free upgrade for Nintendo Switch players. Designed for unforgettable moments of fun with friends and family, ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’ brings every era to one dance floor. ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’ invites every generation to dance

together to 35 iconic songs across six different decades. In ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’, songs, visuals, and an all-new Adventure Mode are all designed to immerse players in the spirit that made each decade unforgettable. From the funky ‘70s disco floors and the electrifying ‘80s

rock scene to the glossy 2000s pop and beyond, travel through time and share the joy of rediscovering iconic moments with friends and family. Embark on a fun immersive adventure for all generations with the new Adventure mode. Follow Lyra, Dr. Gigavolt’s daughter, in

a playful journey through time to rescue her father. Explore the decades through six themed worlds, enjoy fun mini activities, unlock exclusive rewards, and best of all: dance to decade-defining songs. Adventure Mode is available for players who own ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’. Perfect for any family night or party, up to six players can dance locally in ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’. Playing ‘Just Dance’ is easier than ever by using a phone as a controller, no extra accessories needed. For unpredictable, chaotic fun where the rules change every round, players can jump into Party Mode. Or they can get moving with the Workout Mode, which tracks calories burned with each dance. Every player can customize their own profile with the new multiple dancer card system. ‘Just Dance: Decades of Hits’ is available to purchase at www. justdance.com/decadesof hits/ where-to-buy. The Weekender has five copies of ‘Just Dance’ to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Dance’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, November 27 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or reception.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

NOISE TOOL A WINNER EMILY CHATE

fter struggling to figure out how noise would impact any home he was intending to buy, Sam Morison took things into his own hands and created a website that maps addresses across Australia and how they are impacted by flight plans. Flight Path Australia is a free online tool where you can type in

Sam Morrison, creator of Flight Path Australia. Photo: Flight Path Australia.

any address and see how loud the planes are today and once new runways open. The tool also maps house prices, crime, schools, and what’s being built nearby. Morison explained that he created the site after wanting an easier way to know if a house was noise affected. “Me and my wife had been looking for a house for quite a while. At the moment we live right under a flight path in Melbourne. The planes feel like they are landing in the house!” he laughed. “I’m always looking at realestate. com and trying to map out planes, driving to locations and rolling down my window but everything is confusing. “The first goal was to build it for myself so I can see where the planes are and know where to then buy. To be honest a lot of the areas I thought were pretty good are still directly in either the flight path now or the one in 2031.” Last month, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) officially opened causing a rise in noise in local areas like Luddenham. On the Saturday prior to the opening of the airport, most of Luddenham was recorded as ‘faint’ on the Flight Path Australia website meaning residents might have

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heard planes if they listened for them. That noise would have been caused by Sydney Airport traffic not the freight flights that have been operating out of WSI since July. Now that WSI is open, most areas

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in Luddenham record being ‘loud’ which is like standing next to a busy road. Properties near the airport boundary are recorded as being ‘very loud’. “A lot of those areas were either faint or quiet locations that are

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

They say good things come in threes. For motorists travelling east from Werrington, Cranebrook and Jordan Springs, apparently so do infrastructure failures (Dunheved drama, Weekender October 29). We now have three compromised routes to choose from. It is lovely to have options, even when the options are different flavours of disappointment. First, Eighth Avenue through Llandilo. After lane closures, the bridge has reopened, but with its load limit reduced from 39 tonnes to 20 tonnes. While our population grows, our infrastructure’s carrying capacity shrinks. An interesting approach to planning for growth. Second, the Jordan Springs–Ropes Crossing connector road. Residents were promised this connection back in 2019... the permanent connection remains unfinished, and even the temporary road is still not complete. When the temporary solution to the overdue permanent solution is itself overdue, you have to admire the consistency. Perhaps “connector road” was intended as an aspiration rather than a description. Then comes the third instalment: Dunheved Road. Your report reveals that the full upgrade cannot be delivered within the available funding. The Federal commitment reached $127 million in 2020. Six years later, construction has yet to begin, and the project has been divided into three stages, with funding insufficient for two of them. Even the third problem comes in threes. You could not script it. To be fair, planning and preparation have occurred. Unfortunately, motorists cannot drive on either. The community is entitled to a plain-English

accounting: how much Federal funding has Council actually received, how much has been spent, what has it purchased, and how much remains? Why has it taken six years to reach this point? When will the entire road actually be upgraded? These are reasonable questions about public money and essential infrastructure. Residents should not need a parliamentary inquiry, a forensic accountant and a packed lunch to obtain the answers. Meanwhile, new houses keep appearing. Families move in, children need to reach school, and workers need to reach work. The population is evidently expected to arrive promptly. The roads appear to have negotiated more flexible arrangements. Between a bridge carrying less, a connector connecting nothing useful yet, and an upgrade awaiting enough money to become an upgrade, travelling east has become an exercise in optimism. JEFF PEGG, JORGAN SPRINGS

Violence becomes huge issue

How about we don’t highlight JUST the politicians but violence against the ambos, nurses, police, teachers, retail workers… (Harder to do our jobs, Weekender October 29). What happened to Helen Haines is horrific but we need to recognise community violence, not just against politicians. NICOLE DUNPHEY, VIA FACEBOOK

Vitriol needs to stop

Very much agree parliamentarians are there to do a job, they should not be threatened like they have been and mostly our female MPs cop the vitriol. LAURA JANE MCLEAN, VIA FACEBOOK

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

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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Hurley able to hit the right notes again A locally made natural supplement is giving people relief from arthritis pain. He’s known as Australia’s King of Country Rock, and Jade Hurley – together with other octogenarian legends Digger Revell, Dinah Lee, Lucky Starr and 70-something youngster Little Pattie – are currently touring the country with the live stage show The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll.l Hurley is still putting on an energetic show, with one glowing review commenting that “it was ... impressive that, at age 81, he effortlessly managed to get that right boot up onto the keyboard”. The show, which he’s written and produced, represents a triumphant return to form. After spending years “battling with the excruciating pain 24 hours a day” caused by arthritis in his hands, Hurley was facing the devastating consequence that his long and successful career was over. “Playing the piano in my shows became almost impossible,” the OAM recipient says emphatically. Having visited doctors and prescribed medications, which he laments were “no good, made me depressed and really didn’t help all that much”, he felt he had nothing to lose when a friend suggested he try Arborvitae Joint Health. That was three years ago and Hurley gratefully acknowledges Arborvitae, a

Jade Hurley is back on the road after finding relief from excruciating pain caused by arthritis.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

ON THE ROAD FOR DAD

leading finance broker is joining one of the largest community fundraisers for the Cancer Council, a car rally from Albury-Wodonga to Mackay, to mark the 30th anniversary of when his father succumbed to cancer. Evolve Lending and Finance Managing Director, Mark Stevenson, has entered the Spring 2027 ‘Shitbox Rally’, which will run from August 13-21 next year over approximately 3,500km, mostly on dirt roads. The Shitbox Rally is not a race, but rather a

David Stevenson in 1979.

challenge to achieve the unthinkable with participants driving old cars worth just $1,500. Over the past 15 years, the rallies have raised more than $65 million for the Cancer Council, the only Australian charity working across all aspects of every cancer, from research to prevention and support. Stevenson aims to raise $10,000 for the charity in a tribute to his late father David. “Dad was a father of three who died of cancer at 46 when I was 16,” Stevenson said. “I turned 47 this year, which means I’ve now had more time than he did. I don’t say that for sympathy. I say it because it’s the clearest way I know to explain what cancer takes: not just a person, but every year that was supposed to come after. “He missed my twenties, my career, my kids. He missed being a grandfather. 30 years on, I still notice the gap at the moments that matter.” Stevenson, a motorsport enthusiast who has competed in the Finke Desert Motorcycle Race three times, will head the Low-Doc rally team. “The team name is a finance joke,” the veteran broker said. “A low doc loan is one with less paperwork than usual. The car will have less paperwork than most of my clients. “Dad was a Holden man through and through. He’d have found the whole idea of driving a $1,500 car to Mackay ridiculous, and then he’d have asked to drive. “I’ve been on the waitlist for the box rally for years. I’m not getting any younger, and I want to see this country while I can. Doing

David “Stevo” Stevenson with his three children at Balmoral Beach, Sydney, in 1987.

it for Cancer Council, and for Dad, made the decision easy. “If you’ve ever been affected by cancer, or you know someone who has, I’d be grateful for whatever you can give.

“Donations over $2 are tax deductible.” Donations to Mark Stevenson’s rally campaign and fundraiser can be made at: https://spring2027.shitbox rally.com.au/ low-doc-rally-team.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Fundraiser to support little Roman’s fight KEELY MARSH

day where families can come together, children can have fun, local businesses can support one another, and our community can rally behind Roman,” Zammit explained. Funds raised through ticket sales and raffles will go directly towards supporting Roman and the Zammit family as they continue to navigate Roman’s ongoing medical needs. Since the dramatic change to the Zammit family household, with little Roman now relying on a tube for food and medication consumption, and juggling another two young boys at home, Zammit said she so grateful for Clarke’s efforts. “She has her own business, her own commitments and her own life, yet she has chosen to dedicate her time, energy and resources to helping my little boy,” she said.

A fundraiser has been announced for little Roman.

“She hasn’t asked for anything in return, she simply saw a family struggling and decided she wanted to make a difference and as Roman’s mum, I cannot put into words what that means to me.” Zammit said gestures like this remind you just how incredible people are. “I would love nothing more than to see this event become something

really special, not just for Roman, but for everyone who has come together to support him,” Zammit said. Any businesses wanting to contribute to ‘Rally for Roman’ with any donations, contact @al.artistry_ on Instagram. Event details can be found on Facebook or by going directly to https://bit.ly/WW-Roman.

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ollowing the positive reaction from the Penrith community about young Roman and his significant health battles, a Penrith resident has shown a selfless act of compassion in organising a community fundraiser, ‘Rally for Roman’. As previously reported by the Weekender, Roman is living with severe epilepsy, Level 3 autism spectrum disorder and significant developmental challenges, and faces a mountain of health difficulties in his life. The newly announced fundraiser will take place at World Gym Penrith on Sunday, December 6 between 9am and 12pm, with gold coin donations going directly to the family.

Owner of AL Artistry, Sam Clarke, has been Lauren Zammit’s hairdresser for four years and over that time a beautiful friendship has blossomed. Zammit, Roman’s mother, was in disbelief when Clarke told her about her grand gesture. “When she heard about everything Roman has been going through, she reached out to me wanting to do something to help our family,” Zammit said. “And what she has taken upon herself to organise has honestly left me speechless.” Clarke has been working incredibly hard, seeking assistance with securing a venue, jumping castles, children’s entertainment, face painting, food and drinks, barbeque supplies and raffle donations. “Her vision is to create a beautiful

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

PENRITH’S BABY RAVE More than a mothers’ group: How new dance initiative is bringing mums together KEELY MARSH

hen Nikitah Smith found herself out of work while on maternity leave, she turned her passion for dance into a new business that’s bringing Penrith mums together. Since launching Baby and Me Beats in August, Smith has built a growing community of mums who love to dance while including their babies in the fun. “It started while I was on maternity leave, I got made redundant from my previous job and I just wanted to find something that I could do with my baby and get out in the community and meet some mum friends,” Smith said. “Now we’ve got this whole community of mums that come together each week, it’s amazing.” Smith explained that Baby and Me Beats came from her passion to dance and because there was nothing similar in the Penrith area. “There was nothing in our community for it, like there’s plenty of mums and bubs Pilates classes but I love dancing,” she said. With a knack for the dance floor, Smith was certain that there were

The Baby and Me Beats community.

Nikitah Smith, Baby and Me Beats founder.

other like-minded mums wanting to dance but instead turn it into a small workout with their little ones too. “I was sure there were so many other mums that love dancing, love moving their body and want to do it with their bub,” Smith said.

“It’s like a little dance party that we have but you don’t realise it’s an actual workout as well.” Each week there is a different theme, with a fan favourite being the ‘baby rave’. Classes are for everyone, with everything being beginner friendly. It’s an opportunity for mums to get out of the house and meet other mums with the same interest to dance.

“It’s grown into us now meeting up outside of the classes, going for lunches,” Smith explained. “They’ve all become friends because of this.” With classes priced at an affordable $22, it includes the 30-minute workout and another 30 minutes of social and sensory time. “After the workout we sit down on mats and I put out sensory items that change each week for the babies to

play with and for the mums, we have a topic of the week that we discuss,” she said. It’s all about providing a social connection. “It’s all about building a community in Penrith, it’s something new and different to our area that we don’t have here,” Smith said. To join a class, and dance with your bub, visit www.babyandmebeats.com.

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LOCAL NEWS

BREAKING BARRIERS KEELY MARSH

funding grant from Australia Post will help Talk Your Walk Foundation bring its mental health and resilience program to Cranebrook High School, opening the door to support for Year 9 students. The foundation will visit the school once a week, delivering sessions focused on identity, culture and resilience. One of the founders, former NRL player Jesse Sene-Lefao, said the funding would allow the organisation to reach a school it had previously been unable to work with because of financial barriers. “I’m very blessed to be able to go to Cranebrook High School,” Sene-Lefao said. “It’s been a school that we’ve been keen on and there’s been a few funding issues.” Suaia Matagi, one of the three founders of Talk Your Walk Australia, said building trust with young people was central to the program, making ongoing funding particularly important. “When you build that trust with the kids, and then eventually have to break it off, that’s the hardest part,” Matagi said. “These guys are trusting us, we’re coming into their safe space as well.” The program aims to create a safe space where young people can develop the tools to navigate difficult times, build confidence and feel comfortable talking about their mental health. Sene-Lefao said the foundation began five years ago in the United Kingdom, when four

The Talk Your Walk Foundation team will be visiting Cranebrook High School.

men started meeting for coffee before footy training. What began as a simple morning catch-up became a space where they could openly

communicate and support one another with real honesty. “This ended up being our safe space,” he said.

“And with that safe space, we actually believe that it saves lives.” Drawing on his experiences in elite rugby league, including the lessons of resilience, culture and respect, Sene-Lefao said the foundation had developed programs to help young people apply thoselessonss to their owns lives. He said mental health struggles could leave people feeling disconnected, withdrawn and unable to communicate with those closest to them. “When you’re in a dark place, the first thing you lose is communication,” Sene-Lefao explained. To encourage conversations, the foundation uses its “Check In FAM” approach, prompting people to ask about family, activities and mindset. Sene-Lefao said the simple questions could help break down barriers and create opportunities for people to talk about how they were feeling. The approach is already being used in the foundation’s school programs, with the Cranebrook High School sessions providing another opportunity to support young people. Sene-Lefao said he was grateful for the Australia Post funding and was excited to begin working the students at the school. The weekly visits will run throughout the term, giving Year 9 students a dedicated space to explore their identity, strengthen their resilience and learn the importance of checking in on themselves and others.

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Next week is National Recycling Week, an annual campaign led by Planet Ark that gives us a chance to celebrate our recycling efforts and to challenge ourselves to do even better as a community. Council is proud to be a leader in waste management and resource recovery. We continue to win awards and have peer councils coming to ask how we implement the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ principles through our effective 3-bin waste service. Our success is dependent on community uptake – and the numbers are a real credit to our residents and businesses that are recycling right. In the 2025-26 financial year, Council recovered more than 13,000 tonnes of material from yellow-lidded bins in Penrith. This week we’re running a pop quiz on our Facebook and Instagram stories. It’s a fun way to participate in National Recycling Week while testing our community’s knowledge of what can and can’t go in the yellow-lid bin. It’s important to recognise that recy-

cling – and doing it well – goes beyond the yellow-lid bin. Our community does an exceptional job of reducing waste. In 2025-26, we turned more than 35,000 tonnes of your food and garden organics (FOGO) into quality compost. This is used to improve sporting fields and gardens around our neighbourhoods. We also recovered almost 22 tonnes of material at last year’s Christmas recycling drop-off days and more than 59 tonnes through community drop-off events for tricky to recycle items like e-waste, household chemicals, bicycles and textiles. The Return and Earn collection points throughout Penrith brought in almost 74 million bottles and cans. Thank you to our community for playing your part and contributing to the City’s ongoing recycling and reuse efforts. With Christmas fast approaching, keep an eye on our website and social channels for information on additional services.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

LOOKING FOR A PAPER? Visit our website chatnsw.com.au

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

Did you know there’s a number of ways to get your hands on a copy of the Western Weekender each week?

Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/ getapaper to find out how you can make sure you never miss out.

LOCAL NEWS

Helping kids chase their dreams KEELY MARSH

charity has helped 96 young Australians chase their dreams with $320,000 in scholarships. Across NSW and the ACT, 96 young athletes and performers have been given a helping hand by Variety to chase their dreams, receiving 2026 Variety Heart Scholarships (VHS). These scholarships support children living with disability, chronic illness or financial hardship to remove financial barriers and cover pathway expenses. Variety NSW CEO, Tony Warner, explained the charity’s best known for its Variety Bash that raises funds for kids in need. “Variety is best known for its fundraising event the Variety Bash, which is a lot of old cars that drive

around NSW and beyond,” Warner said. “It’s not a race, it’s not a rally, it was started by Dick Smith over 40 years ago and it’s raised over a quarter of a billion dollars nationally for kids in need, kids like Riley.” Riley is a young rising cricket star from the Penrith area and was one of the 96 awarded with the scholarship. Riley, 11, has Level 2 autism, which means he requires substantial support. The scholarship covers the costs of aspects like coaching, equipment, tuition, travel and development opportunities – expenses that can otherwise place dreams out of reach. “It was really exciting when they said that he was accepted as one of the 96 kids and got some funding

to be able to develop his skills, get some new kits and things he needs because it’s quite an expensive sport,” Riley’s mother, Samantha Hogan said. As a single mother, Hogan is determined to support Riley’s sporting ambitions despite ongoing cost-ofliving pressures. “With him putting in such hard work, you don’t want to tell him we can’t afford it,” she said. “That’s why the scholarship is fantastic.” Hogan is excited to see how this cricket season will unfold for Riley, now being able to utilise his scholarship and build more goals to work towards. “He’s hit some really good development in cricket especially, and I think it’s really cool that this year he might be able to utilise his schol-

Young Riley is a promising rising star in cricket and recipient of the VHS.

arship and start getting some more achievements and building more goals to work towards,” she said. The VHS breaks down the barriers affecting promising young athletes from accessing the equipment, training and other expenses they need.

They are critical to many young people across the country. Applications for the next round of Variety Heart Scholarships in May 2027 are now open. Find out more at https://nsw. variety.org.au/how-we-help/scholarships.

Book now

Impacted by injury or illness? When life becomes uncertain, we’re here to help make it right. Visit our Blacktown pop-up for free legal advice about your rights and the compensation you could claim.

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley Saturday 7 November, 7:30pm

Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown: Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November, 9:30am–4:30pm, Level 1, opposite Bonbons Bakery (near Coles).

Morning Melodies presents The Vallies: In The Name of Love Wednesday 11 November, 10am

Claims we can help with:

Nurse Georgie Carroll: Infectious Thursday 12 November, 7:30pm

Road injuries

Medical negligence

Public liability

Work injuries

TPD/super insurance

Institutional abuse

Lawrence Mooney: Full Moon Party Friday 20 November, 8pm Visit our pop-up, call 13 15 15, or visit lawpartners.com.au to find out more.

Anh Do: The Happiest Refugee Tuesday 24 November, 7:30pm

BOX OFFICE 4780 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

58648

The Kransky Sisters: A Cracker Kransky Xmas Thurs 3 Dec, 7:30pm

WW57811

Creedence Clearwater Collective Thursday 26 November, 7:30pm

Diet Coke after almost four years, reversing its decision to remove the sugar-free soft drink from restaurants in January 2023. The fast-food chain has confirmed that Diet Coke is being reintroduced nationwide, with the rollout already underway and more restaurants expected to receive the drink over the coming months.

Δ That’s stuffed: Pizza Hut is putting a pizza inside a pizza with its newest gimmick. It has launched a new Pepperoni Stuffed Crust, with 20 slices of pepperoni folded into the crust alongside gooey, melted cheese. It’s available now for a limited time at all Pizza Hut locations.

Δ Chef’s local residency: Paul Farag (left), named Chef of the Year in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025, will take up a six-week residency at Darley’s, the fine dining restaurant at Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, from Wednesday, November 11 to Sunday, December 20. ‘The Residence: Paul Farag at Darley’s’ brings the chef’s Egyptian-influenced cooking to the heritage-listed Katoomba estate, with lunch and dinner served across the week. Δ Skinny Coke returns: McDonald’s is bringing back

Δ Welcome back Cowboy: Hungry Jack’s has brought back its Grill Masters Cowboy Angus burger, featuring flame-grilled Angus beef, double bacon, crispy onion rings and smoky BBQ sauce. Hungry Jack’s has also reintroduced the Double Cowboy Angus, giving customers the option of adding a second Angus beef patty. Both burgers have returned to the chain’s Grill Masters range, which features larger Angus beef burgers served on toasted brioche buns. Δ Pepsi Max gets festive: We’re not sure about this one, but it’s Christmas... so why not. Pepsi Max has launched a limited edition Gingerbread flavour. It’s available in supermarkets now.

Δ Turkey nuggets return: Back in the freezer aisle at supermarkets for the festive season, Ingham’s has released its Christmas Turkey Nuggets. They’re available for a limited time.

Δ Sour favourite: Rusty Penny is releasing

a new sour drop. Its Strawberry Guava Sour will be available at the brewery soon. Going blue: Squinters Δ Brewery has released another flavour in its popular Fizz range, dropping the Blue Lagoon Fizz. It’s available on tap at the brewery now, or for takeaway.

Got some Source? We Δ want to hear about store openings, new menus, new products... all of it! Email news@westernweekender.com. au to make a contribution.

Available most days for private & corporate functions. Call 4774 1584 for more info.

WW59286

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

TURNING BACK TIME Taken in the late 1970s, this photo shows the corner of the Great Western Highway and Bringelly Road at Kingswood. The building in the corner of the photo is still there – housing a takeaway shop at this point in time, and these days the famous Chicken Man. This intersection looks essentially the same today – some 50 years on. (Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

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

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WW59857

Vinyl Records & Collectables

Thousands of LP Records: Metal, Rock, Punk... Vintage watches, coins & quirky stuff Something for everyone

Live Music Including The Dust Jackets & Spinning DJ For enquiries contact Mike on 0400 675 315

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WW59811

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

RIVER BOAT BAR • TENCH AVENUE, JAMISONTOWN • WWW.THERIVERBOATBAR.COM.AU

Party on the Nepean this Chrissy A

floating venue, great music and a party atmosphere all on the water! Looking for somewhere exciting to celebrate Christmas this year? The River Boat Bar is bringing a whole new meaning to the Christmas party, with a unique floating venue, great music, delicious food and a fantastic party atmosphere right here in Penrith! And if you haven’t booked your Christmas celebration yet, there’s good news – selected dates are still available for both public Christmas parties and private charters. Imagine gathering your workmates or friends, stepping aboard a water taxi and heading out to your very own floating party destination on the beautiful Nepean River. As you arrive, the music is playing, the drinks are flowing and the celebrations are just getting started! With two spacious decks, a fully licensed bar and beautiful river views, the River Boat Bar offers a vibrant, relaxed setting where guests can mingle, dance, laugh and celebrate the end of another year. And here’s the best part – you don’t need to book the entire boat to join the fun. Selected public Christmas party

dates give smaller groups and workplaces the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of a bigger celebration without organising a private

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

function. For businesses, organisations and larger groups wanting something exclusively their own, private Christmas charters offer

the flexibility to create a celebration that suits their guests. Whether it’s an office Christmas party, a team celebration or a

festive get-together with friends, the River Boat Bar brings together all the ingredients for a memorable occasion. Great food, cold drinks, music, dancing and plenty of opportunities to catch up with colleagues and friends make it an experience that’s as much about the people as it is about the location. And with the River Boat Bar anchored on the Nepean River, the floating venue itself becomes part of the celebration. There’s also the convenience of keeping your Christmas party local. Situated right here in Penrith, it’s an exciting way to celebrate on the water without heading into the city. With Christmas fast approaching, now is the time to get your group together, choose your preferred date and start looking forward to a fantastic celebration. Big celebrations, great company and a floating party atmosphere that makes Christmas parties on the River Boat Bar that something extra. For Christmas party bookings and enquiries, phone 4733 1888 or email info@theriverboatbar.com.au. Don’t miss out!

BUSINESS MATTERS

FI N A N CI A L LY U NS H A KE A BL E

CYBERSECURITY NEEDS PRIORITY

NICHE DOWN. PROFIT UP.

or years, cybersecurity was something many business owners were pretty comfortable leaving to the IT team. I don’t think we have that luxury anymore. You don’t need to understand every piece of technology protecting your business. But if you own or run a business, there are a few questions I think you should be able to answer. What happens if one of your people’s passwords is compromised? Who has access to your most important systems and information? If you lost access to those systems tomorrow, how quickly could you recover? And who actually makes the decisions when something goes wrong? I think one of the mistakes we make with cybersecurity is focusing entirely on stop-

Practical strategies. More profit. Stronger businesses.

ping an attack. Obviously prevention matters, but no environment is perfect. You also need to think about what happens next. Could the business keep operating? Could you communicate with your customers? Would you know what information might have been affected? Who would you call first? Those aren’t really IT questions. They’re business questions. One of the simplest things you can do is sit down with your team and work through a scenario. Imagine arriving tomorrow morning and you can’t access email, your files or one of the main systems your business relies on. What would you do? You’ll probably find the gaps pretty quickly. Cybersecurity can sound

here’s something quite powerful about being known as THE business for something. The one people recommend without hesitation. The one customers seek out because you understand their industry, their frustrations and exactly what they need. Yet so many businesses are determined to appeal to everyone. Every industry. Every customer. Every opportunity. And I get it. Saying yes to more opportunities feels like good business. But sometimes, the real money is in becoming exceptional at fewer things. At Clear Path Accounting, we’ve experienced this firsthand through our specialisation in the NDIS and care sector. Developing deep industry knowledge has helped us build better systems, anticipate chal-

PAUL DITRIH Fusion Red Penrith Chamber Platinum Member

complicated because our industry has done a pretty good job of filling it with technical language. But at an owner or leadership level, it can be much simpler. What are we protecting? What could realistically go wrong? And if something does go wrong, are we ready?

lenges and deliver greater value. And there’s a commercial advantage. Specialisation builds expertise. Expertise improves efficiency. And efficiency, combined with appropriate pricing, creates stronger profit margins. Your marketing becomes more targeted, your reputation grows and referrals become more valuable. But here’s where niching gets really exciting. Create a crusade around your niche. Stand for something bigger than selling your services. Champion an issue, solve a persistent industry problem or lead a movement for positive change. Become the business that genuinely cares about improving its chosen industry. That’s how you build trust, loyalty and a reputation. Here’s your challenge.

The Penrith Valley Chamber — where good business meets great people. We connect, support and celebrate the businesses driving Penrith’s growth, shaping a thriving, future-focused economy for the west.

Review your 10 most profitable customers. What do they have in common? Where do you deliver exceptional results? What industry problem could you become passionate about solving? Now ask yourself: What could my business become famous for? You don’t need to abandon existing customers. Start building your expertise, reputation and crusade around your chosen niche. Financially Unshakeable businesses understand the commercial power of specialisation. Because you don’t need everyone to want your business. You need the right people to believe in what you do.

Suzanne Walker Clear Path Accounting clearpathaccounting.com.au

Business is Community. Don’t do Business Alone — Come Join Us!

Your Business Deserves More Than a Tax Return At Clear Path Accounting, we help ambitious business owners: ✓ Improve profitability ✓ Strengthen cashflow

✓ Make better decisions ✓ Build a more valuable business

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WW59729

Book your complimentary Discovery Session today. (02) 4739 2700 • clearpathaccounting.com.au

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

PENRITH LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

www.mjpainting.com.au

LOCAL AIR CON SPECIALIST

4733 2525

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

Glenmore Park Lic No. 44995C Over 30 years experience

Ducted & Split Systems

Jason 0417 221 822 • Mark 0417 223 288

Servicing & Repairs

57795

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4732 4566

0480 838 177 • Kitchens & Laundries

t •$Outdoor VTUPN NBEF JO PVS alfresco areas 1FOSJUI GBDUPSZ ̽ 2IͤFH ͤW RXWV t ,JUDIFOT -BVOESJFT • Wardrobes • Studies t 0VUEPPS BMGSFTDP BSFBT

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PATIOMAN

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ORTRANTO P/L

D & J Concrete Resurfacing & Landscaping

Ȉ Ȉ ͙͝

We specialise in concrete resurfacing & landscaping such as spray-on paving, colour sealing, concrete resealing, concrete grinding, non-slip coating, pressure cleaning, concrete garden edging, roof restoration, returfing. Call Darren on 0403 374 216

or Email: djconcreteresurfacing@gmail.com

Call Murray 0404 889 907

59640

Bathrooms

Lic No 20505

JOHN NEWHAM ELECTRICAL SERVICES

4721 2500 30

p Dro

r vi c e

WHALE BATHROOMS

• Quality Bathroom Renovations at very reasonable prices • Reliable local experienced renovators FREE QUOTES • PORTABLE BATHROOM HIRE LIC. 180584C

0414 833 356 FOR SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

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www.whalebathrooms.com.au | 0407 417 553

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

SELLING SOMETHING? Guttering & Spouting

Electricians

ADVERTISING WORKS

AUTO CENTRE

Ƥ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ

Slabs • Paths • Patios • Stencil • Driveways

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www.newtekawnings.com.au

Automotive

ABACUS TREE SERVICES & GARDENING • Creating Landscapes & Garden Surfing • Paving • Retaining Wall • Mulching • Rubbish Removal • Cleaning • Tree Lopping • Stump Grinding

ABN: 18342307434

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Call Bob 0427 905 390

Ph: 0415 944 611 0415 944 661

Lic. No. 226190C

59194

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Call Rob 0419 429 627

Michael on 0420 767 706

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Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks. OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE: • Gutter cleaning • House painting • House maintenance • General repairs • Rubbish removal NO JOB TOO SMALL

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59629

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BUDGET GARDEN SERVICE

Concrete Contractors

Call Phill Dunn 0424 295 421

Call Simon 0438 928 807

Gardening

AIR CONDITIONING YOU CAN RELY ON.

We Service: • Cloth Dryers • All Major Brands • Dishwashers • Fridges & Freezers • Electric Ovens • Washing Machines & Stoves

INSTALL & SERVICE Replacement of existing doors. Remote control openers fitted from $440. No labour or materials over $5000. Domestic | All work guaranteed

58977

Building Contractors

Keeping homes comfortable across Penrith, the Blue Mountains & surrounds.

EM ICE SERV

Garage Doors NSW

58888

59250

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/7CY 2E4 RGEN

ALL ABOUT

Visit our showroom at: +BDL 8JMMJBNT %SJWF 1FOSJUI ] .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN 4BUVSEBZ BN QN -DFN :LOOLDPV 'ULYH 3HQULWK _ 0RQ )UL DP SP 6DW DP SP www.jandlkitchens.com info@jandlkitchens.com www.jandlkitchens.com || info@jandlkitchens.com

WW59250

Phone and Data

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t 0GýDF 'JU PVUT • Supply and install t 4VQQMZ BOE JOTUBMM • Supply only – flat pack or t 4VQQMZ POMZ o þBU QBDL PS QSF CVJMU UP PSEFS SUH EXLOW WR RUGHU • We organise all trades t 8F PSHBOJTF BMM USBEFT

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58063

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Pest Control

DAVE’S

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58939

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WW57796

535

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SPECIALISING IN UNIQUE BATHROOM, KITCHEN & LAUNDRY RENOVATIONS Fully Licensed and Insured • 10 years Warranty FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

0410 737 321

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3562

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CES 2C ERVI S 5440 G IN ER #3 PAIRS D F L O I RO BU G RE rpentry NSED R ROOFIN E g, ca C t I L ANCE ain in

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

WW58896

FUNERALS

ADVERTISE YOUR TRADE OR CLASSIFIED WITH US!

PUBLIC NOTICES PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON THE EXISTING MONOPOLE AT LONDONDERRY NSW 2753

MACDONALD, Louise Ruby 18th January 1931 ~ 27th October 2026

Our Trades or classifieds section is the most comprehensive weekly guide available in the Penrith and St Marys regions.

Beloved wife of Mick (dec), loved & cherished mother to Noel, Colin and Anne. Treasured Nanna to her grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Phone 4722 2998

Louise’s friends and family are warmly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held in the North Chapel of Pinegrove Memorial Park Crematorium, Kington Street, Minchinbury on Thursday 12th November at 2pm. WW59839

Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade a mobile phone base station on the existing 30m Monopole at 454-460 Blacktown Road, LONDONDERRY NSW 2753 2. This upgrade will improve Telstra 4G and 5G services in the area and the upgrade works consist of: • Removal of (6) Panel Antennas and ancillary equipment • Installation of (9) Panel Antennas on the existing headframe • Replacing and installing ancillary equipment • Internal works within the existing shelter • There will be no increase in height to the facility 3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, PO BOX 586, Elsternwick VIC 3185, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au. We will accept submissions until 5pm on Friday 20th of November 2026. 4. For more information, please visit www.rfnsa.com.au/2753001 Telstra Limited A.C.N 086 174 781 Acquirecomm Pty Ltd A.C.N: 603 876 240

WW59806

POSITIONS VACANT

GLENMORE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Canteen Licence

glenmorepk-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Tenders close at 3pm on 6th November 2026. Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

WW59698

Tenders are called for the licence of the school canteen for the school year commencing Thursday 28th January 2027 and for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 880. General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Yvonne Lees Business Manager 02 4733 0155 Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in Confidence – School Canteen Tender” and sent to: The Principal Lisette Gorick

THE HERITAGE TERRACE CAFÉ We are looking for responsible and reliable applicants for

Café All-Rounder

Cook / Sandwich Hand

Must be experienced

Kitchen all-rounder

Casual with weekend work

Café experience WW59828

PUBLIC NOTICES

WISH TO APPLY – CALL 4721 8142

CONNECTION to country

A special supplement focused on local Indigenous affairs and services

Shining a light on First Nations talent

he State Government is supporting emerging First Nations artists, creating new opportunities, and bring Aboriginal stories to audiences from around the world through Vivid Sydney. The new Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator will connect emerging First Nations artists with motion graphic design studios, providing professional development, industry connections and opportunities to showcase their work at the world’s largest festival of light, food, and culture. A first for Vivid Sydney, the program will establish pathways for First Nations artists to participate in the festival in 2027 and beyond. The initiative honours the legacy of

the late Rhoda Roberts AO, a pioneering creative leader and passionate advocate for First Nations culture and storytelling. As Vivid Sydney’s inaugural First Nations Advisor, Roberts played a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s First Nations programming and bringing Aboriginal stories to audiences around the world. The NSW Government is investing $600,000 in the initiative to support emerging First Nations artists and create more opportunities for First Nations creatives across NSW. The investment builds on the Labor Government’s commitment to growing First Nations tourism, supporting Aboriginal businesses, and creating

more opportunities for First Nations creatives across NSW, including $400,000 through Create NSW to support the development of Aboriginal cultural arts tourism experiences. It also builds on another successful year for Vivid Sydney, which brought visitors into the city, supported local businesses and helped activate Sydney after dark. Vivid Sydney 2026 featured a refreshed creative program spanning Light, Music, Minds and Food, with new artistic experiences, Vivid Fire Kitchen at Barangaroo Reserve and a continuous 6.5-kilometre stretch of free public art connecting Circular Quay and The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour.

Vivid Sydney will return from Friday, May 28 to Saturday, June 19, bringing another program of light, music, ideas and food to the Harbour City. “I am proud the Minns Labor Government is supporting the next generation of First Nations artists through the Vivid Sydney First Nations Light Accelerator,” said Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris. “Aboriginal culture is what makes our country truly unique and by supporting emerging First Nations artist we can continue to strengthen First Nations tourism in NSW.” Expressions of Interest are now open at https://awesomeblack.studio/post/ v iv id-f irst-nat ions-light-accelerator-program.

Vivid Sydney will further support First Nations artists.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

Services and community organisations: Your local guide Health Services

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service www.gwahs.net.au One of Western Sydney’s leading Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations. Provides GP services, chronic disease management, mental health support, child and family health services, men’s and women’s health programs, drug and alcohol support, and community wellbeing initiatives.

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service Penrith www.gwahs.net.au Provides culturally safe healthcare and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the Penrith and Nepean region.

Aboriginal Health Unit www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ Aboriginal-Health Part of Western Sydney Local Health District, delivering culturally appropriate health programs, community engagement and support services across Western Sydney.

Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation www.tacams.com.au Provides comprehensive medical, allied health and preventative health services for Aboriginal communities across South Western Sydney.

Mental Health, Counselling & Wellbeing

Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation www.marrinweejali.org.au Offers counselling, drug and alcohol support, mental health assistance, referrals and culturally safe wellbeing programs for Aboriginal individuals and families.

Aboriginal Counselling Service www.wentwest.com.au Provides counselling, therapeutic support and mental health services for Aboriginal people experiencing personal, family or emotional challenges.

Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service – Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program Social & Emotional Wellbeing Program Provides culturally appropriate support for mental health concerns, emotional wellbeing, grief and trauma support, and alcohol and drug issues.

Sydney Aboriginal Family Support Service www.safss.com.au Supports Aboriginal families through parenting assistance, advocacy, family support programs, case management and community development initiatives.

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation www.baabayn.com.au A highly respected Western Sydney organisation delivering cultural, educational, youth and family support programs while strengthening Aboriginal identity and community connection.

AbSec www.absec.org.au NSW’s peak Aboriginal child and family organisation, advocating for Aboriginal children and families while supporting culturally appropriate child protection and community services.

Legal Services

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT www.alsnswact.org.au Provides free legal advice, court representation, advocacy and support for Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people across Western Sydney and NSW.

Western Sydney Community Legal Centre www.wsclc.org.au Provides free legal and social support services for vulnerable residents, including Aboriginal clients seeking legal assistance.

Education & Youth Services Kimberwalli www.kimberwalli.com.au

Australia’s first Aboriginal-owned and Aboriginalgoverned independent school, supporting Aboriginal students through education, culture and leadership development.

National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy www.nasca.org.au Provides mentoring, education, employment pathways and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

National Centre of Indigenous Excellence www.ncie.org.au Delivers education, health, leadership, employment and community programs designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Community & Cultural Organisations

Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation www.srac.org.au Supports Aboriginal communities through cultural programs, advocacy, community engagement and local initiatives across the Penrith region.

Koori Kulcha Aboriginal Corporation www.koorikulcha.com.au Promotes Aboriginal culture, education, arts and community engagement through cultural programs and events.

Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation www.kinchela.org.au Provides healing, advocacy and support programs for survivors and descendants affected by the Stolen Generations

Gunawirra www.gunawirra.org.au Works with Aboriginal families and children through early intervention, health, education and family support programs.

Emergency & Crisis Support

13YARN 13 92 76 | www.13yarn.org.au Australia’s first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line, available 24 hours a day.

Lifeline 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service available nationwide.

Aboriginal Health Services & Local Health District Aboriginal Health Teams Available throughout Western Sydney to provide urgent healthcare support, referrals, mental health assistance and family wellbeing services. This list highlights some of the key Indigenousled and Indigenous-focused organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Penrith, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Parramatta, Liverpool, Campbelltown and the broader Western Sydney region.

Supporting a culturally safe learning experience The Away from Base program provides financial support for eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, who need to travel away from their permanent home or study location for a short period of time, with dedicated Project Support Officers available to support you throughout your journey.

Enquire now. TAFE NSW Away from Base

131 601

* Eligibility criteria applies. RTO 90003 | CRICOS 00591E | HEP PRV12049

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CONNECTION to country

Dancing into Festival E

xcitement is building ahead of the debut of ‘Ngurragabu’, a new dance production that will premiere as part of the Sydney Festival early next year. A great human howl for the damage done to earth, this world premiere from acclaimed dance theatre company Marrugeku brings a haunting speculative future to life. Envisioned in dialogue with Yawuru and Bardi custodians, choreographer Dalisa Pigram and director Rachel Swain’s latest work draws on a powerhouse ensemble of Indigenous and settler-diasporic performers from Australia, South East Asia and Melanesia to question the cost of survival. Set in a time of great middens and drowned Country, ‘Ngurragabu’ [from the last night/ next/tomorrow] catapults audiences into visual artist Abdul-Rahman Abdullah’s monumental petrified mangrove forest, inspired by past-future archipelagos connecting northern Australia to east Indonesia. Techno-futurist music, immersive projections and a stunning set create a world unlike any other, where every movement asks how we might live differently with one another – and with the planet. Urgent without losing hope, ‘Ngurrag-

(02) 4722 2998 info@wspublishing.com.au 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown NSW 2750 Follow us

‘Ngurragabu’ will premiere at the Sydney Festival.

abu’ rewilds the future as a place of radical possibility. Created and performed by Zachary Lopez, Gusta Mara, Stanley Nalo, Jada Narkle, Darci

O’Rourke, Taj Pigram, Bhenji Ra, Syarifuddin Sahari and Zee Zunnur. Tickets and details at www.sydneyfestival. org.au.

Paying tribute to those who made a difference ‘

Redfern Renaissance’ returns to celebrate the revolutionary art and activism of the 1970s National Black Theatre in Redfern. Wiradjuri Yuin actor Angeline Penrith has curated a new and expanded series of performance readings and discussions to honour the trailblazers of Blak theatre in Australia.   In pre-gentrification 1970s Redfern, artists including Bob Maza, Robert Merrit, Paul and Isabel Coe, Gary Foley and Gary Williams started the National Black Theatre, inspired by the Harlem, New York theatre of the same name.

Redfern’s theatre grew out of street performances at protests and quickly became a focal point of Blak activism. Through 1972 to 1977, NBT helped kickstart a broader movement for First Nations rights and recognition. ‘Redfern Renaissance’ pays tribute to those ground-breaking works and artists, keeping the flame of their memory burning bright. The show is returning to Sydney at the Belvoir Street Theatre as part of the Sydney Festival. It will run from January 15 to 23. Tickets at www.sydneyfestival. org.au.

Angeline Penrith.

‘Redfern Renaissance’ returns to the stage.

Connection To Country runs across The Western Weekender and Parra News.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

2027 TRAVEL GUIDE Relax, unwind and get away

Whether it’s interstate or overseas, or even a Sydney staycation, it’s time to start planning your travel for next year. We’re giving you the best possible start with this guide to our favourite holiday destinations...

Independent travel reviews from writers who’ve been there! www.suitcasestories.com.au Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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2027 TRAVEL GUIDE

Celebrate big moments in style C

elebrate the festive season in style as Hyatt Regency Sydney reveals its Christmas and New Year’s Eve offerings, with indulgent dining at Sailmaker and rooftop celebrations at Zephyr Sky Bar. From abundant seafood feasts to spectacular harbour views, the hotel sets the stage for unforgettable moments with family and friends. Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive buffet by the harbour, featuring the finest sustainably sourced seafood from Australia and New Zealand – think crab, octopus, mussels and more. Guests will also enjoy slow-roasted turkey with all the traditional sides, glazed ham, and a dessert buffet filled with classic Christmas favourites. On Christmas Day, Sailmaker invites guests to celebrate the festive season with an indulgent Christmas dining experience featuring a sumptuous seafood buffet, meat carving station and a two-hour beer and wine package. Enjoy Queensland prawns, Sydney rock oysters, seafood paella and hand-rolled sushi, alongside slow-roasted turkey, pineapple-glazed ham and slow-cooked beef. Little guests can share in the magic with a special visit from Santa, complete with gifts and photo opportunities. Sailmaker welcomes guests to celebrate Christmas night with a lavish buffet showcasing the finest sustainably farmed and wild-caught seafood from Australia and New Zealand.

Discover an ocean-inspired spread featuring crab, octopus, mussels and an array of fresh delicacies, complemented by live cooking stations. Traditional festive favourites

– including slow-roasted turkey with classic trimmings and glazed ham – take centre stage, while a decadent dessert station offers an irresistible selection of Christmas treats.

Meanwhile, bid farewell to 2026 in spectacular style with an unforgettable evening of dinner, drinks and dancing. Begin the celebrations at Sailmaker Restaurant with a set entrée, followed by an elegant Japanese sushi station and abundant tapas table featuring poached prawns, oysters, antipasti, salads and charcuterie. Guests can then explore an array of global flavours at the Asian chef station, Italian buffet and carving station. As the evening unfolds, a live DJ sets the tone for a glamorous countdown to 2027. Finish the night with a decadent selection from the dessert table or indulge at the cheese counter, before welcoming the New Year in true Sydney style. Or ring in 2027 from one of Sydney’s most iconic rooftop bars with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Zephyr. Enjoy 4.5 hours of premium beverages, roaming canapés, grazing tables and live DJ entertainment, all set against the glittering backdrop of the Darling Harbour fireworks. From the moment you arrive, settle in with oysters, charcuterie and artisanal cheeses, available throughout the evening for relaxed grazing. As the night unfolds, beautifully crafted canapés will be served in waves, while premium sparkling wine, wine, beer and soft drinks flow into the countdown. With uninterrupted views of the fireworks and no crowds to navigate, enjoy a front-row seat as Sydney comes alive at midnight.

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2027 TRAVEL GUIDE New chapter for Maldivian fave T

another option for larger and multi-generational families. At the centre of the new Kandooma is a simple proposition: an experience-led Maldivian island where

the family holiday is taken care of, leaving everyone free to discover, experience and celebrate. Kandooma Maldives is now all-inclusive, but its interpretation

goes well beyond breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. For qualifying stays of four nights or more, experiences such as a sunset splash cruise, sunrise fish-

ing, a 30-minute spa treatment and guided reef snorkelling form part of the holiday. Certified divers can also take advantage of Kandooma’s Dive Free programme, with one complimentary guided dive per day, including standard dive equipment, boat transfers, and air/Nitrox fills. Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said: “For us, all-inclusive was never going to be simply a meal plan. We wanted it to change the way guests experience the island. A family shouldn’t spend its holiday constantly deciding what something costs or whether to add another experience. We want them out on the water, trying something new, sitting down together over dinner, slowing down at the spa or discovering a little more about the Maldives.” “Kandooma has always had an incredible energy and personality. This new chapter gives us the freedom to put that at the centre of everything we do. We’ve taken many of the experiences people come to the Maldives hoping to have and made them part of the Kandooma holiday from the outset. That’s what experience-led all-inclusive means to us,” he added.

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his year marks a new chapter for Kandooma Maldives, one of the South Malé Atoll’s best-known island resorts, as it officially begins life under its new brand. For the past 17 years, travellers have known the island as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. Now, the resort steps forward simply as Kandooma Maldives – refreshed, all-inclusive and with an experience-led approach designed to make family holidays easier, richer and considerably more fun. It is less a reinvention than an opportunity for Kandooma to be fully itself. The same easy-going island character, familiar faces and warm Maldivian welcome remain. At the same time, a significant product refresh introduces new accommodation, new villa configurations and private pools to more of the resort’s family accommodation. Eight new Family Beach Pool Villas combine direct beach access with private splash pools and dedicated children’s sleeping spaces. Pools have also been added to Kandooma’s two-bedroom Beach Houses, while two spacious three-bedroom Pool Villas offer

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2027 TRAVEL GUIDE Incredible adventure SCOTT MCRAE

he Chobe River lies like a steady ribbon through dry country, and on boarding The Chobe Princess it felt like stepping into a private, well-appointed floating boutique hotel. For my Travellingguy group the vessel was entirely ours, which made the experience relaxed and convenient: no schedules to juggle with other guests, easy access to decks for viewing, and comfortable spaces to regroup between wildlife and community excursions, where we would share in delicious mealtimes and sunset swills together, swapping various sighting stories. Our hosts here on The Chobe set a straightforward, friendly tone. Knowledgeable without being theatrical, pointing out the river’s role as a dependable water source that concentrates animals in dryer months and shared practical identification tips: how to read elephant tracks, where hippos make their channels, and what to look for if crocodiles are nearby. Our local guide’s easy humour and local context kept things light; the days were always full of laughs as we zipped around the waterways exploring the various offshoots. Water safaris from The Chobe Princess offer angles you don’t get from the land based safari. The boat can ease into narrow channels and move slowly along braided waterways where hippos surface and submerge and elephants come down to drink. From the deck you can watch herds crossing or feeding with less disturbance than many land vehicles cause; animals often seemed more relaxed with the boat’s quiet presence. Birdlife is a running theme – African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and storks are all common –so binoculars were in regular use and Lennox (our guide) was great at pointing out distinctive behaviours and local names. During our stay in

Botswana, we would also have the thrill of land safaris that provided a complementary experience. Where the boat offers broad observation, drives and short walks bring you closer to the signs that tell recent stories: tracks, dung, feeding marks and territorial scrapes. The vehicle moved deliberately through floodplain grasses and acacia

patches, stopping to study fresh spoor and discuss seasonal movements. Those on-land moments often felt educational and measured; Our on the land man, Candy, described why animals behave the way they do without overhyping encounters. We saw members of the Big Five across water and land segments: elephants drinking at the river edge, buffalo crossing shallow channels, lions beginning to stalk as the sun retired, a distant leopard slip through thornbush, more amazing birdlife than most have seen over a lifetime, in one day. Rather than framing each sighting as a peak event, the emphasis was on observing and understanding – practical satisfaction rather than staged spectacle. Which made the whole experience such a personal moment for us all. As a group you couldn’t help but share genuine excitement when animals appeared, with plenty of laughter at the small, human moments in between. The Botswana, Namibia experience is trip part of a broader African itinerary that added depth and variety. Time at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge complemented the Chobe segment with classic

bush walks and game drives in a different habitat; the lodge’s service and style is a cut above and is filled with heart and soul mixed with a lashings of 5–star flash and superb cuisine. Urban stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town brought contrasting flavours: Joburg’s historical sites and energy, and Cape Town’s coastline, markets, and the ever present Table Mountain. For a smallgroup tour, that mix of river, bush lodge, and cities created a fuller sense of the expanse – wildlife and wilderness balanced by cultural and urban context – making the journey feel like a complete adventure. Overall, the Chobe River leg and The Chobe Princess delivered us the ultimate introduction to the region. Water safaris delivered all-encompassing, exhilarating viewing; land outings provided closer inspection and perspective. Coupled with Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge and our extended time in Zimbabwe, Joburg and Cape Town, the small-group format gives us such a balanced adventure–filled with laughs, steady excitement, and memorable wildlife encounters, including the Big Five – The Ugly Five and even the Small Five! If you have dreamt of ticking off this bucket list escapade, then let me be your conductor and deliver you a life changing holiday! The Chobe is a small part of the bigger African adventure and there are some places still available to join me in September 2027! Life is for living, so let’s go! Visit www.thetravellingguy.com for information about upcoming tours.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

2027 TRAVEL GUIDE How surfing offers true relaxation A

ustralians have never worked harder at wellness. We track our sleep, count our steps, take the cold plunge and stack the supplements, and still come home from holidays needing another one. A new retreat on the NSW North Coast is offering a simpler answer: learn to surf. The thinking behind Waluaa is that the problem isn’t a lack of wellness, it’s a lack of attention. Most of us are never fully anywhere, half in the inbox, half in the next thing. Surfing doesn’t allow that. A wave won’t wait while you check your phone. In one session, surfing does what most wellness routines try to piece together: it moves the body, puts you in nature and clears the head. Whether it’s an hour before work or a Saturday morning, the endless rattle of to-do lists slips away, and you paddle in recharged, clearheaded and more like yourself. “Surfing asks you to be completely present,” said co-founder Vickie Mogensen. “I can go into the water stressed, with a million things running through my head, and come out feeling completely different. Happier, calmer, more alive. A good surf puts

everything back into perspective. The things that were worrying me before just don’t seem like such a big deal. Surfers have always known that feeling.” Waluaa’s four-night Surf & Wellness Retreats are designed for adults who have always wanted to learn but never felt it was for them: complete beginners to early intermediates, arriving solo, as couples, with friends or family. The first retreat runs this month, with just seven places, from $3,200 per person, followed by two retreats in February 2027. Small is the point. Australian safety standards recommend a maximum of eight surfers per coach for group surf instruction, and many surf retreats promise personalised coaching without publishing their ratio. Waluaa puts its number up front: no more than two surfers per coach, which means closer supervision, a safer start for beginners and faster progress. Waluaa also does the thinking and planning for you. Each morning, its local coaches check the conditions and choose the best beginner-friendly break on the Byron-to-Ballina coast for that day, with all surf transport included. It’s

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

the kind of local knowledge visitors rarely have, and it means every session happens in the best conditions on offer. Yoga, massage and beach mindfulness support the surfing, guests stay in private beachfront apartments, and time is deliberately left free. There’s no back-to-back

wellness schedule, just time to slow down, wander Lennox at your own pace or sit on the beach, feet in the sand, coffee in hand, and watch the next set roll in. 20 minutes south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head is a coastal village where surfing is part of everyday life, with the room and slower pace

that first drew Waluaa to small surf towns. “No high-rises, no traffic jams, just the hinterland in the distance. Coming home brought back that nostalgia for the simple Australian beach holiday,” Mogensen said. Visit https://waluaa.com for more information.

Nestled in the Jerrara countryside just 90 minutes from Sydney, with Kiama’s stunning beaches and town centre moments away. All our tents feature their own private fire pit and deck with breathtaking views across the beautiful green rolling hills of Jamberoo.

CicadaLu xu ryCampin g.com.au

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

2027 TRAVEL GUIDE Sri Lanka builds year-round interest S

ri Lanka is seeing a shift in how travellers are engaging with the island. While the November to April period has historically been its peak travel season, demand is increasingly extending into the months beyond it. Occupancy between May and September has risen compared to the same period in 2025, pointing to continued interest in experiencing Sri Lanka outside its conventional peak. This supports efforts to position Sri Lanka as a year-round destination. “We’ve seen strong growth between May and September, which we now call the Emerald Season. We no longer refer to it as the off-season, because Sri Lanka offers real diversity across the entire year,” said Malik Fernando, Chairman, Resplendent Ceylon. “The country has a continent’s worth of experiences in one island, and you can spend time in the mountains, the wildlife parks or on the coast in any month. This year-round positioning is also gaining ground with travellers who are finding summers elsewhere harder to travel in. The hill country offers a cooler escape at this time, and more people are now aware of that.” That depth is helping shape a new Sri Lanka. The island’s established draws – its beaches, heritage sites and wildlife – now sit alongside a growing range of experiences that invite travellers to stay longer and travel differently. Hiking, birdwatching, surfing, immersive family travel, local food, conser-

Cape Weligama.

vation, cultural discovery, and Ayurveda-led wellness are all opening up new ways to experience the country. What each of these looks like changes through the year, so there is something different to see in every season. The Pekoe Trail is another striking example of year-round activity. The 300km route through Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands is divided into stages, allowing it to be explored over multiple journeys during different times

of the year rather than completed as a single itinerary. Its sections move through tea estates, villages, forests and highland landscapes, offering opportunities for walking, birdwatching and encounters with the people and places that define the region. The Emerald Season also covers some of the most important dates in Sri Lanka’s festival calendar, many of which winter visitors never see. Vesak, usually in May, marks the birth,

enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Towns and villages across the island are lit with handmade lanterns, and large illuminated pandols depict scenes from Buddhist stories. Poson follows in June. In July or August, the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the country’s largest cultural processions, takes over the streets of Kandy for several nights. The Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape is evolving alongside these experiences. In 2026, six Michelin Keys were awarded across Resplendent Ceylon’s portfolio – three to Ceylon Tea Trails, two to Wild Coast Tented Lodge and one to Cape Weligama – adding international recognition to a destination increasingly known not only for its landscapes and wildlife, but also for the character of its hospitality, design and culinary experience. The tea, sea and safari journey across these properties has become one of the country’s defining luxury itineraries. That breadth is reflected across Resplendent Ceylon’s five properties. At Ceylon Tea Trails, guests can explore the tea country and sections of the Pekoe Trail; at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, the experience is rooted in the wilderness of Yala; further south, Cape Weligama and Ahu Bay offer different expressions of the southern coast, while Kayaam brings an Ayurveda-led approach to wellness in Tangalle. For Sri Lanka, the next opportunity lies in building on that range, so that the island is seen as a destination to visit in any month.

Independent travel reviews from writers who’ve been there!

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2027 TRAVEL GUIDE Dolly’s final gift to Nashville: New hotel and museum now running D

olly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum are officially open in downtown Nashville, welcoming guests to a new destination inspired by the life, career and legacy of one of the world’s most beloved entertainers. The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring children whose lives have been enriched by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, honouring Dolly’s enduring commitment to inspiring generations through the power of music, storytelling and books. Located in the heart of Music City, SongTeller Hotel – created in partnership with Dolly Parton and Herschend – offers a one-of-a-kind stay rooted in Dolly’s deep connection to Nashville, while Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum provides an immersive journey through her extraordinary life and career. Together, the hotel and museum offer fans and visitors an opportunity to experience Dolly’s story through music, memorabilia, fashion, film, television, philanthropy, family, faith and the moments that helped shape her remarkable journey. Dolly was deeply involved throughout the development

of both the hotel and museum, working closely with her team and the creative partners involved in bringing the vision to life. From reviewing details and sharing stories and memories to making creative decisions throughout the process, Dolly’s personal touch can be found throughout all aspects of the property. Her involvement, alongside the collaboration of her team and AOA, helped ensure that the spaces felt authentic to her life, her career and her connection to Nashville. SongTeller Hotel features 240 signature rooms and suites, complemented by elevated dining,

Inside one of the rooms at the hotel.

The ribbon butting of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel in Nashville.

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SongTeller Café, live entertainment and immersive experiences inspired by Dolly’s life and artistry. At the heart of the hotel is Parton’s Live, a vibrant celebration of Dolly’s music and performance legacy, alongside Jolene’s, an intimate live music and entertainment space on the hotel’s top floor, inspired by one of Dolly’s most iconic songs. “Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she has made people feel - seen, welcomed, inspired and connected. That is the spirit we hope guests feel the moment they walk into SongTeller,” shared Shannon Foster, General Manager of Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel.

“To open these doors and share her story with guests from around the world is an incredible privilege, and we hope every guest leaves with a memory, a song or a story of their own that they carry with them long after their stay.” Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum – created by Dolly Parton Productions – begins with Dolly herself, guiding guests into her story from the very beginning. The experience opens on January 19, 1946, the night Dolly was born, before taking visitors through the many chapters of her life and career. Guests journey through her childhood and young years in the Great Smoky Mountains, her early days performing and finding her place in country music, her rise through the Opry stages, and her evolution into a global music superstar and Hollywood icon. Along the way, the museum explores the people and experiences that shaped her, including her family, music, film and television career, fashion, philanthropy, faith and the many milestones that have made Dolly’s story one of the most extraordinary in entertainment. “Today we open the doors to Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, a day our family and

our team have dreamed about for years,” said Rebecca Seaver, Executive Director of Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum.

“We can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world” “Bringing this vision to life was not easy. It took countless hours, hard decisions, loss and a great deal of heart to get every detail right. But it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and it has deepened my appreciation for the story of a little girl who went from the top of the Smokies to the top of the world. I hope everyone who visits leaves is inspired to dream, just as Dolly did. We can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world to experience her life of many colors.” For hotel information or to reserve a stay, visit www.songtellerhotel. com. Read our Nashville reviews at www.suitcasestories.com.au.

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

POWERFUL STORIES MADELINE DANTIER

ow in its second year after landmark success, Heartland Festival is returning to Parramatta in 2026, bringing together bold new works, emerging artists and cultural diversity to the heartland of Sydney’s west. During this two-week festival, developing playwrights and the public are given the opportunity to watch, learn, workshop and discover in an environment built for nurturing their unique stories. “I think that it is such a strength and a gift that here in this country we have people from everywhere that make it their home... our strength is in that diversity and should be reflected in the way that we program,” said Associate Artist, Erica Brennan.

In the interest of showcasing these diverse stories, playwright Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu will be unveiling his play ‘The Western Line’, which follows a man travelling from Circular Quay to western Sydney, along the T1 Western train line. Deeply rooted in the western Sydney experience, the story explores Faatau’uu-Satiu’s own family migration from Samoa, to Aotearoa/New Zealand, and now in western Sydney. Taking inspiration from his heritage, Faatau’uu-Satiu explores how his Samoan ancestors shaped who he is. “Whilst there are many parts of my Samoan heritage I am still learning, exploring, re-learning, and re-exploring, I am and remain very grounded in my Samoan identity. Although this play I’ve written is a oneman show, he mentions as well as re-en-

acts various people on his journey home. This idea is that we are never alone because we always carry a village of people with us,” Faatau’uu-Satiu shared. Also debuting her latest work, playwright Emily Ayoub shared the inspiration behind her play, ‘RUINS’, as a desire to explore her own cultural heritage. After a family trip to Lebanon in 2009, Ayoub was inspired by the toll it takes on one’s heart when leaving one’s homeland. “When I was there I saw the house, or the ruin where my father was born and I visited my grandfather’s grave there and those moments were quite profound for me,” Ayoub shared. Centering around main character Amelia’s journey to Lebanon after the death of her father, ‘RUINS’ explores themes of grief, migration, memory, and the search

for home. “I think western Sydney is shaped by lots of layered, interwoven identities and families in western Sydney hold stories that stretch across borders, and generations, and sometimes wars,” Ayoub said. Bringing her personal story to the stage of western Sydney creates a space for the diaspora experience of migrants that is rarely seen on Australian stages. This story creates space for not just Arab, but other migrant communities to see themselves reflected on stage. Celebrate the culture and take part in the stories that shape our diverse and beautiful region. Heartland Festival takes place from November 25 to December 5 at PHIVE in Parramatta Square. Tickets can be purchased via https://riversideparramatta.com.au.

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

THINGS TO DO The Ultimate Musical Mashup

High Tea At Tori

Memorial Variety Show

Come and celebrate the amazing music from the two biggest cult classic musical films of all time, ‘Grease’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’! From leather jackets to fishnet stockings, this evening of fun and nostalgia will have you dancing and singing the night away. Plus prizes for best dressed! On at the Evan Theatre this Friday, November 6. Tickets available online.

Indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted sweet and savoury delights during High Tea At Tori on Sunday, November 8. Held on the first Sunday of each month at Pullman Sydney Penrith Hotel, enjoy unlimited tea and coffee while you dine on delicate french pastries and gourmet finger sandwiches. Bookings are essential. Visit www.toribarandcafe.com.au.

Be part of something extraordinary this Sunday, November 8 at 2pm as Penrith RSL hosts a memorial variety show celebrating the legacy of the late, great Bob Montgomery. Featuring a Big Swing Band and some of the best Australian talent, every ticket sold fuels hope for a brighter future for those affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Tickets: Door or at www.trybooking.com/au.

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

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au. Penrith CBD Corporation Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

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

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

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

Penrith NASHOS Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL from 10am. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

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

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.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

Probus Club of Nepean Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club. New members welcome. Call 0417 267 866. Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club Meets on the fourth Monday of the

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

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.

0408 412 708 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.

6 –15 Nov 2026

Glenbrook Community Theatre/Cinema

Fri 6 and 13 Nov 7.30pm Sat 7 and 14 Nov 2.00pm and 7.30pm Sun 15 Nov 11.00am Bookings:

www.glenbrookplayers.com.au www.glenbrookcinema.com.au or (02) 4739 0003

G L E N B RO O K P L AY E R S P R E S E N T S

by y Directed b by Ron Wadick

By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical. On Behalf of Samuel French. A Concord Theatricals Company

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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MULTI-DAY EVENT MADELINE DANTIER St Finbar’s Catholic Church 46 Levy St, Glenbrook Friday 13 November 7:30pm

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bachakademieaustralia.com.au ph. 1300 785 377

uperposition, a new multi-day arts and culture festival in Penrith and the Blue Mountains, will open its proceedings with a free, live concert and choreographed jet ski show at Sydney International Regatta Centre on Thursday, November 26. Headlining this concert is Miss Kaninna, an Indigenous artist from Bruny Island, who made history in 2024 when her debut single ‘Blak Britney’ went to #1 on Triple J and earned her three ARIA nominations. Known for live shows that rouse rage

and joy in equal measure, she brings that charge to the Nepean for one night only. Turning lakeside, Amrita Hepi presents ‘Stunt Ballet’, a choreography for water and wave craft exploring the need for speed. Working with a local jet ski stunt crew, award-winning artist Hepi creates an on-water spectacle especially for ‘Superposition’. The performance begins at 5pm on Thursday, November 26, with the festival running from November 26 to November 29, at various locations from Penrith to Mt Victoria. Visit https://superpositionfestival.com to register.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK EVERY EVER EV ERY ER Y WE WEDN WEDNESDAY DNES DN ESDA ES DAY DA Y Quizmasters Trivia from 7pm EVER EV EVERY ERY ER Y TH THUR THURSDAY UR RSD SDAY AY

Weekly Meat Raffle from 6pm Cornhole Comp from 7:30pm FRIDAY FRID FR IDAY AY - SUNDAY SUN NDA AY Live & Local Music

4/137 COREEN AVE, PENRITH NSW 2750

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

COUNTRY CORNER from Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and so many more of country’s big names. Disney+ will also air the CMA Awards later this month.

}'# T ' }t NwA#' 9 U }AZU tZZT qt'TA T >tAw}T w >ZwqA} OA} q N :' Ella’s Halloween surprise She’s the biggest star in country music and Ella Langley wrapped up her touring schedule over the weekend, finishing things up with a Halloween show in which she performed in a ‘Toy Story’ inspired costume. So what’s next for the ‘Choosin’ Texas’ and ‘Be Her’ singer, who has broken records left, right and centre this year? Well the CMA Awards are just around the corner, followed by a brief break. But you’ve got to make hay while that sun shines, and we hear Langley will be back on the road next year with another tour. We can only hope it includes more international dates and dare we say, Australia? Dolly tribute airs in Australia The recent CMA Dolly Parton tribute is now available to Australian audiences on Disney+. It was a great tribute with performances

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Star from yesteryear dies Tributes have been flowing in this week for John “Bobby” Wright, who passed away on October 27. He was the son of country music icons Johnnie Wright and Kitty Wells, but became a star in his own right with hits like ‘Here I Go Again’. He charted 21 singles during his career. Wright was perhaps best known for his acting. He starred in the sitcom ‘McHale’s Navy’, and was its last surviving cast member. Track of the Week We’re a fan of former ‘American Idol’ winner Scotty McCreery’s new track, ‘King Size Bed’. Give it a listen!

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At the movies... REVIEW Whalefall  1 hour, 46 minutes What is a movie supposed to achieve? I pondered this question when I was reflecting on how silly ‘Whalefall’ felt in the hours after exiting the cinema. But if the answer is that the aim of a film is to entertain you, and keep you enthralled for the majority of its run time, then it’s hard to argue ‘Whalefall’ doesn’t achieve this. As unfulfilled as I felt post-movie, I never looked at my watch once. I never felt bored, and the intensity kept things flowing. And so my longer-term reflection on ‘Whalefall’ is better than my initial reaction, though I doubt I’ll ever find myself re-visiting it. We follow the lost-in-life Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams), whose relationship with his father Mitt (Josh Brolin) has been forever rocky. When Mitt dies by suicide following a

diagnosis of terminal cancer, Jay is left with plenty to ponder. Desperate to find his father’s remains, and perhaps a little closure, he loads up the diving equipment that was often the catalyst of the clashes between the pair and heads into the ocean. Jay is swallowed by an 80-foot sperm whale, but remarkably survives. Problem is, he’s trapped inside and has only 60 minutes to find his way out before his oxygen tank runs dry. And so begins his desperate fight for survival – at times funny, often bizarre and even a little icky. Along the way we get flashbacks to the highlights, or lowlights, of the father-son relationship that dominates the main storyline. It adds some strength to the film

See these movies at...

and certainly increases the meaningfulness attached to it. Ironically the movie’s best scene is the whale’s initial swallowing of Jay and his fight to avoid it – you know how it’s going to end, but you still find yourself rooting for

PENRITH

him to get out of the situation. Spoiler: he doesn’t, otherwise the movie would be over. ‘Whalefall’ is far from spectacular, but if a movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, it gets more than a pass mark. – Troy Dodds

www.hoyts.com.au

Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 Wicker

Pressure

Sense and Sensibility

(MA)

(M)

(PG)

5 to 18 Nov

Now Showing to 11 Nov

Hadestown: The Musical (G)

Ebenezer

8 Nov

12 to 25 Nov

(CTC)

Something for everyone

Rocky (PG) 50TH ANNIVERSARY 22 & 24 Nov

www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

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

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The Rocks • Northmead • Beverly Hills • Darling Square

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • DESSERT

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê 10 held their annual Upfronts last week, confirming which new shows and favourites would be coming to our televisions next year. ‘Australian Ninja Warrior’ and ‘Junior MasterChef’ return to our screens, alongside other reality shows ‘Australian Survivor’, ‘The Traitors’, ‘MasterChef Australia’, ‘Big Brother’, and entertainment shows ‘Have You Been Paying Attention?’, ‘The Cheap Seats’, ‘Sam Pang Tonight’ and ‘Shaun Micallef’s Parents’ Evening’. There are two new property titles coming to 10 next year in ‘Aussie Auctions’ and ‘Extraordinary Homes Australia’ fronted by Wendy Moore, plus observational series ‘Dogs at Work’. 10 and Paramount+ will also be the home of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 as well as the MotoGP Grand Prix of Australia and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Ê Paramount+ also held its 2027 Upfronts

last week, revealing several new and returning scripted titles plus a new true crime documentary. New seasons of ‘NCIS: Sydney’ and ‘Last King of the Cross’ are coming next year. Viewers can also expect to see new limited drama series ‘Mushroom Murders*’, live-action series ‘Sam Kerr Kicking Goals’, new investigation series ‘Hedley Thomas Investigates’, and new comedy series ‘The Inspired Unemployed Sketch Show’, which I can’t wait for!

NOVEMBER 29

7.30PM

CHOIR OF HARD KNOCKS: A NEW CHORUS , ABC

Ê ABC documentary series ‘Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus’ will premiere on Sunday, November 29 at 7.30pm. 20 years after it first captured the nation’s heart, with homelessness and mental health remaining pressing issues in Australia, the ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’ returns for its most ambitious undertaking yet: a landmark gala concert celebrating two decades of music, resilience and community. Narrated by Adam Hills, the four-part series follows choir members as they navigate rehearsals, personal challenges, unexpected reunions and extraordinary musical collaborations while preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Melbourne’s iconic Palais Theatre. Ê The cast for the new season of ‘Taskmas-

Ê ABC comedy series ‘Ground Up’ has been

Ê ‘The Pursuit: F1 Academy’, a new documentary about the all-female F1 Academy, will debut on Disney+ on November 19. Screening ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the special offers behindthe-scenes access to the 2025 F1 Academy season, following a group of elite female drivers, including Doriane Pin, Maya Weug, Chloe Chambers and Alisha Palmowski. Ê The new ‘Baywatch’ reboot will stream exclusively on Stan from Thursday, January 7 next year. The 12-episode action-drama follows and all-new team of lifeguards as they patrol the world’s most famous stretch of sand. ‘Baywatch’ originally ran from 1989 to 1999, becoming the most-watched TV show in the world. It launched the careers of Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff.

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JANUARY 7, 2027 BAYWATCH, STAN

ter Australia’ has been revealed. The cast will be Charlie Pickering, Frankie McNair, Shane Jacobson, Tom Walker and Urzila Carlson. ‘Taskmaster Australia’ will air next year on 10.

renewed for a second season. Starring Sam Pang, the series is about a long-suffering AFL administrator leading the Great Southern Football Club in a race against time to get Hobart’s new stadium off the ground.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

TV Guide: November 6 - 12

Sunday 8 November

Saturday 7 November

Friday 6 November

Your guide to the week’s television viewing 6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 NFL: Week 9: Jaguars v Ravens Gruen (PG) 11:10 Grand Designs New Zealand (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Recipe *Live* From Baltimore 3:30 Border Security International (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 Of The Year 1:50 Dustfall (M l,s,v) 2:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:40 Old People’s 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven Home For Teenagers 4:40 Long Lost Family News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Die Hard” (M l,v) (’88) Stars: Bruce (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Willis 11:15 GetOn Extra 11:45 Highway Cops (PG) 12:15 Jamestown (MA15+) 1:15 Australia 8:20 Saint-Pierre (M v) 9:05 Recipe Of The Year 9:55 Class Clowns (PG) Harry’s Practice 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 5:00 NBC Today 10:25 Crime Night! (PG)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Sullivan’s Crossing (M mp) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 8:30 Movie: “We Bought A Zoo” (PG) (’11) Stars: Matt Damon 11:00 See No Evil (MA15+) 11:50 Tipping Point (PG) 12:40 Pointless (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping

9:00 The Finish Line 10:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:30 Entertainment Tonight 10:50 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 12:00 Farm To Fork - Pick Of The Crop 12:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 1:00 10 News: Lunchtime 2:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 2:30 The Finish Line 3:30 Lingo (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 7:30 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 8:40 Love It Or List It Australia 9:40 10’s Late News

10:10 Luke Nguyen’s India (PG) 11:10 Susan Calman’s Grand Week By The Sea (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Bollywed (PG) 3:00 NITV News - Nula 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 The Art Of Henna - A Journey To Freedom (In English/ Hindi) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Hotel Portofino (M v) 8:35 Summer In The Isles Of Scilly

3:00 A Moveable Feast - All New Series (PG) 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 The Americas (M) 8:30 Escape To The Country

1:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 2:00 American Pickers (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Mighty Planes (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Pilots (PG)

12:00 S.W.A.T. (M v) 3:00 The Food Dude (PG) 3:30 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 4:30 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 6:40 Movie: “Beethoven’s 2nd” (G) (’93) Stars: Charles Grodin 8:30 Movie: “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (MA15+) (’08)

3:25 Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:30 Thalu 5:00 Amplify (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves” (M l) (’91) Stars: Kevin Costner

10:30 Building The Dream Home 11:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

2:00 My Lottery Dream 11:30 Ridiculousness Home (PG) 3:00 The (M l) 12:30 Becker (PG) Block (PG) 4:00 Good 1:00 Friends (PG) 3:00 Bones (PG) 5:00 No Demo Frasier (PG) 4:00 Farm To Reno 6:00 House Hunters Fork: Pick Of The Crop 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Barnwood 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Two Builders 8:30 House Hunters: And A Half Men (PG) 9:30 Amazing Water Homes Becker (PG)

3:00 Play School 3:30 Wiggle And Learn 4:00 Gardening Australia Junior 4:35 SuperKitties 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:25 Octonauts 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower And Flour 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior 7:35 Monkie Kid (PG)

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

3:00 QI (PG) 3:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:00 MythBusters (PG) 4:50 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 5:40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:30 Richard Osman’s House Of Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

5:30 My Market Kitchen 6:00 Good Food Everyday With Gary Mehigan 6:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Hotel Chocolat At Christmas 8:30 The World’s Biggest Curry

2:15 We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel) (M l) 2:50 Forged In Fire (PG) 3:40 Beautiful Game Changers 3:45 Worldwatch 5:50 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update

2:30 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Highlights 3:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 Movie: “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” (PG) (’16) Stars: Eddie Redmayne

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Beyond Paradise (PG) 1:30 Saint-Pierre (M) 2:15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year (PG) 3:05 ABC Young Performers Awards 4:10 David Attenborough’s Conquest Of The Skies 5:00 Australian Story (PG) 5:30 Landline 6:00 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Beyond Paradise (PG) 8:30 Murdoch Mysteries (PG)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Eagle Farm/ Rosehill *Live* 5:00 Rugby League: Women’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Rugby League: Women’s World Cup: Semi Final: *Live* From TBA 7:30 Rugby League: Men’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live* 10:00 Rugby League: Post Game 10:30 Movie: “Passengers” (M) (’16)

6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday (PG) 12:00 Horse Racing: Champions Stakes Day *Live* From Flemington Racecourse 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Other Woman” (M l,s) (’14) Stars: Cameron Diaz 9:40 Movie: “Bad Moms” (M d,l) (’16) Stars: Mila Kunis 11:40 Dirty John (MA15+) 12:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 1:30 The Garden Gurus

9:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 9:20 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 11:30 The Finish Line 12:30 Buy To Build (PG) 1:00 Silvia’s Masterclass 1:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 2:30 Love It Or List It - Brilliant Builds (PG) 3:30 Food Trail South Africa 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 Healthy, Wealthy And Wise 7:30 Football: Pre-Game 7:40 Football: ALeague: Melbourne City FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC *Live*

10:00 Roads Unknown - India 11:05 Icons Of Auto (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Motorsport: World Rally-Raid Championship Highlights 3:00 Football: Australian Championship: Marconi Stallions FC v Bayswater City SC *Live* 5:00 Plat Du Tour 5:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:35 Greatest Escapes Of WW2 (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Royals And Their Gardens (PG) 8:30 Great British Train Journeys From Above (PG)

2:00 Better Homes And Gardens 3:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Eagle Farm/ Rosehill *Live* 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Chateau (PG)

12:45 The Mentor (PG) 3:00 Unfiltered (M) 4:00 1:45 Bringing Sexy AFLW: Qualifying Final: Back (PG) 3:00 The North Melbourne Food Dude (PG) 3:30 Britain’s Kangaroos v Carlton Blues Got Talent (PG) 5:30 Movie: *Live* From IKON Park 6:00 Rugby League: Women’s World “Spies In Disguise” (M) (’19) Cup: Semi Final: New Zealand Stars: Rachel Brosnahan 7:30 Movie: “Downton Abbey: A v Samoa *Live* 7:00 Storage New Era” (PG) (’22) Wars (PG)

3:30 Movie: “Sunny And The Dark Horse” (PG) (’87) Director: David MacDougall 5:00 Piri’s Tiki Tour (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Pro Bull Riding Teams USA 8:30 Movie: “The Lost Boys” (M)

11:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 12:30 The Living Room (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Reel Action 5:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: PreGame 7:40 Football: ALeague: Melbourne City FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC *Live*

6:00 Home Shopping 7:30 Deal Or No Deal 8:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 Becker (PG) 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 11:00 Becker (PG)

3:30 New Neighbourhoods (PG) 4:00 House Hunters: Amazing Water Homes 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 My Lottery Dream Home (PG) 5:30 Good Bones (PG) 6:30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses 7:30 Bargain Mansions

3:00 Play School 4:00 Talking Tom Heroes 4:25 Football Fantastics 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:20 PJ Masks 6:10 Shaun The Sheep 6:25 Zog 7:05 Do Not Watch This Show 7:30 Hard Quiz Kids 7:55 Kids Baking Championship 8:40 Gladiators UK (PG)

2:00 ABC News 2:30 If You’re Listening 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Planet America 4:00 ABC News 4:30 BTN 4:55 Heywire 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Asia News Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News

2:50 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 3:30 QI (PG) 4:00 Would I Lie To You (PG) 4:30 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 6:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:30 Thai Street Food: Best Kept Secrets 6:00 Global Soul Kitchen 6:30 Donal’s Feasts, Fasts And Festivals 7:30 Inside Sydney Fish Market 8:30 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 9:40 Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted 10:35 Ainsley’s Taste Of Malta

12:20 Late Bloomer (M) (In English/ Punjabi) 2:20 Great Australian Concerts (PG) 3:30 Worldwatch 5:35 Mastermind 6:35 Mysteries From Above (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” (M v) (’14)

2:30 Dakar Youth Olympic Games Highlights 3:30 Creative Generation: State Schools On Stage 5:30 Basketball: Adelaide 36ers v Illawarra Hawks *Live* 7:30 Basketball: Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets *Live*

1:30 Gen Well (PG) 2:00 Explore TV 2:30 Movie: “Where No Vultures Fly” (G) (’51) Stars: Anthony Steel 4:45 Movie: “Dunkirk” (PG) (’58) Stars: John Mills 7:30 Movie: “Air Force One” (M v) (’97) Stars: Harrison Ford

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:15 Recipe Of The Year 3:05 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:25 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty (PG) 4:20 Ages Of Ice (M l) 5:15 Grand Designs New Zealand (PG) 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Recipe Of The Year 8:20 Dustfall (M l,s)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Border Security - International (PG) 1:30 WBBL: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder *Live* 5:00 Rugby League: Women’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Rugby League: Women’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live* 7:30 Rugby League: Men’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live*

6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 Cross Court 11:30 Fishing Australia 12:00 A Golf Club Somewhere (PG) 12:30 Drive TV 1:00 Tasman Trails 2:00 Budget Battlers (PG) 3:00 1 Euro House (PG) 4:00 Ready Vet Go - The Vet Ambulance Service (PG) 4:30 Explore TV 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 RBT: Yes Sir (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 60 Minutes (M) 8:00 Unskilled Adult (M) 3:50 Movie: “The Dream Whisperer” (PG) (’23) Stars: Dick Barnett 4:50 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edward (PG) 6:10 Bamay 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:40 Casketeers Life & Death Across The Globe

1:00 The Surgery Ship (PG) 2:00 South Aussie With Cosi (PG) 2:30 A Moveable Feast - All New Series (PG) 3:00 My Greek Odyssey (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 WBBL: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars *Live* 8:30 Vera (M l,v)

3:00 AFLW: Elimination Final: Teams TBA *Live* From TBA 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Rugby League: Women’s World Cup: Semi Final: Teams TBA *Live* From TBA 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG)

12:30 Home And Away (PG) 3:30 Dream Academy (PG) 4:00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 5:00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 6:00 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M v)

3:00 Play School 3:25 Thomas And Friends 4:00 Talking Tom Heroes 4:25 Football Fantastics 5:00 Peppa Pig 6:10 Shaun The Sheep 6:25 Zog 7:05 Do Not Watch This Show 7:30 Little Lunch 8:30 Are You Afraid Of The Dark?

2:00 ABC News 2:30 Australian Story 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Offsiders 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 The Regions 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli 7:00 ABC National News

5:30 Christmas At The 4:00 Would I Lie To Castle 6:00 Norway You? (PG) 4:30 Gourmet With Justine MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Schofield 6:30 Family Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 6:10 George Clarke’s Amazing Dineasties 7:00 Donal’s Festival Kitchen 7:30 Island Bites With Spaces 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Hebridean Baker 8:30 Jamie Would I Lie To You? (M s) 8:30 Cooks Italy 9:30 Prue Leith’s George Clarke’s Building Home Cotswold Kitchen

9:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 9:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Intrepid Adventures 11:00 Healthy, Wealthy And Wise 12:00 The Finish Line 1:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 1:30 Exploring Off The Grid (PG) 2:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 2:50 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 10 News Plus 7:00 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 8:10 The Graham Norton Show (M)

9:00 Building The Dream Home 12:00 Australia By Design: Architecture 12:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 1:30 Buy To Build 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise 7:30 NCIS (M v)

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

10:05 Roads Unknown - India (PG) 11:05 Icons Of Auto (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 12:55 Beautiful Game Changers 1:00 Motorsport: Speedweek 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:30 Hitler - The Books He Didn’t Burn (PG) (In English/ German/ French) 5:35 Greatest Escapes Of WW2 (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Richard E Grant’s Very Modern Odyssey (PG) 8:25 Lost Treasures Of Arabia 10:15 Ancient Superstructures (In English/ French)

1:30 New 6:00 Home Shopping Neighbourhoods (PG) 7:30 Deal Or No Deal 2:00 Mexico Life 2:30 9:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 11:30 Becker (PG) Chateau DIY 3:30 House 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 Becker Hunters: Amazing Water Homes 4:30 Barnwood (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two And A Builders 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters Half Men (PG) 10:30 Becker International 7:30 Home Town (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG)

12:30 Basketball: 12:10 Late Bloomers Sydney Flames v (M l,s) (In English/ Southside Melbourne Punjabi) 2:10 Jeopardy! Flyers *Live* 2:30 Dakar Youth 4:15 SBS50 (PG) 4:20 Olympic Games Highlights Worldwatch 5:45 Icons 3:30 My Way 3:40 Everwood Unearthed (PG) 6:40 (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Superman Engineering Tomorrow (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering IV: The Quest For Peace” (PG) (’87) Stars: Christopher Reeve (PG) 8:30 Deli Boys

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

1:00 Movie: “Billy Liar” (PG) (’63) Stars: Tom Courtenay 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “Our Man In Marrakesh” (G) (’66) Stars: Senta Berger 5:30 Secret Life Of The Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow

12:50 Movie: “Bonnie Prince Charlie” (G) (’48) Stars: David Niven 3:15 Movie: “They Who Dare” (G) (’54) Stars: Dirk Bogarde 5:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 7:30 Clarkson’s Farm (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Ocean’s Eleven” (M l) (’01) Stars: Brad Pitt

Thursday 12 November

Wednesday 11 November

Tuesday 10 November

Monday 9 November

Get Macca’s® delivered. 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Landline 2:00 Back Roads 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 2:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:40 Old People’s Home For Teenagers (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 I Was Actually There (M l) 8:30 Four Corners (PG) 4:00 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Beat The Chasers UK 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 9:10 The Hunting Party (M v) 10:10 The Agenda Setters (M)

12:00 Movie: “Listen Out For Love” (PG) (’22) Stars: Stephanie Bennett 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 8:40 Love Island Australia (M) 9:55 Destination X (PG) 11:10 NINE News

4:30 Lopez Vs. Lopez 3:00 Repco Supercars (PG) 5:00 The Support Highlights 5:00 Goldbergs (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge 5:30 American Pickers (PG) Judy (PG) 7:30 Law & Order 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 (M s,v) The Agenda Setters

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Tales From Zambia (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 Living Black

12:00 Farm To Fork - Pick Of The Crop 12:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 1:00 10 News: Lunchtime 2:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 2:30 The Finish Line 3:30 Lingo (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 7:30 Big Brother Australia (M l,s) 8:40 Sam Pang Tonight (M)

5:00 Christina On The 4:00 Farm To Fork: 12:45 The Young And Coast (PG) 6:00 House Pick Of The Crop 4:30 The Restless (PG) 1:30 Hunters International Becker (PG) 5:00 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) Masters Of Flip 8:30 Windy Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) City Rehab (PG) 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:20 Bull (M s,v)

3:50 Worldwatch 5:50 6:00 Good Food 5:40 George Clarke’s 3:00 ABC News 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:40 The Curse Of Oak Everyday With Gary Amazing Spaces 6:30 Afternoons 4:00 Kangaroo Beach 6:05 Island (PG) 6:40 Mehigan 6:30 Everyday Richard Osman’s Afternoon Briefing 5:00 Spidey And His House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower ABC News With Joe O’Brien And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats And Flour 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 Does Countdown (M l,s) ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Beyond Paradise (PG) 2:00 Back Roads 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe 2:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Old People’s Home For Teenagers (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Ages Of Ice (M l) 8:55 Wild Isles

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 9:15 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu (M l) 10:15 The Amazing Race (PG)

3:00 Shark Curry - A Cricket Delicacy 3:30 Lucknow (PG) (In Hindi/ English) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:15 Love After 60 In India (PG) (In Hindi/ English) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits Ultimate Triumphs (M l,s)

12:00 Movie: “Planning On Forever” (G) (’22) Stars: Emily Tennant 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 1 Euro House (PG) 8:30 Jamie Durie’s Future House (PG) 9:35 Love Island Australia (M l,s)

3:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 NBL Overtime (PG) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M v) 8:40 The Brokenwood Mysteries (M s,v)

3:00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Anzac. Lemnos. 1915. (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 2.6 Seconds - Death In The Outback (M l,v) 9:40 The Point

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

4:00 Windy City Rehab 4:00 Farm To Fork: 12:45 The Young And 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Tales 4:30 Lopez Vs. Lopez 7:00 Unfiltered (PG) - Alison’s Dream Home Pick Of The Crop 4:30 The Restless (PG) 1:30 From Zambia (PG) 7:30 (PG) 5:00 The 7:30 Rugby League: (PG) 5:00 Masters Of Becker (PG) 5:00 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M) The American Buffalo Goldbergs (PG) 5:30 Men’s World Cup: Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) Flip 6:00 House Hunters (M) 8:30 2.6 Seconds: Death In 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M) Wheelchair Semi Final: Teams Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) International 6:30 House Judy (PG) 7:30 CSI: New York The Outback (M l,v) 9:40 The 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Bull TBA *Live* From TBA Hunters USA 9:30 Becker (PG) (M s,v) 11:15 JAG (PG) Point (M v)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:25 Octonauts 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower And Flour 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu (PG)

3:45 Worldwatch 5:50 6:00 Good Food 5:40 George Clarke’s 3:00 ABC News The Curse Of Oak Everyday With Gary Amazing Spaces 6:30 Afternoons 4:00 Island (PG) 6:40 Mehigan 6:30 Everyday Richard Osman’s Afternoon Briefing 5:00 House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News ABC News With Joe O’Brien And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 Does Countdown (M l,s) ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch (M) 2:00 Back Roads 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe 2:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Old People’s Home For Teenagers (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 9:15 House Of Wellness (PG) 10:15 Chicago Fire (M v)

12:00 TopKnotz - Wild On Water (M l) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Budget Battlers (PG) 8:40 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 9:40 Love Island Australia (M l,s) 10:55 NINE News Late

3:35 Movie: “Charley Moon” (G) (’56) Stars: Max Bygraves 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG)

3:00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Dear Mr. Manley - A WW1 Working Men’s Club Mystery 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Bill Bailey’s Korea (PG) 8:30 2.6 Seconds Death In The Outback (M l,v)

5:00 Escape To The 4:00 Farm To Fork: 12:45 The Young And 6:00 Bamay 6:40 4:30 Lopez Vs. Lopez Chateau 6:00 House Pick Of The Crop 4:30 The Restless (PG) 1:30 Wildlife Rescue New (PG) 5:00 St. Denis Hunters International Becker (PG) 5:00 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull Zealand (PG) 7:30 The Medical (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 American Buffalo (PG) 8:30 2.6 (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) Home Town 8:30 Good Bones Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Judy (PG) 7:30 The Rookie (M) Seconds: Death In The (PG) 9:30 Restored 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:20 Bull (M s,v) 10:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v) Outback (M l,v)

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

4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:25 Octonauts 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower And Flour 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu (PG)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Forsytes (PG) 2:00 Back Roads 2:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe 2:55 Frankie Drake Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Old People’s Home For Teenagers (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Grand Designs New Zealand

3:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Seinfeld (M)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Christmas House Wars (PG) 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 8:30 Glenn & Mick’s Celebrity Intervention (M l,s) 9:40 Christmas House Wars (PG)

12:00 Budget Battlers (PG) 1:00 Explore TV 1:30 Getaway (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 RBT (M l) 8:30 Paramedics (M l) 9:30 Love Island Australia (M l,s) 10:50 NINE News Late

3:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Seinfeld (M)

3:45 Movie: “The Man In The White Suit” (G) (’51) Stars: Alec Guinness 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow

3:00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 The Supervet (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 JFK: One Day In America (PG) 8:25 Inside Sydney Fish Market (PG) 9:25 Blue Lights (M) 10:35 SBS World News Late

5:00 Restored 6:00 4:00 Farm To Fork: 12:45 The Young And 6:00 Bamay 6:40 House Hunters Pick Of The Crop 4:30 The Restless (PG) 1:30 Wildlife Rescue New International 6:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 JAG (M s,v) 3:30 Bull Zealand (PG) 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (M s,v) 6:30 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) House Hunters USA 7:30 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) Bargain Block (PG) 8:30 No (PG) 8:30 Rabbit Fall (M) 9:00 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Demo Reno Movie: “Gran Torino” (M) (’08) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 9:30 Becker (PG)

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

4:30 Lopez Vs. Lopez 3:30 WBBL: Melbourne (PG) 5:00 St. Denis Stars v Brisbane Heat Medical (PG) 5:30 *Live* 7:00 WBBL: Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge Melbourne Renegades v Judy (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Sydney Sixers *Live* 10:30 Movie: “Fatherhood” (PG) (’21) Kitchen Nightmares (M l)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:25 Octonauts 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower And Flour 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu (PG)

3:30 Movie: “Our Miss 3:30 My Way 3:40 The 6:30 Jeopardy! 7:25 6:00 Good Food 5:35 George Clarke’s 3:00 ABC News Fred” (PG) (’72) Stars: Big Bang Theory (PG) NITV News Update Everyday With Gary Amazing Spaces 6:25 Afternoons 4:00 Danny La Rue 5:30 The 4:40 The Addams 7:30 Football: Mehigan 6:30 Everyday Richard Osman’s Afternoon Briefing 5:00 Family 5:40 Seinfeld (PG) 6:40 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 House Of Games 6:55 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Australian Championship: ABC News With Joe O’Brien Antiques Roadshow 7:30 And Specks (PG) 7:25 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Wests APIA FC v Adelaide City Baywatch (M v) 7:30 The Big 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 Shakespeare & Hathaway (PG) FC *Live* From Lambert Park Bang Theory (PG) ABC National News 7:30 7.30 7:55 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw 7:30 Outback Gourmet Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

THE BOOM ON OFFER THANKS TO BADGERYS A

fter nine years of anticipation, the opening of Western Sydney International Airport is delivering a new wave of investment and property activity across the Aerotropolis. Few people have watched the transformation of Badgerys Creek and its surrounding suburbs as closely as local real estate agent Chris Brophy. The founder of Badgerys Creek Property established his business in 2017, recognising the opportunities that would emerge from the construction of Western Sydney International Airport and the development of the surrounding Aerotropolis. Almost a decade later, Brophy is witnessing the results first-hand, with his agency recording more than $260 million in property transactions over just 12 weeks.

to hold for the long term, while others were hoping to sell at a profit.” But Brophy said the type of buyer entering the market had changed significantly as the airport moved closer to becoming operational. “Lately we’ve seen more owner-occupiers and developers buying in the area, looking for everything from five and 10-acre blocks through to 25 and 100-acre properties,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see buyers wanting to establish new facilities as close as possible to the airport, particularly businesses with interstate operations. “The ability to get off a plane at Western Sydney International Airport and be at your office within 20 minutes of landing is very attractive to some business owners.”

“We’ve seen an incredible amount of change over the past nine years, and there’s still plenty more work to do,” Brophy said. “Initially, we had plenty of investors and land bankers looking to get a piece of land near the new airport. Some were looking

Brophy spent a decade working in commercial real estate sales and five years in property valuation before establishing his own agency, having previously held sales roles with Coca-Cola and Jim Beam. His business originally oper-

NORMAN’S

ated as Creek Property before adopting the Badgerys Creek Property name to capitalise on growing awareness of the airport development. Much of the agency’s work has involved knocking on doors and speaking directly with landowners in Badgerys Creek, Luddenham, Kemps Creek, Rossmore, Bringelly, Orchard Hills and Catherine Field. “There’s a wonderful mix of people in these communities, and we’ve always found landowners to be very friendly and happy to have a chat,” Brophy said. “Over the years there’s been plenty to talk about, plenty of cups of tea and coffee, and plenty of properties sold along the way.” One of the agency’s most recognisable initiatives has been its airport countdown sign, which began ticking down from 459 weeks before the anticipated opening. After nine years, the countdown finally came to an end, with the agency replacing its final magnet with an ‘It’s Open’ message and celebrating with a digital fireworks display. “We were only two weeks off getting the opening date right after nine years of counting down, which was pretty good,” Brophy laughed. “It’s exciting to finally see planes taking off from Western Sydney International Airport. We’ve been talking about this for years, and plenty of people said it would never happen. “But it did, and it’s working well. The planes are landing, the jobs are coming, the roads are busy and industry is moving into the area.” The agency has dealt with a diverse range of buyers, including government departments, car dealerships, service stations, transport operators, supermarkets, warehouse businesses,

SCRAP

construction companies and developers. Brophy said some businesses were particularly attracted to the airport precinct because of operational requirements, including customs-related facilities that needed to be located close to the airport.

“LANDOWNERS ARE BENEFITING FROM GOOD SALE PRICES”

While the scale of development has transformed the landscape, Brophy believes the benefits are beginning to flow through to long-term property owners. “Landowners are benefiting from good sale prices and are either upsizing or downsizing into new premises,” he said. “Most of the people we’re speaking with aren’t particularly bothered by the aircraft noise at this stage, although that will likely increase as larger aircraft begin operating and flight numbers grow.” For Brophy, the opening of the airport represents the culmination of years spent building relationships with local property owners and watching an ambitious infrastructure project become reality. “We really appreciate how the local community has welcomed us and worked with us over the past nine years,” he said. “It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with landowners as this area develops even further.” For more information, contact Chris Brophy at Badgerys Creek Property on 0407 600 258.

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enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player. But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match. Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta. It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons. It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won . From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

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SWIM SAFETY The Experts

LESSONS BEFORE YOUR BABY CAN WALK! Y

JULIE SHELDRAKE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

our baby may not be walking yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start swimming lessons. In fact, one of the most important reasons to begin early is water safety. As summer approaches, enroling your child in Learn to Swim classes is one of the best ways to help them become safer and more confident around water. Beyond safety, however, swimming offers a wide range of developmental and social benefits for babies. For many families, quality one on one time can be hard to come by. Swimming lessons provide a valuable opportunity to connect with your child without the usual daily distractions. During class, your focus is entirely on them, making it a special bonding experience. To make scheduling more efficient for families, we also offer afternoon classes for babies, allowing younger children and school-aged siblings to swim at the same time. Swimming can also have a

positive impact on your baby’s sleep routine, which is great news for any sleep deprived parents. While there’s no guarantee it will result in uninterrupted nights, the extra physical activity can help little ones feel more relaxed and ready for rest. Swimming may also stimulate a healthier appetite, and a content, well-fed baby often sleeps more soundly. That’s a win for everyone! In the water, babies begin developing important muscle strength and body control. Simple movements such as lifting their head, kicking, reaching and engaging their core muscles all contribute to their physical development. These activities help improve balance, coordination and overall body awareness. While these movements may seem small, they represent significant developmental milestones. Swimming provides unique benefits for brain development. As babies kick, splash and move through the water, they engage in activities that stimulate

the formation of new neural pathways. Many of these movements involve both sides of the body working together, helping strengthen communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. Research, including a four-year study conducted by Griffith University involving more than 7,000 children, suggests that children who participate in swimming may experience enhanced physical and cognitive

development compared with their non-swimming peers. Another benefit of swimming lessons is the social interaction they provide. Water Babies classes incorporate songs, games and close interaction between babies, parents and instructors. Children begin engaging with others in a group setting and learn important social skills in a fun and supportive environment. These positive experiences can help build confidence, sociability and overall wellbeing. Don’t wait to get started. Give your child the opportunity to build confidence, learn valuable water safety skills and enjoy all the developmental benefits swimming has to offer. To book: Visit the Water Babies program on the NepeanSwim App, email contact@nepeanswim.com.au, or call (02) 4730 8900. For more information, visit www.nepeanaquaticcentre. com.au/water-babies. Until next week, stay safer! Love to Swim, Swim for Safety, Swim for Life!

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

HEALTH The Experts

FIVE TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING ON A BUDGET T

SARAH BONNICI

easy to add to meals. Choose reduced-salt or no-added-salt options where possible, or rinse canned legumes before using them.

3. Make your protein go further Meat and fish can be more expensive, but you don’t need to cut them out. Try using smaller amounts alongside affordable

protein sources such as eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu. Adding legumes or vegetables to meals can make them more filling while helping your food stretch further. 4. Shop with the seasons The cost of fruit and vegetables can vary throughout the year. Choosing produce that is in season is often a more affordable option. Rather than buying the same foods every week, see what’s available at a good price and build your meals around it. 5. Make the most of what you buy Before throwing food away, think about how you can use it in another meal. Leftover vegetables can be added to an omelette, soup, pasta or stir-fry. Leftover meat, beans or lentils can be used in wraps or salads. You can also freeze foods before they spoil. Eating well doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Plan ahead, choose affordable staples and make the most of what you already have.

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hink eating healthy has to be expensive? Think again. You don’t need a fridge full of premium products or a complicated meal plan to eat well. With a little planning, you can make nutritious choices while keeping your grocery bill under control. Here are five simple tips to help you get more from your weekly shop. 1. Plan before you shop Before heading to the supermarket, check what you already have in your fridge, freezer and pantry. Plan a few meals around these foods and make a shopping list. This can help you avoid impulse purchases, buy only what you need and reduce food waste. 2. Don’t overlook frozen and canned foods Fresh isn’t always best when it comes to your budget. Frozen vegetables and fruit can be just as nutritious as fresh options and often last much longer. Canned beans, chickpeas and lentils are also affordable, convenient and

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

PET HEALTH The Experts

KEEPING COOL WHEN SUMMER HEATS UP A

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

s summer approaches and western Sydney prepares for another season of soaring temperatures, it’s important to remember that our pets don’t cope with the heat quite as well as we do. While we can reach for a cold drink or retreat indoors, our animals rely on us to recognise when conditions become uncomfortable – and potentially dangerous. Heat stress can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, sometimes developing much faster than owners realise. Understanding the risks Unlike humans, dogs and cats have very limited ability to cool themselves through sweating. They rely primarily on panting, which becomes less effective in extreme heat and humidity. Some pets are particularly vulnerable, including older animals, overweight pets, those with existing health conditions and short-nosed breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs. Rabbits and guinea pigs

are also highly susceptible due to their thick coats and limited ability to regulate body temperature. Recognising the warning signs Early signs of heat stress include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness and seeking cool surfaces. As the condition worsens, pets may develop bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, difficulty breathing or collapse. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. Rising body temperatures can cause serious internal organ damage and, without prompt treatment, can be fatal.

Simple ways to keep pets cool Prevention is always better than treatment. A few simple precautions

can make a significant difference: • Fresh water: Provide multiple bowls of clean, cool water and check them regularly. Keep outdoor bowls in shaded areas. • Shade and shelter: Ensure pets have access to cool, well-ventilated spaces. Fans and air conditioning can help during heatwaves. • Exercise wisely: Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, avoiding the hottest part of the day. • Protect their paws: Use the five-second rule. If the pavement is too hot to comfortably hold the back of your hand against, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. • Cooling treats: Frozen water blocks, ice cubes and pet-safe frozen treats can provide some relief. Never leave pets unattended in vehicles, even with windows open or parked in the shade. Temperatures can become dangerously high within minutes. Rabbits and guinea pigs need

extra attention during hot weather. Keep enclosures out of direct sunlight, provide constant access to water and consider placing frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel nearby so they can move closer if needed. What if your pet overheats If you suspect heat stress, move your pet into a cool, shaded area and contact your veterinarian immediately. Gently apply cool (not icy) water to their body, particularly the belly and paws, and use a fan to assist cooling. Avoid ice baths or wrapping pets in wet towels. Even if your pet appears to recover, veterinary assessment is essential, as internal complications may not be immediately obvious. Summer should be enjoyable for the whole family, including our furry and feathered companions. A little preparation and awareness can make all the difference. For advice or assistance, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL! At Orchard Hills ills Veterinary Hospital, d that your pet is a we understand ily member. That’s cherished family why we offer comprehensive and affordable pett care services to animals acrosss the Penrith district. Naked Wines invest invest directly directly in local winemkaers upfront & sercure Naked Wines in local winemakers. exclusive wines at amazing prices.

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LOAN LOWDOWN The Experts

WESTERN SYDNEY’S PROPERTY DOWNTURN W

STEVEN KORNER

much buyers can borrow. First home buyers, who often borrow near their limit, feel this most,

below 50 per cent, and listings are at their highest for this time of year since 2019. With more choice

and they make up a large share of western Sydney’s market. • Investors stepping back. The May Budget restricts negative gearing to new builds for properties bought after the Budget, starting July 2027. Cotality says investors have pulled back as a result. • Buyers waiting. Auction clearance rates across the capitals are

and falling prices, few buyers feel any urgency Why the west is feeling it now Western Sydney ran hard into the peak. Penrith’s median house value rose about 15 per cent in the year to early 2026, pushing many homes past $1 million on the back of the M12, Western Sydney International Airport and the new Metro line.

Those projects still support long-term demand, but they don’t offset higher repayments today. The west has a high share of first home buyers and stretched borrowers, so rate rises bite here faster than in areas with more equity and fewer loans. What it means for you • Buyers: more stock and less competition give you room to negotiate. • Owners: falling values can push your loan-to-value ratio up, which matters if you refinance. It is still worth asking your lender for a sharper rate. • Investors: rental yields are rising as values fall, but check how the negative gearing changes apply before you buy. Forecasters differ on how far prices will drop. Cotality expects conditions to stay subdued through 2027, and relief is unlikely before rates start to ease. If you want to know how the latest rate rise affects your borrowing power or repayments, talk to The Finance Korner.

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The Finance Korner thefinancekorner.com.au

here the market stands Sydney dwelling values fell 1.6 per cent in October, the seventh straight monthly decline. The median now sits at about $1.18 million, more than 10% below February’s peak and lower than five years ago Western Sydney held up early in the year, but it is now part of the slide. Over the three months to early August, Blacktown’s median house value fell 6.7 per cent to $1.083 million, a sharper drop than many harbourside suburbs Why prices are falling • Five rate rises in one year. The RBA lifted the cash rate from 3.60 per cent to 4.85 per cent between February and November, its highest level since 2008. The latest hike alone adds about $122 a month to an average new mortgage • Smaller borrowing capacity. Lenders assess loans at the actual rate plus a three percentage point buffer, so every hike cuts how

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

AMANDA JANE Clairvoyant Medium amandajane-xo.com revivalretreats.com.au

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Your career and public image are in focus, Aquarius, and a new direction may be calling. Trust your ideas and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward. Someone in a position of influence could notice your hard work. Make sure to balance work with rest, though. Toward the weekend, a travel plan, course or spiritual pursuit sparks your curiosity and lifts your spirits.

A new adventure is calling you, Pisces. You may feel drawn to learn something new, plan a trip or explore a deeper spiritual path. Follow what lights you up. A wise person could share advice that changes how you see a situation. Midweek, trust your intuition - it’s spot on. Toward the weekend, an emotional or financial matter finally settles, bringing peace of mind.

A fresh start is waiting for you this week, Aries, especially around money, trust and what you share with others. Something that felt stuck may finally begin to move, so be patient a little longer. Let go of any guilt you’ve been carrying - it isn’t yours to hold. Midweek, a heartfelt talk clears the air. Toward the weekend, you’ll feel lighter, stronger and ready to back yourself again.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Relationships are your focus this week, Taurus, and a new chapter is beginning with someone close to you. If there’s been distance or confusion, an honest conversation brings you back to common ground. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. A friend could offer support at just the right moment. Toward the weekend, slow down, treat yourself kindly and enjoy the comforts of home.

This week is perfect for a reset, Gemini. Small changes to your routine, health or workload can make a big difference to how you feel. A task you’ve been putting off might finally come together. Try not to say yes to everything - your energy is precious. Toward the weekend, a lovely message or invitation lifts your spirits and reminds you how much you’re valued.

Joy, love and creativity are calling you back, Cancer. You may feel inspired to start something new that truly reflects who you are. A romantic moment or a sweet surprise could warm your heart midweek. If you’ve been holding back your feelings, let them out gently. Toward the weekend, spend time with the people who make you laugh. Happiness looks good on you.

@ amandajaneclairvoyant

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Home and family are in the spotlight this week, Leo, and a fresh start is opening up close to home. You may feel ready to clear the air with a loved one or make changes to your space. Listen more than you speak, and you’ll learn something important. Toward the weekend, an exciting work idea or opportunity begins to take shape. Your patience is paying off.

Your words have real power this week, Virgo. A conversation, message or idea could open a door you didn’t expect. Someone may come back into your life with news or an apology. Take it slowly and trust what feels right. Short trips, catch-ups and learning something new bring a spark of excitement. Toward the weekend, you’ll feel calmer and more confident about the road ahead.

Money and self-worth are highlighted this week, Libra. It’s a good time to set new goals and decide what you truly value. A plan that has been on hold could finally move forward. Be gentle with yourself if things haven’t happened as fast as you hoped - they’re unfolding in perfect timing. Toward the weekend, love and kindness flow back to you in beautiful ways.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This is your week, Scorpio. A powerful new beginning arrives, inviting you to plant seeds for the year ahead. Think about who you want to become and take one small step toward it. Old doubts are fading and your confidence is rising. Someone close may finally understand where you’re coming from. Toward the weekend, you’ll feel renewed, inspired and ready to shine.

Quiet reflection brings the answers you’ve been searching for this week, Sagittarius. Take time out to rest, journal or simply be still. You may realise that something from the past no longer needs your energy. Let it go with love. A gentle sign or dream could guide you. Toward the weekend, your enthusiasm returns and plans with friends bring laughter and fun.

Friendships and future dreams are lighting up this week, Capricorn. A new connection, group or community could open an exciting door. Reach out to people who share your vision - teamwork makes everything easier. An old goal may come back with fresh possibilities. Toward the weekend, career matters gain momentum, and you’ll feel proud of how far you’ve come.

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Amanda Jane is an internationally recognised Clairvoyant Medium, spiritual teacher, retreat facilitator, and founder of Revival Retreats Australia. With a gift for connecting to the spirit world and over a decade of experience supporting people through healing, transformation, and personal growth, Amanda has built a reputation for delivering heartfelt, accurate, and compassionate guidance.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

Relax & Unwind DESTINATION Katoomba

WORDS

Nathan Taylor

IMAGES Supplied/Nathan Taylor

MORE INFO

DREAM HOTEL SITS JUST W

e all have those bucket list hotels. The hotels you dream of staying at one day in your life. From The Ritz in London to The Plaza in New York and Atlantis in Dubai, the world is full of amazing places to spend the night. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to finally tick off one of my many bucket list hotels… and believe it or not… it was in our very backyard! Located just under an hour from Penrith in historic Katoomba, Lilianfels has been on my hotel bucket list for about a decade. I’ve visited there a few times over the years – whether it be for my father-in-law’s 60th or my nana’s 80th birthday, Lilianfels was the location for many family celebrations. But while I’ve enjoyed a very fancy dinner at their multi-hatted restaurant Darley’s as well as traditional high tea in The Lounge of Lilianfels, I’ve never stayed the night. Earlier this year, Lilianfels marked the start of a new chapter in its renowned history when it was rebranded to Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains. Originally built in 1889 as the grand summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the heritage listed estate, near Echo Point, holds a storied history as a high-society icon, long celebrated for its late Victorian-early Federation architecture, immaculate English gardens and serene atmosphere overlooking the famous Jamison Valley. In case you weren’t aware, the residence was named Lilianfels in honour of Darley’s daughter Lilian, with ‘fels’ meaning high ground in German – talk about a fun fact! By the early 20th century, Lilianfels had become one of the Mountains’ most desirable private retreats, known for long lunches, summer gatherings and discreet escapes for Sydney’s social and political elite. In 1901, it welcomed Queen Mary, then Duchess of York, during the royal tour celebrating Federation, and Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, was also known to frequent the property during this period. With so much history attached to this one-of-a-kind, heritage-listed accommoda-

Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains from above.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

Jamison Valley is next to Lilianfels.

“THERE’S NEVER A BAD TIME TO STAY IN THE MOUNTAINS”

tion, I couldn’t wait to finally be welcomed to the all-new Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains myself. There’s never a bad time to stay in the Mountains, but I particularly enjoy it when it’s cool outside, kind of like it was when I visited there last month. Top hotels have impeccable service, and this couldn’t have been more evident than at

Lilianfels. Upon arrival, my wife and I were greeted by the friendly front desk staff and given a cup of tea before venturing up to our stunning suite on the top floor. When I opened the door to our room, we were hoping for two things – a gorgeous King bed and a view of the picturesque Jamison Valley… and we got both! I recently discovered that all 89 guest rooms and suites at Lilianfels have been completely redesigned since the takeover – think bespoke bedheads, custom textiles, unique patterns, statement furniture and marble-topped joinery. Our suite was so mega that we even had a two-seater lounge, huge TV, coffee table, fullsize bath and separate shower! After getting acquainted with our room, the next thing on my list was to pop on my boardies, bathrobe and slippers, and experience

TRAVEL

A STONE’S THROW FROM HOME the hotel’s all-new contemporary luxury day spa and wellness offering known as Èliva Blue Mountains. The new spa brings an experience-led wellness offering to the Blue Mountains region, featuring soft, contemporary interiors across four treatment rooms, a recovery lounge with vibroacoustic bed, traditional saunas, steam rooms and mineral pools. While the steam room was a touch too hot for me on this occasion, I particularly enjoyed jumping between the sauna and the mineral pool during my 45-minute thermal experience. There’s nothing like a good sauna session to relax, unwind and sweat, of course! Following my short but sweet stint at Èliva, I swung by The Lounge in the heart of the hotel to collect my wife, who was enjoying a giant chocolate brownie and a pot of tea while she waited for me – fancy! Later that evening, we had a reservation for two at the much-talked about Darley’s Restaurant, which is located next door to the hotel. Darley’s is the Blue Mountains’ signature fine dining destination, renowned for its fresh, local produce and fine wines. For $150 per person, we were treated to three courses of fine contemporary Australian cooking, underpinned by classic French technique. There were four entrées, four mains and four desserts to select from and you couldn’t go wrong with any of them, in my opinion. My

Nathan dining at Darley’s.

Nathan’s stunning suite.

The outdoor pool at Lilianfels.

wife and I shared half of the menu, and we considered it one of the best dining experiences of the year. Not only were the food and cocktails firstclass, but the service was gold standard and the restaurant itself – magnificent and steeped in history. Please dine here even if you don’t have a hotel reservation, you won’t be disappointed! The following morning, after an awesome night’s sleep, we got out of our pyjamas and put on our activewear for a quick walk to The

Three Sisters, just five to 10 minutes away by foot from Lilianfels. Visiting this world famous landmark before the array of tourist busses arrive can only be achieved when staying somewhere as close as Lilianfels, and it was certainly worth the early wake up. My wife and I then returned to the hotel just in time for one of the best buffet breakfasts we’ve ever had. We’ve had breakfast at many hotels around the world, but the selection that was on offer at Lilianfels’ new Orangery

Restaurant knocked our socks off! It was honestly the ultimate way to start the new day and finish what was this dream stay. If Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains has been on your hotel bucket list for a while, like it was ours, do yourself a favour and get that bloody thing ticked off! Following the hotel’s recent multi-million dollar refurbishment, it’s now more appealing than ever, so go on… treat yourself! Bookings can be made at www.worldsapart.club/ardour/lilianfels.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

Have a story to share? Send us your news, community stories and photos from across Western Sydney.

Crossword

Easy

7 8 4 5 3 1 2 7 8 8 7 786 4321 9 8 7 6 4 3 5 4 7 6 5 2 3 9 6 Last 8week’s solution 2 3 8 9 1 5 4 6 3 2 1 9 7 8 4 6 5 1 2 8 7 3 4

r8ts.com

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SUDOKU No. 818

Tough

1 9 7 6 5 4 8 3 2

3 4 6 9 9 2 7 4 2 6 3 8 2 4 9 7 9 1 9 3 6 3 8 4 9 5 4

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

Previous solution - Medium

DOWN ACROSS 2 /16 Across Former 1 Irish author of the novel tennis champion from Las Ulysses (5,5) Vegas, USA (5,6) 9 Leading conspirator in the 3 Boredom (5) assassination of a Roman Emperor (6) 4 Biblical character who had experience with a whale 13 That emperor; Julius ... (6) (5) 14 Yemen port (4) 5 The Abominable Snowman 15 Nick (5) (4) 16 See 2 Down (6) 6 Reverberate (4) 17 Move on! Get ... ... (4,2) 7 Given star treatment (5) 20 Elation (7) 8 Adage (5) 25 /26 Across Hollywood star 10 Systematic course of once married to Bruce therapy (7) Willis (4,5) 11 Dense tuft of grass (7) 26 /25 Across (5) 12 Parson’s salary (7) 27 Prince William’s younger 18 Paint over again (7) brother (5) 19 Former dictator of 29 Used when an item goes Yugoslavia (4) through the check-out (3,4) 20 Exclude (5) 30 Scene of a Texas siege in 1836 (5) 21 Sensational (5) 31 Bare (5) 22 Italian potato or semolina dumplings (7) 34 Hebrew patriarch, son of Abraham and Sarah (5) 23 /44 Across Fatal period for 13 across (3,4,2,5) 36 Made less (7) 24 Dull (6) 38 Personal integrity (6) 28 Female sailor (11) 39 Gumbo (4) 32 Smell (5) 40 Land of the pyramids (5) 33 Otalgia (7) 41 /74 Across Birth name of Muhammad Ali (7,4) 35 Wife of 2 Across/16 Across; Steffi ... (4) 44 See 23 Down (7) 37 Flow from (7) 47 Chief Germanic god (5) 42 Gunfire salute (5) 49 Saul of Tarsus became Saint ... (4) 43 Impel (4) 50 Slum area (6) 44 Going well (2,1,4) 51 Permitted (7) 45 /75 Across Prime Minister who succeeded 54 Civic leader (5) Gough Whitlam (7,6) 55 Author of Robinson 46 Useful implement (7) Crusoe: ... (5) 48 Japanese car 58 Military group holding manufacturer (6) power in a country (5) 52 More sagacious (5) 59 Phalanger (7) 53 Baby’s soother (5) 60 Concerning birth (5) 55 Western river of NSW (7) 61 Undergo some ineffectual vomiting (5) 56 Former Australian Rugby League captain; Brad ... 62 Prepare for publication (4) (7) 65 Eel-like parasite (7) 57 Petrol additive (7) 69 Alleviation (6) 58 Mock (4) 72 Land mass like Capri (6) 63 Express open disapproval 73 Path of a satellite’s travel (5) (5) 64 Slightly drunk (5) 74 See 41 Across 66 Change (5) 75 See 45 Down 67 Harness-racing horse (5) 76 /70 Down US President 68 Praise highly (5) whoPrevious gained office on the solution - Medium resignation of Nixon (6,4) 70 See 76 Across (4) 5 in4 3 71 W 2 (4) 6 7soldiers 8ading 9 bird 77 Australian the WWII North Africa 5 6 4 3 2 7 8 9 campaign (6,4)

4 3 5 2 1 8 6 7 9

6 8 2 9 3 7 4 1 5

8 2 6 4 9 3 1 5 7

7 1 3 5 2 6 9 8 4

5 4 9 8 7 1 3 2 6

2 5 1 3 6 9 7 4 8

9 7 4 1 8 5 2 6 3

3 6 8 7 4 2 5 9 1

NEVER MISS AN EDITION

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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Wordsearch brought to you by Penrith Jobs www.penrithjobs.com.au

Word Search Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

THEME: AUSSIE TV SHOWS A COUNTRY PRACTICE ALL SAINTS BLUE HEELERS COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS FISK HEY HEY IT’S SATURDAY HOME AND AWAY KATH AND KIM MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS MR INBETWEEN NEIGHBOURS OFFSPRING PRISONER RAKE ROUND THE TWIST SEACHANGE SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH THE SECRET LIFE OF US UNDERBELLY UTOPIA WATER RATS Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about New York in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. What is the capital city of the state of New York? 2. Which famous New York landmark was a gift to the US from France? 3. How many boroughs make up New York City? 4. What is recognised as the first licensed pizzeria in the US? 5. How many acres is Central

Park? 6. Which President took his oath of office in New York City? 7. Which New York City building did King Kong climb? 8. How many subway stations does New York City have? 9. What percentage of New York’s population live in New York City?

ANSWERS 1. Albany 2. The Statue of Liberty 3. Five 4. Lombardi’s 5. 843 acres 6. George Washington 7. The Empire State Building 8. 472 9. 44 per cent

Trivia Quiz

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

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TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 818

Easy

Str8ts

6 5 4 7

7 6 5 8 9 8 4 2 3 3 2 1

5 7 8 5 8 7 9 6

2 1 8 4 8

5 6 7

4 4 2 2

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Cracking the Safe

No. 818

Previous solution - Medium

5 4 3 6 8 7

4 3 3 2 1 4 7 6 6 5 8 9 1 9 7 2 8

2 3 4 1 8 7

8 9 2 7 8 9 7 8 2 1 3 5 2 3 5 4 6 4 6 5 3 4

2 3 9 4 3 8 7 9

Name the Movie

In order to crack open the safe solve the six digit code. You are given five clues. The letters can be any number between 0-6.

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles. We’ve given you a head start.

BBNTECUTCTAFNMHUIOUSEAIN E O Previous solution:

HINTS

One of the five letters is in the right place.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

Who Am I?

One of the five letters is in the right place.

BrainSnack® The Last Word

Previous solution: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT

1. Enter the last word at the bottom of the grid. 2. The symbols show how many letters from the word next to it are or are not used in the last word.

One of the five letters is not used. 3. All letters from the letter list below the symbols, are used at least once in the grid.

Previous solution:

1. “ Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” 2. I became one of the biggest music stars of the 1980s. 3. I was known for constantly changing my style, sound and image. 4. I could sing, dance, write songs, and play multiple instruments. 5. A particular song of mine had a resurgence thanks to ‘Stranger Things’ & TikTok. Last week’s answer: DMA’S

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

Maddie’s Meals

Pecan Pie Slice Pecan Pie is the best pie, and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. What You’ll Need: – Square or rectangular oven dish – Whisk – Spatula – Large bowl

Ingredients: Shortbread crust: – 1 1/4 cups plain flour – 1/3 cup butter (melted) – 1/3 cup brown sugar – 1/4 tsp salt

Pecan filling: – 2 eggs – 3/4 cup brown sugar – 1/3 cup maple syrup – 2 tbsp butter (melted) – 2 tbsp plain flour – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 1/4 tsp salt – 1/1/2 cups pecan halves (roughly

chopped, reserve some for topping)

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 175° and line your oven dish with baking paper. Mix the flour, sugar butter and salt together to form the crust. Cover the bottom of the dish and press evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, maple syrup, butter, vanilla, flour and salt until smooth with no lumps. The fold in chopped pecans. 3. Pour the filling evenly over the crust and sprinkle extra pecan halves on the top. 4. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until set and golden. Cut into squares and serve warm!

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Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

210x297

A4 poster

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Mazda comfortably eXecutes SUV upgrade O

nly the third Mazda model to reach cumulative sales of five million units, the long-serving CX-5 reached a new milestone with the arrival of the upgraded third generation. We had the opportunity to sample the mid-range Touring and top spec Akera, sharing the same mechanicals, but with different interior fitouts. Clearly, the previous CX-5 shape worked for the buying public, so Mazda retained the visuals, despite a complete overhaul. That means the familiar vertical grille remains, linking the two generations for owners upgrading to the new model. While not a carbon copy of the older car, the familiarity flows down the car, with the same high bonnet, although the leading edge is more rounded for better aero effect. Similarly, the roofline retains its curved profile, fractionally longer and taller than before, flared guards add 10mm width to the front track and 30mm at the rear. The CX-5 keeps its ‘long nose, short tail’ appearance, the extended wheelbase, up 115mm, translates into more interior space, while shaped channels improve frontal aero efficiency, directing air around, over and through the front. The rear end received the same attention, retaining the slightly bulbous tail, but redesigned to improve luggage area access with a higher roof and lowered lip for easier loading and unloading. Mazda factories turn out well-built cars, and the CX-5 is no exception, the panel fit is excellent with a colour palette perfect for the shape. Inside, the feeling of evolution continues, familiar motifs remain, but much of the interior is replaced or upgraded. While the driver’s space is virtually unchanged, rear seat passengers rejoice, there is extra knee and headroom, always a bonus in this mid-size SUV market. Our test cars had the optional trims, white Maztex with black accents for the Touring, and Sport Tan leather in the Akera, over the standard black Maztex and leather.

Inside Mazda’s upgraded CX-5.

Seats were comfortable and supportive, while I appreciate a longer seat base, the CX-5 seats did the job, working well on longer drives as well as around town. Mazda said the modified seat back better absorbs vibrations, improving driver and front passenger comfort, the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat allows for the ‘perfect’ seating position. The passenger only gets six-way adjustment, manual in the Touring, power-assisted in the Akera, although both seats are heated on both models.

“INSIDE, THE FEELING OF EVOLUTION CONTINUES”

Celebrating Mazda’s motorsport heritage, the CX-5 has a ‘driver’s car’ vibe, you feel in command, controls fall easily to hand, the wheel feels ‘right’, you are ready for fun every time you drive the car. The big change was the central touchscreen, while Mazda led the way with the rotary controller, after 14 years, it was time to catch up to the opposition. Driver and passenger can access total vehicle functionality, the fuel consumption screen, including the reset button!, could be easier to find,

that aside it was a mostly intuitive process to navigate the menus. A thick-rimmed and leather-wrapped three spoke steering wheel frames the driver-selectable displays, with controls mounted on the spoke faces. Gone are the traditional speedo/ tacho/fuel/temperature gauges, now it is multiple display options, you can add navigation, around vehicle monitoring, audio or trip computer, all while you are on the move. With my favoured floating Heads-Up Display (Active Driving Display) projected onto the windscreen, I had speed and navigation in the HUD, with trip and audio on the dash. Upgrading the entertainment system facilitated an overhaul of the centre console, the cupholders are now forward of the gear selector but in easy reach, the wireless phone charger sits between the selector and the storage box. More than once my wallet went into the phone charger, only to be relocated to make way for my phone… I feel for designers trying to accommodate the variety of USB connectors, Mazda went all -C ports, front and back. The enlarged dimensions flow through to the cargo area, the enlarged tailgate opening is welcome, I didn’t have to stoop to clear the hatch, the flat floor made loading the week’s groceries an easy task. The Akera got the ‘foot swipe’

open and close function for handsfree operation, but I’m tall, so I just pushed the tailgate button! My only complaint is the seemingly built-in blindspot common to Mazda’s SUV range, around the left-side door mirror and A-Pillar. This has been around for many years, across different CX models and remains in the renewed CX-5, whether it is a legacy of being designed for left- and right-hand drive, you lose close to 30 degrees of vision and is especially bad at uncontrolled intersections and pedestrian crossings. After trying multiple seating positions, the only solution is the ‘long necked goose’ head bob, trying to see around the A-Pillar especially, and to be extra careful. While not totally cocooned from the outside, you enjoy a feeling of separation and privacy, engaging with the world, without it intruding into the cabin. Fit and finish is excellent, high quality, but long-life, materials combine to give both versions a ‘finished’ feeling, these are cars you can own for a long time and still enjoy the interiors. Mazda chose the proven 2.5-litre petrol four cylinder, making 138kW/257Nm on 95 RON fuel or 132kW/242Nm with 91 RON, driving all four wheels through the carriedover 6-speed automatic transmission, providing reasonable, but not sharp, performance.

While I didn’t expect a race car, it felt a bit underdone, perhaps blunted by the slight increase in weight with the larger body, but another 10 or 15kW would be nice. The gearbox also felt clunky against the smoother-shifting opposition, given the amount of work on the rest of the car, it felt odd Mazda chose to leave the driveline unchanged. Although the All-Wheel-Drive dulls the CX-5’s dynamic edge with its power-sharing and weight penalty, it does give the car a surefooted feeling in all conditions. The ride is composed, the longer wheelbase works with the suspension to cancel out bumps and corrugations, but hit a speed bump hard and you will still hear and feel it. The standard safety suite is impressive, too lengthy to detail here, but Mazda appreciated we didn’t deploy airbags or seatbelt pre-tensioners, even the ABS brakes and various traction controls stayed dormant. Letting the car drift in its lane had the Lane Departure and Lane Keep Assist doing their thing, while an unbidden steering adjustment can surprise, Mazda has tuned it to nudge rather than launch you across the road. Overall, the CX-5 is ‘safe’, without being bland, competent and comfortable, clearly striking a chord with buyers, rather than breaking the mould.

The ever-popular CX-5 has had a refresh.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 « the western weekender

SPORT

OUR BEST ON SHOW Local athletes up for prestigious gongs at NSW Sports Awards NATHAN TAYLOR

addling legend Jessica Fox, World Champion tumbler Ethan McGuinness and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Layla Sharp are among several local athletes nominated for the upcoming 2026 NSW Sports Awards. The winners will be a n nou nced a t the gala NSW

Jessica Fox.

Champions of Sport Ceremony at The Sydney Event Centre, The Star, on Monday, November 23. Leonay’s Jessica Fox and Glenmore Park’s Ethan McGuinness are up against one another for 2026 Athlete of the Year, while long-jumper Layla Sharp from Cranebrook is contesting Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability. It will also be a family affair for gymnastics on the night, with Londonderry’s Alexsa Kachan, a finalist for Young Athlete of the Year, and her father Dzmitry Kachan, a former Moscow Circus acrobat, nominated for Coach of the Year. Last year’s ICF Canoe Slalom World Champions, which were held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, is up for Event of the Year. Sport NSW CEO Ellie Laing-Southwood said the finalists represent the extraordinary range of talent and commitment across the state’s sporting community. “Our impressive list of finalists includes household names like Jessica Fox, but also other athletes, coaches and officials most people won’t have heard of yet, but whose contributions to NSW sport deserve to be showcased at our most prestigious event of the year,” she said.

the western weekender » Thursday, November 5, 2026

“That’s why these awards matter so much – that we tell the stories of sport at all levels and all abilities. “This is a night where we celebrate the people who bring us great joy and pride by achieving at the highest levels, as well as those who are the enablers of those achievements, creators of opportunity, and masters of fun in NSW sport. “This list also shows how the depth of NSW’s sporting talent isn’t always just emerging from metropolitan high-performance centres, but also community sports facilities in the bush and on the coast. “I also want to acknowledge that behind every name, event and organisation listed as a finalist is likely a team of volunteers, often with few resources, but a deep understanding of the positive power of sport. “ W i t h Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, w e have a

once-in-a-generation opportunity to further strengthen sport in this state, knowing that any investment in sport is an investment in the strength, health, connectedness and wellbeing of the NSW community.” Among the other 77 finalists from more than 30 sports, NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, NSWRL boss David Trodden, NBL Champions the Sydney Kings, and the NSW Waratahs women’s rugby union team. The 2026 NSW Sports Awards will be announced on November 23.

Ethan McGuinness.

Layla Sharp.

SPORT

Panthers set to shine in Cup semis NATHAN TAYLOR

he Penrith Panthers are still very well represented as the 2026 Rugby League World Cup begins its knockout phase this weekend. Panthers stars Isaah Yeo, Lindsay Smith and Liam Martin will go up against fellow Penrith teammates Brian To’o and Izack Tago when the Kangaroos do battle with Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday night. Australia are favourites heading into Sunday’s monster clash, with a spot in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Final up for grabs. In the weekend’s other semi-final, the New Zealand Kiwis will take on Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday night. The Kiwis side features try-scoring machine Casey McLean, Isaiah Papali’i and Moses Leota, while

Tonga’s lone Panthers representative is centre Paul Alamoti, who was rested during last Sunday’s nail-biting win over Samoa. Australia and New Zealand are favourites to qualify for next weekend’s World Cup Final at Suncorp Stadium; however Samoa and Tonga are sure to give their highly fancied opponents a run for their money following a beauty of a spectacle at CommBank Stadium last Sunday. A record crowd of 29,411 packed into the Parramatta venue to witness the best game of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup so far. The Pacifika foes went toe-to-toe for 80 brutal minutes in their final pool match, but ultimately, it was the men in red and white who did enough to secure the 20-18 victory. Panthers winger Brian To’o scored a double in the loss, while Izack Tago ran for 147 metres.

In New Zealand’s final pool match against Fiji last Saturday on the Gold Coast, winger Casey McLean added another four tries to his impressive World Cup tally, while Isaiah Papali’i topped the tackle count for the Kiwis in the 78-0 thrashing. Australia also enjoyed a scintillating victory in their final pool match, destroying Cook Islands 66-6 on what was a warm Halloween night in Townsville. Yeo, Martin and Smith all featured in the match, which saw the Kangaroos run in 12 tries to one. “I still think our best footy is in front of us, but ultimately we’re into the Finals with three wins,” Yeo said. “We’re learning lessons while we are still winning, we’ll need to take that into next week.” Both matches will be broadcast live on Seven and 7Plus.

Isaah Yeo. Photo: NRL Images.

Casey McLean. Photo: NRL Images.

Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Images.

PRINT LIFT-OUT LAUNCHING 2027 20 PA GE S EV ER Y SIN GL

E WE EK !